e-ARC from NetGalley.

I often struggle with memoirs. Generally, if I learn that a book is about the author's own life, I won't pick it up in the first place because I don't want to negatively review someone's experiences.

This book was a rare exception. Mornings Without Mii is more than just Inaba's life story. It was a testimony to the importance and constancy of animals. It highlights the things humans have in common with our fellow beings - our shared resilience, loyalty, forgiveness.

If you had told me this was literary fiction, I would have believed you. The prose was lovely and hypnotic. The events were equally banal and overflowing with the daily tragedies of life. The life arc of an abandoned kitten named Mii and how it aligned with the life adventure of her human was both inspiring and devastating.

And the love and devotion, the growth from mistakes, the genuine love and acceptance? Well those... Those were everything.

This is a book many cat lovers will relate to because it's really more about the owner and her relationship with her pet. This is definitely a different society, and as someone who has volunteered in animal rescue here I wouldn't do things the same way. But this is about her love for her pet.

Mornings without Mii was an excellent read. The writing was propulsive and the character development was rich. I would read more from this author.

This was a difficult read, but not for the reasons I thought it would be. The title suggests that the book will be focused on the author's grief after losing her beloved cat Mii. Most of the memoir addresses Inaba's time spent with her cat and describes several moments of neglect and disregard for the animal's wellbeing. I understand people have differing perspectives on whether animals should be kept inside, outside, or both, so that's not what I mean. Inaba allows Mii to wander around an apartment complex and is surprised when she gets lost. She refrains from spaying her cat until Mii is already pregnant and almost dies from sepsis. Ultimately, the author lets Mii suffer rather than putting her down out of selfishness. I can't say I'd recommend this book, as it was painful to read and frankly disturbing at times.

“Mornings without Mii” it's an autobiographical book from author Mayumi Inaba and the 20 years she spent with her cat Mii, which she rescued as a kitten until the moment she died.

The writing is poetic and beautiful, it shows us the beauty of the mundane and the fascination of day to day life.

A lot of the things the author portrays could be crude and difficult to read and process, we could even find ourselves with a culture shock in regards to the typical care of a pet, and even more if we take into account that this takes place on the 70’s and a lot of information we possess now about the care or basic knowledge about pets and specifically about cats, where not as common or known as it is now.

And because of these complicated themes, this can cause a difficulty at times in reading, as it could be triggering or reminiscing of situations with our own pets. If you are willing to read it, please, do it weary.

--- Spanish

“Mornings without Mii” es un libro autobiográfico de la autora Mayumi Inaba y sus 20 años en compañía de su gata Mii a quien rescató siendo pequeña y hasta el momento que ella falleció.

La escritura es bella y poética, nos presenta la belleza en lo mundano y la fascinación en la vida cotidiana.

Muchas de las cosas que la autora nos relata pueden ser crudas y difíciles de leer y procesar, incluso nos podemos encontrar con un choque cultural en cuanto a los cuidados típicos de las mascotas y más aún tomando en cuenta que esto ocurre durante la década de los 70s y muchas cosas que ahora consideramos cuidados o conocimiento básico de las mascotas, y más específicamente de los gatos, en aquel entonces no eran un conocimiento tan conocido.

Debido a estos temas complicados, si presenta cierta dificultad a momentos en su lectura ya que podrían ser desencadenantes o recordar situaciones con mascotas propias, si les interesa leerlo, por favor haganlo con cautela.

Beautiful writing, but the premise of this book definitely had me fooled into thinking that it would be a wholesome and loving story about cats and pet ownership. Super unfortunate that that was not the case here.

This was not what I expected when starting this one. It was not the cozy feel-good read about a cat and her care taker and their life together. I found that I have very little in common with our narrator and the way she talked and often treated her cat was not my idea of a caring owner. She was downright irresponsible most of the time, which just made me sad. It felt like she used her cat as a plot device for most of this book. It felt like it was really all about her and Mii was just her emotional support animal, but I don't know if Mii's best interests were really met especially towards the end of her life.

I received and ARC of this book via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

First published in 1999, Mornings Without Mii chronicles the author's 20-year relationship with her cat, Mii. As a cat lover myself, I was immediately hooked by this book's cover and description. Unfortunately, it did not turn out to be the heartwarming memoir it was marketed as, and instead left me heartbroken for Mii and the way she was treated. I would not recommend this book to anyone, especially if you are triggered by pet illness or loss.

Perhaps some of the author's original thoughts were lost in translation, or not as much was known about the proper treatment of pets when this was first written more than twenty years ago, but I found the author to be distant and irresponsible in her care for Mii. She writes in sometimes graphic detail about Mii's health issues, which often went unaddressed for far longer than they should have. I could not imagine putting my cats through some of the things described in this book. Beyond a few bittersweet moments, this book left me reflecting on some of my most devastating memories with pets I have lost, which made it even more difficult to finish.

This was such aheartwarming read. I like that we see glimpses of what it feels like to have a pet cat, their antics, the sadness when we parted from them and how our love bloomed for these littls animals. By the accounts from the authors, it made me feel so much closer to the cat Mii when i never knew the cat personally. There is something so poignantly relatable to the stories in here.

A Japanese woman basically gets to tell the story of her life via telling the story of how she found her cat Mii and their life together. Reflective, sweet, and with some gorgeous poetry at the end of each chapter.

This Japanese modern classic tugged on my heartstrings! A meditative and unique memoir of animal connection, grief and writing that is a tribute to a pet and much more. A lovely and insightful book that will touch your heart and stay with you.

Mornings Without Mii by Mayumi Inaba is a tender and thought-provoking novel that explores themes of love, loneliness, and the complexities of personal relationships. The story centers on a young woman navigating life after the loss of her beloved cat, Mii, and reflects on the deep bond they shared. Inaba’s writing is quiet yet powerful, capturing the subtle emotional shifts that come with grief and healing. The book offers a heartfelt meditation on the small, often unnoticed moments that shape our lives, making it a touching read for anyone who has experienced the profound connection between humans and their pets.

Mornings Without Mii by Mayumi Inaba is a quiet, deeply heartfelt meditation on love, companionship, and the passage of time. Inaba’s bond with Mii is tender and profound, capturing the unspoken connection between humans and the animals who share our lives. The writing is delicate yet evocative, weaving together moments of solitude, creativity, and the quiet comfort of a beloved pet’s presence.

This book brought me to tears more than once, reminding me of the pets who have walked beside me through different chapters of my life. It’s a beautifully written tribute to the way animals become part of our souls, leaving paw prints long after they’re gone. Poignant, gentle, and utterly moving—this is a book that lingers.

I knew what I was getting into when I chose this book to read. I'd fall in love with Mii and ultimately, my heart would be broken. I was correct.

I love how the author shared her own personal story, her poems, and the story of one little kitten all in one book. She perfectly described how a little creature can consume your heart and home.

My oldest cat, Vincent, turns 15 this September. He has been dealing with cancer off and on for the past 3 years. Every day feels like a blessing. I was reminded of how hard times can be with an ill cat while reading this book. I loved (though it was heartbreaking) how much Inaba was willing to do to help Mii feel better. This book is a beautiful tribute to Mii's spirit.

Thank you to NetGalley, Mayumi Inaba, little Mii, Farrar, Straus and Giroux | FSG Originals for the opportunity to read Mornings Without Mii. I have written this review voluntarily.

This was a nice read, mostly because I love reading about interactions with cats. I would definitely recommend this "cozy" memoir read for anyone who needs a break from the intensity of life, and wants a moment in the simplicity of life.

I picked up this book because I have had a few people tell me that they're worried about how I will react when my cat does eventually pass. I thought a book about losing a pet you loved would be a good way to get used to the idea that my cats, sadly, will not be living forever (though I am keeping my eye out for the kidney drug that will allegedly extend cats' lives by 30 years...). This book was... not that. First and foremost, while the title suggests an exploration of grief of a pet, this book is more about the life of Mii than her death. I did enjoy the discussion of her cremation, having read two of Caitlin Doughty's books on cremation and re-examining my own relationship with death.

Spoilers ahead, and descriptions of aging/ailing cats.

When I read this book, my initial thoughts were that there must be a cultural difference between when is an appropriate time to put your pet down between Japan and the States. My family cat had a similar end of life experience where he lost the use of his back legs. It was horrible to witness, and it was extremely heartbreaking. When this happened, we decided it was finally time for him, and he was put down shortly after. Inaba, however, let her cat live like this for five years. I'm unsure if my cat had the same issue, but her cat's paralysis stemmed from Mii being unable to poop, and the poop somehow impacted her muscles. So Inaba helped her cat go to the bathroom. For five years. This made me think about my own devotion to my cats -- would I be willing to do this for them for FIVE YEARS? Would I be willing to let my house smell like cat piss for FIVE YEARS because my cat was incontinent? My first thoughts did not question her decision to let Mii live. But after further thought and reading other reviews, I think I agree that this feels... torturous. This cat does not understand why she is having these issues, why she is in pain. The fact that Mii literally starved to death over two plus weeks was horrible. I hated reading it. While I would go to the ends of the earth to help my cat, that includes putting her down if she is so miserable that she cannot sleep or eat. My love for my cat's happiness and comfort exceeds my need for her to be here.

I would not recommend this book. In addition to the above issues, there were some translation issues, such as phrasings that were just so slightly off that I knew what they meant, but I also knew that they were wrong. I didn't find the writing (in English at least) to be that great, and with the content being what it was, I just don't think this book is that great.

Thank you to Farrar, Straus and Giroux and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This book is a sweet and at times emotional story of the author and her relationship with her cat. It reads easily, while still dealing with heavier topics. I liked the writing style, it's clear and good to follow. It's not too poetic, but more straightforward as many current Japanese books. The book also includes poems and I enjoyed them mixed into the chapters. At times, the life of the narrato felt a bit flat. I wish we got to learn more about her life, career, solitude or life decisions. Instead the focus of the book is mainly on Mii the cat and her relationship with the cat. 3.5 stars.
Thank you netgalley for the proof.

I loved this. It's not much in regards to a plot but just to follow the authors life with the cat is enough to make me happy. Highly recommend if you appreciate great literature. Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for a chance to read this book.

A gentle loving story for cat lovers everywhere

Mornings without Mii is the lovingly told story of the author’s life with her cat, through the 20 years they shared together. The story takes place in the suburbs of Tokyo, the author’s style is gentle and paints a vivid picture of Japanese life and culture.

Mii is found as a stray kitten in one of the greener suburbs and becomes the centre of the author’s life as she moves through relationships and the inevitable changes life brings. Adapting to life in an apartment is a challenge and provides new friends for them both. The author doesn’t sugar coat what they go through as Mii ages but the love, dedication and gratitude she has for Mii is deeply touching and inspiring.

I was given this book from the author via netgalley only for the pleasure of reading and leaving an honest review should I choose to.

*Mornings Without Mii* is a tender and poetic tribute to the bond between a writer and her fiercely independent feline companion. Following Mayumi Inaba’s journey through solitude, creativity, and life’s quiet moments, this beautiful Japanese classic invites readers into a heartfelt reflection on love, independence, and the little things that make life meaningful. Perfect for cat lovers and fans of meditative storytelling, it’s a gentle reminder of the profound connections that shape our lives.