"The long-awaited sequel to the #1 international bestseller The Cat Who Saved Books - an uplifting tale from Japan about a talking cat, a book-loving girl and the power of books to make a difference in the world.

A chronic asthma condition prevents thirteen-year-old Nanami from playing sports or spending time with her friends after school. But nothing can stop her from one of her favorite activities. Nanami loves to read and happily spends much of her free time in the library, cocooned among the stacks.

Then one day, Nanami notices that, despite the library being as deserted as ever, some of her favorite books, including literary classics like Arsène Lupin, Gentleman Thief and Anne of Green Gables are disappearing from the shelves. When she alerts the library staff, they dismiss her concerns. But just as Nanami is about to return to her reading, she spots a suspicious man in a gray suit. Eager to discover what he's up to, she follows him. The chase is cut short when Nanami suffers an asthma attack. By the time she catches her breath, the man has disappeared and all that is left behind is a mysterious light filtering through the library's familiar passageways.

That's when Tiger, the talking tabby cat who saves books, comes to the rescue. Are Nanami and Tiger prepared to face the dangerous challenges that lie ahead? Why are faceless gray soldiers burning books in a stone castle? And what happened to Rintaro, the socially withdrawn hero who helped Tiger save books in a second-hand bookshop? At a time of increased book bannings worldwide, Sosuke Natsukawa urges us not to underestimate the power of great literature - and to be prepared to defend our freedom to choose."

Thursday Next with a cat and a more dystopian world... That is sadly too close to reality.

ugh. this series too cute and the wisdom pertaining to the importance of novels is always nice to hear. i can't say it's the wildest book out there per my rating, but it's definitely a very sweet, short, and low-stakes read if that's something you're in the mood for! (3.25 ★)

Thank you NetGalley for the arc! This sequel brought us back into the cozy world that still conquers important conversations about books, the literary industry, and humanity overall. I found this one to make these points a little more on the nose and less poetically than the first. It could also be the repetition of structure of the first book. However, it was still a great, short read. I would recommend for more of a middle-grade or YA audience.

I've been in a cozy book type of mood, and translated works have been a new genre I've really been hitting hard. The Cat Who Saved the Library by Sōsuke Natsukawa was a book I think I would have loved as a kid, and adored as an adult. Overcoming adversity, the importance of books, relationships, and several really memborable quotes? I'm in.

I did not read the first book yet, but that did not seem to impact my overall understanding throughout the book. Nanami, a very isolated asthmatic girl spends most of her time in the library as her mother has passed away and her dad has been spending more time at work and less time with her. While at the library, Nanami notices that books are missing, more so than just being checked out and as her concern is dismissed when bringing it to an adult, she takes it on herself to solve the mystery of the missing books.

The book is a reminder of that even in the worst of times, there is hope. Many people may stray from the path and allow a darkness to enter their lives but at the same time there is goodness in the world to keep us grounded and reminded of all those who help make us whole. This was such a sweet book, and I really enjoyed it. I really do love all the translated works that are becoming much more accessible in the US. Kudos and recognition should be given to Louise Heal Kawai who translated the book, as her translation helps build the world the author intended.

Please be advised I received an Advance Reader Copy (ARC) from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Just like the first novel, I fell in love with the cozy slice of life feeling and the sequel did not disappoint.

From the first page, I was instantly absorbed back into the world. I am hoping they do more novels set in this universe.

I hadn’t read the first book before requesting this one, so I had to go back and catch up—and I’m so glad I did! As a librarian, I have a soft spot for books about books, and this one delivered with a perfect blend of fantasy and literary love.

Nanami, who has spent much of her life immersed in stories due to her asthma, starts to notice that some of her favorite books have been checked out far longer than they should be. Enter Tiger, a talking tabby cat, who opens Nanami’s world in ways she never expected. She soon finds herself the perfect champion to stand against the Gray Man and save the books.

I really enjoyed this follow-up to The Cat Who Saved Books. The characters were likable, and it was great to reconnect with Rintaro. I highly recommend this book to fellow book lovers!

Thank you, NetGalley and HarperVia, for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

This is the sequel to the heartwarming story of "The Cat Who Saved Books", where Tiger the talking cat and Rintaro Natsuki go on adventures to save the bookstore he inherited.
Nanami Kosaki is a lonely young girl with severe asthma who has developed a love of reading. Since she is unable to play like normal children, she spends most of her time in the library reading. She has noticed that many of her favorite books are not on the shelf and hopes they are being checked out but she is not sure. Then she notices sketchy man in a grey suit remove a book and leave down the aisle with it. She starts to follow him, but Tiger, the talking cat appears, and warns her of the dangers of following the man. Together they go on an adventure to find what is happening to the books. The themes of freedom to choose and the right to stand up for your beliefs are beautifully conveyed in this charming book.

A great, cozy read that focuses on emotions more than a ground-breaking plot. I didn't realize this book was actually part of a series, and I am now going back to read the first book (different story and main character, but same cat!).

Interesting in premise, I found the writing to be hard to follow and I was not a fan of the main character. there were one or two supporting characters that stood out to me but all in all, one that I will not revisit.

I enjoyed this middle grade book about at asthmatic kid and the cat they befriend it was an interesting read to say the least. I look forward to more books by this author.

I found this book to be necessary at this moment in history. We are in a time where so many people prioritize money over each other, that a book like this that is a reminder to think about people other than yourself, is one that we all need. Not only do we need to think about other people in our world, but we also need to not be afraid to ask for help. If we believe it is everyone for themselves, then we will just get crushed under the weight of it all. Nanami taught me to not be ashamed of asking the people around me for support, but also make sure that I do not forget how I can help other people. I love that the girl who learned so much from books is in turn a character that teaches those that read about her. I am surprised this book wasn't written in America because we as a country need this more than others. We are watching the grey men take over as we speak, and many of us are just letting it happen. We need to take a lesson from Nanami and be courageous.

In this heartwarming sequel, The Cat Who Saved the Library continues the story of Tiger, the talking cat, and his mission to protect books. Nanami, a book-loving girl with asthma, becomes embroiled in a mysterious plot to steal literary classics, and the adventure that unfolds is both exciting and thought-provoking. With a perfect balance of whimsy and deeper reflections on the importance of books, this charming tale is a reminder of literature’s power to change the world.

While this one didn't QUITE impact me as deeply as the first onrme did, I still thoroughly enjoyed my time with this book and loved it to pieces.

It was so nice to be back in this bit of magical realism with a cat who cares for books and the people who love them. This time he is joined by a girl with asthma who has noticed books going missing from the library.

I think I connected to the first book's protagonist a bit more and his struggle with grief, but the sequel's protagonist was still nice to read about.

Natsukawa's imagination is just so enthralling and consuming, I can't get enough of it. Going forward, I think I will always be excited to hear they are releasing another story.

Really enjoyed this book, much more than I thought I would. Very cosy and heart-warming with philosophical elements.

While very cute, I can say that this book is inaccurately labeled. It gave me a more middle-grade vibe, which is of no criticism to the book itself. I enjoyed it quite thoroughly and found it extremely cute. Definitely a worthy read, and I can determine just from reading this and Before the coffee gets cold that I love translated texts.

***ARC
Pub date: 04/08/2025

The Cat Who Saved The Library is a heartwarming and magical tale perfect for young readers who enjoy chapter books with a touch of fantasy. Through these whimsical quests, the novel beautifully explores the power of literature, the importance of human connection, Natsukawa’s writing is simple yet profound, making it an excellent choice for children who are starting to read longer books but still appreciate a magical, fairy-tale-like narrative.Highly recommended for kids who enjoy gentle fantasy with a meaningful message!

The Cat Who Saved The Library read more like a YA novel but still very cute and cozy. The first book had more of a clear direction with the grief being the storyline, this one lacked a bit.

I remember loving the first book, so I was so excited to see this available on NetGalley! This book is so perfect for the current political climate we're in. It handled serious topics in a very cozy and hopeful way that I just adore. If I could give it more than 5 stars I would!

I'm curious as to how my reaction to this book would've been had I read it before the current EVERYTHING.

However, reading it against the backdrop of well, EVERYTHING...this was poignant. It's a needed book but the ones who need it will never read it.

4.5 / 5.0

The Cat Who Saved the Library by Sosuke Natsukawa was a beautiful cozy adventure about grief and love. I read this over a long weekend trip and had time to read it a second time the following week. It is so poignant in its imagery, the main character such a complex and relatable soul. Metaphors abound and the different chapters could be interpreted as steps in the grieving process or mini episodes on an adventure to self-discovery. I recommend it highly.

Until Next Time,
MC

Thank you to NetGalley for the eARC.