The second book in The Cat Who series focuses on Nanami, a young girl who spends most of her life in libraries and reading books due to her love of the written word and a medical condition that keeps her mostly inside. The Cat Who Saved the Library follows a similar plot line to the first book in the series. Our heroine notices books disappearing from her local library and when no one will take her seriously the tabby cat, Tiger, shows up to take Nanami on three magical adventures to save books. But while the first book focused on the isolation of grief, this book doesn’t seem to have as clear a direction for the story.

Nanami is isolated and slightly ostracized from her peers due to severe asthma, which keeps her from most physical exertion. Thus, she spends most of her time alone reading and values the adventures she finds in the written word above trying to have adventures herself. Her magical adventures to rescue stolen books with Tiger give the author an opportunity to expound on the danger to the written word in our society today. Each iteration of the foe she faces is a clear allegory to the dangers to the written word we see today - people have stopped reading themselves and instead just parrot whatever they are told, pulp books with no soul and meaning have overwhelmed and outpaced creation of meaningful works, etc. These moralizations resonate with any literature lover, but are stated in speeches between the characters so baldly, they become heavy handed and somewhat trite.

My favorite part of the book was the reappearance of Rintaro, the main character from the first novel. While not in the book very often, it was great to see him and his bookshop pop up again.

My last issue with this book was the asthma plot line. I grew up with severe asthma as a kid and it is just not that life limiting. If her asthma was that bad, her doctors should have given her better medications to manage it. This plot point often wrenched me out of the story as I scoffed out loud at the idea that asthma would prevent Nanami from even walking down the road or feeling excitement.

I read the first book before starting this. I loved the cozy fantasy vibes and was drawn to the library theme. love anything book related.

We had a different main character in the second book which I enjoyed. But we still got the cat Tama! The plot was not groundbreaking but still entertaining. The strengths of this book lie more in the emotional impact and symbolism like that of the cat who really was more than just a pet. The book explores themes of loneliness and community and I found it very relatable. This is in some senses not an easy read but a calmer one, a cozy fantasy that won’t overwhelm you but will leave you feeling content and contemplative

A unique story that reads as a parable of modern life where too many people ignore knowledge, books and kindness for the self, power, wealth. I had not read the original story, and this read fine alone.

I gave the first in this series a 5 star and this one deserves it as well. It could be that I am biased about book banning as a Librarian but this book is just as poignant, if not more so, that The Cat That Saved Books. I highly recommend this book and its predecessor. These are times of book bans and people in power trying to tell people what they can and cannot learn/read. This story is vital and meaningful.

The definition of charming I loved this book, a nice easy read over Christmas, comforting with a good deal of world building, perfect for bookworms!

This is a charming book for and about people who love books. If you enjoyed the first book in the series you will enjoy this one as well. Although, this is the second book you do not need to read the first. The main character is 13 years old and is learning how to be independent while dealing with health issues. This book could/should have been a YA book. The message was a little too on the nose for me.

This story was very good. The characters, the premise, and the building of this world/idea. I was sucked in from the fist page and could not stop reading.

The Cat Who Saved the Library by Sosuke Natsukawa is the story of Nanami, a thirteen old girl who spends most of her time at the local library. She discovers books are disappearing from the library. A talking cat, Tiger, leads her on an adventure to save the library. This is the sequel to The Cat Who Saved Books, you get to visit the Natsuki Bookstore again and Rintaro and Sayo make appearances as well.

I recommend this book for magical realism readers and people who want a heartwarming story. Nanami is struggling with her mom who has passed away and her dad working late every day. She passes her time in the library where books are her closest friends. She’s the perfect hero to save the library.

Thank you Harper Via and Netgalley for the advanced reader copy. All opinions are my own.

"The Cat Who Saved the Library" by Sosuke Natsukawa is a heartwarming tale that blends the quiet charm of small-town Japan with the magical realism of a story where animals play pivotal roles in human lives. Originally published in Japanese, this book has been translated into English, capturing the subtleties of the original work while bringing a universal appeal to readers worldwide. Natsukawa, known for his ability to weave together the mundane and the miraculous, offers here a narrative that celebrates the love of books, the bonds of community, and the unexpected friendships that can change lives.

Summary:

The story unfolds in the rural setting of Moriyama, where the local library faces closure due to lack of interest and funding. The librarian, Mr. Kon, a man deeply committed to the preservation of literature, is on the brink of despair when a stray cat adopts the library as its home. This cat, whom Mr. Kon names "Tama," is no ordinary feline; its presence begins to draw in visitors, from children to elderly residents, each finding solace or companionship in the library's embrace.

Tama not only helps in increasing the footfall by being a charismatic mascot but also seems to possess an almost mystical understanding of the books and the people who read them. Through various subplots, we see Tama's influence — a lonely old man finds a reason to visit daily, a young girl discovers her love for reading, and Mr. Kon himself regains hope in the face of bureaucratic challenges.

The narrative is interspersed with the cultural nuances of Japanese life, the respect for tradition, and an underlying theme of how small acts of kindness can lead to significant changes in a community. There's also a gentle exploration of grief, change, and the healing power of literature and companionship.

Conclusion:

"The Cat Who Saved the Library" is more than just a tale about a cat and a library; it's a narrative that speaks to the heart of what it means to connect with others through shared interests and empathy. Natsukawa's storytelling is subtle yet profound, creating characters that feel real and a setting that feels like a character in itself. The book leaves readers with a sense of warmth and the belief in the transformative power of community and literature. While the magical realism might not appeal to all, the core message of hope and connection is universally touching.

Ratings Breakdown:

Storyline: 4/5 - The plot is simple yet engaging, with a narrative that's both predictable in its feel-good outcome but rich in emotional depth.
Character Development: 4.5/5 - Characters are well-rounded, with each having their own arc influenced by Tama's presence. The cat itself is a character of depth, symbolizing more than just a pet.
Cultural Insight: 5/5 - Natsukawa effortlessly infuses the story with cultural details that educate and enrich the reading experience without overwhelming the plot.
Emotional Impact: 4.5/5 - The book tugs at the heartstrings, offering a cathartic experience through its gentle exploration of loneliness, community, and healing.
Writing Style: 4/5 - The translation maintains the poetic quality of Natsukawa's prose, though some nuances of the original language might be lost. The pacing is gentle, which might not suit those looking for a brisk narrative.
Overall: 4.4/5 - A beautiful, poignant read that's perfect for anyone who appreciates stories about the human spirit, the love of books, and the unconventional heroes in our lives like Tama.

This book is recommended for those who enjoy character-driven stories with a touch of magic, or anyone in need of a reminder of the quiet wonders in life.