Play Book Tag discussion

The Cat Who Saved Books – Sōsuke Natsukawa
Digital audiobook narrated by Kevin Shen
3***

This is a modern fairy tale and coming-of-age story that explores the long-lasting effects books can have on us.

Rintaro Natsuki is a bookish high school student who is still grieving his grandfather’s passing and dreading the required closing of his grandfather’s bookshop. The shop has been Rintaro’s refuge for so long he can hardly imagine leaving it, but he must. Entering the shop to begin the final sale before closing and moving away to live with an aunt he’s never met, Rintaro is startled to hear a voice. It is a large tabby cat, who introduces himself as Tiger., and who demands Rintaro’s help to rescue books. And thus, the adventure begins.

I really enjoyed this fantasy read. Rintaro is a great character, somewhat lost and needing to find his path on life’s journey, he is a person any reader can relate to. As Tiger leads him on their adventures in the mazes, Rintaro finds his inner strength; he shows loyalty and courage, inventiveness and determination. The final task is one he must do alone, and he finds the reserves of courage that he needs to accomplish that task. He also finds peace, in recognizing that he need not be alone, for there are others who care for him and for whom he cares.

Of course, set in a bookshop, the fable is full of literary references, which I greatly enjoyed.

Kevin Shen does a fine job of voicing the audiobook. I loved the voice he used for Tiger!


LINK to my review

I enjoyed this book as well!