The Perks Of Being A Book Addict discussion

One of our January 2025 Book of the Month is We'll Prescribe You a Cat by Syou Ishida

A cat a day keeps the doctor away….

Discover this utterly charming, vibrant celebration of the healing power of cats in the award-winning, bestselling Japanese novel that has become an international sensation.

Tucked away on the fifth floor of an old building at the end of a narrow alley in Kyoto, the Nakagyō Kokoro Clinic for the Soul can be found only by people who are struggling in their lives and who genuinely need help. The mysterious clinic offers a unique treatment to those who find their way there: it prescribes cats as medication. Patients are often puzzled by this unconventional prescription, but when they “take” their cat for the recommended duration, they witness profound transformations in their lives, guided by the playful, empathetic, and occasionally challenging yet endearing cats.

Throughout these pages, the power of the human-animal bond is revealed as a disheartened businessman finds unexpected joy in physical labor, a middle-aged man struggles to stay relevant at work and home, a young girl navigates the complexities of elementary school cliques, a hardened handbag designer seeks emotional balance, and a geisha learns to move on from the memory of her lost cat. As the clinic’s patients grapple with their inner turmoil and seek resolution, their feline companions lead them toward healing, self-discovery, and newfound hope.

I just finished it. It’s got an interesting premise. All in all okay, but definitely not my favorite of the year by any stretch of the imagination.

Loved this! The whole idea that a cat can change your life outlook is amazing, and, well, just true. Any pet can be therapeutic, but cats make you work for their affection and work really hard for their devotion. That’s why there are way more dog people than cat people in the world. I happen to be both, but my preference would have to be dogs!
I really liked the fact that the mysterious ‘Clinic for the Soul’ wouldn’t appear if a prospective patient didn’t really need it. Also that the door was so heavy, only the truly needy could open it.
Excellent & while also modern, there was a big dose of magical realism there! And don’t we all need a touch of magic in our lives?

Currently half way through this and so far really enjoying it. The stories are short and very sweet and each have an important message about life and how we view it can impact our mental health. And it manages to do that without coming across as preachy.

I'm a cat lover so anything about them appeals to me and its written by someone who clearly knows and loves cats. Overall, a nice book, not too taxing on the brain and a good pick for a quick read.

I just started and am halfway through this book! i think it’s a very cute premise and i am enjoying so far, not a huge page turner but still good

I received my, very much in demand, book later than expected. It was a great read.

Thank you to whomever initially recommended it as well as all who voted for it.

I have someone close to me who was prescribed a cat and while it didn't work out as well as some in the stories, there is definitely an unbreakable relationship full of beautiful moments for the both of them.

I read this one quite by accident. I was actually waiting for my copy of Blanket Cats to come in. (Yes, I'm kind of old school and like a physical book) and saw this one at my local. I found it a lovely quick read. I'm intrigued about the sequel though. anyone else going to read it?