Book Review: 'The Cat Who Saved Books' by Sosuke Natsukawa

✰✰✰✰✰ Nerdy Rintaro Natsuki is a high school hikikomori (a person who has decided to shut themselves away from society). All Rintaro wants is to be left alone, so he can read books. However, when is grandfather dies shortly before Christmas, Rintaro suddenly finds himself more alone than he ever thought possible. Soon he'll be expected to pack up his home and his grandfather's bookshop to go live with a distant aunt he barely knows. As Rintaro finds solace in stepping into his grandfather's shoes and managing Natsuki Books, he is startled by an ordinary looking tabby with an extraordinary skill. The cat can talk, and it needs Rintaro's help. Rintaro is intrigued, and because he has nothing to lose, he agrees to help. He follows the cat into a labyrinth and is confronted by a challenge in a seemingly different dimension. Although Rintaro is plagued by self-doubt, the cat is there to bolster his confidence. 

As Rintaro completes each labyrinth, he learns to believe in himself more and more. And although not everyone can hear the cat talk, it turns out there is someone else who can, his classmate, Sayo. As they pair up with the cat to solve more challenges and rescue more books, Rintaro comes out of his shell. Just when he thinks the adventure is over, it turns out the most challenging labyrinth awaits, and the stakes are higher this time. Rintaro must solve the challenge alone if he wants to save his new friend. With time running out, Rintaro must use every bit of knowledge, courage, and feeling he has or risk losing it all. 

The Bottom Line: I don't often read fantasy fiction; however, this book reignited my interest in the genre. This quick read whisks one away to a completely differently world filled with riddles, young love, angst, self-doubt, and learning to find your calling. The main character is an unwitting hero as he helps save books from an awful end. Along the way he learns to trust his gut and also learns to trust others. This book was enjoyable and the translation kept some Japanese words, which I appreciated. This story is a bit reminiscent of Greek mythology with the use of the labyrinths as well. Highly recommended reading for those who enjoy Fantasy, Japanese literature, and mysteries. I would love to see this made into a movie. 

[Note: Added notes from both the translator, Louise Heal Kawai, and the illustrator, Yuko Shimizu, were interesting, and I wish more books included this kind of additional information.] 

Details: The Cat Who Saved Books: A Novel by Sosuke Natsukawa. Translated by Louise Heal Kawai. Hardcover English translation edition published by HarperVia in 2021. [Original published as Hon wo mamorou to suru neko no hanashi by Shogakukan in 2017.] 208 p. ISBN: 978-0-06-309572-4 

Book Review: 'The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian' by Sherman Alexie

✰✰✰✰✰ Arnold (Junior) Spirit is the town misfit. Born with "water on the brain," the odds have always been stacked against him. Life was a challenge from day 1, but luckily Junior was also born with a sense of humor and is surprisingly bright. After challenging a teacher in class, Junior is sure he will be in big trouble. Yet, the teacher surprises him with his honestly. It's a moment that will change the trajectory of Junior's life as he is inspired to make a big decision. 

Making the switch from the high school on the rez to the predominantly white high school in the nearby town is a huge deal...for everyone. Junior doesn't immediately fit in at his new school, but now his former friends at his old school treat him like a traitor. Junior finds himself navigating between the two worlds even as tragedy strikes his family several times. Nevertheless, Junior perseveres. Join Junior's journey from misfit to hero as he learns about life and what it takes to get by in this world.

The Bottom Line: When a school committee in my hometown, suggested removing this book from its high school required reading list, I just had to pick it up to see why. Yes, it's filled with racial slurs, discrimination, and sexual situations, but this book is a gem. This is just the kind of book that should be included on high school reading lists because of the honesty that comes through in the writing. Written from the point of view of a 14-year-old, Native American boy, this gripping novel is gritty, witty, and raw.  There is so much to discuss in this coming-of-age novel. There are no wasted words here, and Ellen Forney's art is spot-on in depicting what a teen might draw. Highly recommended for young adults, teachers, and parents. I strongly suggest you pick this powerful book up and give it a read even if it makes you uncomfortable. Or maybe, especially if it makes you uncomfortable.

Details: The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie with art by Ellen Forney. Hardcover published by Little, Brown and Company in 2007. 229 p. ISBN: 978-0-316-01368-0