"The Cat Who Saved Books" is a novel by Sosuke Natsukawa, originally published in Japanese in 2017 and translated into English by Louise Heal Kawai in 2021. The story centers on Rintaro Natsuki, a reclusive high school boy who inherits a secondhand bookshop from his deceased grandfather. Struggling with grief and isolation, Rintaro is visited by a talking tabby cat named Tiger, who enlists him on a mission to save books that have been imprisoned, mistreated, or neglected by their owners
. Together, Rintaro and Tiger embark on several magical adventures to rescue these books, confronting various antagonists who symbolize different threats to literature, such as those who trap books away from readers or reduce them to mere summaries. Through these quests, Rintaro grows from a withdrawn youth into a courageous and compassionate individual, rediscovering the power and importance of books and human connection
. The novel is praised for its whimsical and heartwarming portrayal of the love for books and the impact of reading on life, though some critics note its simplicity and somewhat underdeveloped characters. It also offers commentary on the publishing industry and the value of literature beyond commercial success
. In summary, "The Cat Who Saved Books" is a touching story about healing, courage, and the transformative power of books, featuring a magical talking cat who helps a grieving boy save literature from neglect and harm
