By: Sosuke Natsukawa
Synopsis
Awkward high school student Rintaro Natsuki is about to close the secondhand bookshop he inherited from his beloved grandfather. For this bookworm by blood, shutting down Natsuki Books is no easy task – it’s been his sanctuary and hideout from the demands of school and the world at large. However, before the bookshop’s doors are shut for good, a talking cat appears with an unusual request. The feline requests the teenager’s help in saving books from abusive and negligent owners, and it won’t take no for an answer.
Their mision sends this odd couple on an amazing journey to set books free. Through their travels to strange dimensions, the cat and Rintaro meet a businessman who leaves his books to perish on a bookshelf, a scholar who cuts pages into snippets to encourage speed reading, and a publishing drone who cares only about bestsellers. Their adventures culminate in one final, fantastic challenge – the last labyrinth leads Rintaro down a realm where a certain soul hangs in the balance.
My Thoughts
I really enjoyed this book. It was an easy, fairly quick read. As a book lover, it resonated with me in the way it emphasized the importance of books. It made me think about why I love books so much. I also thought the reminder that no one is alone and we need to step outside sometimes was poignant for those of us who are introverts and usually prefer the company of our books to that of people. Lastly, I feel that the final lesson Natsuki learns about empathy is something we all need to be reminded of, as it seems sorely lacking in many people today. It’s a great little book, and I highly recommend it to anyone who loves books (and cats!).