The Cat Who Saved Books (The Cat Who..., #1)

by Sōsuke Natsukawa

“Make the most of your freedom to stand around kvetching,” said the cat. “If we don’t manage to rescue those books, you’ll be stuck in this labyrinth forever.”

Sneaky yet smart

Someone who has read twenty thousand books is much more valuable than someone who has read only ten thousand. And so why would I reread the same book when there are still piles of books that need to be read? Out of the question! Ridiculous waste of time!”

Books have tremendous power. But take care. It’s the book that holds the power, not you.”

“Books can’t live your life for you. The reader who forgets to walk on his own two feet is like an old encyclopedia, his head stuffed with out-of-date information. Unless someone else opens it up, it’s nothing but a useless antique.”

“Of course it’s good to enjoy reading. But the views you can see hiking on a light, pleasant walking trail are limited. Don’t condemn the mountain because its trails are steep. It’s also a valuable and enjoyable part of climbing to struggle up a mountain step by step.”

“Shutting yourself away in a bookshop is fine,” said the cat in its rich, deep voice. “What worried us more was that you’d retreated into your own shell.” “My shell . . .” “Please do come out of it.” The cat spoke quietly, but its voice resonated to the pit of Rintaro’s stomach. “Don’t give in to loneliness. You aren’t alone. You have many friends looking out for you.”