I originally wanted to read I Am a Cat, but when I found out about how it ends… nope. I started reading it, still, though, to get a glimpse of why the book was so acclaimed, and as much as I loved the narration, having to read about a struggling, unloved, unwanted cat just made me nope-d out fast.
So I picked this one instead.
I still have Heaven on my Currently Reading list. I stopped halfway through after realizing that it’s become a factor of my growing depression (I’m already miserable at work with no friends). So, I was looking for a light, upbeat book that can help lighten my mind.
I found The Travelling Cat Chronicles perfect to be my getaway book.
I just started reading it yesterday and finished it today. About 24 hours since.
I am deeply moved and in love with it.
The narration really reminded me of I Am a Cat, where the cat’s perspective to be superior over other beings remain the same. But TTCC took it to another level which made some parts too corny. But it didn’t fail to make me laugh out loud a couple times.
I also liked how the story was narrated. Reminded me a lot of What You are Looking for is in the Library, another book I dearly love. Stories were different per chapter, and each one gave a peek of who Satoru is and how he made an impact to his friends. It was the way it was written— the flow of the plot— that makes the book so interesting and special. Nana’s POV sprinkled through the stories was just the cherry on top.
And, please, the ending??!!!?
All throughout, I was telling myself, eh, I can handle a human dying—I’ve read and watched stories where the main character dies, I know I won’t cry when this ends.
Boy!! Was I wrong. My eyes being red and puffy are evidence of my wrongness.
This book was so incredibly moving. To see a pet’s undeniable loyalty and love, to listen to the words we could only imagine our pets would say, and to feel them all deeply… it just hits different when you know you are being loved the same way, no matter if you aren’t as good or kind as Satoru. Being loved, unquestionably and wholeheartedly, by a pet is one of the simplest and purest form of love, and it’s one of the best kind of love in the world.
by santeremia
5 Comments
I loved this book. And, although I was prepared for the ending, it still had me bawling my eyes out.
Ok I’m gonna be the other guy here but I did not enjoy this book. I didn’t hate it or nothing but I would give it a 2 out of 5. I was expecting some lighthearted cat adventures but really what I got was a humans interactions with other humans and a cat nearby that sometimes talked to other animals.
The focus was really on the owner and I was hoping it was going to be more cat centric.
I did enjoy some parts like how to cat views his owner through cat eyes and what our behaviour looks like to him but overall I was quite disappointed.
I read this in a small book club with 2 other people and we all sort of came to the same conclusion.
I did find it sad and emotional as you watch the man deteriorate and realise what’s happening to him.
Sorry for the weird writing but I just wrote what I was thinking.
My library only had this book in audiobook form (not my preferred way to read) and it was equal parts love and completely heart-shattering. I have The Goodbye Cat on my my to-read list but I haven’t worked up the emotional stability to attempt it (also I audiobook).
I did love the narrator’s voice for the cat. He gave him a bit of an English snooty tone and I loved it!
I’ve recommended this book to a couple of friends but with a huge trigger-warning and that they should only read it if they need a good cry.
I loved it so much!
(Username checks out)
I’ve read the goodbye cat (same author) which had me feeling so fuzzy and also so so sad 😭 I’m hoping to get my hands on this one too soon