Aww, such an endearing and beautifully written book about Nana, the cat and his owner, Satoru as they travel across Japan in the present day - paralleling the journey of Satoru’s life from a child to the present. We learn about Satoru’s childhood, his family and friends through a combination of his thoughts and most amusingly and poignantly through the thoughts of Nana. There’s an elegaic undertone to their bonding and travels as they experience the seasons and beauty of Japan. It’s about relationships, about the right thing to do, and about the many simple pleasures of life - we just have to be open to the experiences. Beautifully written, charming and touching - this is a book to embrace, savor and contemplate. A highly recommended read. Thanks to NetGalley and Berkley Books for the opportunity for an early read and review.

I’m stunned by how wonderful, touching, and beautiful this novel is. I have been to Japan many times, and also have a very old cat I adore, so this book is for. me. Seriously though, the prose and tempo of the book is so heartfelt, that everyone e will fall I love with it. I can’t wait to share it with everyone..

“Our silver van was like a magic carriage. Every time I got into it, it carried me to a place I’d never been before. At that moment, we were without a doubt the greatest travelers in the world. And I was the world’s greatest traveling cat.”

The Traveling Cat Chronicles was a very sweet story about a man trying to find a new home for his cat. I really enjoyed the relationship between the cat and the owner. Ended up being pretty emotional and not what I expected. I’d give this a 4/5 and would definitely read again. Would recommend to any fellow cat person

Thank you to @netgalley for the copy in exchange for a review. #netgalley #bookreview #thetravelingcatchronicles #hiroarikawa

3.5 stars
I wasn’t going to read this book. I’m not a cat person. I’m not a dog person either. In all honesty, I’m just not an animal person, although I do find kittens and puppies to be adorable. I hope all my pet loving friends won’t judge me - it’s just the way I am. But I couldn’t ignore all of the wonderful reviews that talked about what a lovely story this was and I’m glad I didn’t skip it . A lonely man Satoru adopts a stray cat, a feisty, sometimes sarcastic, sometimes sweet and always loyal cat. We know this because Nana, as he is named, is the narrator of this story. The two connect or rather I should say Nana connects with Satoru when Satoru cares for him after he is hit by a car. Satoru was already taken with Nana, leaving food as Nana camped out by Satoru silver van. We later discover that he loved a different cat when he was a young boy. And thus begins their friendship.

Five years later they embark on a journey across Japan as Satoru is seeking a new home for Nana. On their travels, it is eventually revealed why Satoru is trying to find a new home for his beloved cat. It is through this journey that we come to know Satoru and through his visits with friends from his childhood and his aunt, we learn things haven’t always been easy for him. It’s a quick read that is simply written, sentimental, sweet and sad. The writing felt a little too simplistic at times, but perhaps it’s because it’s a translation. You don’t have to be a cat lover to feel the heart in this story about companionship, compassion, acceptance, loss and how to say goodbye

I received an advanced copy of this book from Berkeley through NetGalley. Thanks Elisha !

Oh my word. I loved this book so much! I am a cat lover, and this story is about the love we have for our pets and they have for us, but also so much more. Just a really lovely story. I had tears in my eyes from beginning to end of the story. I loved the cat's point of view, I loved the stories of Satoru and his friends growing up. A truly special person.

4.5 Stars

"On our last journey, let's see all kinds of amazing things. Let’s spend our time taking in as many wonderful sights as we can."

Satoru has found and befriended a stray cat who he later names Nana. Nana reminds him of a cat, Hatchi, he had as a child. As he beings to feed Nana his "crunchies", they slowly develop an affinity for each other. After Nana is hit by a car, Satoru brings him home and the two live a happy life together. Until....

"I know this is a bit sudden, but can you take my cat for me?"

After five years of living together, Satoru is looking for a new home for Nana. As the two travel in a sliver an across Japan, they will see many wondrous sights and meet important people from Satoru's childhood. As they make stops at many of Satoru's friends’ homes, the reader is given glimpses into Satoru's childhood and his loving and tender nature. With each stop, Nana makes an impression and makes it known that he does not want to be apart from Satoru. Each has found the other. Each has benefited from their relationship. They are lonely, they are loyal, they are a pair, they will pull on your heartstrings, they might make you cry.

"Don't leave me... Stay with me."
"I will never, ever, leave him."


Why is Satoru looking for a new home for Nana? Will he find a new home? Will Nana stay with Satoru? This wonderful little gem of a book is full of heart. I guessed why Satoru was looking for a new home for Nana, the cat named because of the shape of his tail. The story tells of their time together and is complimented with the insightful thoughts of Nana the cat. Through the story, Nana gives his point of view, his opinions and often converses with other animals. He attempts to teach a kitten how to hunt and be a "cat", he talks to dog's and the reader is privy to his thoughts about his owner and those they meet. I loved how the Author captured Nana's spirit and his feline behaviors such as preference for boxes, food, affection and how he is touched. Pets are family members and I loved how the Author showed this in the book. Satoru and Nana loved each other and their devotion and loyalty to each other was evident.

This is a touching tale of love, acceptance, finding a home, making a home and saying goodbye. Keep some tissues on hand as this book pulls at the heartstrings. It is easy to care for both Satoru and Nana.

Beautiful, heartbreaking, hopeful and Satisfying.

Highly Recommend.

Thank you to Berkley Publishing Group and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own.

This is "The Man Called Ove" for cat-lovers. A stray cat (christened with the name Nana for his seven-shaped tail) is taken in by a single man named Satoru. They live very comfortably together until it is declared that Nana must have a new home. Satoru emails some old friends and the two set off on a journey to visit each friend in turn and find a good home for Nana. As we meet each of his old friends we learn more about Satoru's life growing up. Finally we meet the aunt who raised him (Noriko) and discover the reason for the journey. Get out your tissues! Would make a fantastic book group selection with much to discuss regarding family relationships, growing up, friendships and, of course, the joys of owning a cat.

Many thanks to Berkley and NetGalley for a digital arc of this outstanding novel.

I sort of had an idea of what was going to happen. But overall, it just seemed to sad, and bittersweet. Especially around the start of the holidays.

Emotional, charming, and heartwarming. I don’t know that there is a better way to describe this book other than absolutely perfect. Nana the cat charmed me and seeing the world through his eyes simply filled me with laughs, tears, and smiles. I highly recommend this book to anyone who could use some healing of the soul. It reminded me about love, and being caring, and doing something for others even if it is hard. It’s a book of lessons told in a beautiful story form. I imagine this might be the type of book that every reader experiences a little bit differently, and has a slightly different “aha!” moment from. But I can’t imagine a reader on this earth whose heart won’t warm at this beautiful book!

About the Book

“I am a cat. As yet, I have no name.”

Before he became Nana, he was a stray cat living on the streets and scrounging for food. He loved sleeping on the hood of a silver van, for it attracted the sunlight and warmed his belly, even in the cold winter. But he didn’t have a name. Not until Satoru rescued him after a car broke his leg. And eventually, though he didn’t instinctively love to be a kept cat, he became Nana and he found where he belonged.

“Our silver van was like a magic carriage. Every time I got into it, it carried me to a place I’d never been before.”

Many years later Nana is taken out into the silver van on a journey to see Satoru’s friends. Each friend they visit has a story to tell about Satoru, and their love of cats, and how Satoru changed their lives. And each person learns a story from Nana. Nana visits many places, and as long as he is with Satoru, he is so happy. But Nana doesn’t yet know the real reason for their travels.

“At that moment, we were without a doubt the greatest travelers in the world. And I was the world’s greatest traveling cat.”

Reflection

Well this is a hard book to review because I love it so much. It feels difficult to do this book justice. How many ways are there to say that this charming, magical little story will nestle into your heart and never leave? This is a book I want to reread over and over again, and continue to love and experience and learn from. This is a book about someone else’s story, but that made me think a lot about my own story.

Let’s talk first about what it is like to read a book told to you by a cat. You’d think it would be weird, and childish. It isn’t really that way at all, though! Nana’s narration has a lot of whimsy to it, but it is anything but childish. Nana is humorous and a bit surly to strangers. Growing up as a stray has helped Nana to be tough. But he is also fiercely loyal and filled with compassion. He understands what humans need in a way that humans may not always understand it themselves. I found Nana positively delightful! I could picture him, from the figure-eight shaped calico spots on his face, to his crooked tale that led to his name. Nana is a fantastic narrator and now I wonder why all books aren’t told by cats!

And then there is the story of Satoru, which in flashbacks we learn about him from a very young age, even before Nana. We never are told the story by Satoru himself. It is by Nana, and the friends he goes to visit, and his aunt. Despite this, Satoru is a character I feel that I know so well. Above all else, there is a kindness to Satoru that every single person could learn from. He is the sort of person that teaches other patience, kindness, and love by displaying it himself always and without expectation. I don’t imagine I will ever forget Satoru.

I don’t want to get too much into the specifics of the visits, because each is a delight to read and experience yourself. There are so many small stories built into the life Satoru leads that warmed my heart. And Nana learns so much as well. Nana grows as a character through love and kindness, and we see the ripple effect of Satoru’s kindness throughout the novel. This is a book filled with happiness and a few tears, and I left with a smile on my face.

“On our last journey, let’s see all kinds of amazing things. Let’s spend our time taking in as many wonderful sights as we can. That’s what I had pledged yesterday, when we set off. And what incredible sights we saw.”

Book Bestie Approved

This was a Book Besties read with Berit, Holly, Jennifer, and one of our other besties Melissa. Thank you to Berkley for our copies to review.

A beautifully told, heartwarming story, that will make you never look at your cat the same way again....

Do you ever wonder what your cat is thinking? Especially when he gives you one of those looks, you know the one! In this charming story guaranteed to put a smile on your face you will get the perspective of Nana, The cat and his owner Satoru... there is a sweet innocence to this book that will melt even the hardiest of hearts.... cat person, dog person, it doesn’t matter this is a book perfect for all human people....

Nana is a content stray who is befriended by Satoru.... their relationship is limited to Satoru giving him crunchies, until one day Nana is injured and needs his friend... from there a beautiful relationship blooms between man and cat.... then one day Satoru takes Nana on a road trip, determined to find the perfect New home... but Nana is confused, why must Satoru find him a new home?

The quest for Nana‘s new home takes the two of them on a journey down memory lane... I loved all The people they met along the road trip, I loved all the back stories, and learning about Satoru’s childhood.... but most of all I love Nana’s insight and snarky comments... what a brilliant cat with a quick tongue and a heart of gold... at its very core this book really is about the unconditional love between people and their pets.... it is about the impact we have on other peoples lives however insignificant we might think it is... it is about kindness, heart, hope, and compassion....

This is a refreshing story, unlike anything I have ever read... it will rejuvenate your Faith in all species big and small... A book that will break your heart and then build you back up and fill you with hope!

Absolutely recommend to anyone who enjoys a good story, with well developed characters, that will both inspire you and comfort you...

*** A huge thank you too Berkley for my copy of this book ***

THE TRAVELLING CAT CHRONICLES(Berkley) by Hiro Arikawa has been translated into English. It's a little whimsical gem of a book, that I hope isn't missed by readers. It could be read like a "cat story," but it's oh, so much more.

Saturo, an orphan with no girlfriend, friends or career bonds with Nana, a five year-old stray street cat. Nana daily shows up on his truck, where Saturo leaves food, until Nana's hit by a car and nearly killed. Nana uses his last breath to drag himself to Saturo's home where he meows so loudly, Saturo comes outside. Immediately he takes the injured cat to a veterinarian.

Nana soon finds himself recovering inside Saturo's home, complete with a litter box (which he figures out) regular meals and love. He comes to enjoy the amenities.  Once Nana is well, Saturo decides he has to give him away, but he won't just put him back out on the street. Saturo contacts old friends he hasn't been in contact with for years. He rekindles relationships with people who he once held special, hoping they can adopt Nana. But Saturo doesn't find anyone suitable to take Nana.

The narrative alternates between Saturo and Nana. This description may sound trite to some, but it's much more. It's an allegory embracing friendship and how we treat people and animals. The tale focuses on loyalty, our basic need for companionship and our ability to comfort others.

Cats hold a special place in Japanese culture and literature. They frequently are elevated to gods and capable of bringing blessings and anyone who honors them. How many Japanese restaurants have you gone to and noticed a little white porcelain cat waving his paw?

There aren't many adult novels narrated by a pet. THE TRAVELLING CAT CHRONICLES made me think of THE ART OF RACING IN THE RAIN by Garth Stein. That novel is narrated by a dog named Enzo. I'm personally a dog person. I've written about my shih tzus numerous times in this post.  After reading THE TRAVELLING CAT CHRONICLES, I think I'm going to look at cats differently.

Satoru and Nana meet when Nana is, no longer a kitten, but sill a young cat, and Satoru is perhaps around thirty. Initially, Satoru is just feeding the feral Nana, but when a car hits Nana and breaks his (yes, his) leg, Satoru takes him in, and takes him to a veterinarian. The name Nana comes from the fact that the cat's tail is hooked, roughly in the shame of a seven. Nana is the word for seven.

It's Nana who tells us this story, with a cat's judgment on the strange behavior of humans. Nana and his human live together happily for several years, and then one day, Satoru announces that he's very sorry, but he has no choice, and Satoru and Nana are off in the silver van, to visit an old childhood friend of Satoru's.

He wants the friend to take in Nana, and take care of him, because he can no longer do so. We don't, yet, find out why. It does not work out; yet by the time Satoru and Nana leave, the friend has a new plan for both mending his broken relationship with his wife, and a new direction for the photography studio he took over from his father.

Nana, and we, also learn important things about Satoru's early life, including a good deal about his relationship with his first cat, Hachi.

They keep making trips, further and further afield, to visit Satoru's old friends, ostensibly seeking a new home for Nana. Yet Nana realizes that, every time it doesn't work out and they leave together, Satoru is relieved, not distressed. He doesn't want to part with Nana. With each visit, Nana learns more about Satorou's past, and also realizes that they're leaving each friend a little better off.

Also, though, Nana realizes that what other cats and dogs are telling him is right--that something is very wrong with Satoru.

This is a warm, loving story, with a deep appreciation of cats and the roles they play in our lives. It's also a story populated by decent, caring people, who don't always make the right choices, but do have the right intentions.

I loved it. Highly recommended.

I received a free electronic galley of this book from the publisher via NetGalley, and am reviewing it voluntarily.

A beautiful story about human relationships, most especially the bond humans and their beloved pets share. Satoru and Nana the cat go on an adventure to remember for a lifetime, visiting old friends, experiencing the awe and wonder of "the little things" and deepening their own friendship along the way. Cats are notoriously aloof creatures, but this story lets the reader see their dignified, loyal and loving characteristics. Even though there is loss, there is an underlying strength of acceptance and perseverance that lends a lot of dignity to the story.

This is such a beautiful, moving story, told from a few perspectives, including Nana the cat. Beware that it is sad, but it's worth reading and sharing with others!

This endearing novels tells the story of Satoru, through his relationship with his beloved cat, Nana. The novel focuses on the journey around Japan, with Satoru and Nana, as Satoru looks to rehome Nana with childhood friends. We also journey into the past and learn about Satoru's life growing up, his relationships and previous cats.
While simple, this short novel is endearing and complex in the relationships that it explores between both people and cats. There were a couple of spots in the beginning where it felt a bit tedious, but the end more than makes up for it. The alternating narratives of Satoru and Nana are very effective. This novel is perfect for both lovers of cats and fiction.

I’m a dog person, but really, if you love a pet, it’s the same. So, I decided to give this small book about a cat and his person a shot. Nana is a feral cat when we first meet him. But a broken leg transforms him into Satoru’s pet. When Satoru says he must give up Nana for some unknown reason, they start off on a road trip, trying to find the right home for Nana.

Be aware, Nana is the narrator of this tale. If you have trouble with anthropomorphism, this will not be the book for you.

This is a very understated, slow moving book. As Satoru and Nana travel from friend to friend, we learn more of Satoru’s boyhood. And it doesn’t take much imagination to figure out the reason for the road trip. The ending is bittersweet. I’ll admit to crying, because it did hit perfectly on the love between a human and our four legged companions. But, in the end, it was just a little too low key for my taste.

The writing is fairly elementary but I’m not sure if that’s because it’s a translation from the original Japanese.

My thanks to netgalley and Berkley Publishing for an advance copy of this book

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Satoru is travelling across Japan to find the perfect home for his cat, Nana. This journey tells Nana more of his owner’s past and his owner’s desperation in finding a new home for Nana.
This story is told through multiple perspectives: Satoru, Nana the cat, and three Satoru’s longtime friends. There are markers to portray a change in perspective and there is always some context that builds up to which perspective is coming next.

While reading I couldn’t help but see the story as a mute slice-of-life anime. Satoru is the connection that ties every character in the book together. Through the memories of Nana and the friend’s experiences with Satoru we learn about what type of person he is during different stages of his life. It’s these memories where I learned a lot of Satoru and helped me start to care for his character.

When reading I can’t help but wonder why Satoru is adamant on finding a home for Nana. I couldn’t help but chuckle at reading the perspective of a cat no matter how serious the undertone of the story. Nana is a what I imagine a cat would be like if we would understand what was going on in their minds.

The emotions that are evoked through the writing is very subtle where it seems as if we’re just watching a movie, yet I can’t help but drawn into the story. The story is very simplistic in nature with less complexity involved but is a beautiful tale that explores the bonds of friendship. Truly a wonderful book to pick up when trying to settle down for the day.

"A life-affirming anthem to kindness and self-sacrifice, The Travelling Cat Chronicles shows how the smallest things can provide the greatest joy.

We take journeys to explore exotic new places and to return to the comforts of home, to visit old acquaintances and to make new friends. But the most important journey is the one that shows us how to follow our hearts...

An instant international bestseller, The Travelling Cat Chronicles has charmed readers around the world. With simple yet descriptive prose, this novel gives voice to Nana the cat and his owner, Satoru, as they take to the road on a journey with no other purpose than to visit three of Satoru's longtime friends. Or so Nana is led to believe...

With his crooked tail--a sign of good fortune--and adventurous spirit, Nana is the perfect companion for the man who took him in as a stray. And as they travel in a silver van across Japan, with its ever-changing scenery and seasons, they will learn the true meaning of courage and gratitude, of loyalty and love."

I've been in need of some new cat literature since Chi's Sweet Home came to an end.

As soon as I saw this book, I knew I just had to read it, own and love it! Everyone who knows me, knows books and cats are my thing. Being a Cat Lady, I had high expectations. They were met! Satoru is a very likable character and Nana is a dream cat. I laughed, felt many emotions and cried twice! Absolutely loved it! Thank you NetGalley.

I was provided an ARC copy of The Traveling Cat Chronicles from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.



My Review

In the beginning, we meet a stray cat, whose name later becomes Nana, and his future owner, Satoru.
We are then shown their journey to the different homes of Satoru's friends. You see, Satoru is looking for a new home for Nana due to an unknown circumstance.

At each place they visit, they leave a mark on their friends' lives. While journeying, they see miraculous and beautiful scenery.
Throughout the story, the reader is treated to alternate narrations between Nana and Satoru's friends, with Nana's view on his life with Satoru and his surroundings, and Satoru's friends' memories of how they first came to meet Satoru.

My Thoughts

This book had me at the title. Who wouldn't want to read about a traveling cat?
Okay, there are probably quite a few people that aren't interested in cars, but this was a lovely and simple story, that it's hard not to enjoy it.


I particularly loved that Nana, the cat, was the major narrator and immensely enjoyed his view of the world and catisms.

I will, admit, I cried. Not just a few tears, but ugly sobbing while finishing this book in bed. All I wanted to do after reading was grab my cat and hug on him....alas, my cat lives 2 hours away with my family. 😭😭😭


Conclusion

I loved this book and will definitely be grabbing a copy once it comes out...errr, when it's discounted probably due to my self-imposed book buying ban. I give this book 5 stars!! I will definitely reread even though I will bawl my eyes out again.