This is a very special book about the undying love between a cat and its owner. The book was translated into English from its original Japanese. I love the quiet simplicity of the dialogue which was often moving. There are dueling narrators such as the cat himself (my favorite), his owner Satoru, and his surrounding friends and family.

The main character of the book is the cat. As a young stray, he found the silver van in the building's parking lot a convenient shelter. He especially loved sunning himself on the hood of the silver van when it was chilly out. The cat caught the eye of Satoru (owner of the van and occupant of the building) because of his unique markings; he looked very much like a beloved cat Satoru owned in his youth. Once they've decided together that Satoru will adopt this cat, he names it "Nana" since its tail is hooked like a number seven. Nana's musings are quite comical, enlightening, and touching. They build a relationship over time where it is quite clear to the cat that he is dearly loved. Nana realizes just how lucky he is to have such an owner.

The "Travelling" part comes in when Satoru takes Nana on a road trip in the silver van. They visit a series of friends from Satoru's youth and experience beautiful sights together such as Mount Fuji, vibrantly colored flower beds, and swaying pampas grass. What is the significance of this poignant yet mysterious journey? I cannot give this away as this would unlock the sad but beautiful ending of the book. If you like sparse and clear writing that is a gentle read, and a story that will make your heart full...yes, cry a few satisfying tears...this is the one.

A well written tale of a cat's life with his humans. This was a heartfelt read, and I truly enjoyed it for what it was. If you are a cat lover, I recommend this book.

This was such a heartfelt and enjoyable read. Hearing Nana, the cat's, thoughts I couldn't help but laugh out loud and think of my own cat. When I got to the end of the book I couldn't help but cry and hope my little buddy loves me as much as Nana loves Satoru. Those animals sure do fill up a special spot in our hearts and this book does everything to confirm that! I would definitely recommend!

The Travelling Cat Chronicles is a heartwarming yet melancholy tale narrated by Nana, a former stray cat now fortunate to live with a young man named Satoru. Nana used to sleep on the hood of Satoru’s silver van, until one day Nana was unlucky enough to be hit by a car. Satoru has had some rough times in his own life, including losing his parents at a young age, but he has a sweet and kind nature. Like most cats, Nana is independent and a bit irritable. They have five lovely years together before Satoru, for reasons he does not reveal immediately, sets out on a journey to find Nana a new home. They visit friends from Satoru’s childhood and college days, and we learn more about Satoru and Nana.

If you are a cat lover, this book will definitely give you all the feels. Nana’s voice as the narrator is amusing, and his relationship with the young man who saves him and takes him in is touching. It’s a short book you can read in a sitting or two. Be sure to have the box of tissues near by.

Recommended for fans of A Man Called Ove and The Charms of Arthur Pepper. I read an advance reader copy of The Travelling Cat Chronicles. It will be released in the U.S. on October 23 and will be available at the Galesburg Public Library.

My husband is probably sick of me gushing about how much I liked this book. I want to tell him all about this cat I'm reading about!
Because of our shared love of cats and Japan, we both attempted to read Soseki's "I am a cat" years ago, but just couldn't get through the episodic storytelling and old-fashioned writing. I wanted to love it because narration by a cat sounds like the best kind of story! So when "The Traveling Cat Chronicles" started with "I am a cat" and makes a reference to Soseki's novel on the first page (which most Japanese people will recognize right away-- the line is kind of like "It was the best of times, it was the worst of times" for an English speaking reader), I snickered, loved it, and dove right in.

"The Traveling Cat Chronicles"' is told in 4 parts and focuses on the main character, Satoru. Satoru picks up a stray that reminds him of his childhood cat. As Satoru tries to re-home his cat, we get the story of his life and a few fun, poking remarks from his cranky, but sweet cat (definitely how I'd imagine inner monologues of most household cats).

I love my cat, and he enjoyed cuddling with me as I read this book. He definitely got a few more hugs and pets than normal after reading this one- so he'd probably rate it 5 stars too for that.

Thank you Netgalley and Berkely Publishing Group for the ARC of this memorable and cute story.

I loved this story, it touches the heart and reminds us of the bonds between us and our beloved pets. Sweet, funny and in parts sad, as is life. Told in parts by the human and part by the cat it was an engaging look at how cats think. an enjoyable read for any animal lover.

I loved this book! I have to admit I'm not a 'cat person' but for some reason this book compelled me. I wasn't sure how a story narrated by a cat would work but it does! This one will stay with me for a long time to come.

Highly recommended!!! This book immediately hooked me in when it started off with the cat narrating the story. I’m a huge animal lover, and it also made it reminiscent of Garth Stein’s, The Art of Racing in the Rain. The great thing about the Traveling Cat Chronicles, however, was that the narrator bounced between the first person of Nana the cat, and some sections were in the third person which to me was great because it let you see more of the story, like during the flashbacks. This is a story about friendships and love in all walks of life. I laughed and I cried throughout, it was so heartfelt!

This was a highly entertaining read. I laughed, I cried, I smiled. The story is told partially from the point of view of Nana, the stray cat that Satoru takes in. As the story progresses, we see pieces of Satouro's life from many different points of view, with Nana frequently adding in his own opinion as he listens in. Satouro takes Nana on a road trip to try to find him a new home, and as the book progresses you can't help but grow to like Nana and Satouro more and more. Nana and Satoru have a truly special and heartwarming relationship. While the tone of the book is serious at times (you can tell from the beginning that something has to be wrong for Satoru to give away his beloved cat), the author adds in humor to keep things light. I especially love Nana's entertaining commentary.

A charming story that reminds us to always follow our hearts and discover the true meaning of friendship, loyality and courage.

Thank you to NetGalley for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

The Traveling Cat Chronicles is a tale of a man, Satoru, and the bond he forms with a stray cat. Satoru befriends a stray cat in his neighborhood. After the cat has an accident, Satoru, takes in the cat and names him Nana. After many years of happy times together, Satoru must find a new home for Nana. So begins a journey where Satoru reconnects with people throughout his life.

Parts of the story are told from, Nana, the cat's point of view. Any pet lover, especially a cat lover, will find humor and love in the story as told by Nana. I really enjoyed this book. However, the prose can be choppy at times, but I believe that is because it is translated from Japanese.

The story pulls you in from the very beginning. You meet the cat and are surprisingly gifted with narration from his point of view. Cats are a species of animal that appears to humans to have a mind of their own and this story delivers a wonderfully imaginative tale. As Nana and Satoru travel, the story gifts you with the act of selfless giving, moments to reflect on your own history as Satoru meets with people from.his past, and ultimately the beauty of friendship. This is a lovely book that will be long remembered after the last page is read.

Cute title but I couldn't get ten pages into this book before giving up. Just not for me. I'll try to read later on.

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for an eARC of this book.
This is such a sweet book and clever as well. Such nice people, kind people populate this book. They treat each other with such care and respect. And then there is the cat. Such a remarkable animal. The lives of these people weave in and out with respect and kindness. It probably sounds just a little too sweet. Maybe it is but I read it at a time when sweetness was a nice respite from the world around me. Maybe this should be 4 stars but I am giving it 5 because it made me happy.

This is a wonderful book narrated by a cat. The cat and his owner go on an adventure of sorts, where the owner visits old friends and acquaintances. This book is beautifully written, it will have you smiling, laughing, and crying. I loved this charming book and found I couldn't put it down.

I would like to thank Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with a review copy of this book. This is my honest and unbiased opinion of it.

I absolutely loved this. It was moving and beautifully told. I loved how the narration wove back and forth from Nana’s perspective to the memories of Satoru’s friends and aunt. I’ll be recommending this like crazy.

A Japanese man, Satoru, adopts a stray cat and they spend an enjoyable few years together -- until suddenly the man decides he can no longer take care of the cat. As he tries to find the cat a new home, the two travel around Japan to visit people who have been important throughout the Satoru's life and the cat (and the reader) learn the man's life story.

This was a unique way of relating a man's life. I personally found the character of the cat annoying to listen to, but I enjoyed the narrations of Satoru and the people who influenced him...and whom he influenced. This was a sweet, enjoyable story.

I'll be honest, this wasn't what I was expecting exactly. I feel like everyone should know up front, if you have a cat you will sob uncontrollably. Some of the writing was a bit off and stilted but overall I really like the different voices. The cat's voice was very accurate. Little annoying that the cat is telling the reader, often, exactly what the author wants the reader to know instead of showing the reader what the author wants us to know. It's too expositional.

This drew me in right away from the moment I saw the cover. I was hooked from page one.


The story follows Nana the cat and Satoru the human. We get to see the story in both of their POVs. They are on a road trip to find someone who can take in Nana. We don't get to know why until near the end. Nana is not aware either but is just along for the ride.


I really enjoyed this book. It took a little bit for me to like Satoru's POV, but by the end, I grew to adore him. Now Nana? Loved him. That sassy little cat made me smile.


It was interesting to learn about our characters slowly. The more people we meet up with, the more we get to learn about Satoura and even Nana. We get to see why Satoura really loves his cat. Even though he trying to find a new home, he just cannot let him go. It was really sweet and I had my guesses on WHY he was trying to find a new home.


There were some funny moments and then the ending had me in tears.


Yes, I cried. Ugh! So sad, so sweet! OHHHHH the feels. It struck a real cord in my heart. Such a good story. My poor boyfriend was concerned. When I tried to explain the book, I started crying again. So beautiful.


In the end, I highly encourage you to read this book. It is a good story about a man and his cat on an adventure. Lots of feels. Happy and sad. A great book. I'll stamp this with 5 stars.

I loved the voice of Nono. He had some insight into human behavior. At first I considered recommending this to my 6th grade age grandchildren who love cats, but as I continued reading I decided it was definitely for teens and above. Nono said that he was multi-linguistic and able to 'talk' with the other animals in the story. A very enjoyable read.