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The Cat Who Saved Books by Sosuke Natsukawa {Reviewed by STELLA} Need some distraction from the world? How about stepping through the back wall of a bookshop into a series of fantastical scenarios to save some books? A talking cat, a young man — Rintaro — who considers himself a typical hikikomori, plenty of classics getting a mention — and all taking place in a small, special second-hand bookshop. When Rintaro’s grandfather dies, his connection with the world is further severed, despite  his classmate Sayo keeping an eye on him and trying to get him back to the classroom. Rintaro seems keener on drinking Assam tea — his grandfather’s favourite — and dreamily sitting in the bookshop, then closing Natsuki Books and packing to move in with his Aunt. One evening, just as Rintaro is ready to close and go upstairs, the bell on the front door rings out — but there is no one there. Yet, a voice sings out. Tracking the sounds reveals a large stripy cat, who introduces himself as Tiger and nicknames Rintaro 'Mr Proprietor'. And apparently, the cat needs his help. Help that will require Rintaro to step through the back wall into a labyrinth to save books. There are several adventures into magical worlds, each a little more dangerous and strange. Will Rintaro be brave enough to complete these tasks or will he and Tiger be lost to the labyrinth? And how come no one else sees the talking cat? That is until Sayo walks into the bookshop. Together they will use their wits — Sayo is determined and Rintaro has a passion for books (one developed by his literature-loving grandfather) — to change others' minds and behaviour. The Cat Who Saved Books is a magical book — a charming Japanese-style fable about the pleasures of literature and books.