Book-a-book of the Month Club discussion

Discuss the story here

I really, really, really like this story - I thought it was perfect. I rarely find a book where, even if I liked it, I find it flawless. It was just so good!

Matthew wrote: "I really, really, really like this story - I thought it was perfect. I rarely find a book where, even if I liked it, I find it flawless. It was just so good!"

I agree. I haven't written a review yet, but I want to.

Did anyone else listen to this via audiobook? I had a hard time getting into it and set it aside, but wondering about picking it back up... although perhaps it lends itself better in writing than audio?

Meghan wrote: "Did anyone else listen to this via audiobook? I had a hard time getting into it and set it aside, but wondering about picking it back up... although perhaps it lends itself better in writing than a..."

I did a physical copy - you are saying you tried audio and couldn't get into it that way?

Matthew wrote: "Meghan wrote: "Did anyone else listen to this via audiobook? I had a hard time getting into it and set it aside, but wondering about picking it back up... although perhaps it lends itself better in..."

Correct. I just didn't feel particularly interested, but I can't put my finger on why.... I ended up falling asleep in the middle of the story for a bit and didn't feel motivated when I woke up to go back and relisten to the parts I missed. I decided I must be in the wrong headspace for the story, so I set it aside for another time or to read instead of audiobook.

Meghan wrote: "Matthew wrote: "Meghan wrote: "Did anyone else listen to this via audiobook? I had a hard time getting into it and set it aside, but wondering about picking it back up... although perhaps it lends ..."

I hope the next time works better for you - I could see if the reader has a particularly soothing voice, this one could have that problem.

Also, I started listening to audiobooks double-time years ago because regular time was too slow and boring!

I listened to the audio and really loved the readers slow, calm voice. I thought it was beautifully read, but can understand why someone might find it boring.

I never posted my review, so

It's not the journey that counts, but your companion.

Nana is on a road trip, not sure when he will get back home. All that matters is that he can sit beside his beloved owner Satoru in the front seat of their silver van. Satoru is making his way across Japan to see three old friends from his youth, though Nana doesn’t know why and Satoru won’t say.

The tale is set against the backdrop of Japan’s changing seasons and narrated with a gentle and soothing voice. This is about the value of friendship and solitude, and knowing when to give and when to take.

I’m not a cat person, but everyone is a love person and that’s what this little tale was really about. Unconditional love. Not everyone is infinitely lovable, but somehow everyone is eventually loved. The patience and sweetness of this story simply oozes from the page. We get alternating POVs between Nana, the cat, and an omniscient narrator who chooses not to disclose too much.

Nana may not know why they are on this journey, but I did after about 100 pages and it was heartbreaking.

This story really touched my heart. The narrative voice was beautiful and the descriptions were sublime.

Beautiful review Kandice! I think I’ll pick it up again at some point. Another reason I was a bit hesitant with this story is that I lost a pet not too long ago and it’s still tough. If the story goes that route, I’m a little worried that I’ll be a complete mess. I was worried that theme had something to do with the car ride.