I have a hard time formulating my opinions on this book. Partly due to the fact I don't think I'm done processing the emotions the book left me with.

I've had cat companions my entire life, they have always been family. And this book hit like a truck, even when you saw the end coming. It was the way it was portrayed that caught me by surprise and hit me like a truck.

As a self proclaimed crazy cat lady, nothing peeves me more whenever I meet a cat in a book, and the cat is an asshole. That's the stereotype isn't it? Dogs are loyal, and cuddly. Cats are standoffish and dislikes cuddles.

And that IS true, strange cats rarely are cuddly with strangers, tho even here there is exceptions. But when authors use this stereotype with cats who have a major role, both in the book and in the MCs life, it annoys me. Because it isn't very realistic. If you love your cat, and respect it, it'll usually love you back.

I've found cats more cuddly, and more loyal, than any dog I've met. But of course, as a crazy cat lady, maybe I'm biased and you won't believe me.

But that is part of the joy of reading The Travelling Cat Chronicles. It portrayed realistic cat behavior, if sometimes a little too intelligent. (but even then, I've had some very smart cats)

Nana reminded me of cats I've had. Cats I've lost. Cats I've mourned. My current cat isn't anything like Nana, and is straight up the stupidest cat I've ever had. But even then, Nana made me look at my cat in a loving way.

And my heart breaks for Satoru, who was born an great and kind person. Far greater and kinder than me. And was handed bad cards in life, and greeted them with good humour.

So yes, this book made me cry. I hate crying. I loathe crying. But it wasn't a bad cry. It wasn't a sad one. This was the epitome of a bittersweet tale. It was cozy, and cute, and wholesome. It portrayed loss, and mourning. But also making new friends, and how those friendship stayed important, even if life gets in the way and you're no longer spending time together.

And more importantly, it portrayed the unique and strong bond between companions. Even if one of them doesn't have fur.