Reviews

This book is referenced in plenty of media, so I am glad I have now read it and can understand those better!

What’d I think of the book itself though? Ehh... I don’t think the writing style used here is really for me. I found myself losing focus rather often.
I don’t think it’s a problem with Natsume as an author. I have been reading Bocchan at the same time I was reading I Am a Cat, never facing the same problems with it. It’s likely mainly the fact that I expected this story to be more from the cat’s perspective, but at times… well, I would say rather often, its voice gets completely drowned out by the discussions of the human characters at times. There were a few moments where I felt for the cat or was amused by its commentary, but I wish there were more of those moments.

Wish there was more of the actual cat, less details about the ponderings of the humans around. But with the cultural relevance, a worthwhile reading experience nonetheless

andymccormick's review against another edition

Go to review page

dark funny informative lighthearted medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.75

grayjay's review against another edition

Go to review page

4.0

I can't decide if I really liked this book, or if I just really wanted to really like this book. It has several things I really like ostensibly--talking cats, dry sardonic satire, Japan--but I definitely had to drag myself through some of the duller parts.