Anakdenesor

The light Jar by Lisa Thompson [Book Review]

By anakdenesor - Januari 15, 2025

The Light Jar by Lisa Thompson is a poignant, thoughtful, and beautifully crafted middle-grade novel that explores themes of resilience, friendship, mental health, and healing.

The story follows Nate, a young boy who finds himself hiding in a dilapidated, abandoned cottage in the woods after his mother takes him away from an abusive relationship. Left to fend for himself when his mother mysteriously disappears, Nate must confront his fears, loneliness, and uncertainty. Along the way, he encounters two unlikely companions: a quirky girl named Kitty, who is on her own quest to solve a local mystery, and his imaginary friend, Sam, who reappears to help Nate process the challenges he's facing.

Throughout the book you will find out a few theme that been expose by the author such as Empathetic. Lisa Thompson skillfully addresses complex issues like emotional abuse, neglect, and loneliness in a way that is sensitive and accessible to younger readers. Through Nate’s journey, the novel sheds light on how children process trauma and cope in difficult circumstances. Lisa also create an imaginary Friend as a Coping Mechanism. You can it when Sam, Nate's imaginary friend, is a unique and compelling element of the story. His presence serves as a window into Nate's inner world, providing insight into how he navigates his fears and unresolved emotions. This adds a layer of depth and creativity to the narrative.

For me the book starts off a little slowly, which might make it challenging for some younger readers to immediately get drawn in. However, the pace picks up as the story progresses. The deeper you are in this book, you will understand the relation of the power of hope and light in dark times. This book also using the importance of friendship and teach us how to overcoming fears and embracing inner strength.

My final thoughts that The Light Jar is an emotionally rich and beautifully written novel that speaks to the resilience of the human spirit, even in the face of hardship. It's a perfect read for middle-grade readers who enjoy heartfelt stories with a touch of mystery and adventure. Adults will also find it meaningful, as it offers insights into how children process and heal from difficult experiences. This book is perfect for fans of books like A Monster Calls by Patrick Ness or The Boy at the Back of the Class by Onjali Q. Raúf.

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐/⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

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wordless wednesday

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book

The cat who saved books Sosuke Natsukawa

By anakdenesor - Januari 14, 2025

the cat who saved books

There’s something magical about books that whisk you away into another world while subtly nudging you to think deeply about your own. The Cat Who Saved Books does exactly that. It’s a novel that feels like it was brewed in the cozy corner of an independent bookstore, where the smell of old paper mingles with the whispers of readers. With its whimsical plot and heartfelt themes, this book offers a charming meditation on the power of literature, human connection, and self-discovery.

The story begins with a quiet, bookish teenager named Rintaro Natsuki, who’s grappling with the recent death of his grandfather. His grandfather, the owner of a second-hand bookshop called Natsuki Books, was Rintaro’s closest family and his anchor to the world. As Rintaro prepares to shut down the bookstore and face an uncertain future, he encounters an unusual visitor, a talking tabby cat named Tiger. Tiger isn’t your typical feline. This enigmatic creature enlists Rintaro on a series of missions to rescue books from various forms of neglect and abuse.

The book’s structure is episodic, with each mission serving as a mini-adventure. From a businessman imprisoning books in glass cases to an overzealous academic dissecting texts for analytical purposes, Rintaro and Tiger confront characters who symbolize different ways in which literature can be misunderstood or mistreated. These scenarios are both surreal and allegorical, inviting readers to reflect on their own relationships with books.

Natsukawa weaves several poignant themes into his narrative:

The Value of Books: Each of Tiger’s missions underscores the importance of books not just as objects, but as vessels of ideas, emotions, and human experience. Whether it’s the businessman who sees books purely as investments or the publisher obsessed with speed over quality, these characters remind us how easy it is to lose sight of what truly makes literature valuable.

Grief and Healing: Rintaro’s journey is as much about saving himself as it is about saving books. His reluctance to leave the bookstore mirrors his struggle to let go of his grandfather. Through his adventures with Tiger, Rintaro learns to embrace change, confront his fears, and rediscover his purpose.

The Importance of Human Connection: While Rintaro starts the story as a socially isolated recluse, his interactions with others including a classmate named Sayo who takes an interest in him highlight the necessity of forming genuine relationships. The missions with Tiger push Rintaro to step out of his comfort zone and engage with the world around him.

The Joy of Reading: Perhaps the most universal theme in the book is its celebration of reading as a deeply personal yet profoundly communal act. Natsukawa reminds us that books have the power to inspire, challenge, and connect us in ways that transcend time and space.

As we jump to the characters of this book. The main character is Rintaro. He is a relatable protagonist, especially for introverted readers who find solace in the pages of a book. His hesitations, insecurities, and gradual growth are portrayed with authenticity. Tiger, the talking cat, is a delightful foil to Rintaro’s reserved nature. With his sharp tongue and no-nonsense attitude, Tiger adds a touch of humor and whimsy to the story. The supporting characters, though less developed, serve their symbolic purposes well.

Sayo, Rintaro’s persistent and caring classmate, adds a layer of warmth to the narrative. While her role could have been fleshed out more, she’s a refreshing contrast to Rintaro’s introversion. The various antagonists Rintarō encounters are exaggerated archetypes, but this fits the book’s allegorical style.

The Cat Who Saved Books stands out for its unique blend of magical realism and philosophical depth. While the premise might initially seem lighthearted, the book tackles profound questions about the purpose of literature and the role it plays in our lives. It’s a story that will resonate with anyone who has ever been moved by a book which is to say, most readers.

Another standout feature is the book’s setting. Natsuki Books is more than just a backdrop. It’s a character in its own right. The descriptions of the cluttered shelves, the smell of old paper, and the sense of history imbue the story with a tangible sense of place. For book lovers, it’s a setting that feels instantly familiar and comforting. However,while the novel has many strengths, it’s not without its flaws. The episodic structure, while effective for the story’s allegorical nature, can feel repetitive at times. Each mission follows a similar pattern which Rintaro and Tiger encounter a problem, confront the antagonist, and deliver a message about the value of books. This predictability may lessen the impact of the later missions.

The Cat Who Saved Books is a love letter to literature and the people who cherish it. It’s a reminder that books are more than just ink and paper. They’re a bridge between minds, a source of comfort, and a catalyst for change. While the story may not break new ground in terms of plot or character development, its heartfelt message and unique charm make it a memorable read.