Matcha & Motifs’ Rating: 2.5/5

In an effort to read more works by Asian authors, I’ve picked this one up. We’ll Prescribe You a Cat is an award-winning bestseller Japanese book about cats’ unique effects to heal and uplift. It’s been translated into over 30 languages, sharing its joys with many readers. 

How much culture is conveyed in these novels, and how does culture shape the story? I haven’t read too many Japanese works, only a handful for school, such as The Sailor Who Fell From Grace with the Sea by Yukio Mishima and After the Quake by Haruki Murakami. Their protagonists seem more mellow than the protagonists in American works and have a village mindset. These traits are evident in this book as well. 

In Bee’s chapter, our protagonist battles with workspace bullying. The amount of work, pressure, and humiliation that is normal in Japan’s work culture is a common topic I’ve heard of. It was insightful to see how Japan’s values and society have shaped it, the good and the bad.  

In Margot’s story, the dad felt the need to be the man of the house, the authoritative figure in his family, yet he battles with feeling left out and unheard. I feel like this is a common theme among men in Asian communities. The standard and internalization to be in charge only push them away from vulnerability and receive the help they need. 

These stories feel simple yet meaningful because they give us a glimpse of the ordinary. They show us the realities of the challenges that life throws our way and can offer so much compassion and empathy for readers. Of course, the fictional aspect of a mysterious clinic that prescribes cats as medicine seems a little fantastical, but the essence isn’t that far from reality. 

I may be biased, but I love cats! This might be part of the reason why I grabbed this book in the first place. Cats are extraordinary. Before having cats, I didn’t know that animals had such distinct personalities, let alone personalities at all. When I adopted my first cat, it felt like I don’t want to say motherhood, but in a sense, it did. A living creature relied on me to keep it fed, sheltered, and loved. I was bonding and caring for this beautiful animal. People underestimate the power of pets to relieve stress and reduce anxiety. When I was a stressed-out university student, my best friend and I would go to the local humane society/animal shelter just to pet the cats and feel a sense of relief. So, I know the sense of healing and cheer cats bring. Animals do wonders. 

For this book to capture this simplicity is marvelous. Overall, it was an okay read for me. I can see the appeal, but for some reason, it’s touching but only surface level whenever I read these types of books: Tuesdays with Morris, Midnight Library, and now this one, We’ll Prescribe You a Cat. They just don’t do it for me. Don’t get me wrong, they were okay, even good reads, but I’m not fascinated or inspired by most of them. I would rather figure out life by going through it. I know they’re supposed to reframe your mindset, but I think, in general, I have a positive outlook on life, and I tend to take life by the horns, so sometimes they leave a gimmicky aftertaste. I can see the appeal, and I know that there are people out there who are heard, seen, and even saved by books like these, so I can certainly appreciate their role. 

The ending of We’ll Prescribe You a Cat is bittersweet. The mystery of this magical clinic was slowly revealed through the connecting stories, and I liked that aspect. I enjoyed the continuity. Overall, it felt like a short and sweet read.