by Syou Ishida
First published 2025
The Kokoro Clinic for the Soul has reopened its doors, though finding its exact location remains impossible unless you truly need what it offers. Dr. Nikko and her staff continue their unusual practice of prescribing cats to patients with wounded hearts. A young woman sabotages her relationship with a devoted partner, unable to accept his love. A widowed grandfather watches helplessly as his grandson locks himself away from the world. Family members struggle to bridge the gaps between them after loss. An anxious cat shelter worker believes the most difficult animals offer the greatest rewards. Each patient receives a carefully chosen feline companion. Four-month-old Bengal Kotetsu tears through bedding with unstoppable energy. Tiny Shasha refuses to let her size limit her adventures. Ms. Michiko, soft as mochi, prefers comfort to activity. As their stories weave together, the cats work their quiet magic on human hearts that have forgotten how to heal.
Genres: romance, family-life, contemporary, magical-realism
Vibes: emotional-atmospheric, intimate, thought-provoking, whimsical
Tropes: found-family, healing, magical-realism
Setting: Kokoro Clinic for the Soul
304 pages · Hardcover · Berkley