I’ve always loved finding new ways to share the things I genuinely enjoy — so expanding my exclusive discounts and recommendations felt like a natural next step. And as a book lover, partnering with Waterstones is one I’ve been especially excited about.
It means I can highlight reads I’ve genuinely enjoyed, alongside the kind of editions and offers I’d personally look for — the ones that feel a little more considered.
A quiet, unexpected kind of storytelling
The Cat and the City by Nick Bradley isn’t a typical novel — it’s more like a series of interconnected moments, all loosely tied together by a quiet, watchful presence.
Set across Tokyo, the story unfolds through different characters whose lives overlap in subtle, often unexpected ways. At the centre of it all is a stray cat — drifting between people, places, and perspectives.
More than just a setting
What stayed with me most is how Tokyo itself feels alive within the book. It isn’t just background — it shapes everything. From the intensity of crowded districts to the stillness of quieter corners, the city becomes part of the narrative.
Each chapter almost reads like its own short story, but there’s a thread running through them that slowly builds into something more reflective and connected.
Why it works
It’s not fast-paced or overly plot-driven — and that’s exactly why it works. It’s more about observation, atmosphere, and those small, human moments that feel familiar even in a completely different setting.
If you like books that let you slow down a little, this is one of those reads that quietly pulls you in without trying too hard.
The Cat and the City is less about one story and more about many — all gently connected in a way that feels both subtle and intentional.
My take: It’s the kind of book you read for the atmosphere as much as the narrative — something a little different, but in a way that feels refreshing rather than complicated.
Find it here:
The Cat and the City at Waterstones
For your shelf, not just your reading list
If you’re drawn to books that feel just as good to display as they do to read, Waterstones’ clothbound classics are always worth a look.
They’re the kind of editions that elevate a bookshelf — understated, detailed, and designed to be kept rather than passed on.
If you’re browsing for your next read, you can explore current Waterstones offers here.
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