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lindsaybethlyons's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Minor: Child death and Miscarriage
kuronekostea's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
Normally I am not a fan of cozy books, but this novel was a pleasant surprise. The novel has a decent pace and doesn't drag on like some cozy novels I have read. There is enough family/relationship drama that keeps the story interesting with out being too overwhelming. The focus shifts from the main character to her uncle and I would say they both get an equal spotlight in their problems and growth through the story. The focus is predominantly on the characters and their relationships with out any real plot line aside from personal growth and healing. Very cute! Would recommend for a cozy coffee day.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Child death, Mental illness, Miscarriage, and Toxic relationship
Minor: Chronic illness, Infidelity, Terminal illness, Grief, Death of parent, Pregnancy, and Gaslighting
kerrence30's review against another edition
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
A very sweet story, but wasn’t keen on the narrator. I feel she made it sounds overly simplistic, bordering childish. Perhaps that’s more of a reflection on the writing style/translation, hard to say. Enjoyed the story and characters.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Child death, Miscarriage, and Pregnancy
melodys_library's review against another edition
emotional
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Early in the book, the author touches on the many joys of reading. I loved that. This book was the perfect length. Not too long, but not so short that I didn’t feel like I didn’t get to know the characters well enough.
Content Warnings
Minor: Child death and Terminal illness
ericispublius's review against another edition
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Yagisawa creates a safe & warm atmosphere in the bookshop — I couldn't help living there a little myself. The story felt predictable in one moment but would sidestep in the last second, particularly concerning romance. Traditional misogyny & LGBT+ erasure permeated the text; I made many notes in the margins saying, "Why not consider this more fitting romance?" or "Why wouldn't this person receive an inheritance?" All that aside, it was a cute read that redeems itself in the very end
Content Warnings
Graphic: Misogyny and Abandonment
Moderate: Child death and Infidelity
Minor: Terminal illness and Abortion
saoreads's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
It was heartwarming and had a slice-of-life moment. It touched on the gullible instances and betrayals at first, which led the character to go find a sort of escape. It showed the need for a change of environment. To allow yourself to take a breather when burned out. To get in touch with a community you'll learn to love. The character stayed true to their personality and allowed autonomy, which was, in its truest form, humane.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death, Infidelity, Terminal illness, Pregnancy, and Gaslighting
maybak's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
informative
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
Content Warnings
Minor: Child death
sashasghost's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
i liked it as a relaxing read about recentering what's important to you. i will definitely read the second book.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Child death and Abortion
alwaysaworldaway's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.25
Content Warnings
Minor: Child death and Infertility
toastyghosty13's review against another edition
challenging
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I really liked the characters in this book, they all have their own unique personalities and whimsy. Takako goes through a rough patch with her boyfriend, who has been seeing someone else at the same time and is planning on marrying the other woman. He breaks up with Takako and she falls into a pit of despair. Her uncle Satoru calls her up and offers to have her work at his bookshop with him. What starts as a partially begrudging family reunion blossoms into a journey of Takako finding herself and the inner courage to stand up for herself.
While her love for her uncle and his book shop grow, Takako meets others that are living and working in the neighborhood. She makes friendships that last a lifetime and has a therapeutic experience, while also helping her uncle through his own similar experience.
I really liked this book as a light read. It is short, but does not lack in content or passion by any means. If anything, it made me want to open up my own used book store. This book was a joy to read, and I will be reading the 2nd book sometime in the future.
While her love for her uncle and his book shop grow, Takako meets others that are living and working in the neighborhood. She makes friendships that last a lifetime and has a therapeutic experience, while also helping her uncle through his own similar experience.
I really liked this book as a light read. It is short, but does not lack in content or passion by any means. If anything, it made me want to open up my own used book store. This book was a joy to read, and I will be reading the 2nd book sometime in the future.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Infidelity and Gaslighting
Moderate: Cancer, Child death, Infertility, and Abortion