Reviews with content warning for Terminal illness - Die Tage in der Buchhandlung Morisaki

I really enjoyed the first part of the book, which was set in the bookstore and focused on Takako's relationship with her uncle and her burgeoning love of reading. The second half had some bright spots, particularly her interactions with Wada; but it was much weaker overall. I really disliked the aunt. I have sympathy for her, and I realize there are probably some cultural differences at play here, but I found literally all of her behavior unacceptable.

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pandemonicbaby's review against another edition

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emotional lighthearted reflective relaxing fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.5

I enjoyed this book, it was a nice, short and somewhat relaxing read. The prose is very simplistic, without much flourishing, but it did its job nonetheless. I feel like some aspects of the story were rushed, such as her finding a love for books (after the first instance of her reading and loving a book, she just says she read even more later). Some mentions of a regretted abortion that doesn't directly seem like an anti-abortion sentiment, but maybe coild be read as such nonetheless.
Some of the passages felt a little like "men writing women", but not in a sexualising or degrading way, simply in a "doesnt understand relationships between women that much" type of way, which isn't as bad.
Simple plot and story, but overall a nice reading experience !

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aliteraryescape's review against another edition

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reflective 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

2.75

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chrisstibbs's review against another edition

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emotional hopeful inspiring lighthearted reflective relaxing 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

Short, but sweet, a very enjoyable and simple story, but full of hidden meaning. Exploring the pursuit of finding purpose in the little things, this is one of those ‘books about books’ and what they mean for human connection.

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kuronekostea's review against another edition

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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.

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alicewolfe's review against another edition

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emotional hopeful fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

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andrealinia's review against another edition

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hopeful lighthearted relaxing medium-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

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