paddy_chh's review against another edition
hopeful
lighthearted
relaxing
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
3.25
Calm and compelling, a wholesome story about close family bonds and finding joy in the small things in life. Simplistic on first glance but filled with subtle wisdom and life advice the more you look under the surface.
Content Warnings
Minor: Infertility and Miscarriage
james1star's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
This was a wholly enjoyable read and one I’d definitely recommend. The book is in two parts, the first centres around Takako who, after her boyfriend reveals he’s planning to marry another woman, decides to take up her eccentric uncle Satoru’s offer to move in with him at the Morisaki Bookshop. This is a place of wonder, surrounded by loads of other second-hand bookshops in Jimbocho, Tokyo, each brimming with thousands of books. Takako was never into reading but starts to uncover the beauty within these worlds of fiction, seeing herself, her thoughts and her feelings within the page. As the year passes, the second part of the book comes into play and here we delve deeper into the life of Momoko, the wife who left Satoru five years prior. The three share time together, learning about life, love and the power of books.
There is possibly something to be desired in the book’s plot and story whereby more could’ve happened. However, the characters are what made me love this novel, they’re really real - not perfect - and you just root for them all the way. This applies to Takako, Satoru and Momoko but also those in the coffee shop down the road and the regular customers to Morisaki. It’s a perfect balance of description and moving the story along. My favourite part was probably reading Takako fall in love with reading in the same way I did, it’s a little meta as I’m seeing myself in her seeing herself in books. It’s not an amazing book but definitely one worth checking out and a thoroughly enjoyable read.
Content Warnings
Minor: Abortion, Infidelity, and Miscarriage
ruthypoo2's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
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? No
4.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Infidelity
Minor: Miscarriage
shelbyl's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-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
4.0
Simple. Sweet. An ode to bookstores and readers.
Content Warnings
Minor: Abortion, Miscarriage, and Cancer
tashtasher's review against another edition
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
relaxing
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? No
3.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Child death, Infidelity, Grief, and Miscarriage
Minor: Alcohol and Death of parent
princessdeia's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
4.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Terminal illness, Miscarriage, and Infertility
Minor: Abortion
aleilvandrea's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
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? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Abortion, Miscarriage, Toxic relationship, Mental illness, and Abandonment
Moderate: Pregnancy, Cancer, Infertility, and Alcohol
acecatlady's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
relaxing
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Overall I liked it a lot, but, In a book that was largely affirming and about helping people to accept and stand up for themselves and find themselves etc etc, that sort lf passed by as a yup, thats just a fact lets never address it.
Otherwise I loved it. Could have been a 4.5 or higher, but that one bit really knocked me out some because no one was like wait, that's not how that works.
Spoiler
the implication that I think they were getting at some sort of self punishment for an abortion when one of the characters was younger (maybe a miscarriage) because she found out her boyfriend was married? Not sure I perfectly understood that part...that I very much did not like.Otherwise I loved it. Could have been a 4.5 or higher, but that one bit really knocked me out some because no one was like wait, that's not how that works.
Content Warnings
Minor: Abortion and Miscarriage
clavishorti's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
inspiring
reflective
sad
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
Days at the Morisaki Bookshop by Satoshi Yagisawa, deftly translated by the talented Eric Ozawa, unfolds like a cherished, inviting book you can't help but sink into on a cozy afternoon. As the story dances forward, one can't help but be drawn into the beguiling question: how will Morisaki Bookshop continue to inscribe its mark on the lives of those who find solace within its ambiance?
The initial segment, which intimately chronicles Takako's journey, emerges as an exquisite literary jewel. It's not merely a story, but a narrative that ensnares the soul, etching an enduring impression on the reader's heart. The palpable rawness of emotion and the lingering touch of melancholy weave seamlessly through the pages, crafting an immersive reading experience that resonates on a profound level. Encountering a work of fiction capable of evoking such depth of sentiment is a rarity indeed.
Yet, as the tale gracefully transitions into its second phase, there's a subtle shift in narrative momentum. While the subject matter remains compelling, the delivery, though commendable, doesn't quite scale the same heights of brilliance as the initial part. Nevertheless, I find myself profoundly grateful to have journeyed through this book to its culmination. The layers of its narrative, each carefully woven, leave a lasting impression, a testament to the intricate artistry of Satoshi Yagisawa's storytelling.
The incorporation of a bookstore and its significance in the narrative is a stroke of genius. For avid readers, this element serves as a delightful treat, adding an extra layer of charm to the story. It's a book that offers solace to those who hold literature close to their hearts.
Beyond its literary charm, the novel tackles weighty themes with honesty and grace. Mental health, solitude, heartbreak, and the journey towards healing are skillfully woven into the narrative. It delves into the complexities of communication, self-discovery, family dynamics, and the rejuvenation of friendships. Through it all, the novel embraces the concept of new beginnings, painting a vivid portrait of the human experience.
Days at the Morisaki Bookshop is a beautifully crafted work that resonates on a profound level. It's a testament to the enduring power of literature to illuminate the complexities of our lives. This novel is not just a story; it's an experience that lingers long after the final page is turned.
Spoiler
This book comes in two parts, initially guiding us through Takako's transformative journey, entwined with the enigmatic presence of her uncle, Satoru. Then, like a sudden plot twist, Momoko, Satoru's mysterious wife, reemerges after a five-year vanishing act. All of these intriguing events unfold in the intimate embrace of the Morisaki Bookshop, a place that exudes an inexplicable but undeniable magic.The initial segment, which intimately chronicles Takako's journey, emerges as an exquisite literary jewel. It's not merely a story, but a narrative that ensnares the soul, etching an enduring impression on the reader's heart. The palpable rawness of emotion and the lingering touch of melancholy weave seamlessly through the pages, crafting an immersive reading experience that resonates on a profound level. Encountering a work of fiction capable of evoking such depth of sentiment is a rarity indeed.
Yet, as the tale gracefully transitions into its second phase, there's a subtle shift in narrative momentum. While the subject matter remains compelling, the delivery, though commendable, doesn't quite scale the same heights of brilliance as the initial part. Nevertheless, I find myself profoundly grateful to have journeyed through this book to its culmination. The layers of its narrative, each carefully woven, leave a lasting impression, a testament to the intricate artistry of Satoshi Yagisawa's storytelling.
The incorporation of a bookstore and its significance in the narrative is a stroke of genius. For avid readers, this element serves as a delightful treat, adding an extra layer of charm to the story. It's a book that offers solace to those who hold literature close to their hearts.
Beyond its literary charm, the novel tackles weighty themes with honesty and grace. Mental health, solitude, heartbreak, and the journey towards healing are skillfully woven into the narrative. It delves into the complexities of communication, self-discovery, family dynamics, and the rejuvenation of friendships. Through it all, the novel embraces the concept of new beginnings, painting a vivid portrait of the human experience.
Days at the Morisaki Bookshop is a beautifully crafted work that resonates on a profound level. It's a testament to the enduring power of literature to illuminate the complexities of our lives. This novel is not just a story; it's an experience that lingers long after the final page is turned.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Infidelity
Moderate: Child death, Miscarriage, Terminal illness, Abortion, Cancer, and Mental illness
literarylily's review against another edition
emotional
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.75
Content Warnings
Moderate: Cancer and Miscarriage
Minor: Mental illness