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devynreadsnovels's review against another edition
adventurous
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
Content Warnings
Moderate: Bullying, Chronic illness, Death, Misogyny, Grief, Toxic friendship, and Alcohol
sektaufeis'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
3.0
I can just agree with the review of someone else:
" i just was expecting something more emotionally profound."
I expected to learn more about the librarian with the myterious gift, but she was more of a side character the reader learnt only bits and snippets about. The description of the librarian was kinda fatphobic and unnecessary.
Since the structure of the book is quite repetitive (every chapter/ character story has the same structure) one had to read the awkward encounter between the people borrowing books and the librarian over and over again.
The character development was okayish in my opinion.
I liked the topic of the book! Many people are struggling to find their path or passion. To try something new and use a change of perspective by getting inspired by tiny things, is a really helpful perspective and message of the book. However, the target group of this book is rather mainstream, I guess. If you are used to reading complex, deeply reflective fiction - this is story is rather shallow, or that was at least my experience. (:
I think it is the perfect gift for someone who feels stuck and unhappy with their life, some who does not spent their time thinking about society - I was instantly thinking about the mother of a friend.
I usually ready feminist speculative fiction and for me it was a flop. :(
" i just was expecting something more emotionally profound."
I expected to learn more about the librarian with the myterious gift, but she was more of a side character the reader learnt only bits and snippets about. The description of the librarian was kinda fatphobic and unnecessary.
Since the structure of the book is quite repetitive (every chapter/ character story has the same structure) one had to read the awkward encounter between the people borrowing books and the librarian over and over again.
The character development was okayish in my opinion.
I liked the topic of the book! Many people are struggling to find their path or passion. To try something new and use a change of perspective by getting inspired by tiny things, is a really helpful perspective and message of the book. However, the target group of this book is rather mainstream, I guess. If you are used to reading complex, deeply reflective fiction - this is story is rather shallow, or that was at least my experience. (:
I think it is the perfect gift for someone who feels stuck and unhappy with their life, some who does not spent their time thinking about society - I was instantly thinking about the mother of a friend.
I usually ready feminist speculative fiction and for me it was a flop. :(
Content Warnings
Moderate: Fatphobia
Minor: Death
katiemack's review against another edition
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
I received an eARC of this book from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
This collection feels cozy and charming and does, in fact, remind me of Before the Coffee Gets Cold. (Nice work, marketing department.) As a librarian, I obviously felt compelled to read this, but I wasn't expecting how poignant the stories would be; I loved the focus on community and the exploration of human nature Michiko Aoyama facilitates through them. I wanted to read more about Sayuri Komachi--the librarian--but maybe Aoyama will explore that in a sequel.
This collection feels cozy and charming and does, in fact, remind me of Before the Coffee Gets Cold. (Nice work, marketing department.) As a librarian, I obviously felt compelled to read this, but I wasn't expecting how poignant the stories would be; I loved the focus on community and the exploration of human nature Michiko Aoyama facilitates through them. I wanted to read more about Sayuri Komachi--the librarian--but maybe Aoyama will explore that in a sequel.
Content Warnings
Minor: Death and Fatphobia