Reviews with content warning for Abandonment - Days at the Morisaki Bookshop

It's difficult to explain this book. The overall story makes sense and what happens between the characters, but part I and part II felt disconnected somehow. The bookshop and the MC's growth became less of the focus. It seemed like the three characters most discussrd were simply living their lives and the reader was a spectator. I didn't find myself getting really attached to any of the characters - they seemed kind of bland? Generic? But still liked them enough to finish the bokk.
An easy read and I'm curious about the second book, but not enough to get it right away.

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ranee_samaniego's review against another edition

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reflective slow-paced

2.5

It took me some time to think about how I would rate and review this book.

<<Spoilers Below>>
The first half of this short book followed Takako, a young woman whose life sudden hits rock bottom. With no where to go, she has to move into the apartment above her uncle's second-hand bookshop. She soon falls in love with reading and, through the kind support and love from her uncle, Satoru, is able to slowly regain her footing in life.

The second half of the book suddenly takes a turn. Satoru's long-lost wife suddenly reappears after over a decade and just... moves back in as if she had never left. Takako and Satoru are utterly confused but don't ask questions or demand answers. I cannot fathom this. I was so frustrated at everyone - Takako and Satoru for not honoring themselves enough to demand truth, the long-lost wife for just trying to come back without providing any explanation.

And... then she leaves again at the end of the book. She has a lot of trauma and needs to heal, but I was so frustrated with her.

And that's how the book ended.

I enjoyed the first half of the book, but was frustrated with the characters in the second half.

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my_weird_bookish_heart's review against another edition

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emotional funny hopeful inspiring 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

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erynlasbelin's review against another edition

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emotional hopeful reflective medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? It's complicated

3.0

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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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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ericispublius's review against another edition

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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

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shaleen64's review against another edition

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emotional funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted 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

3.75

A book that focuses on the love of books, the love of people and second chances. In less than 200 pages it will having you laughing, tearing up but mostly it will leave you hopeful.

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aileron's review against another edition

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hopeful lighthearted 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

3.0

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