A review by overbookedmama
Before the Coffee Gets Cold by Toshikazu Kawaguchi

3.0

 I read The Midnight Library earlier this year and it shares very similar themes of death, loss, and regret with Before the Coffee Gets Cold. Each of the four storylines felt repetitive because of the way the cafe rules were stated over and over again. The tactic created a clear rhythm to set the stage for the novel but ultimately I found it a bit tedious to read. The cafe setting was cozy but felt too neatly boxed in. I would have enjoyed getting to experience a little more scenery or world-building, even through more flashbacks. I did enjoy the time-travel elements and an introduction to some of the Japanese culture and rituals. It wasn't my favorite book but I'm still glad I took the time to read it. Overall, I felt a lot of empathy towards the characters and I thought it was a good study of how we can overcome difficulties in life with the support of family and friends.