A review by krsb
Tales from the Café by Toshikazu Kawaguchi

emotional hopeful inspiring reflective relaxing sad 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

5.0

Tales from the Cafe is book two in the Before the Coffee Gets Cold series and this one might be my favorite. I think if you want to stop anywhere in this series, you should at least give this one a chance. 
Tales from the Cafe does everything the first does but stronger. I feel like this book really solidifies the theme of perseverance and living to be happy in the face of loss. Each of the four customers this time are dealing with a loss of someone in their life. This one is a bit more heavy than the last book, but although the story deals with so much death and grief, it's never suffocating. Each story has a hopeful insight and it's a relaxing read.
What I especially loved was how much this book expands on the history behind the café and the Tokita family. Behind the customers, Kazu and her past are the main focus of this story and really tie it all together. Her growth as a character really shines through especially in the second half of the book. 10/10
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