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jlewis's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.5
I loved the first 2 books but felt this was disappointing. I didn’t feel much sense of connection with most of the characters and many of the conversations felt very stilted - I’m not convinced that this was just down to the translation. There was also endless repetition between and often within the stories, which became quite tedious.
I agree entirely with the previous reviewer who says they are tired of every story concerning someone with a mysterious illness who dies.
And I feel that the philosophy of not being endlessly unhappy about the death of a loved one is incomplete - there is no discussion of where necessary and appropriate grief belongs.
Finally, Dr Saki clearly lacks any of the necessary skills to be a psychiatrist - she seems wholly lacking in sensitivity
I agree entirely with the previous reviewer who says they are tired of every story concerning someone with a mysterious illness who dies.
And I feel that the philosophy of not being endlessly unhappy about the death of a loved one is incomplete - there is no discussion of where necessary and appropriate grief belongs.
Finally, Dr Saki clearly lacks any of the necessary skills to be a psychiatrist - she seems wholly lacking in sensitivity
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Terminal illness, Grief, and Death of parent
Moderate: Chronic illness and Suicidal thoughts
tinypear's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
“Well, I read that when you give a gift to someone who is striving to achieve their dreams, you have to give them the most cherished thing you have. Some days, that person who is chasing their dreams will not be able to find the strength to keep going. It will be bitter and painful, and they will have to weigh up their dreams and reality to make a choice. When that happens, the person gifted with the most precious thing will be able to fight on a little more. It apparently helps them to feel they are not alone. So, I'm giving you this book because I want you to fight for your dream.”
I found this instalment of the Before the Coffee Gets Cold series to be the most heart-warming, heart-wrenching and immersive. Kawaguchi’s storytelling seemed to take a step up for this one, with the stories becoming a lot more in depth and layered.
I loved how this story took place in a different location, with different regulars (but still a few of our original cast), and how all of these new characters meshed together to create a web of new storylines and levels to each chapter. Kawaguchi’s storytelling and character building felt much stronger in this book and his style of writing seems to have evolved alongside this, which made this one a much more enjoyable read and made characters ten times more loveable for me. Once again, this book is separated by four chapters with four different main actors time travelling in the cafe, but this time I found myself gripped by all four stories pretty equally. My favourites have to be the last two chapters, The Sister and The Young Man. I thoroughly enjoyed how all of these stories revolved around death, human emotion and regret during our lifetime, and the implementation of Sachi and her little (well, quite big) book as a plot device.
Another point that stood out to me was the ending of this book. I have always found Kawaguchi’s books to end on a somewhat uplifting and happy note, however this book left me with whiplash through the final pages. I did not expect to read what I did on the last few pages, but this added to the impact of the book as a whole. The only reason I can’t rate this one 5 stars is because I didn’t feel an urge to finish this book too quickly. This book has been my definite favourite read out of the series and I hope Kawaguchi’s storytelling continues to be on this upward trajectory. ✨
I found this instalment of the Before the Coffee Gets Cold series to be the most heart-warming, heart-wrenching and immersive. Kawaguchi’s storytelling seemed to take a step up for this one, with the stories becoming a lot more in depth and layered.
I loved how this story took place in a different location, with different regulars (but still a few of our original cast), and how all of these new characters meshed together to create a web of new storylines and levels to each chapter. Kawaguchi’s storytelling and character building felt much stronger in this book and his style of writing seems to have evolved alongside this, which made this one a much more enjoyable read and made characters ten times more loveable for me. Once again, this book is separated by four chapters with four different main actors time travelling in the cafe, but this time I found myself gripped by all four stories pretty equally. My favourites have to be the last two chapters, The Sister and The Young Man. I thoroughly enjoyed how all of these stories revolved around death, human emotion and regret during our lifetime, and the implementation of Sachi and her little (well, quite big) book as a plot device.
Another point that stood out to me was the ending of this book. I have always found Kawaguchi’s books to end on a somewhat uplifting and happy note, however this book left me with whiplash through the final pages. I did not expect to read what I did on the last few pages, but this added to the impact of the book as a whole. The only reason I can’t rate this one 5 stars is because I didn’t feel an urge to finish this book too quickly. This book has been my definite favourite read out of the series and I hope Kawaguchi’s storytelling continues to be on this upward trajectory. ✨
Content Warnings
Moderate: Chronic illness, Death, Mental illness, Panic attacks/disorders, Terminal illness, Medical content, Car accident, and Death of parent
Minor: Suicidal thoughts
amandaisok's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
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
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Chronic illness, Death, and Terminal illness
Moderate: Mental illness
senandunglaut's review against another edition
emotional
lighthearted
relaxing
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.25
you should be proud of yourself for sticking with it and never giving up. you were impressive in your persistence. (....) you have what you have today because you never gave up telling yourself that you had to be happy.
i love how they emphasize yukari's present in each stories eventhough she's not present in real time. also she's like VERY MYSTERIOUS.. I LOVE MYSTERIOUS FEELINGS.. SUPERNATURAL.. something like that. if i have to pick the best chapter would be 'The Comedian' oh that took me out. this book once again provides things that could ease your heart for a little while from the noise in your head. but, i don't recommend you read every series in one siting bcs it can be boring since the flow is quite predictable.
BUT! it's such a good book to escape from reality for awhile. it's like something to seek after a hectic day, a cure to ease your heart a little.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Chronic illness, Death, Grief, and Death of parent
hmbrokaw's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
reflective
slow-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
3.5
Another wholesome addition to the world of time traveling coffee shops
Content Warnings
Moderate: Suicidal thoughts and Death of parent
Minor: Chronic illness and Death
alanahcw's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
fast-paced
3.0
This one was a more difficult read, especially for me at this moment. A lot of illness, death, and grief. It's still hopeful, but it was more challenging to get through.
In addition, I found this volume very repetitive, which was frustrating at times. Reminders can be helpful on occasion, especially when there are multiple story lines and characters, but the amount of reminders about what <b>just</b> happened were not necessary. (Maybe a bit due to the translation?)
I still recommend the series, and will continue on to book 4!
In addition, I found this volume very repetitive, which was frustrating at times. Reminders can be helpful on occasion, especially when there are multiple story lines and characters, but the amount of reminders about what <b>just</b> happened were not necessary. (Maybe a bit due to the translation?)
I still recommend the series, and will continue on to book 4!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Chronic illness, Death, Suicidal thoughts, and Grief
Minor: Car accident
kukazashi's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
3.25
Content Warnings
Moderate: Chronic illness, Death, and Death of parent
cutepatzie's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
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
It was amazing. Again I cant even describe how much this book helped me and motivated me again in the moment when I lost a bit of hope and stayed in darkness. It bring me light and pursues so that way she will become one of my 5 stars.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cancer, Chronic illness, Death, Mental illness, Grief, Suicide attempt, and Death of parent
mybestfriendsarefictional's review against another edition
emotional
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
Actually raging at this one 😐😩 My book got thrown across the room.
Vert similar to the first two, wit Nagare, Kazu and Sachi front and centre, we have a new setting - and whilst I like the short and lyrical stories, meaning its easy to pick up, and the comfort that comes with knowing what you're getting, that was just cruel man.
Vert similar to the first two, wit Nagare, Kazu and Sachi front and centre, we have a new setting - and whilst I like the short and lyrical stories, meaning its easy to pick up, and the comfort that comes with knowing what you're getting, that was just cruel man.
Content Warnings
Minor: Chronic illness, Death, Mental illness, Panic attacks/disorders, and Terminal illness
erikabites's review against another edition
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Content Warnings
Minor: Chronic illness and Suicide