Reviews tagging 'Death'

Before Your Memory Fades by Toshikazu Kawaguchi

131 reviews

erinreadsbooks's review against another edition

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emotional 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? No

4.0

This book was emotional and sad, but I felt less invested in these stories than in those of previous books. I can’t really put my finger on why. I did like the thread of the “100 Questions” book through all of the stories, but I think this was my least favorite of this series so far. 

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senandunglaut's review against another edition

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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.

btw......  the last chapter got me in complete silent.. why must you SCARE ME THIS WAY GAWD DAMN. the way i was giggling and thinking 'oh this one is nice and very bubbly' then they decided to END the character just like that.. throwing myself off the cliff right nAUR

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lanika's review against another edition

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emotional reflective sad medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.5


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hmbrokaw's review against another edition

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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

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julierambaeck's review against another edition

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emotional hopeful inspiring reflective relaxing fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

Toshikazu Kawaguchi's series is full of wonderful characters. The books are a comfort read, even though they deal with heave topics, it is done in a nice comforting, relaxing way.

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krsb's review against another edition

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emotional hopeful inspiring reflective 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

I want to preface this with this series is not everyone's cup of tea and that's okay. I enjoy the theme running through each of these interlinked short stories that other readers find repetitive and predictable. If you want a series that is different and surprises you in each book, this is not it. 
I truly enjoy these characters and seeing how each of them embody the idea that a single moment can change the trajectory of your entire life. Not just the Tokita family that runs the cafés, but the customers that appear throughout the story and are changed by it. 
I love a simple, relaxing book and personally don't mind reading different stories of the same trope or theme. I think Kawaguchi does an excellent job and Before the Coffee Gets Cold is a great embodiment of what short stories should be. 
There are other reviews that comment that the prose and dialogue doesn't feel realistic or forced even, but I think that might just be an issue of translation. It's not hard to get into the story and don't think it's that big of an issue. 
Overall I loved it, and I can't wait for the next two books. If you enjoy slice of life novels or watching characters throughout their lives then you'll likely love this. 

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pikkumarja's review against another edition

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emotional hopeful slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Loveable characters? Yes

3.5

This third book in the series is hopeful, cute and emotional like the first two books. I did not feel as strong connection to the characters as before but nevertheless the stories were beautiful!

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soulofsam's review against another edition

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emotional hopeful reflective
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

MY HEART GOT BROKEN AT THE END
I always love not knowing how the individual stories will be connected at the beginning. But gradually through reading all four the characters and storylines come together and it is beautiful. I am truly so heartbroken with how delicately and nuanced all these deal with loss and grief and how different everyone handles it. It's something I can sadly relate it and is healing to read about.

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suchallie's review against another edition

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dark emotional mysterious reflective sad slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

Another great addition to the series. I was at first taken aback by the scenery change but it grew on me. I wish there was more variety in the types of journeys the characters go on and maybe some more clever intertwining that I feel like is characteristic of the author. Also there were a few loose ends that I wanted to tie up but I guess that’s what the next book is for!

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chloe_hazel's review against another edition

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emotional medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.0


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