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erinreadsbooks's review against another edition
- 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
Moderate: Death and Terminal illness
senandunglaut's review against another edition
- 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.
Graphic: Chronic illness, Death, Grief, and Death of parent
lanika's review against another edition
- 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
Minor: Death, Terminal illness, Suicide attempt, and Death of parent
hmbrokaw's review against another edition
- 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
Moderate: Suicidal thoughts and Death of parent
Minor: Chronic illness and Death
julierambaeck's review against another edition
- 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
Moderate: Death and Death of parent
krsb's review against another edition
- 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 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.
Graphic: Suicidal thoughts
Moderate: Death, Terminal illness, Grief, Suicide attempt, and Death of parent
pikkumarja's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Loveable characters? Yes
3.5
Graphic: Death, Mental illness, Suicide, Terminal illness, and Death of parent
soulofsam's review against another edition
- 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
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.
Graphic: Death and Death of parent
suchallie's review against another edition
- 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
Graphic: Death, Terminal illness, Grief, and Death of parent
Moderate: Suicidal thoughts and Suicide attempt
Minor: Alcoholism, Car accident, and Alcohol
chloe_hazel's review against another edition
- 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
Moderate: Suicidal thoughts and Suicide attempt
Minor: Death