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kenshi's review against another edition
dark
emotional
reflective
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Suicidal thoughts
Moderate: Mental illness, Terminal illness, Suicide attempt, and Death of parent
niallgoulding1's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
Every time I start reading a book in this series I'm sceptical. Its all very-on-the-nose, very staged, contrived. But before I know it I'm 75% through it and curious to find out how it ends. There is something comforting about the structure and message.
Deals with some pretty dark scenarios but ultimately the message that comes through is both clear and surprisingly sophisticated. Dealing with grief / trauma isn't about undoing it or fixing the past. There are no miracles. But there can still be healing in facing the past, looking at it through a different lens and then letting it go so you can move on.
I liked this a little less than the previous ones. The emphasis on more people travelling to the future gave the writer scope for new scenarios but I felt increased the level of contrivance a little too much. I preferred when it was kept simpler. The concept is already balancing on a knife edge in terms of becoming ridiculous - this teeters a bit closer to the edge.
The writing style isn't exactly elegant. Explanations are heavy-handed and not much is left to the readers to decipher.
Also be conscious this talks about suicide / terminal illness in a very blunt, matter of fact way that seems odd to western sentiments. If that's an issue for you, approach with caution
Deals with some pretty dark scenarios but ultimately the message that comes through is both clear and surprisingly sophisticated. Dealing with grief / trauma isn't about undoing it or fixing the past. There are no miracles. But there can still be healing in facing the past, looking at it through a different lens and then letting it go so you can move on.
I liked this a little less than the previous ones. The emphasis on more people travelling to the future gave the writer scope for new scenarios but I felt increased the level of contrivance a little too much. I preferred when it was kept simpler. The concept is already balancing on a knife edge in terms of becoming ridiculous - this teeters a bit closer to the edge.
The writing style isn't exactly elegant. Explanations are heavy-handed and not much is left to the readers to decipher.
Also be conscious this talks about suicide / terminal illness in a very blunt, matter of fact way that seems odd to western sentiments. If that's an issue for you, approach with caution
Content Warnings
Moderate: Terminal illness
Minor: Suicidal thoughts
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
alavenderlibrary's review against another edition
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.
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.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Suicidal thoughts
Moderate: Death, Terminal illness, Grief, Suicide attempt, and Death of parent
pipn_t's review against another edition
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
It felt very repetitive. Every story involved a someone dying of a tragic ill was. It could have used more variety. Disappointing addition to the series.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Suicidal thoughts, Grief, and Death of parent
suchallie's review against another edition
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!
Content Warnings
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
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
Content Warnings
Moderate: Suicidal thoughts and Suicide attempt
Minor: Death
ghostsversion's review
adventurous
emotional
funny
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
Godammit Kawaguchi why did you break my heart with that ending? Like sure I guess I should’ve known that it wasn’t possible but like I never thought that Nanako would actually die! Also she fought from dying because Reiji told her she would be his wife! Why Kawaguchi why? 😭 Anyhow, as always, the stories are really good at both breaking your heart and warming the leftover pieces.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Suicidal thoughts, Terminal illness, Medical content, and Death of parent
Minor: Panic attacks/disorders and Car accident
kaneebli's review against another edition
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
3.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Terminal illness, and Grief
Moderate: Suicidal thoughts
Minor: Car accident
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