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

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. 

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!

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!

Even though I wanted to be consistent and give all the books in this series a 3.5 stars, I couldn't resist giving this one a higher rating. It had all the good elements the previous books had, but it also made me feel emotional at times, which warrants an extra 0.5 star. I was worried at first I wouldn't like the change in setting, but it was surprisingly fine and refreshing. 

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. 

This book actually made me so emotional like the other 2 books. The characters was so sweet. I felt their emotions.  My Fav chapter was the last chapter named "The Young man".

When Reiji gone back to the past to see Nanako and told her that she is going to be his wife in future. But at the end Nanako died. I really cried in that part. Because they deserves a better ending.