Reviews with content warning for Grief - Before Your Memory Fades

Reviews tagging 'Grief'

Before Your Memory Fades by Toshikazu Kawaguchi

57 reviews

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

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froggybooks's review against another edition

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emotional reflective sad slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character

4.0

this one didn’t hit the same as the last two but i did cry during the second chapter, did find the format of the

powercut

incredible and the ending was wonderful

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bookishmillennial's review against another edition

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emotional hopeful 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

disclaimer: I don’t really give starred reviews. I hope my reviews provide enough information to let you know if a book is for you or not. Find me here: https://linktr.ee/bookishmillennial

Every time I read another installment of this series, I am left an absolute wreck. I love the way Toshikazu Kawaguchi's writing is so direct and straightforward, yet also manages to punch you in the gut with such visceral emotions.

I loved this book, I loved the messages (especially as someone who is perpetually unimpressed and angry) and I am so glad I listened to the audiobook on Everand <3

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ciecyreads's review against another edition

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emotional hopeful inspiring mysterious reflective sad tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

I like the overall message but the story gets repetitive after awhile

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cnannery19's review against another edition

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challenging dark emotional hopeful inspiring 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? It's complicated

3.5

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itsbumley's review against another edition

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emotional reflective fast-paced

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

3.5

My least favourite of the series so far, the four stories were a bit too similar in their concluding messages. A bit of repetition is expected with the set up but I prefer when the individual stories deal with more diverse dynamics and motivations.

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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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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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pipn_t's review against another edition

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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.

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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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