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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
pipn_t's review against another edition
- 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
Graphic: Suicidal thoughts, Grief, 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
bluelien'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? Yes
4.0
Graphic: Mental illness, Terminal illness, Grief, and Death of parent
ghostsversion's review
- 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
Graphic: Death, Suicidal thoughts, Terminal illness, Medical content, and Death of parent
Minor: Panic attacks/disorders and Car accident
hyperashley's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
Graphic: Death and Death of parent
_fathimanourin1234_'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? N/A
4.5
Graphic: Death and Death of parent
Moderate: Bullying, Mental illness, Panic attacks/disorders, Self harm, Suicidal thoughts, Terminal illness, and Grief
rachjy's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
3.5
Moderate: Death and Death of parent