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What’s the book about? Is it worth reading? Is it truly as emotional as they say it is?

“Before the Coffee Gets Cold”, written by Japanese author Toshikazu Kawaguchi is the first book in its series (4 books total – I thought it was a standalone… it was a mistake). The novel takes the readers through time to the moment they long to return, whether because they never found answers to unanswered questions or the longing to meet and apologise to their loved ones. The novel embarks the readers on a journey through the tapestry of time; some readers may show empathy towards the characters, while others may see themselves within the string of woven letters.

Contents

• What is the novel all about?
• Would I enjoy reading it?
• Is it worth reading?
• Things about the novel that is worth noting
• My opinions

What is the novel all about?

At its core, “Before the Coffee Gets Cold” is a meditation on the passage of time and the profound impact of our choices on our lives and those around us. Through a series of interconnected vignettes, Kawaguchi masterfully weaves together the stories of various café visitors, each grappling with regrets, longing, and the desire to reconcile with the past.

One of the most captivating elements of the novel is its examination of the constraints of time travel. Despite the chance to revisit crucial moments, the characters soon realize that they cannot rewrite history or alter the outcome of their decisions. Yet, they show remarkable resilience, confronting their past selves and finding solace and closure in unexpected ways.

Would I enjoy reading it? 

I would recommend the novel if you like reading about:

• Time travel
• Making peace with the past
• Love
• The fragility of life
• Emotional Resonance
• Reflection

Is it worth reading? 

If you like reading about the above, then yes, definitely!

Still not sure if you want to read it? Or if it is right for you? Honestly, that was what I was thinking when picking up this book. However, this book can be finished in one sitting. If you don’t like it, you can always put the book back down (I don’t like leaving half-finished novels, so I skim-read it 😉, managed to finish it in just under an hour, do keep in mind that’s my record time!).

Things about the novel that is worth noting

Speed: Slow paced

Spice: None 

Rating: 3.5 ⭐️ (Thats my rating of the novel)

This novel is part of a series!

My opinions

Opinions, opinions, opinions… well this book was definitely not for me. I found that it was a lovely book, I really did, however I could not bring myself to properly read it (as I mentioned before I skim read it).

I personally found that the book was a bit too slow paced for me and would have liked it if it was more… eventful? happening? Ah yes! The word (or rather phrase 😃) I was looking for was “to keep me on edge”, I wanted more plot twists, just something to keep me on the edge of my seat.

Despite not really enjoying the novel, I loved the way that each character has their own little stories within the novel, their own pain and their past happiness. The emotion was masterfully weaved through the words and at the heart of all the characters.

Was it an emotional book? Although, resonating with the characters and finding little pieces of me within the text, I wouldn’t say it was an “I cried” book. I personally feel that the novel does achieve an emotional response from the reader but it’s more an “I almost cried” or “It was sad” type of response.

As I mentioned earlier, this novel is part of a series, however I don’t think I will be reading it.

To leave on a good note, this is definitely one of the more emotional novels I have read and I do hope that the readers who love reading the topics I mentioned earlier in the blog give it a go. I personally didn’t enjoy it as much, but perhaps you would love it! When you have finished the series do comment below to let me know what you think of it 😆, I’d love to hear your opinions!

If you would like to know what’s on my TBR (2024) check it out here.

If you would like to purchase the book you can get it on amazon here. I am apart of amazon affiliate, so I do earn a small commission when you purchase but it is at no additional cost to you, and it’s a great way to support my blog 😁.