Reviews

Before the Coffee Gets Cold by Toshikazu Kawaguchi

sarahaustinf's review against another edition

inspiring relaxing 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? No

3.75

eunicez's review against another edition

emotional lighthearted reflective relaxing fast-paced

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

3.5

sammalamma's review against another edition

emotional hopeful lighthearted reflective sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No

3.5

beautyzbookshelf's review against another edition

emotional reflective relaxing medium-paced

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

3.25

spillingteanbooks's review against another edition

adventurous challenging dark emotional funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted mysterious reflective relaxing sad tense slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

amylav's review against another edition

emotional reflective fast-paced

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

3.5

graff_fuller's review against another edition

challenging emotional hopeful inspiring mysterious reflective sad tense fast-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

4.5

This book has been a BookTube darling. I've known so many people that have read this book...and shared their love for the story. 

For me, I'd have to say that I loved it...too.

One of the biggest issues, would be to understand the cultural differences from your native culture...and the Japanese culture. Things that we prioritize, is not what they have. So, there is a transition/climitization that needs to happen (within the reader), that THIS story is told about people in a Japanese coffee shop, at a particular time within their history, and that comes with different social conventions...that MOST of the readers will either be ignorant of/need to be reminded that they exist.

I do believe that the CORE of this story transcends culture, but it STILL is based/housed within a culture that is vastly different from your own (especially if you are a Westerner).

Here are the ratings that I gave each of the stories...though there IS a through-line with each story.

I - The Lovers - 4.25 Stars
II - Husband and Wife - 5 Stars
III - The Sisters - 4 Stars
iV - Mother and Child - 4.5 Stars

The two stories that dealt with parenthood and children...were the ones that effected me the most. I have personal experience of raising three children (which I love tramendously, but also have a fractous relationship with one...and am ever trying to repair it). So, when I hear/read things about these types of relationships...I get emotional.

On both of those stories, by the end, I was having to wipe the tears away from my eyes...to finish the story. 

I am so thankful to have read it, and am glad that I have all four books. I have heard that the sequels don't have the same "punch" as the first one, but we shall see how I relate to them...in time.

hanamsti's review against another edition

emotional hopeful reflective sad fast-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

Cute little stories of characters and their struggles. Quite sad at times. The text can be difficult though, clearly translated it doesn't flow well and it pulled me out of the immersion several times.

idzc's review against another edition

emotional hopeful lighthearted fast-paced

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

3.75

racheljiyoungshin's review against another edition

lighthearted slow-paced

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

3.25