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james_burridge's review against another edition
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
relaxing
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
This is a book about learning to take a break and I loved it the writing was EXCEPTIONAL and it was translated from Japanese which is jaw dropping.
It’s incredibly cosy and heart warming (I also loved the little romance sub plot) and I feel a great book to start with when it comes to translated novels. I literally felt like this was a studio Ghibli film in a book.(I also binge read the absolute HECK out of it).The story was like reading the life of a nice person and I liked that.
However, I feel like the characters were a bit 1-sided and never really had any development apart from their relationships.(apart from Takako and Momoko)Also, the 2-part story Just felt like two separate story’s not one and they didn’t really link in any way.
Overall,I like the book(btw this is 3.5 stars rounded up)
It’s incredibly cosy and heart warming (I also loved the little romance sub plot) and I feel a great book to start with when it comes to translated novels. I literally felt like this was a studio Ghibli film in a book.(I also binge read the absolute HECK out of it).The story was like reading the life of a nice person and I liked that.
However, I feel like the characters were a bit 1-sided and never really had any development apart from their relationships.(apart from Takako and Momoko)Also, the 2-part story Just felt like two separate story’s not one and they didn’t really link in any way.
Overall,I like the book(btw this is 3.5 stars rounded up)
Content Warnings
Moderate: Infertility, Pregnancy, and Miscarriage
Minor: Child death, Alcoholism, and Abortion
big_thoughts_hottie's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
Content Warnings
Minor: Abortion
adventures_in_bookstagram's review against another edition
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
For the right reader in the right mood, I can see how Days at the Morisaki Bookshop could be a great comfort read. It ambles along slowly with its messages of finding your feet and going at your own pace being matched by the novel's gentle pace and meandering plot. And, of course, it helps that Yagisawa's descriptions of Morisaki and its neighbourhood of bookshops made me want to pack my bags and get on the next flight to Tokyo.
Unfortunately, I personally found it a little underwhelming. There isn't really a strong plot and the story's episodic bursts didn't hold my attention. It's more character-driven, which didn't quite work for me because I didn't particularly warm to Takako. She comes across as a little shallow and judgemental towards her uncle in the beginning though, to her credit, she does learn to appreciate him for his eccentricity and they get some sweet bonding moments as the novel progesses. For me, it was hard to relate to her inital lack of curiosity about the neighbourhood and her ambivalence about moving into the bookshop (she's living the dream!). She also came across as a bit of a doormat in her reaction to her ex-boyfriend's cheating, though I suppose her underreaction could be attributed to cultural differences? On the other hand, I liked the friendships she built with the bookshop's patrons and locals and especially the bond she develops with Satoru, though I was less impressed with her underdeveloped potential romance with another booklover. Or the romantic subplot between two secondary characters Takako is tasked with matchmaking; we just didn't get to know them enough to be invested in their romance. The mystery of Satoru's M.I.A. wife is more interesting, which is the focus of Part Two; I do love a second chance romance and intergenerational friendships between women in fiction! And *spoiler alert* there is a happy ending, of course.
Overall, Days at the Morisaki Bookshop is well written, the characters are a bit bland but generally pleasant, and I always appreciate a book about loving books filled with recommendations for other books. It just didn't grip me or stick in my mind. I'm sure other readers will find a lot to enjoy in it but, for me, it was underwhelming. I didn't particularly enjoy the narration of the audiobook by Susan Momoko Hingley either. For some reason, I found her voice grating. Perhaps it was a little too perky and over-enunciated? I'm not sure how to describe it. Of course, my reaction to the narrator's voice is purely subjective and other readers may not have the same problem. That said, I might try re-reading DatMB one day when I'm in the mood for something slow-paced to see if it lands better on the re-read.
Unfortunately, I personally found it a little underwhelming. There isn't really a strong plot and the story's episodic bursts didn't hold my attention. It's more character-driven, which didn't quite work for me because I didn't particularly warm to Takako. She comes across as a little shallow and judgemental towards her uncle in the beginning though, to her credit, she does learn to appreciate him for his eccentricity and they get some sweet bonding moments as the novel progesses. For me, it was hard to relate to her inital lack of curiosity about the neighbourhood and her ambivalence about moving into the bookshop (she's living the dream!). She also came across as a bit of a doormat in her reaction to her ex-boyfriend's cheating, though I suppose her underreaction could be attributed to cultural differences? On the other hand, I liked the friendships she built with the bookshop's patrons and locals and especially the bond she develops with Satoru, though I was less impressed with her underdeveloped potential romance with another booklover. Or the romantic subplot between two secondary characters Takako is tasked with matchmaking; we just didn't get to know them enough to be invested in their romance. The mystery of Satoru's M.I.A. wife is more interesting, which is the focus of Part Two; I do love a second chance romance and intergenerational friendships between women in fiction! And *spoiler alert* there is a happy ending, of course.
Overall, Days at the Morisaki Bookshop is well written, the characters are a bit bland but generally pleasant, and I always appreciate a book about loving books filled with recommendations for other books. It just didn't grip me or stick in my mind. I'm sure other readers will find a lot to enjoy in it but, for me, it was underwhelming. I didn't particularly enjoy the narration of the audiobook by Susan Momoko Hingley either. For some reason, I found her voice grating. Perhaps it was a little too perky and over-enunciated? I'm not sure how to describe it. Of course, my reaction to the narrator's voice is purely subjective and other readers may not have the same problem. That said, I might try re-reading DatMB one day when I'm in the mood for something slow-paced to see if it lands better on the re-read.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Abortion, Cancer, and Mental illness
The main character falls into depression, which is discussed, but she recovers.kaneebli's review against another edition
hopeful
lighthearted
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
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Infidelity
Moderate: Abortion
Minor: Cancer
madamelacy's review
emotional
funny
hopeful
reflective
relaxing
sad
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
4.25
Content Warnings
Minor: Abortion, Infidelity, and Child death
mtnmama19's review against another edition
funny
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
I couldn't put it down! This charming story about a young woman finding her way some to me on a number of levels.
Content Warnings
Minor: Infidelity, Miscarriage, Cancer, Infertility, and Abortion
saessenach's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
This book was extremely comforting and I love the direction it followed. Takako was a resonant narrator, and it was lovely to see her grow into herself as the story progressed - the parallels between parts I and II were especially rewarding, and I loved her relationship to her aunt and uncle. This feels like a very well-loved book, and it was the perfect pick-me-up.
Content Warnings
Minor: Abortion
canadianforest's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
4.5
Content Warnings
Minor: Abortion and Infertility
hyperashley's review against another edition
inspiring
lighthearted
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? No
4.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Infidelity, Abortion, Infertility, Cancer, and Miscarriage
sweetsxrrxw's review
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
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
4.0
this book is a solid 4 star and i knew from the very first moment i started reading it. but i would have never thought it would take me SO long to finish reading it.
for some reason, after i finished reading the first half of the book i got into a terrible reading slump and i don't want to blame it on the story, since i must admit im super burnt out bc of uni, but i liked the first part better, idk.
anyways, going back to the book, i really loved its main theme, of how books can bring people together and i really loved both takako and her uncle satoru so much <3 specially takako, it was nice following her journey of growth, self-discovery and watch her falling in love with books. and of course, her relationship with her uncle was one of the best parts of the book <3
i did not particularly dislike the second half of the story since it was cool to get to know a bit more of momoko's story. but i do wish i had enjoyed it more :/ let's just blame my reading slump, lmao.
but, overall it's a simple cozy story that can easily become your new comfort book <3
for some reason, after i finished reading the first half of the book i got into a terrible reading slump and i don't want to blame it on the story, since i must admit im super burnt out bc of uni, but i liked the first part better, idk.
anyways, going back to the book, i really loved its main theme, of how books can bring people together and i really loved both takako and her uncle satoru so much <3 specially takako, it was nice following her journey of growth, self-discovery and watch her falling in love with books. and of course, her relationship with her uncle was one of the best parts of the book <3
i did not particularly dislike the second half of the story since it was cool to get to know a bit more of momoko's story. but i do wish i had enjoyed it more :/ let's just blame my reading slump, lmao.
but, overall it's a simple cozy story that can easily become your new comfort book <3
Content Warnings
Graphic: Abandonment, Infidelity, and Miscarriage
Moderate: Abortion and Terminal illness
Minor: Child death