Reviews with content warning for Infidelity - Days at the Morisaki Bookshop

Reviews tagging 'Infidelity'

Days at the Morisaki Bookshop by Satoshi Yagisawa

145 reviews

bexi's review against another edition

3.25

emotional lighthearted reflective medium-paced

Plot or Character Driven: Character

Strong character development: Yes

Loveable characters: Complicated

Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

Content Warnings

himpersonal's review against another edition

4.0

emotional hopeful inspiring lighthearted 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

Makes me miss everything I love about Japan. Makes me want to go back. Looking forward to the sequel.

Content Warnings

lou_christie's review against another edition

4.0

emotional funny hopeful inspiring reflective relaxing sad 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: Yes

Content Warnings

tragedies's review against another edition

5.0

emotional hopeful inspiring reflective fast-paced

Plot or Character Driven: Character

Strong character development: Yes

Loveable characters: Yes

Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

Days at the Morisaki Bookshop was the last book I read in 2023. It also happens to be the first book I read after defending my thesis proposal and wrapping up my second to the last semester of university. And perhaps, because of the academic burnout and the uncertainty of my future after graduation, this book deeply resonated with me.

“I had too many ideals and ambitions for one person, and because of that, I ended up without a single one I could hold on to. I was an empty person. That’s what I was. It seemed like there was absolutely nowhere I belonged in this world.”

In the beginning, Takako goes through the motions of everyday, secure about herself, her career, and her relationship. However, the rug gets pulled under her, and one day she wakes up with the startling realization that she’s gone adrift, unmoored, no anchor tethering her to the world. Left with no other choice, she resigns from her job and moves out of her upscale Tokyo apartment to live with her estranged uncle in his bookshop. Here, she discovers a newfound passion for reading and encounters people who not only share her love for books but also help her heal.

“... maybe it takes a long time to figure out what you're truly searching for. Maybe you spend your whole life just to figure out a small part of it."

"I don't know. I think maybe I've been wasting my time, just doing nothing."

"I don't think so. It's important to stand still sometimes. Think of it as a little rest in the long journey of your life. This is your harbor. And your boat is just dropping anchor here for a little while. And after you're well rested, you can set sail again.”

In the end, the Morisaki Bookshop becomes Takako’s harbor, a place of refuge where she could rest and find herself again. For me, it’s books like this.

Content Warnings

icarusandthesun's review against another edition

4.0

emotional lighthearted reflective 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

a little unspectacular, but charming nonetheless.
as a reader, reading about someone discovering the magic of books was incredibly heartwarming and very relatable.
the plot was fine—not a lot happened (character-driven book), but I thought the family-dynamic and overall character situation was interesting enough. the characters were unique and likable.
nothing about this book was thrilling in any way, but it didn't bore me or anything, either.

so, just a good, quietly enjoyable read.

Content Warnings