Reviews with content warning for Panic attacks/disorders - Welcome to the Hyunam-dong Bookshop

Reviews tagging 'Panic attacks/disorders'

Welcome to the Hyunam-dong Bookshop by Hwang Bo-Reum

25 reviews

bookishmillennial's review against another edition

funny hopeful 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

As someone who grew up in the U.S. and was raised in this capitalistic, grind-culture, hellscape that focuses so much on profits and instant gratification, this book spoke so deeply to me. I loved the narrative of these characters finding meaning and fulfillment in developing real community, slowing down, and examining their true desires. This could have easily been set where I live, in the tech-obsessed "Silicon Valley" SF Bay Area. I appreciate this book for what it is (a quiet introspection on if the lifestyle we currently have is fulfilling), and I highly recommend it.

Content Warnings

idk_indigo's review against another edition

4.0

hopeful reflective relaxing slow-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

This book was very cozy, albeit a bit slow at times. I enjoyed it overall, but sometimes the lack of plot made me very sleepy and bored. I loved the central bookshop, and the characters who begin to form their lives around it. I loved the ideas following your dreams, putting yourself first, finding things that you are comfortable with when you can't find something you're passionate about. And sometimes comfort can turn into passion. Etc. It was nice!

Content Warnings

shutupsev's review against another edition

4.25

hopeful inspiring 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: Complicated

a pretty slow-paced book, yet it kept me hooked because of all of the themes it spoke to. i love this genre of healing fiction where we get to follow the characters in their everyday lives, no matter how mundane it is. definitely feels like a love letter to indie bookstores and readers.

Content Warnings

cami_chai's review

4.5

hopeful inspiring lighthearted reflective relaxing 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

It was an easy and lighthearted read, but with added depth and deeper exploration of the characters' progression and growth.

Content Warnings

liamaria's review against another edition

4.5

hopeful inspiring lighthearted medium-paced

Plot or Character Driven: Character

Strong character development: Yes

Loveable characters: Yes

Flaws of characters a main focus: Complicated

Content Warnings

lauraloveslemons's review against another edition

3.0

hopeful lighthearted slow-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

Content Warnings

junonaemi's review

4.0

hopeful inspiring lighthearted 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: Yes

This was such an easy read but one that will sit with you for a while. There's many beautiful sayings & perspectives on life. May not be for everyone but I love these types of books. Maybe it was a littttllleee bit repetitive in the end.

Content Warnings

giasbookhaven's review against another edition

4.25

emotional hopeful reflective sad tense medium-paced

Plot or Character Driven: Character

Strong character development: Yes

Loveable characters: Yes

Diverse cast of characters: Complicated

Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

Another enjoyable read that follows characters as they traverse relatable and ordinary challenges in life dealing with careers, life worth goals, happiness and joy. In parallel to the enjoyment of literature, friendships and even community. The hint of romance in the book works well in the story without overshadowing the self work each of the characters and regulars of the bookshop gradually pursue as the book progressed.

Content Warnings

flyinglark's review against another edition

4.0

emotional hopeful reflective slow-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

"Because it's our first life, worries are aplenty, and anxiety, too. Because it's our first life, it's precious. Because it's our first life, nobody knows what'll happen even in five minutes."
— A Life Surrounded By Good People

A bunch of slice-of-life snippets of a bookstore owner and the people she happens to shine a light on. This is a first for me in this genre, and some parts did hit close to home. There were numerous takeaways. Do we do what we like to do in life or do what we're good at in life? Very few people are chanced with something that covers both. The human experience is not as lonely as we think it is, many people are going through similar issues in life. I quite enjoyed the subtle romance in the novel as well. The narrator, Rosa Escoda, leant a soothing voice to this story. I'm not sure if this genre is going to be a favourite of mine, but it was a nice introduction to stretch interests.

· · ─ ·𖥸· ─ · ·

POV: 3rd Person - Multiple

Format: Audiobook - Single Narrator

Content Warnings

ehindmon's review against another edition

2.75

hopeful lighthearted reflective slow-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

I wanted to love this book, but honestly I just didn’t. At about 30% of the way in, I really just wanted to give up on it. I understand that it’s a lighthearted cozy read, but it just felt like it never really anywhere.

I didn’t care about any of the characters. The plot was slow and aimless. I think I was hoping for some of the whimsy you get from Japanese books, but this had no whimsy. The point of this book could have been summed up in a story that hit about 100 pages or fewer. It was double the length it really needed to be.

Content Warnings

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