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3.8 AVERAGE
3.8 AVERAGE
funny
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
The book is a gentle and comforting read that really grew on me. It's slow-paced in the best way, like watching the tide roll in. I loved how each chapter shifted to a new character, exploring things like grief, quiet love, misunderstandings, and self-worth. The writing is simple but filled with emotion, and the seaside setting makes everything feel peaceful and real. It's one of those books that doesn't try too hald - but somehow, it lingers.
funny
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:
Yes
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
N/A
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
medium-paced
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
lighthearted
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
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
relaxing
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
N/A
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
I needed a light, heartwarming read after reading James Baldwin and this book delivered.
I took my time and savored 1 chapter daily and it was the best, most soothing hour of my day. It had a warmth that draws you in with different characters for every chapter from all walks of life, young and old, each living out their own stories all told in the most detailed narrative. Some people might find this boring or dragging but with this book, I had this feeling of just being there, engaged and and excited to know who I’m meeting next with every new chapter.
When the very first 7/11 opened in our province, I remember going there everyday exploring what hidden delights I can buy and I was always excited to eat there with my cousins for merienda who tease me that I’m slowly becoming a shareholder of the place! Now, as a city girl, I’d say Lawsons and 7/11 are still my salvation when it comes to the nearest, quickest food around. I’m always excited to try their new selections, the varieties are endless and I even know when the next delivery arrives. I’m still very fascinated by the things I see in convenience stores like powerbanks and goggles even! Alsso did you know that you can get wagyu cubes there now?! cool! When I travel, visiting the nearest convenient store is also a trip in itself, my cousins/friends and I would do a taste test and these are all part of our travel memories- the different matcha desserts of Hongkong, the yummy yogurt from Vietnam and the many flavored chips from Singapore. Someday, my wish is to visit all the konbinis in Japan 🥹💖
The people in my branch, beside the condo also grew to become my friends, the staff and manager there are always happy to see me, we would chat a bit about anything (a quick rant about our life’s stresses and how we are coping) and it gives me a feeling of connection from a kind community just like what Tenderness does for the quaint, seaside people of Kitakyushu. They are my own real life versions of the handsome Shiba, his brother, the “Whatever Guy” Tsugi and the hardworking, talented and observant Mitsuri. I will miss this book and wish I can have it on my shelf forever. Hoping I can get a physical copy soon with the cover that I like. 🩵🤞🏻💚
I took my time and savored 1 chapter daily and it was the best, most soothing hour of my day. It had a warmth that draws you in with different characters for every chapter from all walks of life, young and old, each living out their own stories all told in the most detailed narrative. Some people might find this boring or dragging but with this book, I had this feeling of just being there, engaged and and excited to know who I’m meeting next with every new chapter.
When the very first 7/11 opened in our province, I remember going there everyday exploring what hidden delights I can buy and I was always excited to eat there with my cousins for merienda who tease me that I’m slowly becoming a shareholder of the place! Now, as a city girl, I’d say Lawsons and 7/11 are still my salvation when it comes to the nearest, quickest food around. I’m always excited to try their new selections, the varieties are endless and I even know when the next delivery arrives. I’m still very fascinated by the things I see in convenience stores like powerbanks and goggles even! Alsso did you know that you can get wagyu cubes there now?! cool! When I travel, visiting the nearest convenient store is also a trip in itself, my cousins/friends and I would do a taste test and these are all part of our travel memories- the different matcha desserts of Hongkong, the yummy yogurt from Vietnam and the many flavored chips from Singapore. Someday, my wish is to visit all the konbinis in Japan 🥹💖
The people in my branch, beside the condo also grew to become my friends, the staff and manager there are always happy to see me, we would chat a bit about anything (a quick rant about our life’s stresses and how we are coping) and it gives me a feeling of connection from a kind community just like what Tenderness does for the quaint, seaside people of Kitakyushu. They are my own real life versions of the handsome Shiba, his brother, the “Whatever Guy” Tsugi and the hardworking, talented and observant Mitsuri. I will miss this book and wish I can have it on my shelf forever. Hoping I can get a physical copy soon with the cover that I like. 🩵🤞🏻💚
lighthearted
medium-paced
lighthearted
relaxing
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
It was a hit and miss for me. Some stories were good and there are a few that just didn't hit it. The writing style felt a bit unnatural I think there are a few mistranslated parts in the story and each chapter was too long. Good endings but dragging beginnings. However, I can see this being done as an anime with close up shots of the store and the food. I wish the writer gave more visual representations since the emotional impact of most stories felt lacking. What made me finish the book is the sense of community the convenience store had created and it gave decent endings.
lighthearted
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:
Complicated
Grateful to Putnam, who provided ARCs to attendees at the #bookhuddle retreat at Victoria, Canada!
The Tenderness Convenience Store in Mojiko is at the heart of the community. This charming novel portrays slice of life interactions among the workers and patrons of the convenience store and its dine-in area. This novel is literally the definition of a cozy, feel-good read - each chapter focuses on a different character and how interactions within Tenderness help them find the things they didn't know they were missing. Azusa and Nayuta - two school age girls both dealing with social pressures from their classmates - had a particularly touching vignette.
I really enjoyed this novel and highly recommend for anyone looking for a sweet and relaxing step away from reality.
The Tenderness Convenience Store in Mojiko is at the heart of the community. This charming novel portrays slice of life interactions among the workers and patrons of the convenience store and its dine-in area. This novel is literally the definition of a cozy, feel-good read - each chapter focuses on a different character and how interactions within Tenderness help them find the things they didn't know they were missing. Azusa and Nayuta - two school age girls both dealing with social pressures from their classmates - had a particularly touching vignette.
I really enjoyed this novel and highly recommend for anyone looking for a sweet and relaxing step away from reality.