Reviews with content warning for Alcohol - Welcome to the Hyunam-dong Bookshop

This is a case in which I desperately wish that I read this physically because I think I would have enjoyed it even more and I constant found myself wanting to annotate something that was being said. All of the characters were so relatable and enjoyable in their own way, and I can't wait to go back into it with a physical copy. By far, what has stood out to me the most was the button-hole analogy, and I think the book is worth read just to read that section alone (the rest is still great, so all of it should be read). I think that, once I reread it physically, it will go into my favorite books.

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clavishorti's review against another edition

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challenging emotional informative inspiring reflective relaxing sad 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

4.0

Let me tell you about a book that’s both heartwarming and thought-provoking: Welcome to the Hyunam-Dong Bookshop by Hwang Bo-reum. Translated with grace by Shanna Tan, this novel offers a calming yet invigorating glimpse into the everyday magic of a small bookshop.

At its heart, the story follows Lee Yeongju, who decides to open a bookshop in Hyunam-dong, a charming neighborhood full of character and warmth. But this isn’t just any bookshop; it becomes an unexpected nexus of life-changing stories and encounters. Each page reveals the bookshop as a connecting thread between diverse individuals. It’s more than a place for buying and selling; it’s a stage for serendipitous meetings and profound connections. Through these interactions, characters both influence and inspire one another, creating a vibrant web of relationships that enrich their lives. The bookshop becomes a gravitational pull, drawing together intertwined narratives and emotions in a beautifully orchestrated way.

What’s truly captivating about this book is its serene, warmly engaging storytelling. The leisurely pace of the narrative unfolds in a refreshingly positive way. The characters and their world exude a relaxed, peaceful vibe, as if every detail is designed to offer moments of reflection and peace. In the midst of our fast-paced lives, this book provides a space to pause, appreciate life, and absorb deep insights about human connections and the power of bookshops.

Welcome to the Hyunam-Dong Bookshop by Hwang Bo-reum is the ideal pick if you’re craving a light yet deeply meaningful read about life in a bookshop. It’s not just a treat for those curious about the impact of books and bookshops on our lives but also a source of valuable wisdom about living and connecting. If you’re seeking an escape from the daily grind and a new perspective on how a bookshop can bridge people together, then Welcome to the Hyunam-Dong Bookshop is a must-read.

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szymek_w_rodawski's review

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emotional hopeful lighthearted reflective relaxing

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

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risemini's review

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emotional hopeful inspiring lighthearted relaxing 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? It's complicated

4.5

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koplomps's review against another edition

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hopeful lighthearted reflective sad 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

3.75

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astrahni's review

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emotional hopeful inspiring lighthearted sad medium-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? Yes

4.75

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theasoleil's review against another edition

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hopeful lighthearted reflective relaxing medium-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? It's complicated

5.0

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sashaisshort's review against another edition

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hopeful inspiring reflective relaxing medium-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? It's complicated

5.0

I loved this book and feel what the author said in their note at the end captured what they created beautifully, "Stories of people who find their own pace and direction, of people who believe in others and wait by their side as they go through difficult times, lost in worry". This book felt like a warm hug.
I am a great believer also in something else the author said, "The yardstick to measure one's life lies within oneself. A that's good enough."

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