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3.68 AVERAGE
3.68 AVERAGE
emotional
funny
hopeful
reflective
relaxing
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
lighthearted
As a lover of slice-of-life stories, I had high hopes for Days at the Morisaki Bookshop by Satoshi Yagisawa, especially given its adorable cover featuring a cat. The cover itself is charming and earns a well-deserved star for its cozy and inviting design.
Unfortunately, my enthusiasm dimmed as I delved deeper into the book. The protagonist, Takako, left me feeling disconnected. Her character seemed one-dimensional, and her personal journey didn't evoke much emotion or relatability for me. This lack of connection extended to the other characters as well, who felt underdeveloped and lacking in depth.
The story’s initial premise—centered on a young woman rediscovering life through her uncle's quaint bookstore—was promising. However, the narrative lost its charm when it shifted focus to the uncle's estranged wife. This subplot felt like a detour, and the book started to drag. The second half, in particular, seemed shallow, failing to explore its themes or characters in a meaningful way.
Admittedly, I found myself skipping sections, as some parts felt unnecessary and didn’t contribute much to the overall story. At one point, I almost abandoned the book entirely. This felt like a missed opportunity, as the premise had so much potential to delve deeper into themes of healing, family, and the solace found in books.
That said, Days at the Morisaki Bookshop still has its merits. It's a quick and light read that offers cozy vibes, a glimpse into a woman's adulting struggles, and the charm of a bookshop setting. For readers looking for something undemanding and simple, it might still be worth a try.
While there's a sequel, I’m hesitant to pick it up, given my disappointment with this one. This book had the makings of a heartwarming slice-of-life story, but for me, it fell short of its potential. Nonetheless, I’d still cautiously recommend it to those who enjoy short reads about books and life’s quiet moments, even if my experience with it wasn’t as fulfilling as I had hoped.
Unfortunately, my enthusiasm dimmed as I delved deeper into the book. The protagonist, Takako, left me feeling disconnected. Her character seemed one-dimensional, and her personal journey didn't evoke much emotion or relatability for me. This lack of connection extended to the other characters as well, who felt underdeveloped and lacking in depth.
The story’s initial premise—centered on a young woman rediscovering life through her uncle's quaint bookstore—was promising. However, the narrative lost its charm when it shifted focus to the uncle's estranged wife. This subplot felt like a detour, and the book started to drag. The second half, in particular, seemed shallow, failing to explore its themes or characters in a meaningful way.
Admittedly, I found myself skipping sections, as some parts felt unnecessary and didn’t contribute much to the overall story. At one point, I almost abandoned the book entirely. This felt like a missed opportunity, as the premise had so much potential to delve deeper into themes of healing, family, and the solace found in books.
That said, Days at the Morisaki Bookshop still has its merits. It's a quick and light read that offers cozy vibes, a glimpse into a woman's adulting struggles, and the charm of a bookshop setting. For readers looking for something undemanding and simple, it might still be worth a try.
While there's a sequel, I’m hesitant to pick it up, given my disappointment with this one. This book had the makings of a heartwarming slice-of-life story, but for me, it fell short of its potential. Nonetheless, I’d still cautiously recommend it to those who enjoy short reads about books and life’s quiet moments, even if my experience with it wasn’t as fulfilling as I had hoped.
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
relaxing
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
lighthearted
relaxing
reflective
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
N/A
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
It was fine, it just felt unfinished
Content Warnings
Moderate: Infertility, Miscarriage
emotional
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:
Yes
It started a bit slow but then had a smooth flowing. I read the English version which understandably doesn’t capture all the nuances or feelings of the characters but still I was able to understand the characters. I think that the theme of this story is miscommunication and how things can be resolved if communication is done at the right time.
informative
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-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
I was going through a lot and didn’t know what I needed to read or watch. This book was honestly perfect for me. It felt like warm sunshine in the winter, like my fav cozy blanket even though I was reading in the summer. I felt completely relaxed, as if I was wrapped in a comfort K-drama, simple, soothing, and exactly what my heart needed.The writing was engaging though not my favorite since it was a translation, and while the story itself might not stay with me forever, the feeling definitely will.
Un livre-doudou, très agréable à lire, parfait pour se changer les idées par ces mornes journées d'un avril triste, sombre et froid. Avec une bonne tasse de thé, c'est encore mieux.