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A review by eyeowna
Welcome to the Hyunam-dong Bookshop by Hwang Bo-Reum
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
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? No
5.0
I started this book in March and then set it down until reading about 2/3rds (if not more) of it in the last few days. I had to be in the right mood/headspace, but once I was, I loved it.
I don’t think this book is everyone’s cup of tea: this book is COZY. More than that, it’s really a book about burnout and a reflection on trying to find meaning/happiness/pleasure in modern day South Korea and late stage capitalism in general. It’s also about running an independent bookshop. It’s also about connecting with others through reading. It’s also about making coffee. It’s also about lying on the floor and drinking with friends as you laugh together.
As someone who is a reader and is recovering from burnout/mild depression, this book was so comforting and healing. For someone else, it might be too emotional or sappy. If you like slice of life and comforting books (or kdramas… which I do), this is your vibe. Also reminded me of a grown up Studio Ghibli’s Whisper of the Heart. Is it over the top of me to gift this book to friends I know are burnt out at work? Probably…
I don’t think this book is everyone’s cup of tea: this book is COZY. More than that, it’s really a book about burnout and a reflection on trying to find meaning/happiness/pleasure in modern day South Korea and late stage capitalism in general. It’s also about running an independent bookshop. It’s also about connecting with others through reading. It’s also about making coffee. It’s also about lying on the floor and drinking with friends as you laugh together.
As someone who is a reader and is recovering from burnout/mild depression, this book was so comforting and healing. For someone else, it might be too emotional or sappy. If you like slice of life and comforting books (or kdramas… which I do), this is your vibe. Also reminded me of a grown up Studio Ghibli’s Whisper of the Heart. Is it over the top of me to gift this book to friends I know are burnt out at work? Probably…