A review by erinj_96
Before the Coffee Gets Cold by Toshikazu Kawaguchi

adventurous challenging dark emotional reflective sad tense 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

3.75

I don’t think a book has ever pulled at my heartstrings so quickly.  All of these big emotional life altering, but also not life altering, moments that take place against the background of this unremarkable yet magical cafe was so satisfying.  It really felt like a microscope looking down on the biggest tragedies of the lives of this cast of characters.  The husband and wife story had me in years almost immediately.  I think the message of this book was so devastating yet reassuring.  Things will always stay the same but people can be changed.  This also felt like an original spin on the quirky plot of time travel.  It didn’t feel science-fictiony at all and instead really felt like a glimpse at humanity.  While I normally enjoy really succinct books, this was almost too short for me.  I loved thee character and stories and really wanted more.