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anna_in_the_spring's review against another edition
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
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
3.0
Cozy and calm, but with the stakes being all about human connection, which is very important. Quick read. Great translation, you can still feel the Japanese behind it, which I enjoy. Nice look at the different pleasures reading can bring. Also a look on what family can be and on standing up for what you want
Cons:I hate the trope of the women who has an abortion early in life and then couldn't have children later and is suffe ing terribly for it. I can see why it is narratively attractive, but it perpetrates harmful stereotypes. If not for that, it would have been 4 Stars. Nice book, but not life changing. Other nice books have entertained me more. But tthis book wasnot life changing for me (which is necessary for 5 stars). And minus one star for the hated trope. Ends up at three stars.
Cons:
Content Warnings
Minor: Child death, Infidelity, Mental illness, Terminal illness, and Abortion
kirstym25's review against another edition
lighthearted
reflective
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
3.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Infidelity and Miscarriage
Moderate: Child death
mandoriin's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-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
Content Warnings
Graphic: Grief
Moderate: Child death
Minor: Cancer and Abortion
ranee_samaniego's review against another edition
reflective
slow-paced
2.5
It took me some time to think about how I would rate and review this book.
<<Spoilers Below>>
The first half of this short book followed Takako, a young woman whose life sudden hits rock bottom. With no where to go, she has to move into the apartment above her uncle's second-hand bookshop. She soon falls in love with reading and, through the kind support and love from her uncle, Satoru, is able to slowly regain her footing in life.
The second half of the book suddenly takes a turn. Satoru's long-lost wife suddenly reappears after over a decade and just... moves back in as if she had never left. Takako and Satoru are utterly confused but don't ask questions or demand answers. I cannot fathom this. I was so frustrated at everyone - Takako and Satoru for not honoring themselves enough to demand truth, the long-lost wife for just trying to come back without providing any explanation.
And... then she leaves again at the end of the book. She has a lot of trauma and needs to heal, but I was so frustrated with her.
And that's how the book ended.
I enjoyed the first half of the book, but was frustrated with the characters in the second half.
<<Spoilers Below>>
The first half of this short book followed Takako, a young woman whose life sudden hits rock bottom. With no where to go, she has to move into the apartment above her uncle's second-hand bookshop. She soon falls in love with reading and, through the kind support and love from her uncle, Satoru, is able to slowly regain her footing in life.
The second half of the book suddenly takes a turn. Satoru's long-lost wife suddenly reappears after over a decade and just... moves back in as if she had never left. Takako and Satoru are utterly confused but don't ask questions or demand answers. I cannot fathom this. I was so frustrated at everyone - Takako and Satoru for not honoring themselves enough to demand truth, the long-lost wife for just trying to come back without providing any explanation.
And... then she leaves again at the end of the book. She has a lot of trauma and needs to heal, but I was so frustrated with her.
And that's how the book ended.
I enjoyed the first half of the book, but was frustrated with the characters in the second half.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Abandonment
Minor: Child death
cjgmiranda220's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
fast-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
4.0
Content Warnings
Minor: Child death
erynlasbelin's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
3.0
I really enjoyed the first part of the book, which was set in the bookstore and focused on Takako's relationship with her uncle and her burgeoning love of reading. The second half had some bright spots, particularly her interactions with Wada; but it was much weaker overall. I really disliked the aunt. I have sympathy for her, and I realize there are probably some cultural differences at play here, but I found literally all of her behavior unacceptable.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Infertility, Infidelity, Grief, and Abandonment
Minor: Child death, Miscarriage, Terminal illness, Toxic relationship, Medical content, Abortion, Pregnancy, and Alcohol
mahreen18's review against another edition
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Content Warnings
Moderate: Toxic relationship
Minor: Child death
lindsaybethlyons's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Minor: Child death and Miscarriage
kuronekostea's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
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? It's complicated
3.5
Normally I am not a fan of cozy books, but this novel was a pleasant surprise. The novel has a decent pace and doesn't drag on like some cozy novels I have read. There is enough family/relationship drama that keeps the story interesting with out being too overwhelming. The focus shifts from the main character to her uncle and I would say they both get an equal spotlight in their problems and growth through the story. The focus is predominantly on the characters and their relationships with out any real plot line aside from personal growth and healing. Very cute! Would recommend for a cozy coffee day.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Child death, Mental illness, Miscarriage, and Toxic relationship
Minor: Chronic illness, Infidelity, Terminal illness, Grief, Death of parent, Pregnancy, and Gaslighting
kerrence30's review against another edition
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
A very sweet story, but wasn’t keen on the narrator. I feel she made it sounds overly simplistic, bordering childish. Perhaps that’s more of a reflection on the writing style/translation, hard to say. Enjoyed the story and characters.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Child death, Miscarriage, and Pregnancy