I bought this book after seeing it all over the internet. It is a short read and can be finished in a single sitting. The language is easy, making it a good book for beginners. The book offers insights into how the power of books can be uplifting for the spirit and how the power of community and relationships can change our lives for the better. The book is divided into two parts.
The first part shows how Takako's boyfriend dumps her and how hard it hits her, leading her into a sort of depression, where sleep becomes her coping mechanism. During this time, her uncle Satoru offers her work and a place to live at Morisaki Bookshop, their family bookstore started by Takako's great-grandfather and Satoru's grandfather. Surrounded by books, her life changes for the better as they give her the strength to heal and confront her insecurities. She also meets a host of enigmatic characters in and around Jimbocho, where the bookshop is located. She forms friendships with some of these characters, and we see a lot of wholesome interactions between them. The first part contains many comforting descriptions of bookstores and cafes and focuses more on the power of reading. This part ends with Takako confronting her ex head-on about the breakup, giving herself the closure she needed.
The second part focuses more on Satoru and his wife, Momoko, who suddenly returns after leaving him five years ago. Here, we see new beginnings in Takako's life as she meets Wado and forms a friendship with him. We also learn more about why Momoko left Satoru all those years ago. However, this part doesn't focus as much on the aesthetics of the bookshop. On the contrary, it deviates away from the bookstore. To be honest, I didn't enjoy the second part as much as the first. I picked this book because I wanted to read a cozy story with good descriptions of bookstores and about people who love books just like me. Don’t get me wrong—this book has all that, but only up until the first part. The second part leaves these elements aside and focuses more on a new set of characters and their relationships with the main characters.
The book shows how important it is to be part of a community, to have meaningful relationships (because you can't survive on your own—we need people to hold on to), and the impact reading and books can have on a person's life.
Overall, it was an okay read for me. I did get that kick from reading about bookstores and books because what kind of book lover wouldn't enjoy that? But aside from that, I found it lacking in depth, and the story felt all over the place in the second part. I give it 3 out of 5 stars.
by Civil_guy_6315