Before the Coffee Gets Cold: A Novel (Before the Coffee Gets Cold Series, 1)

A beautifully written, thought-provoking novel that blends magical realism with deep emotional reflection. Set in a small, mysterious café in Tokyo, the book follows a unique premise—customers have the chance to travel through time, but under very specific conditions.Rather than focusing on grand, life-changing events, Kawaguchi delivers an intimate exploration of human emotions, regrets, and connections. The novel reads like a delicate meditation on the past, emphasizing the importance of cherishing the present. The writing style is simple yet poetic, making it an easy but deeply meaningful read.

This is a heartwarming, poignant, and somewhat mystical exploration of human relationships, regrets, love, and the concept of time. It is a reminder of both the constraints and the possibilities of time, presented through an unassuming yet magical setting - a small, traditional Japanese café.The story takes place in a Tokyo coffee shop, where patrons are given a unique opportunity: to travel in time. However, this is not your typical time-travel story. The rules are strict and somewhat peculiar: you must sit in one specific seat, you can't change the present, and you must return before the coffee gets cold. These rules add a distinctive charm to the story and provide a unique perspective on the concept of time travel.Kawaguchi writes four interconnected stories, each focusing on a different character who seeks to visit a moment in their past/future. The desires of these characters to rectify a regret, to reconnect, to communicate, are moving and relatable. Their narratives are carefully woven together, creating a tapestry that speaks to the interconnectedness of human lives.The writing style is simple, clear, and direct, allowing the emotions of the characters and the moral implications of their journeys to shine through. Some might find this style a bit too plain, and at times, it might seem that the narrative lacks the depth or complexity that could have made the characters more fully realized. However, it can also be argued that the simplicity of the prose mirrors the mundane yet magical setting of the café and the straightforward yet profound dilemmas the characters face.One aspect where the book could have been better is in its pacing. At times, the story tends to slow down, which might test the patience of some readers. Furthermore, while the book's concept is intriguing, the strict rules of time travel somewhat limit the exploration of its potential. However, it's clear that the author's intention was not to write a sci-fi story about time travel but rather to use it as a device to explore themes of regret, acceptance, and the value of the present.Overall, thought-provoking, touching, and unique read. It explores the human condition through a unique lens, offering readers a chance to reflect on their own lives and the choices they've made. Despite minor flaws, the book's emotional resonance, intriguing premise, and memorable characters make it a worthwhile read. This is a book for anyone who enjoys introspective storytelling, as well as those who appreciate a fresh take on well-worn themes.

I DNFed this book because I felt like the first half was enough of a story in and of itself. Once I got the gist, I didn't feel engaged enough to keep reading. However, if you're looking for a cute, lift and wholesome read with tear-jerker potential, this is the book for you.

Loved it all. It was a perfect cozy read. Just like it said, “what is the point of sitting in that chair?” only made me think how they missed its point. Can’t wait to read the rest.

I love the concept of this book so much. It's a very dreamy premise. However, the storyline was pretty hard to follow in a lot of areas. I actually decided to also purchase the audiobook as well b/c I didn't want to give up on it and I thought maybe my brain would follow the info better audibly - but still had issues here and there. It deals with layered storylines and time changes so that can happen. But it was still worth the read! For what it's worth, I've heard just as many people not have an issue with "keeping up" as those that were like me and did. So, I guess just some readers are more apt to follow certain storylines more easily than others.

Took me a second to catch my stride while reading this book. Not because it was bad in any way, but merely because it begins a little slow.The characters also take a little time to warm up to. Each has their own backstory, and once you learn of these past histories, it makes it much easier to understand and empathize with their personalities in the present.There are a few other volumes in this series, and after having finished the first, I’m now curious as to how the story continues. This was also an easy read, so if you’re looking for a book to help you reach a year-end Goodreads goal (like I am), I recommend picking this one up.

This “novel,” loosely structured around four quaint vignettes that occur within the confines of a charming subterranean coffee shop in Japan, attempts to answer the question, “Why travel to the past or the future if you cannot change anything about the present?” Each vignette addresses some pretty heavy issues—aging, dementia, family loyalty, death, parenthood—and each ultimately boils down to the power of love. An enjoyable diversion, but not engaging enough for me to explore the sequels.