Books Like...
'Before the Coffee Gets Cold' by Toshikazu Kawaguchi is a novel centered around a small cafe in Tokyo where customers can time travel by sitting in a specific seat and following a set of rules. Each section of the book features a different character seeking to travel back in time for various reasons, such as seeking closure, revisiting past relationships, or gaining a new perspective on life. The writing style is described as straightforward, with a focus on character development and emotional depth, set against the backdrop of the cafe's unique time-traveling concept.
If you liked Before the Coffee Gets Cold, here are the top 100 books to read next:
- #1
Save:'Convenience Store Woman' by Sayaka Murata is a quirky and atmospheric novel that delves into the life of Keiko, a woman who has worked at a convenience store for 18 years. Keiko finds comfort and satisfaction in her job, despite societal pressures to conform and lead a more traditional life. The book explores themes of societal norms, individuality, and the struggle to fit in, all through the lens of Keiko's unique perspective. The writing style is described as fresh, simple, and emotionally charged, making it a quick and absorbing read that leaves a lasting impression on the reader.
A convenience store is a world of sound. From the tinkle of the door chime to the voices of TV celebrities advertising new products over the in-store cable network, to the calls of the store workers, ... - #2
Save:'Sweet Bean Paste' by Durian Sukegawa is a heartwarming tale that follows Sentaro, a man working in a confectionary shop making dorayaki pancakes filled with sweet bean paste. His life takes an unexpected turn when an elderly woman named Tokue joins him at the shop, bringing with her a delicious bean paste recipe and a unique perspective on life. As their friendship blossoms, they both learn valuable lessons about redemption, friendship, and the beauty of everyday life. The book delves into themes of confinement, past traumas, and the importance of finding hope and meaning in life.
The writing style of 'Sweet Bean Paste' is described as evocative, spare, and poignant, with a simple yet profound narrative that explores deep cultural and philosophical themes. The story unfolds through the interactions between the characters, revealing layers of complexity and emotion as they navigate personal struggles, societal prejudices, and the power of human connection.
Sentaro stood over a hot griddle inside the Doraharu shop, as he did all day everyday, cooking pancakes for his dorayaki. Cherry Blossom Street was a run-down commercial strip in a depressed part of t... - #3
Save:'The Travelling Cat Chronicles' by Hiro Arikawa is a heartwarming tale narrated by a stray cat named Nana, who is taken in by a man named Satoru. The story revolves around their journey across Japan as Satoru seeks a new home for Nana. Through Nana's perspective, readers learn about the bond between man and animal, the importance of friendship, and the themes of love and loss. The narrative alternates between Nana's point of view and reminiscences from Satoru's past, providing a unique and touching portrayal of their relationship.
IN HER PREVIOUSjob, Noriko had often been posted to new places, so she was used to moving. She would take what she needed out of the cardboard boxes, steadily unpacking, always in the same order. When... - #4
Save:In "The Housekeeper and the Professor" by Yoko Ogawa, the story revolves around an elderly mathematician who, due to a head injury, can only retain memories for eighty minutes at a time. The professor forms a special bond with his housekeeper and her son, as they navigate the challenges of his condition while delving into the beauty of numbers and mathematics. The book explores themes of friendship, memory, and the significance of human relationships, all intertwined with a subtle undertone involving the fragility of memory and the eternal nature of numbers.
The novel is character-driven, focusing on the development of the three main characters - the professor, the housekeeper, and her son. Through the daily interactions between the characters, the author skillfully weaves in math concepts, showcasing the magic of numbers and how they bring this unlikely trio together. The writing style is described as quiet, tender, and beautifully poignant, leaving a lasting impact on the reader long after the final page is turned.
"Yes, there is," he said, pointing at his chest. "It's in here. It'sthe most discreet sort of number, so it never comes out where itcan be seen. But it's here." We fell silent for a moment, trying top... - #5
Save:'Kitchen' by Banana Yoshimoto is a collection of two novellas that explore themes of love, loss, grief, and personal growth. The stories delve into the lives of characters coping with death and navigating relationships in a quiet and introspective manner. The writing style is described as spare yet evocative, capturing the essence of deep emotions and everyday actions with clarity and openness.
The place I like best in this world is the kitchen. No matter where it is, no matter what kind, if it's a kitchen, if it's a place where they make food, it's fine with me. Ideally it should be well br... - #6
Save:In "The Cat Who Saved Books," high school student Rintaro Natsuki finds solace in his grandfather's secondhand bookshop after his grandfather's death. When a talking cat named Tiger appears and enlists Rintaro's help in rescuing imprisoned books, the duo embarks on a series of whimsical quests through labyrinths and book-themed adventures. The book explores themes of grief, empathy, human connection, and the power of literature, all wrapped in a charming and heartwarming narrative that is reminiscent of Japanese novels with a touch of magical realism.
The story unfolds with Rintaro's growth as he navigates loss, self-discovery, and the importance of books in shaping one's perspective on life. Through encounters with unique characters, sphinx-like riddles, and philosophical discussions about books, the narrative weaves a tale of friendship, adventure, and the transformative power of storytelling, culminating in a poignant message about the value of empathy and the significance of books in fostering understanding and personal growth.
Leading from the front entrance straight through to the back was one single long aisle. Each side of this aisle was lined with towering stacks of bookshelves reaching all the way to the ceiling, and e... - #7
Save:The Memory Police by Yoko Ogawa is a haunting and allegorical novel set on an unnamed island where things and memories gradually disappear, erased from people's minds by the enigmatic Memory Police. The story follows an unlikely trio who find solace in supporting each other as life becomes more difficult with each disappearance. The novel is beautifully written, with a slow and ponderous pace that explores themes of loss, memory manipulation, and the struggle to remember, ultimately delivering a cautionary tale about conformity and the erosion of reality.
“Long ago, before you were born, there were many more things here,” my mother used to tell me when I was still a child. “Transparent things, fragrant things…fluttery ones, bright ones…wonderful things... - #8
Save:"Strange Weather in Tokyo" by Hiromi Kawakami is a tender and quiet story that follows Tsukiko, a lonely office worker in her thirties, who unexpectedly reconnects with her former high school teacher, Sensei, in a Tokyo bar. Despite their age difference and differences in personalities, the two form an unlikely companionship that slowly blossoms into a delicate and heartfelt romance. The book explores themes of loneliness, connection, and love through the lens of everyday interactions, food, and sake, creating a dreamlike atmosphere rooted in Japanese culture and societal norms. Kawakami's writing style is spare yet mesmerizing, drawing readers into the evolving relationship between Tsukiko and Sensei with subtle humor and poignant observations.
Sensei and I exchanged glances. Despite the fact that we came to this bar almost every other night, the owner had never once treated us like regulars or made a point of making friendly conversation. R... 'The Miracles of the Namiya General Store' by Keigo Higashino is a collection of interconnected stories that revolve around people facing everyday and extraordinary challenges. The stories are woven together by a mysterious little shop, creating a novel that is both mysterious and dreamy. The book is a masterwork of twists and turns, with a bittersweet and unfinished ending that is described as perfect by readers. The writing style is praised for being clever, with the stories gradually revealing connections that initially seem random.
“Sorry, guys.” Kohei shrank back, hunching his large body, and cast a longing look at the worn-out Toyota Crown parked beside them. “I didn’t think the battery would die on us here, of all places. Not...- #10
Save:'Welcome to the Hyunam-Dong Bookshop' by Hwang Bo-Reum tells the heartwarming story of Yeongju, who fulfills her dream of opening a bookstore despite her lack of experience. As the plot unfolds, readers witness the formation of a close-knit community within the bookshop, where each character seeks something meaningful in their lives. The book explores themes of friendship, acceptance, and personal growth as Yeongju and her customers navigate life's challenges together. The writing style, although influenced by Korean literature, captivates readers with its simple yet profound storytelling, making it a cozy and engaging read.
