Books have the unique ability to stir emotions, and sometimes we stumble upon those that feel like a warm hug—a comforting escape from reality, a moment of peace amidst the chaos. For me, this sentiment came alive when I was introduced to Japanese literature, particularly through Before the Coffee Gets Cold by Toshikazu Kawaguchi. Its popularity on BookTok made me want to read it. These books brought a sense of nostalgia and warmth I hadn’t expected. Before this, my reading journey with Japanese authors leaned more toward the thriller side with Seishi Yokomizo’s The Village of Eight Graves and The Honjin Murders, both gripping mysteries that kept me on the edge.
The contrast between the suspenseful world of Japanese thrillers and the heartwarming, almost whimsical nature of Kawaguchi’s time-travel café highlighted how diverse Japanese literature can be. It’s fascinating how some books feel like a gentle embrace, wrapping us in their stories, while others make our hearts race with every page.
The Before the Coffee Gets Cold series by Toshikazu Kawaguchi is a beautifully tender exploration of time, love, and human connection. Each book stands on its own while offering a cohesive, emotional experience that feels almost like stepping into a cozy café yourself. Here’s a quick look at each book, why you should pick them up, and how they weave warmth into every page:
Before the Coffee Gets Cold
This first book introduces you to a quaint, almost magical café in Tokyo where patrons can travel back in time, but only under strict rules—the most important being they must return before their coffee gets cold. This novel is perfect if you’re looking for an emotionally evocative read that touches on themes of regret, second chances, and the fleeting nature of time. Each story within the book feels like a mini-lesson on how our past shapes our present, making it a heartwarming and thoughtful read.
Tales from the Café
In the second book, you return to the same café, and the sense of familiarity will feel comforting. This one expands on the café’s timeless charm with new stories of people looking to reunite with loved ones, resolve lingering issues, or find peace with their pasts. What makes this book so compelling is how it shows that revisiting memories doesn’t always change the outcome, but it can change your understanding of them. It’s a powerful recommendation for anyone who loves reflective, character-driven stories.
Before Your Memory Fades
As the series continues, Before Your Memory Fades deepens the emotional complexity. The stories branch out from Tokyo and venture into a café in a small town, offering new layers of warmth while keeping the same magical premise. This book is a wonderful recommendation if you enjoy seeing how different settings bring out new emotions, and it reminds us that time, no matter where we are, remains the most precious gift.
Before We Say Goodbye
Fourth book in the series, Before We Say Goodbye creates a sense of closure and continuity. It invites you to think about goodbyes, not just as farewells, but as a way to honour the relationships and memories we hold dear. It’s a deeply emotional book that I’d recommend to anyone who has ever wished they could hold onto a moment just a little bit longer.
This series, with its gentle yet profound themes, is perfect for when you need a literary escape that feels like a warm, comforting hug.
Another book that I absolutely can’t stop talking about is What You Are Looking for Is in the Library by Michiko Aoyama offers a similarly comforting journey. This book carries the gentle, introspective touch that Japanese literature often embodies. Set in a quiet library, it tells the story of people searching for something missing in their lives—be it direction, purpose, or a sense of fulfilment. Each visitor to the library finds themselves unexpectedly guided by the librarian, who seems to know just the right book to recommend.
This novel is like a gentle nudge toward self-discovery. It reminds us that sometimes the answers to life’s big questions are hidden in the most unassuming places—like the pages of a book. It’s a perfect follow-up if you’re drawn to stories of subtle magic and human connection, similar to Before the Coffee Gets Cold series, but with a focus on how books themselves can change our lives. It’s an ideal recommendation for book lovers who believe in the transformative power of stories, offering comfort and inspiration like a warm, reassuring hug from the library shelves.
As I continue to discover more books that evoke that sense of comfort, I’m realising how powerful these seemingly quite stories can be. I’m yet to read the final book in Before the Coffee Gets Cold series—Before We Forget Kindness—and I’m excited to see how the themes of time, connection, and love come full circle. The journey through these books has been like revisiting cherished memories, each one offering a new perspective and warmth that stays with you long after you’ve turned the last page.
I’ll be diving deeper into these stories and reviewing them in detail soon, sharing how each one resonates with me and continues to shape my reading experience. Until then, I’m eager to uncover even more books that feel like a warm hug, reminding us all that comfort can often be found in the most unexpected places—whether it’s in a time-travel café or the quiet corner of a library.