Before the Coffee Gets Cold: A Heartfelt Novel Exploring Regret, Redemption and Closure From a Magical Café (Before the Coffee Gets Cold Series, 1)

For some it may be a slower book to grab you, but stick with it. The author spins a beautiful story with quite an array of complex characters who’s world converge in this subtle sepia colored cafe that holds the key to their heart changing once in a life time experience, as long as they can follow the rules! I really enjoyed this book and will definitely read more from this author!

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.

This book was a slow read and not my typical style, so it may rate higher than three stars for others than it did for me. That being said, it was still a very good and touching story that pulls at your heartstrings, especially at the end. It reminds you to no take people for granted. I would recommend this book.

Very interesting and well written story. I was very engaged in the legend and why people wanted to go to the past or present. Great read

I ordered this book after reading several reviews of how popular it was. It is a nice book with heart warming stories. It made me cry several times. Despite this, I couldn’t understand the hype about this book. It is OK and a good read, but not exceptional. The author is skillful in slowly developing the characters, but the fact that all is set within the confines of a small cafe takes away from the story for me. It is also culturally specific, which made it difficult for me to relate to it at times. The characters seem very restrained in their interactions. The reader is expected to understand a lot from the subtle cultural intricacies of the interactions between the characters, however, those cultural intricacies are from Japanese culture. Due to this, from a Western perspective some parts of the story appear odd.

A good book! Everyone has at least one moment where they would like a second chance at a conversation with someone. In "Before the Coffee Gets Cold" the characters can have that opportunity for a few minutes under certain conditions. The future can't be changed but understanding, catharsis or a different perspective can be the result. The "what if" quality of the plot is very appealing. This book is quietly thoughtful and can be read in one sitting. It contains 4 stories with overlapping characters. It's still on my mind a month later and I am reading the rest of the books in this series. I highly recommend this bittersweet novel.

If you had the chance to revisit a moment in the past, when and to whom would you travel? At Funiculi Funicula Cafe, time travel can be achieved, as long as you return before the coffee gets cold. The concept for this book is intriguing! The stories were sweet and heartwarming!

Good story and a quick read. Has 4 short stories in one book.

Such a moving and touching story! I really loved it. The characters are loveable and it was so beautiful to get to know each of them, have an insight into their lives. The idea of the story is so beautiful and the way everything is packed up is really nice as well. It's a poetic story that I can't help but recommend!

Llegó precintado, la historia esta guay aunque yo lo compré por recomendación para mejorar mi inglés a la hora de leer que andaba algo lenta.

It’s a wonderful refreshing novel. I’m planning to read the other books in the series. If I had known it’s a great book, I would’ve gotten the set.

Very boring. I regret the purchase.

​I am officially OBSESSED! 😍 This book was a birthday gift to myself, and I can honestly say it’s the best present I’ve received. Before the Coffee Gets Cold has been my favorite series for a long time, but seeing it in this Sprayed Edge Edition? It’s a total game-changer. My first ever sprayed edge book and I am never going back! 😭🙌 ​If you haven’t read this series yet, you are missing out on a warm hug in book form. ☕ It’s set in a tiny, underground cafe in Tokyo where you can travel back in time—but only for as long as it takes for your coffee to get cold. 🕰️ It sounds simple, but the stories are so deeply moving, quiet, and filled with a gentle kind of wisdom that stays with you long after you close the cover. Why this edition is a MUST-HAVE: ​The Visuals: The sprayed edges are chef’s kiss! 🤌 It makes the book look like a piece of art on my shelf. I can’t stop staring at it! 📖✨ ​The Vibes: There is something so magical about reading these cozy, bittersweet stories from such a gorgeous physical book. It elevates the whole experience. 🕯️🌿 ​The Stories: Every time I revisit this cafe, I cry, I smile, and I feel a little more at peace. It’s the perfect "soul-healing" read. 🩹❤️ Whether you’re a long-time fan of the series like me or a newcomer, treat yourself to this edition! It’s whimsical, melancholic, and breathtakingly beautiful. ☕🍂 I’ll be treasuring this one forever. ​My Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (I’d give it 10 stars if I could!)