Book Review: Before the Coffee Gets Cold

By Toshikazu Kawaguchi 

4 Stars 

Before the Coffee Gets Cold by Toshikazu Kawaguchi is a touching story that conveys the message of the importance of embracing the present and appreciating moments with loved ones. It revolves around a small, dim Tokyo cafe named Funiculi Funicula, following four visitors who each desire to return to a specific point in their lives. 

It's not often that writing pulls me in like this book did; the author's talent for writing shows through the emotion and sincerity in each character's stories. It's an excellent book with minimal flaws. Through exploring human relationships, emotions, regret, and reconnection, it shows the importance of closure through the interesting premise of time travel, giving the reader a heartwarming read. The book has an interesting concept. The stories explore how the four characters utilize "the chair" (the chair, the only chair that lets you time-travel). Personally, I liked that the story was in an unchanging location. The reader doesn't have to memorize a landscape, it allows the story to be born from the characters' experiences and psyche.  

As I said before, the book had minimal flaws. It's apparent that this book was written by a man; very few male writers bother to write about things like a bit of cellulite or acne on a woman's face. Every female in the book is so shockingly pretty that men are tripping over themselves to ask them out. The portrayals are unrealistic and overly emphasized; it's also very easy to mix up the women, who all share the same traits as if they were cut from the same cloth, unlike the male characters, who have distinctive personalities and demeanours.  

Overall, this is a great quick book, and the pros far outweigh the cons. It beautifully delivers important messages and lessons, making it a worthwhile read. 

Reviewed by Ava 

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