If you could travel back in time, what would you change? Would you make amends with a lost loved one, or say goodbye to someone you never had the chance to? In Before the Coffee Gets Cold, Toshikazu Kawaguchi presents a unique and heartwarming story set in a small café in Tokyo, where customers can travel to the past—but only under very specific conditions. The café has been serving carefully brewed coffee for over a century, but its true charm lies in the chance to revisit moments from the past.
The book follows four visitors who each hope to use the café’s time-traveling magic for personal closure. One wants to confront the man who left her, another wishes to receive a letter from her husband suffering from Alzheimer’s, a third hopes to reunite with her sister, and the last wishes to meet the daughter she never got to know. But time travel comes with strict rules: you must stay in a particular seat, you cannot leave the café, and you must return before your coffee gets cold. And most importantly, no matter what you do, the future will remain unchanged.
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Toshikazu Kawaguchi’s novel, originally an award-winning play, is a tender exploration of love, regret, and the people we wish we could see again. It’s a simple yet powerful premise: what would you do if you could meet someone from your past, but only for a fleeting moment?
With over a million copies sold worldwide and translations in many languages, Before the Coffee Gets Cold is a must-read for anyone who enjoys thought-provoking stories that tug at the heartstrings. After the success of this first book, Kawaguchi has expanded the series, with Before We Forget Kindness being released in 2024.
If you’re looking for a quick, emotional read with a touch of magic, Before the Coffee Gets Cold is an excellent choice. The books in the series are available in Fully Booked.
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