Days at the Morisaki Bookshop: The perfect book to curl up with - for lovers of Japanese translated fiction everywhere

5 ⭐ Looking for a cozy read which is heart-warming and emotional? Pick this one up. This is my first book from the japanese translated fiction and I'm glad I picked it up.I wanted something to read about books written about books, finding the joy of reading and this one is my start for it. Simply written heartwarming story about relationships, a new journey to start life leaving the past behind, love for the used books and streets of bookshops, are the things I came across and adored reading about these. I liked takako's uncle satoru's character from this tale.His kindness and gentle nature, his love for books, his understanding of human nature, and his way of giving emotional support, made me feel good which felt like a warm hug. And the 2nd book from this series i.e, "More days at morisaki bookshop" is on my tbr. I can't wait to explore more of the character's life from this one. A beautiful read : ) 📌 More story is there in this book. I'm not mentioning it because I think it will be good and fun to read without knowing much about the story and plot before going through a book.

With simple writing that's easy to follow, ‘Days at the Morisaki Bookshop’ is a story about the connection we form with stories. Be it the written word or the spoken one, we have an intrinsic human tendency to relate to certain stories and cherish them. It is a coming-of-age story. It is a relatively thin book; it does not feel daunting when held. The cover of the book is like an amalgamation of a warm cup of coffee along with a cosy blanket. It beckons to you with a lilting aura. The story is equally warm. The narrative is simple; it follows our lead, Takako, on a realistic journey that begins with heartbreak but ends with a deeper understanding of human nature thanks to her newfound appreciation of books. She has not grown up with an affection for books as most book lovers have. She doesn't even develop the connection immediately when she is thrust into a situation that surrounds her with books. It is only by chance that she discovers the escapist worlds hidden between pages and once she does, she devours books with a fascination & hunger that only book lovers would relate to. Reading the book will bring back fond memories of how you first fell in love with reading. Although having a name that implies that it’s all about books, ‘Days at the Morisaki Bookshop’ has more to offer. It paints a wonderfully accurate picture of the nuances of Japanese culture that make that way of life so affable to everyone. We can only hope that we emulate the values that Takako learns as she comes out of her shell and experiences life around her. The descriptive passages of the neighbourhood of Jimbocho in which the bookshop is located can make you feel like you’re walking amid the Cherry blossoms, savouring the clean, fresh air around you. The story retains only a few well-written main characters. As we read along, it can sometimes be frustrating to understand their actions and reactions to situations. At these junctions, we need to remember that the Japanese are polite, gentle people who are not often vocal about their emotions. In anger, they would normally internalise emotions rather than throw a tantrum. This tends to slow down the narrative & can at times stunt the story. There is no A-HA moment or a defining climax for readers who are looking for excitement. It is a slow burn that engages your thoughts; which is often how reality works. There are some name drops of famous Japanese literature that I was grateful to add to my reading list. It is a welcome diving board into Japanese fiction. The book has won the Chiyoda Literature Prize in 2023. The English translation by Eric Ozawa is crisp and emotive. Yagisawa’s book is comfort food that reminds us to be grounded in reality while at the same time encouraging us to discover ourselves by getting lost in the abundant words (and worlds) found between pages.

The writing is simple yet deeply touching. There’s no dramatic plot, but that’s exactly the beauty of this book. It celebrates solitude, healing, and the quiet magic of bookstores. Each page feels calm and reflective, making it perfect for anyone going through emotional exhaustion or just craving a peaceful escape.

This book envelops you like a warm hug on a chilly winter day. It thoughtfully explores themes of relationships, grief, self-discovery, and the beauty of the countryside in Japan, along with its landscapes and people. While the narrative moves quickly, it offers a delightful reading experience, perfect for those days when you crave warmth and comfort.

Days at the Morisaki Bookshop, is a pleasant and heartwarming read that captures the quiet beauty of everyday life, yet it remains rather simple in its storytelling. The narrative unfolds gently, focusing more on emotions and atmosphere than on dramatic twists or complexity. While I appreciated its comforting tone and the cozy world it creates around the bookshop, I didn’t find it to be an extraordinary or deeply memorable read. It’s one of those stories that you enjoy for the warmth it brings in the moment, like spending an afternoon in a quaint café - but it doesn’t linger long after you finish. Overall, it’s a light, one-time read that offers comfort more than impact.

Days at the Morisaki Bookshop by Satoshi Yagisawa Rating: 4/5 Genre: Literary Fiction Days at the Morisaki Bookshop is a heartwarming story about a young woman navigating her emotions and discovering her true self in the process. Set in the charming book district of Jimbocho, Tokyo, the novel revolves around three characters, Takako, Satoru, and Momoko , each carrying the weight of their past. But when their paths intertwine, they find healing through the quiet power of family, love, and friendship. The author’s storytelling feels crisp, conversational, and deeply comforting , much like spending a winter afternoon in a park reading a book. “I don’t know, maybe it takes a long time to figure out what you’re truly searching for. Maybe you spend your whole life just to figure out a small part of it.” Such a simple line, yet so profoundly true. And this one stayed with me , “Your life is yours. It doesn’t belong to anyone else.” A beautiful reminder that amidst our relationships and responsibilities, we must still choose to live for ourselves. Highly recommended for readers who love emotional, character-driven stories about love, friendship, and finding peace in small moments.

Japanese smaltz but well written and enjoyable. The usual aren't bookshops wonderful and there's a cute coffee shop and a heroine on the spectrum and a person dieing of cancer.

La couverture du livre et l’impression sont de très bonne qualité L’histoire est originale et captivante Je conseille fortement pour une première lecture en anglais pour les débutants

Love the book! Looking forward to read the sequel. Since it is an imported product shipped to my home country, I will have to wait until there is a promotion, or a chance to get it from a friend travelling abroad :-(

Came in good conditions, it’s a short book but very entertaining, all good

Som förväntad, luktade boklim mycket nice