As a self-proclaimed coffee snob and avid reader, it seems fitting that one of my all-time favorite books is Before the Coffee Gets Cold by Toshikazu Kawaguchi. And while I love a good iced coffee, I think I’d be willing to deviate from that if I were offered the chance to go back in time, as happens in this novel.
There’s a strong sense of peace that permeates Kawaguchi’s book. It’s incredibly atmospheric and at the same time incredibly heart-wrenching, in the best way. Visiting loved ones who have passed on, knowing that you won’t be able to change their fate, but being able to say goodbye? Heartbreaking. Pass the tissues as I cry, thank you.
If you’re searching for more calming, resilient books to read like Before the Coffee Gets Cold, look no further than this list. From more Kawaguchi books to plenty of other works in translation, these novels will warm you like a perfect cup of coffee.
1. Before Your Memory Fades by Toshikazu Kawaguchi
If you loved Before the Coffee Gets Cold, then reading the rest of the Tales from the Cafe series is a fantastic, if obvious, choice. This book lives up to the hype of the first one; in addition to some of the familiar characters from the first book, readers are introduced to a slew of new characters, new problems, and even new ghosts.
2. What You Are Looking For is in the Library by Michiko Aoyama
This internationally bestselling Japanese novel is charming, cozy, and unexpectedly poignant.
Can a book recommendation change a life? Well, Sayuri Komachi, a librarian with a knack for needle felting, certainly believes so. The books she suggests to her patrons may not always be exactly what they’re looking for, but those pages may just be what changes the direction of their fate.
3. Sweet Bean Paste by Durian Sukegawa
An unexpected encounter with an elderly woman changes Sentaro’s life forever. The two bond over troubled pasts, enjoying the sweetness of bean paste and the bitterness of a culture that has pushed them to the fringes of society.
Sweet Bean Paste highlights how the impact a complete stranger can have on your life is limitless, for better or worse. This book reminds me of the significance of kind gestures made in Before the Coffee Gets Cold and how such a kindness can shift your perspective on life forever.
4. Days at the Morisaki Bookshop by Satoshi Yagisawa
Here’s another book about the magic of human connections. This international bestseller focuses on 25-year-old Takako, whose life is wonderful — up until it isn’t. Facing a nasty breakup, unemployment, and all of her friends walking out, what’s a girl to do?
Obviously run a bookstore with her distant uncle and discover a love for literature. Which is relatable, charming, and exactly what I would have done in that situation.
5. The Guest Cat by Takashi Hiraide
A young couple is adopted by a cat that shows up uninvited to their rental cottage, coming and going as it pleases. As they adapt to life with their new guest, the couple begins to notice changes in their day-to-day routine, more spring in their step, and more color in the world.
Hiraide’s writing is quietly stunning, wrapping readers in a blanket of beautiful words and imagery. This is a must read for lovers of both cats and the quiet moments in life.
6. Goodbye Tsugumi by Banana Yoshimoto
Goodbye Tsugumi explores the time period in a young adult’s life as they stagger on the edge of adulthood, perhaps not yet ready to transition away from childhood.
Maria returns to her childhood home by the seaside to spend one last summer with her spoiled cousin, the titular Tsugumi. Bonding over late-night walks and small-town drama, Maria begins to see her cousin in a new light and in turn, starts to shift the ways she views her own life.
7. She and Her Cat: Stories by Makoto Shinkai and Naruki Nagakawa
Fans of the anime Your Name will certainly recognize Makoto Shinkai’s name and his genius while reading this collection of stories.
Four different women and their feline companions experience a spectrum of emotions together as they contemplate love, life, and loneliness. Switching between the perspectives of the cats and their owners is a clever little bit of narration that many fans appreciate.
8. The Housekeeper and the Professor by Yoko Ogawa
Is there an equation for creating a loving family or a perfect life? Perhaps not, but one can always hope.
The Professor, left with only 80 minutes of short term memory after an injury, meets the Housekeeper, who has a 10-year-old son and is tasked with taking care of the Professor. Even as the Professor’s memory fades, his mind continues to wow the Housekeeper and her young son. The story of these three is beautiful and atmospheric, and reminds readers to live every moment to the fullest.
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About the Author: Adrienne Santamaria
Adrienne is a seasoned publishing professional with a decade of experience in the industry. At 30 years old, she’s navigated through various aspects of publishing, from editorial to production. Outside of work, she is an avid reader and an enthusiastic knitter.
