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bookbrig's review
reflective
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Quiet and cozy, this is like a lit fic found family? With lots of coffee details and really compelling characters. A bit abstract and slow at times, but very satisfying. I keep coming back to the characters over and over, even though there were a few times where I felt like the book was a little too slow while I was reading. This is a story that lingers, and the more I think about it the more I enjoy it!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Toxic relationship
thewordsdevourer's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
this is a comforting novel whose reading experience is akin to someone patting ur shoulders to give u strength while ranting and nodding in understanding abt how messed up the world is.
the setting and premise of ร้านหนังสือฮยูนัมดงยินดีต้อนรับ might be cliched, but hwang executes it well, filling it w/ diverse characters who are all going thru different difficult things yet naturally forming a community that supports one another . it's also insightful to learn more abt a bookstore - esp an independent, neighborhood one - is run. the novel's thematically dense yet quite accessible, delving into various topics like reading, dreams, happiness, work and work-life balance, all of which are increasingly relevant esp in the book's native south korea.
tho i have to say, bc the book's quite understated in its plot and mostly even pacing, some chapters and sections are more forgettable than others, and i wish the themes and issues that are explored were more show-not-tell instead of the current text dumps thru dialogue and convos. overall, however, this is a read that both comforts and rallies the reader, sth which i happen to need at the moment.
the setting and premise of ร้านหนังสือฮยูนัมดงยินดีต้อนรับ might be cliched, but hwang executes it well, filling it w/ diverse characters who are all going thru different difficult things yet naturally forming a community that supports one another . it's also insightful to learn more abt a bookstore - esp an independent, neighborhood one - is run. the novel's thematically dense yet quite accessible, delving into various topics like reading, dreams, happiness, work and work-life balance, all of which are increasingly relevant esp in the book's native south korea.
tho i have to say, bc the book's quite understated in its plot and mostly even pacing, some chapters and sections are more forgettable than others, and i wish the themes and issues that are explored were more show-not-tell instead of the current text dumps thru dialogue and convos. overall, however, this is a read that both comforts and rallies the reader, sth which i happen to need at the moment.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Toxic friendship, Toxic relationship, and Mental illness
gillthequill's review
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I think the author's note at the back of this book perfectly sums up the experience reading this book: it is a book about people, slowly, one step at a time, finding themselves and becoming better. And the comforting, cozy feeling that the realization of "this is good enough" is a valid one. It is a critique of society, critique of expectations society places on us, and challenges what exactly a "good life" is. I am glad I read this book and highly recommend anyone struggling to find their place in the world give it a shot. It left a warm feeling of hope in my chest and that in of itself is a powerful feeling.
Content Warnings
Minor: Panic attacks/disorders, Sexism, Emotional abuse, and Toxic relationship
sakisreads's review against another edition
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
The feminine urge to quit my career and open my own bookshop has never been stronger 🫠
This book was truly delightful and a joy to read; I felt myself rooting for each and every character throughout. Although at around 50% it got a bit slower and slightly tiring to read, it picked up pace again shortly after and it was just LOVELY.
I noticed that this translation was blunt at times, but that I quite enjoyed the no-frills moment. Shanna Tan can translate from English into Chinese, Japanese and Korean - what a phenomenal person! 🥹
I’m giving this 4 out of 5 stars, thank you ✨
This book was truly delightful and a joy to read; I felt myself rooting for each and every character throughout. Although at around 50% it got a bit slower and slightly tiring to read, it picked up pace again shortly after and it was just LOVELY.
I noticed that this translation was blunt at times, but that I quite enjoyed the no-frills moment. Shanna Tan can translate from English into Chinese, Japanese and Korean - what a phenomenal person! 🥹
I’m giving this 4 out of 5 stars, thank you ✨
Content Warnings
Minor: Toxic relationship
yeoman014's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
relaxing
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
Content Warnings
Minor: Toxic relationship
refrejarator's review
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
This book was like a breath of fresh air. I've never come across a book that was actually comforting and inspiring at the same time until I read this one.
Content Warnings
Minor: Toxic relationship, Alcohol, Sexism, and Suicidal thoughts
Very very mild. Also mention of divorce which is important for the plot.anna_l's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Toxic relationship
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