Book Review: Before the Coffee Gets Cold by Toshikazu Kawaguchi

Book Review: Before the Coffee Gets Cold by Toshikazu Kawaguchi

A heart-touching Japanese novel that gently explores love, time, and what we hold onto.

Some books don’t just tell a story — they stir something deeper inside you. Before the Coffee Gets Cold by Toshikazu Kawaguchi is one of those rare, quiet books that speaks directly to the soul.

"Not every story ends the way we hope… but sometimes, revisiting a moment — even just once — can bring a quiet kind of healing the heart didn’t know it needed.”

This one line sums up exactly how the book made me feel. 

Set in a quaint little café in Tokyo, this novel holds a magical idea — what if you could revisit one moment in your past? Not to change it, but just to feel it one more time. That concept itself… I loved it. So unique, so delicate, yet so powerful.

The story beautifully unfolds through four chapters, each focusing on different people who return to a moment they've been holding in their hearts. And let me tell you — each story hit differently. From lovers to family to friends, it captures the ache of unspoken words and untold emotions in such a soft, poetic way.

My absolute favorite was the husband-wife chapter. It wasn’t loud or filled with drama — it was quietly overwhelming. That kind of love… the one that’s built on presence and understanding, not words — it stayed with me even after I closed the book. It reminded me that sometimes the most powerful emotions are the ones we never say out loud.

The way their story was told, with such subtle emotion and silent love, made me tear up. It reminded me that sometimes love isn't about grand gestures... Sometimes, it's just about being there. In silence. In presence. In the little things. 

The beauty of this novel lies in its simplicity. The time travel isn’t flashy or filled with science fiction — it’s just a soft thread in the background. The real focus is on the emotions, the regrets, and the unspoken words people carry in their hearts. The writing is poetic and minimal, with deep feelings packed into the smallest details.

📌What I loved most is how the book makes you think:

▪️What moment would you return to?

▪️Who would you want to see again, even if nothing could change?

▪️Would you still choose that moment, just to feel it again?

The writing is soft, minimalistic, and layered with emotion. It doesn’t scream — it whispers. And in those whispers, it leaves you with so much to feel. Some moments were bittersweet, some comforting, and some just made me sit in silence for a bit. It's definitely a book you feel, not just read.

This book doesn't rely on complex sci-fi or fantasy — it’s about human emotion, memories, and second chances. The writing is simple yet poetic, and the messages linger long after the last page.

If you’re in the mood for a heart-touching, thought - provoking read, this one is for you.

💭My Final Thoughts:

I genuinely loved the concept. It’s so simple yet deeply emotional. The stories are slow but meaningful. Every chapter is like a warm cup of coffee on a cloudy day — gentle, nostalgic, and thought-provoking.

It’s not for everyone — the pace is quiet, and it leaves some things unsaid. But if you enjoy stories that are emotional, cozy, and a little bittersweet… this book will stay with you.

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

4/5 stars – Beautifully written and deeply touching.

(One star less because I wanted just a little more closure in some moments.)

📍Perfect for readers who love:

▪️Emotional Japanese fiction

▪️Time-themed novels with heart

▪️Books about love, loss, and second chances

▪️Slow, soulful storytelling

▪️Cozy, reflective reads for peaceful nights

👉 Tap here to buy Before the Coffee Gets Cold on Amazon

✨Grow, Glow & Go with the Flow ✨