Tales from the Café by Toshikazu Kawaguchi
This autumn, I curled up with Tales from the Café, a comforting sequel to Before the Coffee Gets Cold, and it couldn’t have been more perfect for the season. Just like the first book, this story isn’t loud or dramatic but cozy like a warm cup of coffee on a crisp fall day.
Returning to the Magical Café
In Tales from the Café, Kawaguchi once again welcomes us into the charming Tokyo café where the characters revisit moments from their past. The rules haven’t changed: you can only sit in a particular chair and nothing you do will alter the present, and you must return before your coffee gets cold. But this time, we meet a fresh set of characters, each drawn to the café with their own hopes, regrets, and longing for closure. The café itself feels like an old friend—a warm, inviting space that holds stories and memories like whispers in the air. We also meet characters from the first book, so there is a connect.
Nostalgia, Healing, and Second Chances
At its heart, Tales from the Café is about making peace with the past, finding closure, and cherishing the connections we often take for granted. It’s filled with nostalgia, hope, and the gentle reassurance that even though we can’t change the past, we can learn from it. Kawaguchi’s writing is as comforting as ever—simple yet profound, like a quiet conversation with a friend. The café’s time travel isn’t about adventure; it’s about connection, reflection, and the quiet moments that shape our lives.
You can grab your copy here and immerse yourself in its delightful charm.
As I closed the book, I felt a renewed sense of gratitude for the people in my life and the memories we share. Pick this one up if you enjoyed Before the Coffee Gets Cold. While I have to say I enjoyed Before the Coffee Gets Cold a little more, Tales from the Café too offered some truly great moments. Have you read any of the books from the series yet?
