Before the Coffee Gets Cold book series
Before the Coffee Gets Cold is the first of the five books in the series by Toshikazu Kawaguchi. I have listed the books in reverse order. They are considered in the Healing Fiction genre.
I have Before Your Memory Fades and Before We Forget Kindness, the third and fifth books. I think there is no need to read the series in order as the stories are separate, but there are several coffeeshop workers who appear in all the books, so it might be useful to start with the first book, Before the Coffee Gets Cold.
What is the series about? In each book, people visit a mysterious cafe, hoping to go back or forward in time for a brief time. They are given a cup of steaming coffee at a special table, are then transported to the past, and must return to the present time before their coffee gets cold. There are other strict rules for this to work, however.
I have read only a couple books in the series but I have found the themes - life lessons learned by the ones who time travel to meet loved ones. Relationships don't end with death, for example. Indecisiveness is self destructive. Each story gives a different lesson, and some show the dilemmas of having to make certain choices in life.
Before We Forget Kindness has stories that explore Memories, Family Bonds, and Forgiveness. Before Your Memory Fades explores Grief, Healing, and Second Chances.
This next book is to be published May 2026
Comparable books with stories about people being helped in a magical place are the full moon coffee shop books include The Vanishing Cherry Blossom Bookshop by Takuya Asakura and the Full Moon Coffee Shop two-book series by Mai Mochizuki, which focuses on personal astrology.
I was entertained by the books I've read so far in both series of books, and also intrigued by thoughtful stories that present life lessons as you read.
What books are on your reading list now?
Memes: The Sunday Post, It's Monday: What Are You Reading, Sunday Salon, and Stacking the Shelves
I enjoyed Before the Coffee Gets Cold. I like the idea of people resolving issues by traveling through time. It's a healing idea, I think, and I'm glad that there are five books in this series.
ReplyDeleteI have the series on my TBR but haven't read them yet. This does sound really wonderful and like something I'd really enjoy. Adding The Vanishing Cherry Blossoming Bookshop and The Full Moon Coffee Shop to my list as well.
ReplyDeleteI didn't realize there was another coffee shop book coming. Thanks for the tip that they don't need to be read in order.
ReplyDeleteNew series for me.
ReplyDeleteI haven’t read either of these though I’ve read similar.
ReplyDeleteWishing you a happy reading week
These sound lovely. I like the idea of healing through time travel, because there are ways to apply those lessons in real life. It's never too late!
ReplyDeleteI have several of the books on my reserve list at the library. I do enjoy thoughtful fiction. Many of Alexander McCall Smith's novels are that way. Even meditative.
ReplyDeleteI have several of the Kawaguchi novels on my library reserve list. I do enjoy thoughtful fiction. Many of Alexander McCall Smith's books are that way, insightful, even meditative.
ReplyDeleteI read Before the Coffee Gets Cold as part of a book club a few years ago and kept it (I usually donate books after I read them) since I enjoyed it. I should probably check out the full moon coffee shop. Thanks!
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