I have this terrible habit of listening to/reading books that make me cry either when I'm driving or when I am in public, and this story was definitely like that for me. It took me a while to start this book, but once I did I couldn't stop.
Satoru and Takako are such great characters, they feel very real and relatable I felt their joys and pains throughout this book., I was not ready for their story to be done.

The book is a slow paced, heartfelt and warm story about the everyday life of a Japanese family and their bookshop. It has been narrated beautifully making it seem as though the reader is actually listening to the conversation that unfolds before them, rather than reading a book.

Reading this book has been a totally different experience- something that is difficult to exactly put down in words. There is this calmness that engulfs us while reading this book. The book manages to transport us to a totally different world.

I did not read the Days at the Morisaki Bookshop and that did not prevent me from enjoying this book. However, I do feel that had I read the first book, the grief I felt towards the end would have been more profound.

This is the first translated Japanese literature I have ever read and this book has excited me enough to take up more Japanese literature.

The book is perfect for those who enjoy reading books about books and love reading Japanese Literature.

Thank you, Harper Perennial and Netgalley for the digital review copy.

3/5

In the follow-up sequel to Days at the Morisaki Bookshop, readers follow Takako again in the beloved Japanese bookshop nestled within the Jimbocho neighborhood of Tokyo. Her relationships with the people around her deepen, revolving not only around her family and friends introduced in the first book, but also a new cast of heartwarming regulars including an old man who wears the same raggedy sweater and another who collects books solely for the official stamps with the author’s personal seal. This is a book for book lovers, illuminating the everyday relationships between people that are forged through a shared love of books. A poignant portrait of life, love, and how much books and bookstores mean to people.

“In the space of a few days, it felt like winter had arrived, and my favorite season was over. But that wasn’t so bad. Because from here on, whether it was winter or spring or whatever season might come, I believed these gentle days would continue. And all the people I love would spend them laughing together. As we walked down the street at twilight, this is what I told myself, though I had no grounds to believe it.”

When I saw that a sequel was being made for Days at the Morisaki Bookshop, I was so excited. I read the first novel right before the year ended, and it was a surprising 5-star read. Maybe because I listened to the first one and physically read the second novel, there was a slight disconnect between how I felt about both books, unfortunately. I really liked the character growth from Takako and themes from the first book, and More Days... delved into that, but at a bit of a slower pace that made it hard to pick up. I felt myself not reaching for it as much as I hoped. I still consider it a nice read and enjoyed my time in the story, but maybe I should have waited for the audiobook. If you liked the first one, still give this one a try!

Thank you NetGalley for the arc!

In More Days at the Morisaki Bookshop we follow Takako and her uncle Satoru once more! This is such a cozy and atmospheric read. You really feel transported to the Jimbocho neighborhood when you read it. I have to say I was hesitant about this sequel since the first one ended on a perfect note in my opinion. But this time it is Takako who is there for her uncle. There were a lot of quiet and lovely lines and the tragedy that we learn about made me cry in real life. Such a heartwarming and charming read!

I enjoyed the relaxed nature of the book. I had read Days at the Morisaki Bookshop, so I was happy to see the story continue. It's great for readers who enjoy cozy, intimate, day-in-the-life stories. The understated but common theme of its characters being more comfortable with books than with other people should be very relatable to book lovers. I also loved the discussions about actual Japanese writers the characters they loved. It led me to look them up and start reading their work too.

If there is a 3rd installment to this series, I will definitely read it. Thank you for the galley. I will be posting a video review on TikTok, and written reviews on Amazon and Goodreads.

I think this one's better than the first one. Both books are cozy, low stakes, and slice of life, but I found that this one was a bit more engaging at an emotional level. It was just about the daily lives of these characters and this bookshop, but you find hard-hitting lines throughout, and that was delightful. It explores a different kind of loss and grief than the first one, which I liked. Overall, it was a lovely read. Very short and easy to get through in one sitting!

I was surprised by how much I enjoyed the first book in this series. I related to the main character and her struggles with work and love. I also liked the relationship between her, her uncle, and her aunt. This book was a continuation of that and other characters that frequent the bookstore. I did find this book at times to be repetitive due to my reading the first book recently. However, I think this was a fitting end to the series with room for continuation if possible. If you are looking for a short book series to read that is a slice of life mixed with found family and other themes, then check this out.

Thank you to NetGalley and Harper Perennial for the e-book copy!

Thanks to NetGalley and Harper Perennial for the ARC copy.

“Sharing your thoughts with someone seems so simple, but at times it can be surprisingly difficult. Even more so when it’s someone you care so much for… But if you can find the courage to do it, it’ll bring you closer together.”

I often appreciate how themes from Japanese media are handled and how those themes make me feel. This book was perfect to read during a rainy day with a cup of tea and it's short and quick to read; you could read it in one sitting. It’s a quiet, simple story focused on character interaction and relationships, as well as a focus on the need to continue moving forward while experiencing sadness. I really liked how each character’s story was weaved in and out of the story. Then it got to a part that opened a hole in my chest and I cried from that point on until the end of the book.

“When you’re sad, don’t try to hold it in. It’s okay to cry a lot…” The rest of this quote really got me so I won’t share the rest to not take away the impact when you read it!

A beautiful follow up to the first Morisaki Bookshop story, this cozy, feel-good book continues with the characters we first came to love and has Takako urging her Uncle to go on a vacation where she takes care of the shop while he's gone. It is also a story about love, loss and the enduring power of books to help us through difficult times. Great on audio, this Japanese translation is sure to be another bestseller! Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital copy in exchange for my honest review!

CW: death of a loved one from cancer

What a joy it would be to walk down the street where every single shop is a cozy bookstore! One of the bookshops on that street is the Morisaki Bookshop, and that's where the story begins...

The translation from Japanese was excellent! The translator in me loved the style and seamless flow of the narrative. Gentleness and courtesy present in the Japanese culture were apparent in the book and created that special atmosphere. Takako and her uncle Satoru Morisaki are the central characters in both books. I really enjoyed following their story, watching them reconnect after many years apart and and become each other's close family.

The story of course revolves around books, bookstores and booklovers. It's a perfect cozy read that any bookworm would appreciate. On a more serious note, the book touches on the topics of depression, females' place in a traditional Japanese society and standing up for what's right. Each of the two books has its own share of joy and sorrow, and the novels beautifully complement each other.

I would recommend reading this duology in order since book two picks up where the story left off in book one. These reads are perfect for book lovers and those who enjoy books about other cultures. Both are quick short reads and will warm your heart.

This book and series are so comforting... even though it's not my typical type of book (slow and character focused) I did enjoy it for what it is and that it forced me to slow down a little bit and enjoy the pace of life of these characters. I think if you connected with the emotional elements of the first book, you'll enjoy this one because it definitely continues on with the same tone and storyline. Now that I'm invested two books into this series, I do think I'd continue on with any future books that get published just to check in with where these characters all end up!

More Days at the Morisaki Bookshop is the second episodic slice-of-life novel set in and around the titular bookstore and the people who love it, written by Satoshi Yagisawa and translated by Eric Ozawa. Released 2nd July 2024 by HarperCollins on their Harper Perennial imprint, it's 176 pages and is available in paperback, audio, and ebook formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links and references throughout.

This is such a warm and whimsical story, entirely character driven. It meanders, often touchingly, through the daily lives, dreams and hopes of the characters and their interactions with one another. It's indelibly Japanese in its sensibilities, culture, and grammar. It does read as though it's literature in translation (in this case that's not a bad thing). The translation work is competent and seems true to the original text.

The book is full of references to other works of Japanese literature. This would be a treasure trove for lovers of literature in translation, although many (most?) are likely unavailable in English translation. It's still nice to look them up for more depth and background.

Four stars. It's a delightful very short read. Quite a lot of story, without a lot of conflict or action. A relaxing and delightful experience. This would make a great choice for public or school library acquisition, book club discussion, or home library.

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.

I was so surprised by the first book in this series - it was just so lovely [ and unexpected] and a book I didn't know I needed [it taught unexpected lessons that still resonate with me], so I was really happy to see another book by this author was available and was quick to request it.

Ahhhhh...such a calm, gentle, read. Even though there is more conflict [and some instances of what we would consider serious passive-aggresiveness, but is seemingly normal in Japan - I did have trouble with that at some points] in this one, along with some deep, deep, sadness, this was still a very calm, comforting read [sometimes there is comfort in sadness; learning how others deal with grief is always beneficial IMO]. I so enjoyed with Takako, Satoru and Momoko [her uncle and aunt], and all the interesting side characters that weave their way throughout the book and it left me both happy and wanting more. Much more. ;-)

Such a great way to spend a hot summer day!

Thank you to NetGalley, Satoshi Yagisawa, Eric Ozawa - Translator, and Harper Perennial and Paperbacks for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

"In this charming and emotionally resonant follow up to the internationally bestselling Days at the Morisaki Bookshop, Satoshi Yagisawa paints a poignant and thoughtful portrait of life, love, and how much books and bookstores mean to the people who love them.

Set again in the beloved Japanese bookshop and nearby coffee shop in the Jimbochi neighborhood of Toyko, More Days at the Morisaki Bookshop deepens the relationship between Takako, her uncle Satoru, and the people in their lives. A new cast of heartwarming regulars have appeared in the shop, including an old man who wears the same ragged mouse-colored sweater and another who collects books solely for the official stamps with the author's personal seal.

Satoshi Yagisawa illuminates the everyday relationships between people that are forged and grown through a shared love of books. Characters leave and return, fall in and out of love, and some eventually die. As time passes, Satoru, with Takako's help, must choose whether to keep the bookshop open or shutter its doors forever. Making the decision will take uncle and niece on an emotional journey back to their family's roots and remind them again what a bookstore can mean to an individual, a neighborhood, and a whole culture."

Damn, I love bookstores.

Lovely to catch up with Takako, Satoru and Momoko and the patrons of the Morisaki Bookshop. The shop
contains so many cherished memories that keep one going when times get tough.. Relationships change, life goes.
and the Morisaki Bookshop is open for business.
#MoreDaysattheMorisakiBookshop #HarperPerennial #Netgalley

This story was heartfelt, gentle, and so immersive. If you enjoyed the first book, be prepared for this to start a little slower, but definitely touch your heart!

✨ Happy Pub Week to More Days at the Morisaki Bookshop by Satoshi Yagisawa, Translated by Eric Ozawa! ✨

This series holds such a special place in my heart. Not only is it wonderfully written, it is a heartfelt love letter to books and bookstores. It explores how even when the world feels like it is falling apart, books and the stories they hold remain as an anchor. More Days at the Morisaki Bookshop is a beautiful story of love, loss, family, grief, community and the comfort books hold to those who love them. This series is an absolute must read for all book lovers! 📚

Thank you so much Harper Perennial for sending me an advanced copy!

I certainly enjoyed the first book from this author so I was excited to dive into this one and revisit the Morisaki Bookshop. But I didn't enjoy this one as much at all. It seemed to be full of words that added nothing to the story line. The writing is all over the place and I'm not sure if that is the original Japanese or due to translation. And as translations go, this one seems much too literal, as if the translator didn't take the time to really translate the meaning instead of just the words. I found it to be a very awkward read, but where the fault lies, I am not sure. The story just does not resonate like the first volume did. Your mileage may differ... I hope so.

Thank you to NetGalley for an advance copy of this book. I wish I'd liked it better than I did.

I could not wait to get back to Tokyo’s Jimbocho neighborhood and the Morisaki Bookshop and all the quirky characters. At the start of the book Takako's uncle and aunt have gotten back together after many years of being apart. Takako is working in a design studio and has a boyfriend though it seems like she is more into him, than he is to her. The bookshop is still open and her uncle is still devoted to it. Takako still visits the shop and reminisces about her time living above it. Familiar customers come to visit the shop and the coziness of the first book is still evident. The story takes a turn and some challenges arise, but Takako works hard to help her uncle overcome them.
There is just something so sweet about these books and the characters are so endearing. I really enjoyed my time at the Morisaki Bookshop again.

More Days at the Morisaki Bookshop is the sequel to Days at the Morisaki Bookshop.
 
“The way they shaped their feelings made them last. All artists are incredible.”
 
Takako remembers how her life has changed in these three years since coming to Jimbocho. She slowly started loving the place and now during her off days she visits Jimbocho. Everyone's life was going perfectly until Takako arranged a trip for Momoko and Satoru. I don’t want to give spoilers.
 
In the first book, you might have felt in the second half that the sudden appearance of Momoko felt unnecessary. But I thought there might be some reason to bring the person back. In the second book, it was perfect to give an answer for returning. I never thought that I would cry in the second book. It was a mix of love, happiness, sorrow, and family bonding.
 
The translation was so perfect that I could delve into the story easily. It was such a cozy book to read, yet it was heartwarming as well as heartbreaking. This is the perfect book for anyone who wants a breezy read. Definitely, I suggest reading both books together.