Fans of the time travel fiction, this is THE ultimate series for your enjoyment and a must-read! The series is set in an unremarkable back-alley cafe in Tokyo (and its sister-branch in Hakodate) where customers get a chance to travel back in time or into the future for just few minutes, before their coffee gets cold, to see that someone special and perhaps say things they so desperately wished they said, but didn't.

I finished the series earlier last week, but I am still under such huge impression from the books. Two main things that stood out: the novels are beautifully written and translated! Also, I normally don't re-read books, there are just too many books and so little time, but I already want to go back to book one and savor these stunning novels once again. They are like the softest blanket on your comfiest chair that you want to crawl under at the end of a long day.

The stories of time-traveling customers are touching, heartbreaking, heartwarming and so real. The book will get you assessing your own existence and will make you think of the virtues of kindness, gratitude, and love. This is an instant classic for me!

AMAZING series, do not wait to read it. It's perfect for the lovers of any genre.

Before We Forget Kindness written by Toshikazu Kawaguchi tells stories about people who have come to a mysterious cafe to travel back in time. I have not read any books by this author but will definitely look for the other four in this series. This book can be read as a standalone. Each of the characters are introduced and developed within the corresponding stories. There are four stories within this book, four people who want to time travel. Each for their own reasons. Each story is heartwarming and heartbreaking in many ways. This review does not do justice to this book. It is one of my favorite reads of 2024. One of the very few five-star reads this year.

- The father who could not allow his daughter to get married
- A woman who couldn't give Valentine's Day chocolates to her loved one
- A boy who wants to show his smile to his divorced parents
- A wife holding a child with no name

Truly amazing in every way. Just like when reading the previous books in the series, my heart felt every emotion imaginable.

so happy to see that this series is still going strong, with even more touching stories and thoughtful lessons! as much as I miss the older characters and so wish we would return to them, everyone has their own unique story and regrets with the people they love - this was a wonderful addition to this world that fills you with warmth with every character's past regret

I love this series by Toshikazu Kawaguchi. They are charming short stories, all set in the same location - a cafe in Japan where you can time travel, for a short period of time. These are the perfect cozy stories about humanity, love and loss.

This is the 5th book in the Before the Coffee Gets Cold series. I was so happy to discover there was another book to read. Cafe Funiculi Funicula is back providing the backdrop for people to travel back or forward in time to face unresolved issues from their past. There are four different stories in this installment, and they will make you smile, cry, rejoice, celebrate, mourn and understand, at least partially, life’s challenges. There are lessons learned, but not the lessons people expect to learn. Time is precious, and the cafe and its magical abilities allow the characters to gain a better understanding of their life situations. Things aren’t always as they perceive them to be. Thank you to NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing/Hanover Square Press for the digital ARC.

This book is cruelly beautiful. As one who does not frequently cry from books, I can honestly say I was sobbing at this tragically heartfelt story. The amount of emotions Kawaguchi's books make you feel through the artistically compelling short stories is breathtaking. If you're a fan of the Before the Coffee Gets Cold series, pick this one up immediately because it's my favorite in the series I've read to date!

If you have not read the Before the Coffee Gets Cold series, no worries. Before We Forget Kindness can absolutely be read as a stand-alone story. As with the other books in the series, this one follows the mysterious Japanese cafe where individuals are able to travel in time--assuming they follow the cafe's strict rules. This read follows four heartwarming short stories of those who dare to brave traveling in time through the magic cafe (as long as they return before their cup of coffee gets cold).

Thank you to Toshikazu Kawaguchi, Harlequin Trade Publishing, & NetGalley for the ARC! All opinions are my own.

I've read all of Toshikazu Kawaguchi's books in this series. You don't have to have read the previous books as these are short stories that are only connected by being set in a Japanese cafe where there is a chair that allows a person to either go to the past or the future. There are a few simple rules, but they are often dealbreakers for the seekers: 1. You can only go to the time when the person you want to meet was in the cafe, 2. You must stay seated in the chair or you will be immediately transported back to your time, 3. You only have as long as it takes for a cup of coffee to go cold, 4. You must drink the whole cup of coffee before it goes cold or you become the ghost in the chair, 5. The ghost who occupies the chair only gets up 1 time a day to go to the bathroom, if you try to remove her from the chair you will be cursed, and finally 6. Nothing you do in the time period you visit will change the events.

While in the first book the four visitors kind of interconnect, this doesn't hold through the entire series. The only recurring characters are the characters who work at the cafe and a couple of regulars. As I said, these books don't have to be read together or even in order. I'm pretty sure Nagare's (the cafe's owner) daughter was older in the last book. In Before We Forget Kindness, she at least seemed younger. But it is kind of hard to tell because the regular characters are barely mentioned - usually, there is more story about them.

I wonder if these are published as individual short stories in magazines and then collected together in these books. There is a lot of repetition in regards to the rules, though the rules aren't explicitly explained as much as they were in the earlier books as well as a few other things.

These stories are more focused on the characters that want to travel. And that is more or less the case in the previous books, but there was definitely something different about this book. I've always enjoyed the subtle subtext and have thought that the language was almost lyrical at times. But in Before We Forget Kindness it felt heavy-handed. Particularly in the story about the boy who wants to smile for his parents. There is a long diatribe about irreconcilable differences and divorce. It almost felt like a rant. Then there was the trip to Disneyland and a lot of description about how the park works and how long lines keep people from going on some of the rides.

I didn't enjoy this book as much as the previous ones. The story about the Father was really touching and did live up to the expectations I have for this series.

We do learn a few more things about how the time travel works and what can and cannot be done.

If you are looking for stories that will warm your heart and maybe make you think about life a little differently, then you should get this book.

My review will be published at Girl Who Reads on Saturday - https://www.girl-who-reads.com/2024/11/before-we-forget-kindness-by-toshikazu.html

I loved this book as much as the others! Theses are just cozy and really get you thinking about things. I hope there are more to come!

As the 5th book in the series about a small unique coffee shop, you’d think this would get boring. But it doesn’t! The author has recognized that the readers know the basic rules and so only briefly references them now. Instead, the reader gets immersed in the stories of the people who come to the cafe to travel back (or forward) in time. I am constantly impressed with the unique stories each character brings to the cafe.

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC!

This book is another heartwarming addition to the series, which gives me serious Chicken Soup for the Soul vibes. I recognized the title layout from a book a friend recommended, so I decided to give it a try—even though I hadn’t read the earlier books. I imagine the whole series has this same cozy, slightly sentimental feel, making it ideal for a winter afternoon with a cup of hot chocolate. Though emotional reads aren’t usually my go-to, I was glad I picked this one up—it was just the comfort read I didn’t know I needed.

Before We Forget Kindness by Toshikazu Kawaguchi - Fifth book in the Before the Coffee Gets Cold

This series present challenging situations to he reader, and the results are how we feel after we put the book down. Not everyone will connect with every story, but I do believe that enough will...connect to at least one per book.

These stories are emotional. That is their charm.

I also believe that the conceit of the universe of this coffee shop, with all its rules...is to provide a hopeful view of the world, especially when there seems to be no hope.

These short stories (tie within a thread...through the title of the book, give us a peak at an informative viewpoint that is both inspiring and comforting.

Each story is mysterious, since we don't know how EXACTLY the characters are going to attain their desires, especially with ALL the rules.

As a reader, it allow me to be reflective about my own life, and how...if I was able to go to this cafe, what would I do, in their situation.

At times it is sad and tense, but for the most part...the stories are hopeful and encouraging. 

I see this book as fast-paced, since each story propels you to read more, and quickly, since you NEED to know what is going to happen, next.

All these stories are character, mostly because that is what short stories normally are, but there is a plot, but that is referenced in the title...for all the short stories tell a similar theme of story.

You cannot say that there is strong character development, since each story focuses on people that most likely you'll never hear from, again. There are characters that you almost always see, but, they are usually background characters...who DO have a narrative arc...over all the novellas.

When asked, are the characters loveable? I'd have to say yes. Not to say that you'll love them all, but for the most part...I believe you will.

Just the fact that SO many different people come to this "famous" cafe...to go back/forward in time...brings diversity (from every walk of life).

Each story is honest and forthright, for the flaws of characters are a main focus. This is what has brought them to THIS cafe...to do, what most people think cannot happen.

4.0 Stars

If you add up each story, you get 16.25/4 = 4.06, which averages to 4 Stars

I am very thankful to Net Galley for giving me this eArc for a fair and honest review.

I never thought that the conceit from the first book, would be able to carry over to a sequel, let alone the fith book in the series.

One of the things that I've enjoyed the most, is the interactions with these characters from a different culture (and they are firmly rooted within the Japanese culture)...but still the human spirit and struggles seep through. Also, it is a translated story, and I'm glad to happy read these stories...and I wonder how I'll feel, when I reread them, in the future.

These five books show many different situations that us humans find ourselves in. Not every story is going to resonate with you, but I'm sure that someone loves the stories that you didn't love, and conversely.

I am so glad that I gave this series a try.

Chapter One - The Son

This is a sweet story (about a sweet little boy). I thought it would've had a more powerful punch for me. I might reread it...to see if I was just too distracted by the Election, today. I've been distracted. Ugh.

I will reread this story. I'm just going to give it a little time...after the struggles of our recent American elections.

Rated 3.5 Stars

Chapter Two - The Nameless Child

When I was reading this story, I kept thinking...why is she doing this? I feared for the child. Yikes. Why would you take this chance? The sort of dealt with it in the story, but I still would NEVER have taken that chance...with my child. Never. Just take a picture on your phone, or a video. Sheesh.

At first, I really did not like Riugi (until the end), he really does sound like a man/baby (not serious enough as a husband with his wife. Sorry). Quirky, but sincere. Sweet story. A great finish...that's for sure.

4.25 Stars

Chapter Three - The Father

For some reason, I was hesitant to read this story. It didn't bring me to tears like some others), but it was a truly edifying story.

As Father who has made numerous mistakes in life. I've stepped into it SO many times. Said things I didn't (evenutally) believe/shouldn't have said. 

One of our children struck off on his own path, which hurt me and my wife. If I was in the same situation has the woman, I would want to go back...and at least make amends. At least.

4.25 Stars

Chapter Four - The Valentine

The regrets of life. The things that we wish we had said, or taken the time with the person we met, but for some reason or another, didn't. 

This was the perfect story to finish this latest book with. 

4.25 Stars

I was wrong, this series continues to chart a course that reaches each of us at different times in our lives. I look forward to the next book in this series (if there will be one).

I wonder how they are received within Japan. Does anyone know?

“Very well. Your journey into the future will begin once I pour coffee into this cup…”

“And it will only last until the coffee becomes completely cold.”

This is such a special series! Every book just pulls on your heartstrings more and more with each read. This latest edition is no different. Told in four parts with each section a story, this one was super emotional. I cried many times throughout. So many times! The second story called “The Nameless Child” really got me. Have those tissues handy!! It sure packs a punch for such a quick read❤️

The entire book is beautifully poignant and resonates with the notion that every day is important. Even the small things. That seeing beyond the surface to the heart is more important than what we notice at first glance or even what is skipped over due to complacency. It has an emphasis on kindness and living without regret. Characters from previous books are revisited and new ones introduced. It is just magical! 4.5/5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫

This is the fifth book in the Before the Coffee Gets Cold series. I have loved each of these books, set at a special cafe in Tokyo with its quirky characters and magical powers

The cafe allows you to go back or forward in time, after a cup of hot coffee is poured, and you have until the coffee gets cold to say what you want to say. In this installment there is a boy who regrets making his parents sad, a father who wants to make amends with his daughter, a wife who wants input from her husband who has passed on, and a girl who meets a friend she’s lost touch with.

I enjoyed this one almost as much as the others, however I think at this point I’m done with the series. I don’t know if there will be any more, but they have started to become repetitive. The stories have been a huge comfort to me over these past few years; I’ve read one each fall since 2020, and now I’ve had my fill. But never say never because I cannot resist these covers!

If you haven’t read this series yet I wouldn’t start with this one, definitely start with Before the Coffee Gets Cold.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced digital copy in exchange for an honest review.

Another great addition to the series! Such deep topics that bring up a lot of emotion. I enjoyed my experience with this book!

I was very excited to see another "Before the Coffee gets cold" book was coming out. However, this book did not match up to all the emotions and feelings as the one that came before.

If you’ve read any of the other books in the series or even if you haven’t, I think you’ll enjoy this book. Very emotional and relatable. Definitely gives one much to reflect about.

☕️🎊𝙷𝙰𝙿𝙿𝚈 𝚁𝙴𝙻𝙴𝙰𝚂𝙴 𝙳𝙰𝚈🎊☕️

~𝙱𝙾𝙾𝙺 𝚁𝙴𝚅𝙸𝙴𝚆~
𝗧𝗜𝗧𝗟𝗘: Before We Forget Kindness
𝗔𝗨𝗧𝗛𝗢𝗥: Toshikazu Kawaguchi
𝗚𝗘𝗡𝗥𝗘: General Fiction/Cozy Fantasy
Rating: ☕️☕️☕️☕️

This is the fifth book in the Before the Coffee Gets Cold hit series (translated from Japanese) The stories all take place in the Funiculi Funicula cafe in Tokyo, a mysterious coffee shop where customers arrive hoping to travel back in time.

This time we meet around we meet:
☕️𝗔 𝗳𝗮𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝘄𝗵𝗼 𝗰𝗼𝘂𝗹𝗱 𝗻𝗼𝘁 𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗼𝘄 𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗱𝗮𝘂𝗴𝗵𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝘁𝗼 𝗴𝗲𝘁 𝗺𝗮𝗿𝗿𝗶𝗲𝗱
☕️𝗔 𝘄𝗼𝗺𝗮𝗻 𝘄𝗵𝗼 𝗰𝗼𝘂𝗹𝗱𝗻’𝘁 𝗴𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗩𝗮𝗹𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗲’𝘀 𝗗𝗮𝘆 𝗰𝗵𝗼𝗰𝗼𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗲𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝗹𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗱 𝗼𝗻𝗲.
☕️𝗔 𝗯𝗼𝘆 𝘄𝗵𝗼 𝘄𝗮𝗻𝘁𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝘀𝗵𝗼𝘄 𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝘀𝗺𝗶𝗹𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗱𝗶𝘃𝗼𝗿𝗰𝗲𝗱 𝗽𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀.
☕️𝗔 𝘄𝗶𝗳𝗲 𝗵𝗼𝗹𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮 𝗰𝗵𝗶𝗹𝗱 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗻𝗼 𝗻𝗮𝗺𝗲.

In order to time travel they must follow the café’s strict rules, however, and come back to the present before their coffee goes cold. Also returning is: the owner himself Nagare Tokita, his daughter Miki, Kazu Tokita (his cousin, waitress and more importantly the only one who can pour the coffee) They are intrinsic to the cafe and provide their own meaningful insights as each journey takes place.

For me, each story was a little more heartbreaking than the last. There is so much tenderness and raw emotion in Kawaguchi’s storytelling that I am always immediately immersed in each tale. I couldn’t help but feel my heart ache for each traveler.

The overwhelming urge to change past decisions/choices is something we all face at one time or another. We feel regret for doing or not doing something, saying or not saying something. While we may not have access to a magical cafe to revisit our past, we can try to reflect internally and then move forward as best we can.

✨Another beautiful addition to this wonderful book series! If you loved the other books, you will love this one too!

🌟Special thanks to @netgalley, @harlequinbooks , @hanoversquarepress and @kawaguchi.coffee for the advanced reader copy!

Toshikazu Kawaguchi's Before the Coffee Gets Cold series is an emotional, touching, and beautiful glimpse into time traveling. When people think about time travel, they think about changing the past. But what if you couldn't change anything? What if going back in time is just a way to say goodbye to the people that matter to you? In Before We Forget Kindness, four new vignettes are presented that remind you of the importance of our relationships. There is a father who never approved of his daughter's relationship and husband, a woman trying to give a gift to a loved one, a boy trying to be brave for his parents, and a woman with her unnamed child. Each story challenges what you think and what will happen. It reminds you that life is short and needs to be cherished, but it does not have to be perfect. Be there for the people you love before it's too late. This is what Before We Forget Kindness tell us, and I will always love this amazingly crafted world.

This is the fifth book in the "Before the Coffee Gets Cold" series, and I have to admit, it was my least favorite of all of the books. The first book has remained my favorite, by far, but each one has been very enjoyable. I can't really say that about this one. It was just sort of middle-of-the-road. It was a pleasant, quick read, that wasn't really emotional like the previous books. Of the four stories I would have to say my favorites were the boy who wanted to go back to the day when his parents told him they were splitting up, and the mother who wanted to show her baby to her deceased husband, let him see her, and find out what name he had wanted to give her since he died before she was born. Those two tugged on the heartstrings a bit, I will admit.... the other two, not so much.