Tales from the Cafe: Before the Coffee Gets Cold

If you want to get out of a reading slump, this, this is the right book to pick up.

This little book reminds me more of a play - I say that because I could see some being thrown off by the writing and dialogue style. That being said, it's simple, elegant, and heartbreaking. I thoroughly enjoyed the journey through magical realism this book took me on. I'll admit I picked it up as a quick, easy read and put it down wishing I had more time to spend here.

A wholesome read. The simplicity of this is what makes it good, and it's quite remarkable that such a straightforward setting never becomes dull and that the often-overused fantasy concept of time travel felt so unique. The last story (Mother and Child) is the one that brought tears to my eyes and left me with a lump in my throat.

4.75 ☆
This one did not incite feelings as strongly as the first but it was still very enjoyable. The rules behind who can pour the coffee and what would make them no longer able to pour the coffee, the female heir being pregnant with a girl, were explored within the later chapters.
We find out who the ghost that occupies the chair is in relation to cafe staff. We also get to see someone's first pour of the coffee for the special seat.

Yes, you can travel through time at that café, but there are rules. Very specific rules, the reasons for which aren't readily apparent, except as plot devices. But an author is allowed to create his own rules, and as plot devices they work well to deliver tension to the narrative, which works well, as this book isn't about the rules as much as it is about the characters. Each character has their own reason for wanting to travel in time, and, a...read more