Since I enjoyed Kawaguchi's "Before The Coffee Gets Cold" - series and Nick Bradley's "The Cat And The City" and "Four Seasons" immensely, I knew beforehand that I would love this book as well. With high expectations I began to read and was embraced by five short stories whose protagonists cross paths one way or another without being aware of it. Working in retail as well, I related instantly to the first story and felt utterly understood by the questions that were raised and the overall vibe of Takako's depressed feelings. However, the book constantly moves forward in such a gentle and hopeful manner that there is absolutely no choice but to feel encouraged, uplifted and reassured that each and every person's life makes a difference in the world. As the story progresses to its last short story, I almost shouted out with joy "YES! Yes, that's exactly it!! That's why I'm working in a bookshop!" when Chie explains: "If I can sell a book that I think is good, then I'm happy. Because the books I recommend feel a little bit like my own." When recommending this book to you, be sure that I already wove a deep connection to it and in this way I recommend a huge deal of my own feelings and attitude - enjoy this precious treasure of a book and may you too find yourself between the pages. ...weiterlesen