Litsy

Before the Coffee Gets Cold | Toshikazu Kawaguchi

so-so

Another book club pick, the topic was Exotic Escapades. I guess time travel is the exotic part. No one goes anywhere and the entire book is set in the same cafe. The rest of my review is in the comments, buckle up I have thoughts on this very meh book.
There‘s no explanation of how the chair/ cafe came to be. Also, who is the ghost woman?! We are teased about her but then given NOTHING. And after the fourth story, it just ends. (More in comments)

Allthebookclubs There was no real connection between the characters outside of them all going to the cafe. Maybe it‘s because it‘s translated, but there was no flow to the writing and the characters felt like puppets. 3mo

Allthebookclubs The first story where we have a girl crying over a guy feels outdated and forced. Beautiful girl with a geeky guy…where haven‘t we seen this before? 3mo

Allthebookclubs The second story was more heartwarming and I wish there was more of this sentiment in the other stories. They were the least puppet-like characters. 3mo

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Allthebookclubs The third story was again forced and somewhat cliche about expectations of the oldest child. And remind me why there‘s a bit about the gyno?! So weird. 3mo

Allthebookclubs I liked the fourth story and I guess maybe it ties in the previous gyno visit, but again there‘s just no flow in the writing.
Wasted potential. Book #77 in 2024 (edited) 3mo

rwmg You find about the ghost in the sequel 3mo

Allthebookclubs Ooooh, good to know!!! 3mo

10 likes7 comments

Allthebookclubs

The Villa: A Novel | Rachel Hawkins

pick

A twisty, slow-burn thriller. Great story telling once you get used to the multiple story line, multiple POV style. I love Mary‘s reclaiming of her story and her style of justice. Houses remember. Book #77 in 2023

3 likes

Kris10H

Have I Told You This Already?: Stories I Don't Want to Forget to Remember | Lauren Graham

pick

Book #77
4.5/5
Another great collection of essays by the fast talking TV mom (and so much more) Lauren Graham? Count me in every time. A big part of Lorelai is Lauren herself, and I love Lorelai, so it's a win-win.
As always, when consuming celebrity memoirs, I recommend the audio book.

9 likes

Allthebookclubs

In the Weeds | B. K. Borison

so-so

The second in Borrison‘s Lovelight series, but not as good as the first. I really wanted to love this but I just don‘t. The back and forth chapters of sexual frustration between Evelyn and Beckett (the book is from their points of view) was drawn out and not very interesting. Book #77 in 2022

9 likes

bookaholic1

Judge & Jury | James Patterson, Andrew Gross

pick

#77
When you want to read a book, without having to think too much about it

35 likes

limada

To Sir Phillip, With Love | Julia Quinn

pick

Bridgerton #4. I wasn't as attached to Eloise as I've been to other characters so far so I wasn't sure how much I'd like this one. Plus it started a but slower. Much more melancholy. But it ended on a high and got me all caught up in the story just like the others. #77-2022

10 likes

Danay

Our Last Days in Barcelona | Chanel Cleeton

22 #77 The latest in a series about the Perez sisters. It was fine…I kept waiting for something remarkable to happen and it really didn‘t. But it ended well and put me back In touch with characters I‘ve enjoyed.

1 like

Allylu

Lessons in Chemistry: A Novel | Bonnie Garmus

pick

All I can say is Elizabeth Zott is a badass and she didn‘t deserve any of the treatment she got. I loved this book. The characters were great and I loved the way Elizabeth came with the names for her dog and especially her daughter. I‘m recommending this to everyone! #77 #BookSpinBingo #17 #BFC22 #MMDBookClub #SRG #JubilantJuly