Before the Coffee Gets Cold (Book 2)

My rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5

Tales from the Café by Toshikazu Kawaguchi is Book 2 in the Before the Coffee Gets Cold series. I really enjoyed this mysterious sequel about the small café in central Tokyo that can take visitors to the past or the future. The characters’ stories are as heartfelt and thought-provoking as those in Book 1.

Haven’t read Before the Coffee Gets Cold (Book 1) yet? You can still enjoy this one, because it reads fine as a stand-alone. This sequel revisits some of the characters from Book 1, but also introduces new ones and extends the story a bit more. The setting is still the same (Café Funiculi Funicula), so the time travel rules haven’t changed. Most importantly, time travelers must return before the coffee gets cold ☕️.

In a contemplative tone, this story takes us through the experiences and situations of some of the individuals who have time traveled at the café. Their stories are interesting, poignant, and give the reader much to think about. The message of the book is a great reminder to focus on the present; you can’t change the past and the future is uncertain.

If you’re looking for something quirky and thought-provoking, give this one a try. I’m looking forward to Book 3 (Before Your Memory Fades)!

Do you enjoy time travel stories?