by Yuta Takahashi Translated by Cat Anderson 5 stars Cozy, reflective, and soothing. The Chibineko Kitchen provides a unique opportunity. There you can receive a special kagezen, a remembrance meal, which may come with the chance to talk to a deceased loved one again. Told through a collection of interconnected stories, follow those seeking connection…
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Translated by E. Madison Shimoda 2 stars Through a narrow alley in Kyoto lies the Nakagyō Kokoro Clinic for the Soul, rumored to help you with what you’re struggling with in life. All you have to do is find it and open the door. Follow a collection of people as they seek out the clinic…
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Translated by Geoffrey Trousselot 4 stars A sweet story that wonderfully balances the heartwarming and the heartbreaking. Café Funiculi Funicula provides customers with a unique opportunity to travel through time. However, there are some rather specific rules involved including that the present cannot be changed. Follow a handful of customers as they visit loved ones…
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Translated by Jesse Kirkwood 4 stars The Full Moon Coffee Shop appears when and where it is needed. If you’re able to find it, you’ll meet a cast of knowledgeable talking cats, taste delicious treats, and gain insight into your life based on your star chart. Follow a few of the coffee shop’s visitors as…
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Illustrated by Neetols 5 stars A heartfelt story that explores themes of grief, self-confidence, vulnerability, and friendship. A Spirit Flower gives you the chance to summon a ghost… for those who can afford it. Damian has saved up for a flower to summon the ghost of his mother. It should have been simple, but things…
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2.5 stars An interesting dive into the world of Norse mythology. I loved the idea of a novel following Angrboda and tying together some stories of witches, giantesses, and other mysterious women. For me, the first part of the book really dragged. I liked the second half more as things picked up, but that whole…
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Translated by Geoffrey Trousselot 3 stars A heartwarming exploration of grief, regret, family, and love. From those who didn’t express themselves before it was too late to those who feel they’ve wronged their loved ones, Café Funiculi Funicula gives customers a chance to resolve unfinished business with those they’ve lost. Though they can’t change the…
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Illustrated by Lena Guberman 3 stars An interesting read with a wonderful message. When lighting strikes the Anne Frank House, Kitty, Anne Frank’s diary, comes to life. Not realizing how much time has passed, Kitty sets out to find her friend. Slowly, Kitty learns what happened to Anne, taking inspiration from her legacy to do…
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4 stars Beautifully written. I absolutely love Nethercott’s writing style. Lyrical and stunning to visualize. Siblings Bellatine and Isaac haven’t seen each other in years, but reunite to claim a strange inheritance. They are both surprised to receive a house with chicken legs. Together they embark on a journey filled with unexpected encounters, close calls,…
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4 stars A powerful story with unforgettable characters. Alternating between three tales, follow three very different characters as they try to fit into the world around them. Jin Wang is the only Chinese-American student in a school that never lets him forget he’s different. The Monkey King masters various skills in order to distance himself…
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