Thumbnail. The book was an international best seller; this is a translation of the original. The writer is from Japan and reflects that culture as it traces a lost love, new-found interests and a way forward in life.
What’s to love. The book provides a peek into an urban book culture, with its unique ways. It reflects a bookish section of city life. Any new visit like this expands one’s horizon. This is the best reason to read this book.
How to read. Because the book is quite short, less than 150 pages, it can be read in one or two sittings. This is low commitment, thus even if the book feels slow, it is still a fast read.
Summed up. The plot of this book is a slow crawl through relationships that change and how those relationships change us. It provides an example of how books can invade a life—that one can learn to love reading at any point in life. And it reflects the surprises of a seemingly quiet life. This book won’t keep a person awake, but it will likely land in the finished pile.