Thank you NetGalley and Bonnier books for the advanced copy in exchange of an honest review.

When I got an email inviting me to read the sequel to Days at the Morisaki's bookshop I was incredibly excited. I really enjoyed the first one, and had similar expectations for this one.

Again, I got mad at the emotional blockage the characters suffer from, though I am aware of the strong cultural implications for this. The fear of vulnerabilty and judgement for speaking about our deepest feelings is inherently human, and we have all been there. However, it is such a hinderance to meaningful and strong connections that I always find it cathartic to read about overcoming this fear of rejection and being able to enjoy that sense of "safe vulnerability" with the people we care for the most. In line with the previous, this novel explores intimacy and human conection as well as grief, so be prepared to potentially cry.

Although a bit slower and more melancholic than the first book, I enjoyed it and will definitely recommend it to others (In fact, I already have) I will also keep an eye on any future publications by the author!

Follow on from the first book but can be read as stand alone.
I enjoyed catching up with all the characters and immersing myself in their lives.
Different relationships are explored and developed during the story.

I absolutely love books about books, and bookstores, and this slice-of-life Japanese fiction does it brilliantly. I am so glad book #2 also got an English translation as it was originally published over a decade ago in 2011.
As I mentioned in my review for book #1, I was hoping for a stronger, more consistent plot and whilst I don’t think it delivered this, it was a wholesome and cosy reading experience. but I don’t think this delivered. The plot was very meandering for the majority of the book, but I love the overall messages it portrays. In this instalment, it definitely had a significant focus on grief, terminal illness, and the importance of family. It was a difficult read at some points but it definitely came at the right time in my personal life.
I don’t usually use half stars in ratings however this book sits at a 3.5 stars for me, but I’ll generously round up to 4. I did prefer book #1 but I’m glad to have spent more time at the Morisaki Bookshop.
⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4/5

Thank you to NetGalley, Bonnier Books UK and Satoshi Yagisawa for the opportunity to read this advanced reader copy.

Review posted to Goodreads and publication information to be shared to Instagram on release day.

I couldn’t move fast enough when I saw there was a follow up book to the Morisaki Bookshop. The characters, the setting it all just gives me those cozy vibes. Loved it!

A fantastic, gentle read. I have read the previous book and really enjoyed it so was delighted that there is a follow-up. The main character's life continues to gently progress as we follow her relationship with her uncle, aunt and boyfriend. If you like books, Japanese culture and familial relationships, this is the book for you!

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for a DRC in exchange for my honest opinion.

Thank you to NetGalley and Bonnier Books for the arc.

Like the first volume, Days at the Morisaki Bookshop, this a sweet book describing the lives and loves of a cast of ordinary people who inhabit or frequent the Jimbocho book store area of Tokyo. This is a pleasant story but feels a lot more disjointed than the first volume. Storylines come and go without reaching conclusions and some of the main characters seem less sympathetically portrayed than in the previous story - to the extent that I nearly did not finish the book as I was getting frustrated with the dead-ends and didn’t care very much about what happened to anyone. The story is saved by the last 10% of the book. No spoilers, but it is definitely worth persevering through the unsatisfying middle section to reach the heart-rending end.

More Days at the Morisaki Bookshop takes you back to the Morisaki Bookshop in Tokyo to catch up with Takako, Satoru and Momoko.

I loved this charming sequel as much as I loved the first book, it’s a calm, reflective read that puts a smile on your face - it sounds cheesy but it does!!

"More Days at the Morisaki Bookshop" is the perfect read if you enjoyed the "Before The Coffee Gets Cold" series and "The Cat Who Saved Books” or just enjoyed the 'Days at the Morisaki Bookshop' and are wanting to read the sequel.

It was enjoyable to revisit the Morisaki bookshop although at times it seems not much is happening. However you get the feeling that you have been invited into someone's life - more than if you were reading their diary as you feel more connected to the characters.
This was a pleasant read and if you like books about books I think you will enjoy the calmness of this one. That being said we do deal with some heavy topics (loss and grief) and there are some hidden deeper meanings floating around the story.

Thank you to the publishers and to NetGalley for this ARC.

I have read and enjoyed the previous book so I was super excited to dive into this and it did not disappoint! Just as captivating, cosy, and feel-good as the first book! I loved it!

This follow up is everything I wanted it to be and more! I honestly loved the first book but the characters have grown a new place in my heart with this follow up story! It has it all, mystery, humour, human observations and sadness. I cried a little but was filled with joy too. A truly enchanting book.

More Days at the Morisaki Bookshop is a slow burner of a read building up into a beautiful tale of love, friendship and the power of books.

The much loved characters return with continued focus on Takako, her relationship with her uncle Satoru and her friends and neighbours; but over riding all is the Morisaki Bookshop - it's atmosphere and clientele and the local Jinbocho area

Much of the book is set within autumn and the melancholic beauty of the season permeates the pages.

There is a tender innocence to relationships and a reserve that appears in many Japanese novels- not the upfront directness of western novels- and this is evident in this novel.

Takako persuades her uncle and aunt to take a holiday and she has the chance to manage the shop discovering more about the power of books Satoru and Momoko spend a few days away and their story is the principle focus of the novel.

The interplay between characters and the ever present influence and love of reading is what makes this book so endearing.

This is a worthy sequel to Days at the Morisaki Bookshop- tender, heartfelt and full of humanity in a crazy fast paced world - a one sit read to immerse yourself in and escape .

Quote- People forget all kinds of things. They live by forgetting. Yet our thoughts endure, the way waves leave traces in the sand.