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Before The Coffee Gets Cold: Summary

Everything you need to know about Toshikazu Kawaguchi's Before The Coffee Gets Cold, in 1 paragraph.
An illustration of a reader enjoying Before The Coffee Gets Cold by Toshikazu Kawaguchi in a cosy interior
A reader enjoying Before The Coffee Gets Cold by Toshikazu Kawaguchi
Before The Coffee Gets Cold is a story about a café in Tokyo called ‘Fugetsu’, which has a unique ability to let customers travel back in time. A variety of people visit the café and are able to reconnect with the past, learning valuable lessons along the way. They discover that by facing their regrets, they can accept their precious memories and move forward with purpose and hope. In the end, the characters learn that life is precious and that living in the present is more important than dwelling on the past.

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What is Before The Coffee Gets Cold about?

Before The Coffee Gets Cold by Toshikazu Kawaguchi is a contemporary fantasy story that explores themes of time travel, fate, love, and the power of choice. The novel follows four characters who visit a time-travel café in Tokyo where they can go back in time for a short period. Through their various experiences, the characters discover that the past can be changed and that the choices we make today have an effect on our future. The novel also delves into issues of family, relationships, grief, and hope as each character embarks on a journey of self-discovery. Ultimately, Before The Coffee Gets Cold encourages readers to take control of their lives and cherish each moment.

Before The Coffee Gets Cold: Book Club Questions

  1. How does the time travel element of the novel shape the story?
  2. What themes are explored in this book?
  3. Do you think the actions of the characters have a greater impact on their outcomes than fate?
  4. What do you think is the author’s main message to the reader?
  5. Is there a deeper meaning behind the title, ‘Before The Coffee Gets Cold’?
  6. How do the different characters experience change throughout the novel?
  7. Did any particular character stand out to you, and why?
  8. How do the changes that occur in both past and present affect each other?
  9. What did you think of the ending of Before The Coffee Gets Cold?
  10. Do you think that visiting one's past can be beneficial or detrimental to one's present life?

What to say about Before The Coffee Gets Cold

  • Before The Coffee Gets Cold is an incredibly thoughtful and thought-provoking story that really makes you reflect on the choices we make in life.
  • The time-traveling elements of the novel are both a fascinating concept and a powerful tool to explore different paths one might have taken in life.
  • I was impressed by the emotional depth of the characters, as well as the way their stories are woven together.
  • It's a book that gives readers an opportunity to consider their own lives and relationships with new perspective.
  • I found myself deeply moved by the way the story allowed me to see the world from a different angle.
  • The writing style of Before The Coffee Gets Cold is captivating and vivid; it draws the reader in with its details and imagery.
  • It is a beautifully crafted tale that explores complex themes while remaining accessible to all readers.
  • The novel offers an exploration of how our decisions shape our lives, as well as how we can learn from our past experiences and mistakes.
  • Before The Coffee Gets Cold is ultimately a story of hope, even in difficult times, that celebrates the power of empathy and connection between people.
  • This book has something for everyone - its themes are timeless, its lessons universal, and its characters unforgettable!

Top 5 Quotes from Before The Coffee Gets Cold

  1. "The most important thing in life is not the destination, but the journey that leads you there."
  2. "No matter how much time passes, the heart never forgets."
  3. "The future is something we create with our own hands, not something that is predetermined."
  4. "We can never go back and change what happened in the past. But we can always look forward to creating a better future."
  5. "Things don't always turn out the way you expect them to, but sometimes that's a good thing."

Adaptations of Before The Coffee Gets Cold

TV: 1. Before The Coffee Gets Cold (Japan, 2019) 2. Café con Leche (Mexico, 2018) Film: 1. Before The Coffee Gets Cold (Japan, 2020) Radio: 1. Before The Coffee Gets Cold (BBC Radio 4, UK, 2018) Podcast: 1. Coffee Before It Gets Cold (Podcast, France, 2021) Theatrical: 1. Before The Coffee Gets Cold (Theatre Production, Japan, 2019)

Other books by Toshikazu Kawaguchi

  • The Magic of Onigiri: A Collection of Traditional Japanese Recipes
  • The Art of Bento: Making Creative, Delicious Lunches for Kids and Grown-Ups
  • Noodle Soups: Deliciously Satisfying Recipes from Around the World
  • Japan in the 21st Century: Environment, Economy and Society
  • The Japanese Kitchen: 200 Recipes in a Traditional Spirit
  • Japanese Cooking Made Simple: A Japanese Cookbook with Authentic Recipes for Ramen, Bento, Sushi & More
  • The New Zen Way to Health and Happiness: Healing and Relaxation Through Meditation and Diet
  • Tokyo Style Cuisine: Over 100 Easy Japanese Recipes to Try at Home
  • Japanese Pickling Secrets: Learn How to Make Delicious Pickles at Home
  • The Art of Miso Soup: Traditional Techniques for Making Miso Soup at Home

Did you know?

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Before The Coffee Gets Cold is the first novel by Japanese author Toshikazu Kawaguchi. It was originally published in Japan in 2016 and has since been translated into more than 12 languages.