Wandering through the Jimbocho neighborhood again in this sequel with another day-to-day at the Morisaki Bookshop. It gets more familial and love related this time having some relationship conflict and heart-to-heart crisis in between its literature recommendations and bookish conversations. Still brimming in its cozy and warm charms thanks to the setting, I followed Takako in her days after the events of the first book, now having a new job and still regularly stopping by to meet her Uncle Satoru at the Morisaki Bookshop.

Loved those scenes of Takako and Uncle Satoru— their book talks, small banters and those readers gossip, also how each being considerate and affectionate towards each despite their little gaze of nonchalant attitudes. The love and relationship part can be quite tedious on the execution esp with Wada; not a fan to his character but whatever suits you, Takako. The friendship narrative for Takako and Tomo was appealing much for how it relates to one’s trauma and somehow I loved Takano’s character a lot (nice to meet you again, btw!).

It gets emotionally driven on the later part; expected but still the twist and its glimpse of grief snapped me at the end. A tender slice-of-life, might be mundane at times but worth to read if you fancy the theme (do read book 1 first if you haven’t because the plot was a solid continuation) and a book about book arc. 3.8/5 stars!

Thank you Pansing Distribution for the gifted review copy!