Uncover the Enchanting World of Before the Coffee Gets Cold
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- The Book Series: "Before the Coffee Gets Cold"
- Book 1: "Before the Coffee Gets Cold"
- The Time-Traveling Cafe, Cafe Funiculi Funicula
- The Rules of Time Travel
- Vignettes of Characters and Their Desires to Time Travel
- Book 2: "Before the Coffee Gets Cold: Tales from the Cafe"
- The Introduction of Miki and More about the Ghost
- New Rules and Stories of Time Travel
- Book 3: "Before Your Memory Fades"
- A Whole New Cafe, Cafe Donna Donna
- The Surprising Connection with Book 1
- New Time Travel Stories and Themes
- Conclusion
- Exploring Japanese Cafes in London
- Recommendations and Purchase Links
- FAQs
- Can you change the past while time traveling?
- Is there a limit to how far back you can go?
- Are the books standalone or should they be read in order?
- Is there a happy ending in the series?
Note: The headings and subheadings above are for the Table of Contents only. The article will have its own headings.
Article
📚 Introduction
Welcome back to Book Break! In today's video, I am thrilled to talk about one of my favorite book series of all time, "Before the Coffee Gets Cold" by Toshikazu Kawaguchi. This beloved series, which has been translated into English by Jeffrey Trusolo, centers around a time-traveling cafe in Tokyo. Join me as I take you on a tour of Japanese cafes in London and share everything you need to know about this enchanting series.
📚 The Book Series: "Before the Coffee Gets Cold"
"Before the Coffee Gets Cold" is a captivating book series that has captured the hearts of readers worldwide. The series currently consists of three books, with each installment building upon the enchanting world of the time-traveling cafe. The books have been translated from Japanese into English, allowing readers like myself to experience the joy they bring.
📚 Book 1: "Before the Coffee Gets Cold"
The Time-Traveling Cafe, Cafe Funiculi Funicula
The first book in the series, "Before the Coffee Gets Cold," introduces us to the enchanting Cafe Funiculi Funicula. This cafe, named after a Neapolitan song, holds the ability to send people back in time. The key figures in the cafe include Kazu, the waitress with the unique power to facilitate time travel, her cousin Nagare, the cafe owner, and his wife Kay. The cafe's most remarkable feature is the specific seat from which one can travel through time. However, this seat is almost always occupied by a ghostly woman, limiting the opportunities for time travel.
The Rules of Time Travel
One of the most whimsical aspects of this series is the multitude of rules that govern time travel. To journey back in time, one must sit in the designated seat in the cafe. However, contending with the ghostly occupant is a challenge. Additionally, time travel can only be initiated by Kazu pouring a cup of coffee. While in the past, one must remain seated as standing instantly propels them back to the present. Furthermore, time travelers can only meet individuals who have visited the cafe. Though many customers find the inability to alter the present frustrating, changing the predetermined course of events is forbidden. Time travel in this series must be completed before the coffee turns cold.
Vignettes of Characters and Their Desires to Time Travel
"Before the Coffee Gets Cold" is comprised of four poignant vignettes, each featuring a character with a unique reason to time travel. From Fumaco, who wishes to redo a conversation with her ex-boyfriend, to a man with Alzheimer's who longs to deliver a letter to his wife, these stories evoke a range of emotions. One regular at the cafe, Hirai, seeks to reunite with her deceased sister, while Kay, the wife of the cafe owner, aspires to travel to the future for a heartfelt purpose. These stories intertwine with the cafe's enchanting ambiance, leaving readers captivated by the intricacy of the series.
📚 Book 2: "Before the Coffee Gets Cold: Tales from the Cafe"
The Introduction of Miki and More about the Ghost
In the sequel, "Before the Coffee Gets Cold: Tales from the Cafe," readers reunite with their beloved characters seven years after the events of the first book. Alongside Kazu, Nagare, and Kay, there is a new regular at the cafe—Miki, the daughter of the cafe owners. With a strong desire to master the art of pouring time-traveling coffee, Miki adds a refreshing dynamic to the series. Moreover, readers gain further insight into the enigmatic ghost who inhabits the time-traveling chair, unraveling her backstory and uncovering her true connection to the cafe.
New Rules and Stories of Time Travel
In this installment, new rules and intriguing stories emerge. Readers discover that time travel is permitted only once, with no opportunity for return visits. While in the past, photographing and exchanging presents are possible, maintaining the warmth of the coffee proves impossible. The narrative introduces fresh perspectives, including a woman seeking revenge through time travel and a missing man who unexpectedly appears at the cafe. These stories intertwine with tear-jerking tales, such as a young woman with a terminal illness yearning for her sister's happiness even after her own passing. With each tale, the series delves deeper into the complexities of time travel, its consequences, and the intricacies of human desires.
📚 Book 3: "Before Your Memory Fades"
A Whole New Cafe, Cafe Donna Donna
Now, in the highly anticipated third book, "Before Your Memory Fades," readers are transported to a whole new cafe: Cafe Donna Donna in Hakodate. Set seven years after the events of the first book, the story introduces readers to a new generation. Kazu's daughter, Sachi, takes center stage as the young prodigy responsible for pouring the time-traveling coffee. With her impressive intellect and passion for reading, Sachi adds a compelling twist to the narrative. Moreover, the shift to a new city and cafe breathes fresh life into the series.
The Surprising Connection with Book 1
As the story unfolds, readers are treated to surprising connections with the first book. A phone call conversation introduced in Book 1 is revisited, offering a satisfying twist for loyal fans. Furthermore, the narrative adopts a thread that prompts both characters and readers to consider their actions in a world nearing its end. This philosophical element adds depth to the storytelling, encouraging introspection along with the characters.
New Time Travel Stories and Themes
"Before Your Memory Fades" encompasses four captivating stories of time travel. These stories include a woman seeking revenge, a man who has forsaken the present for an uncertain past, and a terminally ill young woman yearning for her sister's future happiness. Additionally, the final story brings together various characters introduced throughout the book, surprising readers with unexpected connections and revelations. With an extended length, this third installment allows readers to immerse themselves further in the enchanting world of the series.
📚 Conclusion
"Before the Coffee Gets Cold" is an extraordinary book series that combines the allure of time travel with heartfelt stories of love, loss, and the complexities of human existence. With its captivating characters and meticulously crafted rules of time travel, the series enthralls readers from beginning to end. Whether you're a lover of magical realism or simply seeking a unique reading experience, this series promises to delight and touch your heart.
Stay tuned for more exciting book recommendations and explorations of Japanese culture. Until next time!
📚 Exploring Japanese Cafes in London
During my journey through the enchanting world of "Before the Coffee Gets Cold," I took the opportunity to visit Japanese cafes in London. While not a fan of coffee myself, I sampled various delights unique to each establishment. Here are the cafes I visited:
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Sakurado: A beautiful Japanese patisserie known for its stunning array of cakes and diverse selection of bubble tea—a Taiwanese drink popular in Japan.
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Cafe Kitsune: A trendy Japanese-French fusion cafe in Belgravia celebrated for its delicious Japanese sweet treats and fluffy sandos (sandwiches).
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Wa Cafe: A gorgeous cafe in Covent Garden where I indulged in a matcha tiramisu—a perfect accompaniment to this book series.
If you find yourself in London and craving a taste of Japanese cuisine or ambiance, I highly recommend visiting these cafes. They may not transport you through time, but their delicious food will surely leave a lasting impression.
📚 Recommendations and Purchase Links
If you're now inspired to pick up the "Before the Coffee Gets Cold" series, you can find all three books through the links provided below:
- Book 1: Before the Coffee Gets Cold
- Book 2: Before the Coffee Gets Cold: Tales from the Cafe
- Book 3: Before Your Memory Fades
Immerse yourself in the whimsical world of time travel and discover why these books have captured the hearts of readers worldwide.
📚 FAQs
Q: Can you change the past while time traveling?
A: No, in the world of "Before the Coffee Gets Cold," time travelers cannot change the past. They can only observe events and interact with individuals who have visited the cafe.
Q: Is there a limit to how far back you can go?
A: There is no explicit mention of a limit to how far back one can travel in the series. However, time travelers must adhere to the rules of the cafe and return to the present before their coffee gets cold.
Q: Are the books standalone or should they be read in order?
A: While each book contains its own set of stories, it is recommended to read the books in order to fully appreciate the connections and character developments that span throughout the series.
Q: Is there a happy ending in the series?
A: The endings of the stories in the series vary, eliciting a range of emotions from readers. While some stories may be bittersweet, each one offers moments of hope, introspection, and personal growth.
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