Satoshi Yagisawa’s “More Days at the Morisaki Bookshop” is like finding an unexpected sequel to your favorite cozy read. You know, the kind that makes you want to curl up with a cup of tea and lose yourself in its pages? Well, this book does just that, but with an extra serving of emotional depth that’ll tug at your heartstrings.
Remember Takako from the first book, Days at the Morisaki Bookshop? Our reluctant bookseller who found her calling among the dusty shelves of her uncle’s shop? She’s back, and boy, has she grown. This time around, Yagisawa takes us on a journey that’s less about discovering the joy of books (though there’s still plenty of that) and more about the connections we forge through them.
A Bookshop Full of Stories (and I Don’t Just Mean the Ones on the Shelves)
The Morisaki Bookshop is still as cramped and charming as ever. You can almost smell the musty scent of old paper and hear the creak of floorboards as Takako navigates the narrow aisles. But now, it’s not just a backdrop – it’s a character in its own right, holding the memories and secrets of those who pass through its doors.
Yagisawa has a knack for bringing this bibliophile’s paradise to life. He describes the shop and the surrounding Jimbocho district with such vivid detail that I found myself daydreaming about hopping on a plane to Tokyo. (Anyone want to split a cab to Haneda Airport?)
But it’s the people who really make this story sing. There’s Uncle Satoru, still as eccentric and endearing as ever, with his endless enthusiasm for books and his… unique fashion choices. (Roy the hemorrhoid cushion makes a triumphant return, much to Takako’s chagrin.) And Aunt Momoko, whose return in the first book brought a new dynamic to the family.
The regulars are back too – Sabu with his sarcastic quips, Tomo with her quiet grace, and a host of other colorful characters that make up the Morisaki Bookshop’s extended family. Each one feels like an old friend, and Yagisawa gives them all moments to shine.
Love in the Time of Used Books
At its heart, though, this is Takako’s story. She’s come a long way from the heartbroken girl we met in the first book. Now she’s navigating a blossoming relationship with Wada, a fellow book lover who seems almost too good to be true. (Seriously, where can I find a guy who gets excited about discussing Taruho Inagaki’s short stories?)
Their romance is sweet and slow-burning, filled with literary discussions and quiet moments of connection. But it’s not all smooth sailing. Takako’s past heartbreak has left her wary, and Yagisawa does a beautiful job capturing the push and pull of falling in love when you’re afraid of getting hurt.
There’s a scene where Takako and Wada are walking home after a date, talking about what book to read before bed. It’s such a small moment, but it perfectly encapsulates the way shared passions can bring people together. I may or may not have let out an audible “aww” while reading it. (Okay, I definitely did. No shame.)
The Shadow of Loss
But don’t let the cozy romance fool you—this book has teeth. Yagisawa isn’t afraid to delve into heavier themes, particularly when it comes to loss and grief. Without giving too much away, there’s a storyline involving Aunt Momoko that hit me like a punch to the gut. It’s handled with such sensitivity and grace that I found myself tearing up more than once.
The way Yagisawa explores how different characters cope with grief is particularly poignant. Some retreat into themselves, some throw themselves into work, and some find solace in the pages of books. It’s a reminder that there’s no “right” way to grieve, and that healing is a messy, non-linear process.
There’s a beautiful passage where Takako reflects on how books can be a bridge between the living and the dead. She finds pressed flowers and handwritten notes in old volumes, little traces of past readers reaching out across time. It’s a powerful metaphor for the way literature connects us all, even in our darkest moments.
A Love Letter to Literature
Of course, this wouldn’t be a Morisaki Bookshop novel without plenty of bookish goodness. Yagisawa name-drops authors and titles with abandon, from classics like Osamu Dazai to more obscure Japanese writers. It’s enough to make any bibliophile’s heart sing (and their to-read list grow exponentially).
But it’s not just about dropping literary references. Yagisawa explores the way books can shape our lives and our relationships. There’s a subplot involving a “phantom book”—a novel that may or may not exist—that becomes a metaphor for the unattainable in life. It’s clever and thought-provoking, making you ponder the books that have left their mark on your own life.
I particularly loved the scenes where characters discuss their favorite reads. There’s a warmth and enthusiasm to these conversations that feels authentic. You can tell Yagisawa is a true book lover himself, and his passion is infectious.
A Few Wrinkles in the Pages
Now, no book is perfect, and “More Days at the Morisaki Bookshop” does have a few minor issues. The pacing can be a bit slow at times, especially in the middle section. If you’re looking for high drama or plot twists, this isn’t the book for you. It’s very much a character-driven story that meanders along at its own pace.
There are also a few subplots that feel a bit underdeveloped. The storyline with Tomo and Takano, for instance, could have used a bit more fleshing out. And while I appreciate the depth given to Uncle Satoru’s character, there were moments where his behavior felt a tad inconsistent.
But honestly? These are minor quibbles in an otherwise lovely read. The strength of the character relationships and the overall warmth of the story more than make up for any small stumbles.
A Worthy Sequel
If you enjoyed the first “Days at the Morisaki Bookshop,” you’ll find plenty to love here. Yagisawa builds on the foundation of the original, deepening the characters and exploring new emotional territory. It’s like revisiting old friends and finding they’ve grown in interesting ways.
For newcomers to the series, you could probably jump in here without too much confusion. Yagisawa does a good job of catching you up on the essentials. But I’d recommend starting with the first book to get the full emotional impact of certain storylines.
Fans of gentle, character-driven stories about books and the people who love them will find this right up their alley. If you enjoyed works like Michiko Aoyama’s “What You Are Looking For Is in the Library” or  Travis Baldree’s “Legends & Lattes,” you’ll likely appreciate Yagisawa’s similar blend of bibliophilia and heartwarming drama.
Final Thoughts
“More Days at the Morisaki Bookshop” is like a warm hug for book lovers. It’s a gentle, introspective story that celebrates the power of literature to connect us, heal us, and help us make sense of the world. Yagisawa has created a cast of characters that feel like old friends, and a setting so vivid you can almost smell the pages.
Is it groundbreaking literature? No. But it’s a beautifully crafted, emotionally resonant tale that will leave you with a renewed appreciation for the magic of books and the bonds we form through them.
As I turned the final page, I found myself wishing I could spend just a few more days at the Morisaki Bookshop. And isn’t that the highest praise you can give a book? That it leaves you wanting more, even as it satisfies you completely?
So go ahead, lose yourself in the stacks of the Morisaki Bookshop. Just don’t blame me if you end up booking a flight to Tokyo afterward. And if you do… well, save me a seat at the Saveur cafe, would you?
