After reading ‘Days at the Morisaki Bookshop,’ I was curious to know more about the characters’ lives and what the sequel could possibly hold. So, I picked up ‘More Days at the Morisaki Bookshop’. Well, I admit, reading the sequel felt like returning home, like a continuation of a life I had briefly stopped and was now gently rejoining.
It’s warm, introspective, and quietly healing. The initial pace is slow, and it feels like you are a part of the daily lives of the characters, a member who silently observes the banter at the bookstore with Sabu, Satoru, Momoko, and Takako or sipping an evening coffee with Takako and Wada at the Saveur.
The beauty of this book lies in its stillness. However, at times, I found myself waiting for something more to happen. There was a point where I felt that there might not even be a plot in the sequel. But still I kept reading, and I’m so glad I did. Because something subtle yet deeply intense happened. Without warning, the story shifts, and by the final chapters, I was hit by an emotional avalanche.
This sequel to Days at the Morisaki Bookshop continues to follow the life of Takako, who has now settled into her role at the quaint second-hand bookshop in Jimbocho. There’s a certain warmth to how the author portrays her daily life, books, cups of coffee, and quiet introspection. The shop almost feels like a character itself, carrying the weight of nostalgia, comfort, and quiet wisdom.
That said, there are tender moments that stand out, especially towards the end, like the storyline between Takano and Tomo. I found their quiet connection unexpectedly moving. The way she turns to reading to cope with anxiety, and how Takano offers his presence not in some grand gesture but in the quiet moments of reading with Tomo. That scene broke me in the softest way.
There’s a quote from the book that really spoke to me:
“When I’m sad, I read. I can go on reading for hours. Reading quiets the turmoil I feel inside and brings me peace. Because when I’m immersed in the world of a book, no one can get hurt.”
Isn’t that what books do for so many of us? Offer escape, healing, and peace.
By the end, I was amazed at how the book handles love, loss, and letting go. Ok, I won’t give a spoiler here, but there’s a bittersweet arc toward the end that brings everything together with grace and quiet strength.
A character I love who is cheerful and warm faces life’s inevitable shift, and in that moment, I felt grief, beauty, and closure all at once. The way other characters process this and slowly begin to move forward, just as they had been wished to, it was so powerful that it stayed with me long after I turned the last page.
I was glad to see the sequel exploring the romantic relationship between Takako and Wada, which was missing in the previous part.
Now, having said that, I would confess that this is not a book for everyone. If you’re looking for a fast-paced plot, this might feel slow. At times, even I wished for a bit more tension or surprise. But then again, this book is a mood piece, meant to be savoured like a rainy afternoon spent indoors with your favourite blanket and a stack of unread paperbacks.
By the end, I was reminded why I return to books like this, books with a cosy vibe. Because they speak to you in whispers, stir your soul gently, and remind you of the power of simple human connection. The writers of such books can break you a little, then heal you slowly, lovingly. And somehow, you smile through the tears.
PS: This post is part of the #ReadingWithMuffy Challenge hosted by Shalini.
PS: This blog post is part of ‘Blogaberry Dazzle’ hosted by Cindy D’Silva and Noor Anand Chawla in collaboration with Ratna Prabha.
PS: My book delves deeper into the themes I often write about here — love, memory, and human connections. Have you checked it out yet? You can find it on Amazon. Click Here
Cerebration 
I will be honest with you, I have the first part -Days at the Morisaki Bookshop , still lying unread with me so I only read your conclusion to see how the second part compares to the first part.It is reminder for me to go back and start reading the prequel.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I respect and love your honesty. Yes you should read the prequel first cz the second part is a continuation and if you are not familiar with the characters, it may seem boring. So all the best. Happy reading!
LikeLike
Loved reading your review of More Days at the Morisaki Bookshop. You’ve captured the quiet magic of bookshop life so beautifully such as the small routines, the gentle interactions, the way a space filled with stories brings happiness. These Japanese authors are champs in writing stories based on bookshops and I have become a huge fan of their work. Hoping someday I will too pen a story in and around a bookstore.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you so much! Oh that’s nice all the best and I am sure that day when you pen a story on bookstore will come soon!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Seems like you’ve been able to capture the essence of More Days at the Morisaki Bookshop perfectly — its gentle pace, emotional depth, and the healing power of books. Hope to get it off my own TBR soon now
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Manali!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’ve read the first book and I agree that it’s not for everyone. The story is a journey that needs to be felt and lived. The characters are so relatable and made us feel for them. Amazing curious about how this one will be now. Good review!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you so much!
LikeLike
I have heard reviews of the first book. Still haven’t read it. I have to invest a lot of thought and time in such in-depth books. Both parts are on my Wishlist.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hope you get a chance to read them! Thank you for sharing your thoughts.
LikeLike
Gone are those days when people used to go to bookshops to but books. I still remember I used to save the money which relatives used to give and when it reached a standard amount I go with my father to buy a book. Baba used to help me in selection…. But todays bookshops are shophisticated I really feel lack of warmth there. Anyways a good review and I will read it for sure.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you for your kind words and sharing your experience. I totally understand the feeling. As we are progressing, everything is glamourising including bookstores.
LikeLike
The first book has been on my list for long. Now, added this as well. I like books which bring out more feelings.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yeah go for it. The second book started slow but drowned me in an emotional avalanche towards the end.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Such a well written and honest review. I haven’t read the 1st book yet, I keep meaning to. I am going to take your review as a sign that I should do so, asap!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Mayuri. Yes go ahead. Hope you like reading it
LikeLike
Lovely review, you’ve captured the quiet wonder of the More Days at the Morisaki Bookshop by Satoshi Yagisawa beautifully. The way you draw attention to the bookshop as a character in its own right is spot-on, and your reflection on how books can ground us in the everyday is so warm and thoughtful.
LikeLike
I haven’t heard of this book but you have piqued my interest. I like warm books though having known about this , I guess I will keep it for another day. My TBR is stressing me out!
LikeLiked by 1 person
We all have that ever growing TBR that is as high as the sky 😅 Hope you get a chance to read it someday! Thank you for stopping by.
LikeLike
This book feels like a warm return to a familiar corner of the heart. I love how you describe the quiet healing of the story. Adding this to my slow-reading days
LikeLike
This is a series I will pick probably next year. I have a tendancy of picking hyped books late. Almost after the hype is settled down…
LikeLiked by 1 person
ah one of my favourite reads and the perfect sequel to the previous one. I loved your honest opinion
LikeLiked by 1 person