Before We Forget Kindness

Author: Toshikazu Kawaguchi
Translated by: Geoffrey Trousselot
Pages: 202 – Paperback
Geemiz Rating: 4.5/5

Before We Forget Kindness | Book Review

This is the fifth installment of the most loved translated Japanese book series Before the Coffee Gets Cold that brings the warmth and depth that fans of Japanese literature like me love. I am excited to read and immerse myself in various heartwarming stories from the Café Funiculi Funicula customers.

“In life, you bundle up the good and the bad – they’re all memories” – Kei

Before We Forget Kindness, Japanese translated Book

I find myself crying more than I did with the previous books, especially the fourth book Before We Say Goodbye. Maybe because Before We Forget Kindness tackles deeply the complexities of modern familial relationships. It explores the effects of divorce, the delicate reality of maintaining a relationship, the challenges of communication between family members, and just the sad truth of building and holding onto family bonds in today’s hi-tech world.

“And when we choose our way in life, sometimes we messed up” – Mochizuki

The main focus of the book series Before The Coffee Get’s Cold is finding inner peace through the resolution of regrets.
• Regrets over words we wish we hadn’t spoken.
• Regret on actions left undone.
• Regret on foolish mistakes.
• Regret on rejections and acceptance.
• Regrets over lost opportunities and, sometimes, even the choices we’ve embraced.

“With life come many regrettable actions that we can’t undo. Most of these come down to things we do or say in the heat of the moment.”

Morning journal with Before We Forget Kindness book

As a longtime fan, I’m thrilled to encounter familiar patrons like Fumiko and Hirai once more. Watching them offer guidance and encouragement to new visitors in their journeys through time is both comforting and inspiring. The time-traveling rules remain; one may travel back or forward, but only for the brief moment before the coffee gets cold. And yet, I’m intrigued by the possibilities that unfold:

• Can two or more people journey through time together?
• What happens if someone drinks the time-travel coffee by mistake?
• Can people from different times meet in the same moment?
• Does the existence of a parallel universe mean the chair is occupied by another from a different time?
• And the most annoying rule: you can only travel once.

Japanese book with uplifting stories Before We Forget Kindness

What I admire most of the books of Toshikazu Kawaguchi is it allows me to reflect on various life lessons while slowly drinking a newly brewed coffee. Life is both complicated and simple, so live the life you want without regrets.

“In life there is only two paths: to act or not to act. Humans must choose one” – Kohtake

About The Book
Same Café, same rules 4 different stories.
1. The father who could not allow his daughter to get married.
2. A woman who couldn’t give Valentine’s Day chocolates to her loved one.
3. A boy who wants to show his smile to his divorced parents.
4. A wife holding a child with no name.

Breakfast and book Before We Forget Kindness

“In this world, there are countless situations where sound reasoning doesn’t necessarily lead to the right answers” – Fumiko

Before we Forget Kindness reminds us of being kind all the time. It encourages us to remain compassionate even in the most challenging times. It highlights the lasting impact of our words and actions, showing how unkindness can leave scars and regrets that linger. This book reminds us to choose kindness, even on days when it feels difficult, as small acts of care can resonate in ways we may never fully realize.

Quotes from the book Before We Forget Kindness

“But there was a boy who was caught up in the middle of the crisis of individualism between his parents, agonized over the situation” – Fumiko

“People are constantly wavering as they live their lives. There is never a decision made that leaves a person entirely free from doubts. The doubt is like a second person residing one’s heart” – Megumi

People’s heart are forever changing. However firm one’s resolve might be, even the most trivial event can trigger doubt. And once a doubt has seen the light of day it can be difficult to suppress, however ones tries” – Megumi

“It is the fear of rejection that makes the wall, and heartbreaks only make it higher”

A good morning means a good Japanese book to read

For fans of the series – “Before the Coffee Gets Cold,” “Tales from the Café,” “Before Your Memory Fades,” and “Before We Say Goodbye” – this fifth book offers familiar comfort exploring modern familial and relationship conditions while stirring deep emotions.

Do I recommend it? Of course, YES! Even quicker than an instant coffee 🙂

Did you know that there is a movie adaptation of the first book Before the Coffee Gets Cold? The title is Cafe Funiculi Funicula. I enjoyed it as much as the book, and I hope you would too!

Have you read the book? I love to hear what you think!