When Takako's boyfriend suddenly dumps her and plans on marrying another girl in her office, her life falls apart. She loses her boyfriend and job in one fell swoop. When her eccentric uncle calls her and asks her to help him with his bookshop, she goes reluctantly. As she works through her depression and learns to love books, we meet a cast of characters that help her. But then her uncle's wife who left him 5 years ago returns, and his life falls apart. He tasks her with finding out what her motives are, and she must learn about her estranged aunt even more.

The good: This is such a sweet tale. I loved the characters and Takako's journey. The book is short and sweet and can be read in one or two sittings. However, I wanted to savor this comforting book so it took me a little longer.

The meh: Maybe this is because its a translation, but the writing felt a little flat to me.

The verdict: You'll like this book if you like Japanese literature, books, rebuilding, eccentric characters, and easy reads.