The Full Moon Coffee Shop

I’m in awe! A friend who knows I love Haruki Murakami saw this title and said I might want to check it out. (Thank you, Jean!) If you liked Murakami’s “A Wild Sheep Chase” and Yoshimoto’s “Kitchen”, the wonderful charms of this book falls somewhere between them, but definitely owns and occupies its own space. Read the sample. I’m hooked!

This is a lovely book. It’s very uplifting. I don’t believe in astrology but the premise, to care about yourself, is universal.

Translated from the Japanese bestseller, this charming novel, inspired by the myth of cats returning favors to those who care for them, reminds us that it’s never too late to follow our stars. In Japan cats are a symbol of good luck and if you’re kind to them, they’ll return the favor one day. As THIS story goes, if you’re kind to the RIGHT cat, you might find yourself invited to a mysterious coffee shop in the mystical streets of Kyoto, under a glittering full moon. Unlike other cafés, The Full Moon Coffee Shop has no fixed location, no set hours, and only appears to people truly in need of a break from it all. It’s also run by three foot tall talking cats, each representing parts of astrology. The talking cat “thing” is where the book loses me only slightly. I would’ve accepted the cosmic communication much easier had it been telepathy. With each chapter, we follow four timelines which intertwine sweetly. As the characters’ paths intertwine, the reader is reminded of the interconnectedness of all lives, and the idea that even the most unexpected encounters can lead to profound transformations. As a person who follows horoscopes and astrology, chapters titled An Aquarius Trifle, Lunar Chocolate Fondant, and A Retrograde Reunion held my attention. Not a fan of Mercury Retrograde season, I prefer to self isolate and avoid people because miscommunication/failed communication runs heavy, and electronics go awry from cell phones (dropped calls, texts not going through) to microwaves suddenly stop working, to cars (car trouble)… I’m a stubborn, impatient Capricorn. I don’t have time for any of that. I was particularly intrigued by A Retrograde Reunion and how things would work out in the end, considering it’s one thing after another, despite everything the character does to stay on top of things, he can’t seem to get ahead. (I felt for that guy because he’s me. And like him, often times feeling so defeated, I accept the situation and my lack of control over it and recognize that the thing I can control is me, so I avert my focus to remaining calm, patient, exude peace, and just let it be. My most prominent profound transformation.) Atmospheric, cozy, and uplifting,The Full Moon Coffee Shop is a celebration of the serendipitous moments that lead us to where we need to be. It’s a gentle reminder that it’s never too late to rediscover our purpose, and that sometimes, the most unlikely guides can lead us to the most remarkable revelations. While customers at this unique haven partake in custom orders of cakes, the finest coffees, and the most fragrant teas made specially for them, they also receive a generous helping of life-altering wisdom as the cats consult their star charts, offer cryptic wisdom, and some external perspective on their lives, letting them know where their lives have veered off course. It’s the feline guides intention to set them back on their fated paths. New to the Japanese cozy fiction genre, I appreciate that this was translated into English as I’ve yet to read anything like it. If you like reflective books with a dash of realsim, this one will amuse! An effortless blend of whimsy with profound life lessons, what makes this book special is its ability to combine the magical with the mundane in a way that feels both uplifting, thought-provoking, and personal to the reader. Sage advice from already seemingly intuitive creatures, these cats are more than just charming companions - they serve as mirrors reflecting the characters’ deepest fears and desires. Strongly recommend if you like getting into character studies and intertwined lives. This story is perfect for the changing of the seasons. For those in need of a little magic, this book offers a comforting escape, ethereal and dreamy, different, like Matt Haig’s “The Midnight Library” but not quite. I liked the café and its concept. Thanking NetGalley and Ballantine Books for the #ARC in exchange for my honest review.