Book Review: ‘Days at the Morisaki Bookshop’ by Satoshi Yagisawa
I don’t think it really matters whether you know a lot about books or not. That said, I don’t know that much myself. But I think what matters far more with a book is how it affects you.
Satoshi Yagisawa
The story follows a young woman in her mid-twenties who goes through a lifechanging moment that leads her to decide to go, and stay in the apartment above her uncle’s second hand bookshop, The Morisaki Bookshop. During her time there she decides to work at the bookshop. She ends up becoming familiar with it’s regulars as well as the regulars of a coffeeshop near by, which also becomes one of her regular places to visit too.
The first thing that drew me to go ahead and get the book was the simple fact that it was a book about books. Those kinds of stories always feel like hidden treasures in a bookstore, so I really really didn’t want to be disappointed by it. Thankfully, I wasn’t. The way the small town vibes pulled Takako in, inspiring her to live the present moment day by day, made me feel as if I were the one living in Tokyo’s famous book district. The way the old wooden building became a place that attracted love, friendship, loyalty, family, and a second chance at life, made me realize the way shops can open as a way of business, and end up becoming peoples’ home.
Since Takako spent enough time taking care of the books at the shop, she decides to read a few. Which not only inspires her to rediscover her love for reading, but she also grew to become more observant of those who spent a good amount of time around the bookstore. It’s interesting to observe the world from the eyes of a bookseller. Every book purchased is somehow a reflection of the person that bought it.
I loved the way the author, was able to highlight major life lessons with simplicity, and still keep the lighthearted feeling all the way to the end. For example, the way no matter where you go, or what journey you decide to take, home will always be there for you to come back to. Or the way moments you face, or people you come across in life are both a blessing, and are meant to teach you something, even though it might not seem so positive at the moment. And most importantly, the way second chances are always meant to be taken. There were many other lessons in the story, these were just the ones that stood out to me personally.
Also another thing that I personally felt I needed to hear was the part when Takako’s uncle Satoru tells her that what makes you a reader isn’t how many books you read, it’s the impact the book as on you after you’ve finished reading it. To me, that was the most helpful piece of advice I could hear. If you know me personally you’ll know how deep my love for stories go, and how badly I face imposter syndrome at any little thing I do. I wouldn’t say I read so consistently, I’m not a speed reader in anyway, I don’t know so much about books, but when I do read something and it leaves a huge impact on me, you’d probably hear me talking about it nonstop for the time being. So when I read that part, my over thinking mind got quiet for a minute and I was able to say wait, that’s actually so true. Nurturing a gift that a book leaves behind is what makes you a reader, and with time, your mind will be filled with so many different gifts, given to you by all the stories that stood out to you.
Overall, Days at the Morisaki Bookshop was such a pleasant story to read. If you’re on vacation and want an easy book to carry around, or a book to help you get out of a reading slump, this would be the one for you. A gem that introduced me to Jimbocho, the book lover’s paradise I hope to visit one day.
