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A Good Day Starts with Cats and Books
A cozy bookstore in the corner of Shinjuku is the purrfect escape for those looking for a new story and some furry friends to read with.
Welcome to Frère, a picture-purrfect share bookstore tucked away in a cozy corner of Shinjuku, complete with its very own adorable cat mascots! In a share bookstore, each shelf is curated by individual "shelf owners," each contributing their own books and personal touch to the space. Inside, you'll meet as many fascinating and unique people as there are a hairstylist struggling to keep up with the latest trends, a student trying to make ends meet, a bartender eager to understand people through literature, and other colorful patrons seeking the perfect read. Peek into their lives and watch their relationships blossom as they connect over their shared love of books and the stories that bring them together.
Welcome to Frère, a picture-purrfect share bookstore tucked away in a cozy corner of Shinjuku, complete with its very own adorable cat mascots! In a share bookstore, each shelf is curated by individual "shelf owners," each contributing their own books and personal touch to the space. Inside, you'll meet as many fascinating and unique people as there are a hairstylist struggling to keep up with the latest trends, a student trying to make ends meet, a bartender eager to understand people through literature, and other colorful patrons seeking the perfect read. Peek into their lives and watch their relationships blossom as they connect over their shared love of books and the stories that bring them together.
272 pages, Paperback
First published October 19, 2024
11 people are currently reading
249 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
March 18, 2026
It's not so much a book as it is a love story written to book lovers everywhere.
March 2, 2026
3.5 stars. Loved the book shelf concept introduced. Had me thinking about a future dream of my own.
March 20, 2026
It is amusing to review a book which is in part about reviewing books. The microcelebrity reviewer in the book approaches reviews by trying to understand the author's motivations while reading. I am absolutely inept at interpreting the minds of others, so I fear that does not work for me. He is also unfailingly positive whereas I tend to focus on critiques, even when I like a book. I will just write as I usually do, then.
My impression, in its vaguest form, is that this is very much like Japanese books that get translated: heartwarming short stories often involving cats in a straightforward, non-artsy tone. Many such cases are carbon copies of Before The Coffee Gets Cold, but this is at least an entirely different book, not revolving around mortality and loss but the connections and opportunities that books can offer. If I were to state it as a claim, it would be that books are more than the words on the pages. They are written for various reasons, promoted and sold, read by people who take away any number of messages, or none at all, and often go further than that, shared between readers, discussed, debated, agreed upon, building connections in unpredictable ways. This book is effectively the novelization of that idea, a few simple stories that demonstrate how that can happen.
I am a solitary person with few connections of my own and so I am a solitary reader. Some book some day might connect me with someone or make something happen, but I don't think it will be this one. I do not say that as some terrible insult; I rather mean that I simply do not find it remarkable enough to think much of one way or another. It is fine and there are some parts that I liked, but nothing stood out. There are no moments of amazing prose, shocking reveals, profoundly deep introspection, etc. I gave three stars because while there is nothing bad, neither does anything stand out, so the middle number seemed appropriate.
I would recommend this to someone looking for a quick feel-good read but not something that will blow your socks off. Maybe as a palate cleanser after just such a sock remover.
P.S.: I had no prior knowledge of share bookstores. Neat concept.
My impression, in its vaguest form, is that this is very much like Japanese books that get translated: heartwarming short stories often involving cats in a straightforward, non-artsy tone. Many such cases are carbon copies of Before The Coffee Gets Cold, but this is at least an entirely different book, not revolving around mortality and loss but the connections and opportunities that books can offer. If I were to state it as a claim, it would be that books are more than the words on the pages. They are written for various reasons, promoted and sold, read by people who take away any number of messages, or none at all, and often go further than that, shared between readers, discussed, debated, agreed upon, building connections in unpredictable ways. This book is effectively the novelization of that idea, a few simple stories that demonstrate how that can happen.
I am a solitary person with few connections of my own and so I am a solitary reader. Some book some day might connect me with someone or make something happen, but I don't think it will be this one. I do not say that as some terrible insult; I rather mean that I simply do not find it remarkable enough to think much of one way or another. It is fine and there are some parts that I liked, but nothing stood out. There are no moments of amazing prose, shocking reveals, profoundly deep introspection, etc. I gave three stars because while there is nothing bad, neither does anything stand out, so the middle number seemed appropriate.
I would recommend this to someone looking for a quick feel-good read but not something that will blow your socks off. Maybe as a palate cleanser after just such a sock remover.
P.S.: I had no prior knowledge of share bookstores. Neat concept.
April 22, 2026
I really enjoyed this. It's what I call a "soft" read, in that nothing major happens but it's just a nice read. I think the main "flaw" for me is just that I wanted to follow the characters for longer, which isn't really a bad thing. This is really like a love letter to/about books. It's comprised of six different character's perspectives and the way they connect to and through books in their lives. Each story connects to the one before in some way. And I really love how the author celebrates the many different ways that book lovers love books. Plus, I'd never heard of a shared bookstore before and I think it's an amazing concept. The main store in the story even reminded me of a place I used to frequent when I was university, which just added an extra layer for me personally. If you like books about books and don't mind short story collections that don't quite have a clear ending (I think of this collection of stories as about beginnings, rather than following through to the endings), then I'd recommend it.
March 15, 2026
Cozy and fascinating
This is the perfect cozy read for booklovers. It’s a relaxed collection of short stories centering around people who have encountered a bookshop in Tokyo, Japan. The bookshop is a sort of co-op, where different people rent shelves to stock with their own second-hand books to sell. Evidently, this style of bookshop is gaining popularity in Japan. Each book seller customizes their shelf, adding decorations and sometimes including reviews of each book. I thought it sounded like such a neat idea. It gives a very personal touch to each book.
The other cool thing about the book is that it was written by someone who personally rents a shelf at a book shop like the one in the story. I imagine a lot of their ideas came from personal experiences. I’d recommend this book for when you’re feeling like a lighter read with a cozy ambiance and relaxed, introspective pace.
This is the perfect cozy read for booklovers. It’s a relaxed collection of short stories centering around people who have encountered a bookshop in Tokyo, Japan. The bookshop is a sort of co-op, where different people rent shelves to stock with their own second-hand books to sell. Evidently, this style of bookshop is gaining popularity in Japan. Each book seller customizes their shelf, adding decorations and sometimes including reviews of each book. I thought it sounded like such a neat idea. It gives a very personal touch to each book.
The other cool thing about the book is that it was written by someone who personally rents a shelf at a book shop like the one in the story. I imagine a lot of their ideas came from personal experiences. I’d recommend this book for when you’re feeling like a lighter read with a cozy ambiance and relaxed, introspective pace.
March 12, 2026
Not your typical novel. In fact, if you go into it as a novel, you'll be disappointed as it doesn't read like one. Each chapter is from a different character's point of view, focusing on how books affected their lives, relationships, and changed them. Also, in how it connected them to others as you meet the next chapter's POV in the previous chapter. This book is best approached with more calm, cozy, retrospective head space to be read and considered. I was going to rate it 3.5 stars but decided on 4 because of the last chapter, how it brought everything back together, tried up some of the other characters journeys, but also left it open for more growth and changes for them.
And, while the book does have cats, it needs more.
And, while the book does have cats, it needs more.
March 12, 2026
What caught my eye was its cute cover! Since this was a light novel, I thought there would be more illustrations inside, so I was a bit bummed to find there were none.
That aside, the book is a light, comfortable read. It switches POVs, so it can be a little hard when you find yourself more interested in one character than the others. I actually thought it would be centered on Satoko's (the hairstylist) POV, so I was a bit sad when it was only for the first chapter. I got attached, haha.
No big highs or lows, just cozy. But also a bit inspirational. It was uplifting to see the characters find joy.
That aside, the book is a light, comfortable read. It switches POVs, so it can be a little hard when you find yourself more interested in one character than the others. I actually thought it would be centered on Satoko's (the hairstylist) POV, so I was a bit sad when it was only for the first chapter. I got attached, haha.
No big highs or lows, just cozy. But also a bit inspirational. It was uplifting to see the characters find joy.
April 1, 2026
I think it's better categorised as Japanese healing fiction because it utilises the same formulaic approach as titles like 'Before the Coffee gets Cold' and 'The Convenience Store by the Sea'. This sub-genre is normally a hit or miss for me depending on my mood. But this book surprised me. Not only was it a perfect blend of a cosy, heart-warming ode to books and bookshops, but the locations and characters felt real so I connected to a lot of it. The resident cats in the bookstore were adorable!
May 6, 2026
An interesting and satisfying slice-of-life title that deals with the interactions of a number of characters all linked by time spent at the bookshop Frere. The interactions lead to changes in habits, changes in circumstances and changes in attitudes and emotions. It is nice to see how people meeting up can change folks. A nice, peaceful book.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
I'm not entirely sure why publishers are filing regular novels under "light novels." Possibly they think the reading public won't pick them up without the label? In any event, the title says it all here, and if you like books and cats, you'll enjoy these interconnected short stories.
March 5, 2026
4.5 🌟 another cozy Japanese book that makes me appreciate the little things in life and a) how much I love reading and all the things reading can do for you and b) how much I want to own a bookstore, or even create a collective space where people can have rent shelves. UGH I needed this!
Review of advance copy
My reviews are my own. If you liked this book or not, I respect your opinion. This is merely my opinion, so let's keep it courteous. My review is honest and voluntary.
Read the Japanese version. It is a slow slice of life; it is cute but boring.
On to my next adventure, Happy Readings!!!
Read the Japanese version. It is a slow slice of life; it is cute but boring.
On to my next adventure, Happy Readings!!!
April 1, 2026
To be honest, I could barely make it past chapter 2. I had to put it down, take a break and read something else because while the start was interesting it just felt very flat and mundane.
April 4, 2026
3.5 Stars.
April 5, 2026
3.5
Rounded down because there was not enough cats even though the title mentioned them.
Rounded down because there was not enough cats even though the title mentioned them.
February 25, 2026
Loved the concept of a shared bookshelf for rent in a local bookshop, I’d be so down to do one if a store near me had this concept!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews