What do you think?
Rate this book
Bookstore Girls #1
Bookstore Girls
Can two very different women put aside their differences to save the bookstore they love? The Japanese bestseller that spawned a seven-book series - adapted for TV and 200,000 copies sold
Riko Nishioka is deputy manager of the Pegasus Shobo Kichijoji bookstore. After five years working part-time she's finally secured a full-time position at the age of forty. But now she has a nemesis.
Aki Kobata, twenty-seven, has waltzed in as a full-time employee thanks to her family connections. A free spirit with a rebellious streak and a silver spoon in her mouth, she's anything but a team player.
The two are constantly clashing - both at work and over their personal lives. But when Riko is given notice the store will be closing in six month's time, they face a stark choice. Can they put their petty enmities aside to boost sales and save their livelihoods or will they go down fighting . . . each other?
Riko Nishioka is deputy manager of the Pegasus Shobo Kichijoji bookstore. After five years working part-time she's finally secured a full-time position at the age of forty. But now she has a nemesis.
Aki Kobata, twenty-seven, has waltzed in as a full-time employee thanks to her family connections. A free spirit with a rebellious streak and a silver spoon in her mouth, she's anything but a team player.
The two are constantly clashing - both at work and over their personal lives. But when Riko is given notice the store will be closing in six month's time, they face a stark choice. Can they put their petty enmities aside to boost sales and save their livelihoods or will they go down fighting . . . each other?
320 pages, Hardcover
First published October 1, 2007
About the author
Kei Aono
36 books14 followersKei Aono was born in 1959 in Nagoya, Japan and studied at Tokyo Art university. After starting her career at an anime magazine, she worked as an editor at a publishing company. In 2006 she made her fiction debut with The Reason I Won't Quit, and in 2014 Bookstore Girls won the Grand Prize in the "Book I want made into a movie" category at the Shizuoka Bookstore Awards. It went on to be adapted for television, sell 200,000 copies and lay the ground for six sequels.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 237 reviews
October 31, 2025
Japonya’da yayınlanan, ‘İyi Hisset Serisi’nin ilk kitabı bu sanırım. Yazarın da Türkçe’ye çevrilen ilk kitabı olan ve tanıtımında;‘Japonya’nın en çok satan kitabı’ olduğu belirtilen bu eser; iyi kurgulanmış, güçlü kahramanları ve etkili anlatımı ile akıcı ve eğlenceli bir roman.
Mesajları ile kadınların iş ve özel hayatındaki dezavantajlı konumlarını ve başarmak için daha çok çalışmaları ve daha fazla fedekarlıkta bulunmaları gerektiğini, oldukça başarılı bir hikaye ile anlatmış.
Başarılı buldum.
Mesajları ile kadınların iş ve özel hayatındaki dezavantajlı konumlarını ve başarmak için daha çok çalışmaları ve daha fazla fedekarlıkta bulunmaları gerektiğini, oldukça başarılı bir hikaye ile anlatmış.
Başarılı buldum.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
I received an ARC of this book for free from the publisher (Pegasus Books) for promotional purposes.
This book was like a love letter to bookstores!
The story is about two women, Riko and Aki, who work at a bookstore that is set to close in six months. It’s up to them to save the store. It was a very cozy premise! I loved seeing their ideas transform the store.
I loved the friendship between Riko and Aki. At the beginning of the book they despised one another. I enjoyed seeing their friendship develop and how they were able to put their differences aside.
The book also explores sexism in the workplace. Since Riko and Aki are different ages (Riko is 40 and Aki is in her 20s), they experience sexism in different ways. I liked that juxtaposition because it highlighted how widespread it can be.
The way the book talks about bookstores and reading is just magical. If you’re a huge bookworm, you’ll be able to relate to a lot of it. I loved the discussion on how reading gives a book life. That was a beautiful sentiment.
Overall, I hope the rest of the series gets translated and released in the US. If you are a fan of books about books, be sure to check this one out!
This book was like a love letter to bookstores!
The story is about two women, Riko and Aki, who work at a bookstore that is set to close in six months. It’s up to them to save the store. It was a very cozy premise! I loved seeing their ideas transform the store.
I loved the friendship between Riko and Aki. At the beginning of the book they despised one another. I enjoyed seeing their friendship develop and how they were able to put their differences aside.
The book also explores sexism in the workplace. Since Riko and Aki are different ages (Riko is 40 and Aki is in her 20s), they experience sexism in different ways. I liked that juxtaposition because it highlighted how widespread it can be.
The way the book talks about bookstores and reading is just magical. If you’re a huge bookworm, you’ll be able to relate to a lot of it. I loved the discussion on how reading gives a book life. That was a beautiful sentiment.
Overall, I hope the rest of the series gets translated and released in the US. If you are a fan of books about books, be sure to check this one out!
September 27, 2026
4.5 ⭐ - A story that explores a workplace rivalry between two women in a bookstore setting in Japan. It was a layered portrayal of workplace politics, personal dynamics, and cultural realities. I really enjoyed listening to this on audiobook! This is a popular book series published in Japanese, and this is the first book that has been translated to English.
🔸 Riko & Aki are two women who have different personalities, opinions and life experiences. They find themselves clashing with each other, and the employees are also divided in this matter. Riko is older and Aki's boss at work, and you see how some of their differences stem from a generational gap.
🎧 Audiobook by: RBmedia (Recorded Books)
🎙️Narrated by: Ami Okumura Jones
Audiobook Review: I heard the whole story on audiobook and thoroughly enjoyed it! The narrator was great in her tone and delivery. Her pronunciation of Japanese names and words was authentic, and added that characteristic touch to the experience of hearing the story. Her voice was crisp, clear, and a pleasure to listen to.
🔸The story begins at Aki's wedding. It sets the backdrop with all the social drama and gossip, as well as the internal dynamics between the social group. Initially, the introduction of many character's can be a bit overwhelming, but I enjoyed how the story explored a more complex work environment with a variety of characters who had varying personalities, backgrounds, attitudes and outlooks.
🔸There was something to dislike and love about both Aki & Riko. You may find yourself rooting for one or the other at different times - and eventually both! When you get to know more about their personal lives and relationships, you realize that everyone is going through their own challenges, and understand where they are coming from.
🔸 I loved their character growth through the story. Eventually you see both women learn something from each other, and develop a mutual respect.
🔸 The story touched upon many facets of bookstore management, booksellers, the publishing industry and their challenges. You get to see some practical day to day elements of what it takes to run a bookstore, as well as the politics that can come into play.
🔸The first half focused on setting up the characters and social politics. The second half is where the plot kicks in, and I got more invested. The personal and professional walls start coming down, and everyone rallies together as a team in order to save the struggling bookstore.
🔸The character's were held accountable for their behaviors and judgements, and we see them develop respect and understanding for each other. They finally go beyond the petty politics and personal insecurities, to unite against bigger problems and enemies. It was great to see them defend and stand up for each other.
🔸The final win in this book was unexpected, and a lot more personal. The satisfaction was the genuine values, learning and personal growth that the character's undertake. It was a great celebration of having built mutual trust, respect and understanding.
❓If you're not familiar with Japanese names and culture, it can feel a little overwhelming. I'd suggest taking your time with the first 20-30% or having a visual reference by reading a few chapters physically (I heard it on audiobook at 1x in the beginning to keep track). Since it is setting up a series, it makes sense to have spent time in introducing and developing the character's. You do have to be patient with the first half which could be a bit frustrating, but the payoff with the character growth is great in the second half.
Some thematic takeaways:
🔹It's easy to misunderstand people if you want to. We often lead with our perceptions of someone, and form judgements. It's easy to let personal insecurities get in the way of connecting with someone.
🔹 Different cultures can layer on different kinds of social judgements, and it can be harsh. We may often internalize those criticisms and carry those emotions within us. Everyone's life looks different, and it is no less if it doesn't conform to the typical social standard. You have to learn to be comfortable in who you are.
🔹 Sometimes we become isolated, carrying our burdens alone - ashamed to be vulnerable about our struggles. But we all need someone to talk to, a friend to share it with.
🔹We have to learn to put aside your differences and have a more human view. Otherwise, knowingly or unknowingly we can end up being quite cruel or insensitive. We should do our best to lead with kindness.
🔹The story also explored themes of sexism, gender discrimination and workplace bullying.
Thanks to NetGalley and RB Media for the Audiobook ALC of this book. All opinions expressed here are my own.
🔸 Riko & Aki are two women who have different personalities, opinions and life experiences. They find themselves clashing with each other, and the employees are also divided in this matter. Riko is older and Aki's boss at work, and you see how some of their differences stem from a generational gap.
🎧 Audiobook by: RBmedia (Recorded Books)
🎙️Narrated by: Ami Okumura Jones
Audiobook Review: I heard the whole story on audiobook and thoroughly enjoyed it! The narrator was great in her tone and delivery. Her pronunciation of Japanese names and words was authentic, and added that characteristic touch to the experience of hearing the story. Her voice was crisp, clear, and a pleasure to listen to.
🔸The story begins at Aki's wedding. It sets the backdrop with all the social drama and gossip, as well as the internal dynamics between the social group. Initially, the introduction of many character's can be a bit overwhelming, but I enjoyed how the story explored a more complex work environment with a variety of characters who had varying personalities, backgrounds, attitudes and outlooks.
🔸There was something to dislike and love about both Aki & Riko. You may find yourself rooting for one or the other at different times - and eventually both! When you get to know more about their personal lives and relationships, you realize that everyone is going through their own challenges, and understand where they are coming from.
🔸 I loved their character growth through the story. Eventually you see both women learn something from each other, and develop a mutual respect.
🔸 The story touched upon many facets of bookstore management, booksellers, the publishing industry and their challenges. You get to see some practical day to day elements of what it takes to run a bookstore, as well as the politics that can come into play.
🔸The first half focused on setting up the characters and social politics. The second half is where the plot kicks in, and I got more invested. The personal and professional walls start coming down, and everyone rallies together as a team in order to save the struggling bookstore.
🔸The character's were held accountable for their behaviors and judgements, and we see them develop respect and understanding for each other. They finally go beyond the petty politics and personal insecurities, to unite against bigger problems and enemies. It was great to see them defend and stand up for each other.
🔸The final win in this book was unexpected, and a lot more personal. The satisfaction was the genuine values, learning and personal growth that the character's undertake. It was a great celebration of having built mutual trust, respect and understanding.
❓If you're not familiar with Japanese names and culture, it can feel a little overwhelming. I'd suggest taking your time with the first 20-30% or having a visual reference by reading a few chapters physically (I heard it on audiobook at 1x in the beginning to keep track). Since it is setting up a series, it makes sense to have spent time in introducing and developing the character's. You do have to be patient with the first half which could be a bit frustrating, but the payoff with the character growth is great in the second half.
Some thematic takeaways:
🔹It's easy to misunderstand people if you want to. We often lead with our perceptions of someone, and form judgements. It's easy to let personal insecurities get in the way of connecting with someone.
🔹 Different cultures can layer on different kinds of social judgements, and it can be harsh. We may often internalize those criticisms and carry those emotions within us. Everyone's life looks different, and it is no less if it doesn't conform to the typical social standard. You have to learn to be comfortable in who you are.
🔹 Sometimes we become isolated, carrying our burdens alone - ashamed to be vulnerable about our struggles. But we all need someone to talk to, a friend to share it with.
🔹We have to learn to put aside your differences and have a more human view. Otherwise, knowingly or unknowingly we can end up being quite cruel or insensitive. We should do our best to lead with kindness.
🔹The story also explored themes of sexism, gender discrimination and workplace bullying.
Thanks to NetGalley and RB Media for the Audiobook ALC of this book. All opinions expressed here are my own.
June 17, 2024
4,5☆
It's mainly about the relationships of the workers of one bookstore, but in the second half came together to try to save it from closing.
I found particularly interesting how even more set back the gender gap in working culture in Japan.
It's mainly about the relationships of the workers of one bookstore, but in the second half came together to try to save it from closing.
I found particularly interesting how even more set back the gender gap in working culture in Japan.
May 26, 2024
A Tokyō, nel caratteristico quartiere di Kichijōji, c’è una delle librerie più antiche della città.
Qui lavorano due donne che non potrebbero essere più diverse tra loro: Riko, la vicedirettrice sempre calma e morigerata, e Aki una dipendente appassionata dal carattere impetuoso e sincero.
Come poli opposti, entrambe sembrano incarnare due modi completamente diversi di vivere la vita, i rapporti sociali e il lavoro.
Tra i mille impegni e le diverse difficoltà che comporta la gestione della libreria, gli scontri tra le due sono all’ordine del giorno.
Eppure, quando la loro amata libreria rischierà la chiusura, entrambe si ritroveranno a far fronte comune, scoprendosi assai più simili di quello che avrebbero immaginato.
Aono Kei ha scritto un romanzo brillante, contemporaneo e divertente.
Tra battibecchi vivaci e scene che strappano un sorriso racconta, con sguardo acuto e lucido, le innumerevoli difficoltà e i pregiudizi che accompagnano le donne nel mondo del lavoro.
Qui lavorano due donne che non potrebbero essere più diverse tra loro: Riko, la vicedirettrice sempre calma e morigerata, e Aki una dipendente appassionata dal carattere impetuoso e sincero.
Come poli opposti, entrambe sembrano incarnare due modi completamente diversi di vivere la vita, i rapporti sociali e il lavoro.
Tra i mille impegni e le diverse difficoltà che comporta la gestione della libreria, gli scontri tra le due sono all’ordine del giorno.
Eppure, quando la loro amata libreria rischierà la chiusura, entrambe si ritroveranno a far fronte comune, scoprendosi assai più simili di quello che avrebbero immaginato.
Aono Kei ha scritto un romanzo brillante, contemporaneo e divertente.
Tra battibecchi vivaci e scene che strappano un sorriso racconta, con sguardo acuto e lucido, le innumerevoli difficoltà e i pregiudizi che accompagnano le donne nel mondo del lavoro.
June 2, 2026
Thank you to Kei Aono and NetGalley for the free audiobook!
Opening a bookstore is my dream and hope for the future and all the reasonings I haven't quite been able to articulate in this book. Yes, the digital age may make is seem like bookstores are obsolete but the connection they foster among readers, booksellers, authors, and publishers to name a few is just one fascinating aspect to bookstores.
I also really enjoyed the deeper understanding of the culture in Japan, especially when it comes to gendered positions and disrespect from their male counterparts. There is a moment in the book I would have knocked someone out but she handled it very differently but it still shamed him, I found that incredibly interesting.
I really hope more of the series get translated because I would love to continue it. A cute hidden gem, that made me smile.
Great read.
Opening a bookstore is my dream and hope for the future and all the reasonings I haven't quite been able to articulate in this book. Yes, the digital age may make is seem like bookstores are obsolete but the connection they foster among readers, booksellers, authors, and publishers to name a few is just one fascinating aspect to bookstores.
I also really enjoyed the deeper understanding of the culture in Japan, especially when it comes to gendered positions and disrespect from their male counterparts. There is a moment in the book I would have knocked someone out but she handled it very differently but it still shamed him, I found that incredibly interesting.
I really hope more of the series get translated because I would love to continue it. A cute hidden gem, that made me smile.
Great read.
September 29, 2025
I loved this gem of a book. It is beautifully conceived and written and perfectly translated. I found the progression of its themes- the ongoing threat to bookstores, competition within the workplace, the treatment of women who dare rise within the ranks (by women and men) and collegiality )between women particularly) - healing and heartwarming. I liked it from the first page but the final chapters saw me glued to the pages. I miss it already.
May 22, 2024
Una storia piacevole di vita quotidiana che scorre leggera. Spiega diversi retroscena rispetto alla gestione di una libreria ma anche delle dinamiche editoriali.
March 10, 2025
Um livro sobre livros que demonstra o funcionamento de uma livraria no Japão. Seguimos a jornada de Reiko, um a gerente de 40 anos solteira e cuidadora do pai, e Aki, uma jovem recém-casada que entra em conflito com a sua gerente.
Demorou para entrar nesta história, as brigas entre as duas protagonistas não faziam muito sentido para mim. Mas a medida que conhecemos melhor o ambiente da livraria e em que nos explicado a história das duas protagonistas a narrativa ganhou uma nova forma.
Gostei principalmente de observar Reiko e Aki pondo de lado as suas rivalidades para tentar salvar a livraria. Assim como adorei conhecer novos autores japoneses, e entender melhor o seu entusiasmo pela banda desenhada.
Demorou para entrar nesta história, as brigas entre as duas protagonistas não faziam muito sentido para mim. Mas a medida que conhecemos melhor o ambiente da livraria e em que nos explicado a história das duas protagonistas a narrativa ganhou uma nova forma.
Gostei principalmente de observar Reiko e Aki pondo de lado as suas rivalidades para tentar salvar a livraria. Assim como adorei conhecer novos autores japoneses, e entender melhor o seu entusiasmo pela banda desenhada.
June 10, 2024
In questa storia troviamo due protagoniste: due libraie che lavorano in una delle librerie più antiche di Kichijoji, un bel quartiere di Tokyo. Riko è la vicedirettrice con molta esperienza e tranquilla mentre Aki la sua sobordinata è sempre piena di nuove idee e pimpante, tanto è vero che fra le due non scorre buon sangue, anzi, quasi vengono alle mani già fin dalle prime pagine. Ma la loro libreria rischia la chiusura: è così che si uniranno per tentare di non farla fallire.
Sinceramente non mi è piaciuta tanto questa storia, mi sarei aspettato tutt'altra cosa.
Sinceramente non mi è piaciuta tanto questa storia, mi sarei aspettato tutt'altra cosa.
August 24, 2026
BOOKSTORE GIRLS by Kei Aono ✨📚
I absolutely loved this one! As someone who loves books and bookstores, Bookstore Girls felt like such a fun and heartfelt read. There is something about a story set inside a bookstore that immediately makes me want to curl up and stay awhile. 📚❤️
Riko and Aki could not be more different. Riko has worked hard to build her career and earn her place in the publishing world, while Aki comes from a privileged background and has a rebellious personality that makes her anything but easy to work with.
And yes, they clash. A LOT.
But when Riko finds out that the bookstore will be closing in six months, these two very different women have to put their differences aside and figure out how to save the place they work in.
What I enjoyed most was watching their relationship develop. Beneath all the disagreements and workplace tension is a story about ambition, friendship, finding your place, and what happens when the thing you love is suddenly at risk.
I also loved getting a glimpse into Japanese bookstore and publishing culture. It made the story feel fresh and different, while still giving me all the cozy bookstore feelings I love.
This was such an enjoyable read and definitely one I would recommend to anyone who loves books about bookstores, strong female characters, workplace drama, and a little rivalry along the way.
I absolutely loved this one! As someone who loves books and bookstores, Bookstore Girls felt like such a fun and heartfelt read. There is something about a story set inside a bookstore that immediately makes me want to curl up and stay awhile. 📚❤️
Riko and Aki could not be more different. Riko has worked hard to build her career and earn her place in the publishing world, while Aki comes from a privileged background and has a rebellious personality that makes her anything but easy to work with.
And yes, they clash. A LOT.
But when Riko finds out that the bookstore will be closing in six months, these two very different women have to put their differences aside and figure out how to save the place they work in.
What I enjoyed most was watching their relationship develop. Beneath all the disagreements and workplace tension is a story about ambition, friendship, finding your place, and what happens when the thing you love is suddenly at risk.
I also loved getting a glimpse into Japanese bookstore and publishing culture. It made the story feel fresh and different, while still giving me all the cozy bookstore feelings I love.
This was such an enjoyable read and definitely one I would recommend to anyone who loves books about bookstores, strong female characters, workplace drama, and a little rivalry along the way.
December 13, 2024
Un libro che avevo scoperto su Ig e che mi aveva incuriosito.
Non una lettura semplice, anzi a tratti un po noiosa.
MA.. decolla al improvviso e non puoi non voler sapere cosa ne sarà delle due protagoniste.
Due donne molto diverse tra loro. Dapprima non in sintonia, ma che di fronte alle necessità sanno fare fronte comune per raggiungere lo scopo.
Non una lettura semplice, anzi a tratti un po noiosa.
MA.. decolla al improvviso e non puoi non voler sapere cosa ne sarà delle due protagoniste.
Due donne molto diverse tra loro. Dapprima non in sintonia, ma che di fronte alle necessità sanno fare fronte comune per raggiungere lo scopo.
December 1, 2025
3.5 ⭐ a slow start but a rewarding, resonant read. Aono captures girlhood with sharp honesty, marrying the realities of workplace politics and everyday misogyny in a way that feels intimate and powerful. we ♡ girls' girls!
February 11, 2026
3.5
sonda bi olayi merak ettim wlla yoksa dort bile verirdik turunun en gercekci ama en rahatlaticisi olmus cokk hak verecegim ve beni rahatlatacak bir donemde dinledigim icin de ekstra iyi geldi… kadinlari seviyorummm… sagligimiza…❤️❤️❤️🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻
sonda bi olayi merak ettim wlla yoksa dort bile verirdik turunun en gercekci ama en rahatlaticisi olmus cokk hak verecegim ve beni rahatlatacak bir donemde dinledigim icin de ekstra iyi geldi… kadinlari seviyorummm… sagligimiza…❤️❤️❤️🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻
Did Not Finish
December 3, 2025maybe a soft dnf? just not really feeling it after 70 pages. too many side characters were introduced
July 9, 2024
Poco distante dal centro di Tokyo, c'é il quartiere di Kichijoji. Un bel quartiere, da poco riqualificato, piacevole e con molti luoghi dove passare un tranquillo pomeriggio, come la libreria Pegasus Shobō.
Fa parte di una catena, ma questa sede é una delle prime ad essere state aperte e al suo interno lavorano, tra i vari dipendenti, due libraie che ci faranno da Cicerone nel mondo delle librerie, offrendo un piccolo sguardo sul mondo dell'editoria, sul mondo del lavoro e sulle differenze che intercorrono tra uomini e donne sul posto di lavoro, dal ruolo, allo stipendio, alla nomea.
Da una parte troviamo Nishioka Riko, una donna di quarant'anni, vicedirettrice della libreria, testarda, stacanovista e separatasi da poco dal suo fidanzato. Dall'altra Obata Aki, una giovane ragazza che si occupa del reparto fumetti, é ottimista, creativa e appena sposata. Hanno due modi diversi di rapportarsi al lavoro e alla vita, non vanno particolarmente d'accordo, ma sono pronte a creare un sodalizio e un fronte comune, insieme agli altri dipendenti, per impedire alla loro libreria di chiudere.
Tra turni, clienti, esposizioni ed eventi seguiamo la loro vita, professionale e privata. Le vedremo unire le forze e superare la loro rivalità: l'obiettivo comune crea, con tutti, un nuovo clima armonioso, in cui ognuno dà il massimo e contribuisce come può per risollevare le sorti della libreria. Le conosciamo in ogni dettaglio, anche l'approfondimento psicologico non viene tralasciato: l'autrice rende molto bene i sentimenti e le emozioni che provano affrontando le varie difficoltà e i loro pensieri nelle varie vicende.
Una scrittura semplice, molto scorrevole, che ti trascina pagina dopo pagina nelle loro vite, tanto da coinvolgerti nei loro progetti per tenere aperta la libreria, e che parla dell'amore per libri, fumetti, light novel, riviste e qual si voglia pubblicazione cartacea e della bellezza di leggere la carta stampata.
Davvero molto bello!
Fa parte di una catena, ma questa sede é una delle prime ad essere state aperte e al suo interno lavorano, tra i vari dipendenti, due libraie che ci faranno da Cicerone nel mondo delle librerie, offrendo un piccolo sguardo sul mondo dell'editoria, sul mondo del lavoro e sulle differenze che intercorrono tra uomini e donne sul posto di lavoro, dal ruolo, allo stipendio, alla nomea.
Da una parte troviamo Nishioka Riko, una donna di quarant'anni, vicedirettrice della libreria, testarda, stacanovista e separatasi da poco dal suo fidanzato. Dall'altra Obata Aki, una giovane ragazza che si occupa del reparto fumetti, é ottimista, creativa e appena sposata. Hanno due modi diversi di rapportarsi al lavoro e alla vita, non vanno particolarmente d'accordo, ma sono pronte a creare un sodalizio e un fronte comune, insieme agli altri dipendenti, per impedire alla loro libreria di chiudere.
Tra turni, clienti, esposizioni ed eventi seguiamo la loro vita, professionale e privata. Le vedremo unire le forze e superare la loro rivalità: l'obiettivo comune crea, con tutti, un nuovo clima armonioso, in cui ognuno dà il massimo e contribuisce come può per risollevare le sorti della libreria. Le conosciamo in ogni dettaglio, anche l'approfondimento psicologico non viene tralasciato: l'autrice rende molto bene i sentimenti e le emozioni che provano affrontando le varie difficoltà e i loro pensieri nelle varie vicende.
Una scrittura semplice, molto scorrevole, che ti trascina pagina dopo pagina nelle loro vite, tanto da coinvolgerti nei loro progetti per tenere aperta la libreria, e che parla dell'amore per libri, fumetti, light novel, riviste e qual si voglia pubblicazione cartacea e della bellezza di leggere la carta stampata.
Davvero molto bello!
August 9, 2024
Um livro sobre o poder dos livros e a felicidade que deles provêm.
Este livro fala sobre duas livreiras -Aki e Riko - que se odeiam profundamente, mas têm de trabalhar juntas de forma a garantir o sucesso da livraria Pégaso. Trabalhar com alguém que tem opiniões diferentes das nossas nem sempre é fácil ainda por cima quando não gostamos da outra pessoa. Será que elas irão conseguir?
Na minha opinião este livro poderia ser bem melhor…
Estava com as expectativas elevadas porque gosto imenso de livros que falem sobre livros mas este, infelizmente, não me cativou da forma que eu idealizava.
Demorou bastante tempo a desenvolver e eu, pessoalmente, prefiro ler histórias cuja ação se desenrole com alguma fluidez.
Apesar disso, gostei das estratégias de marketing que a Aki e a Riko usaram para manter a livraria à tona assim como certas práticas japonesas que desconhecia completamente! É bom quando os livros nos ensinam sobre outras culturas.
O que mais me marcou neste livro foi, sem dúvida, a coragem da Riko quando os seus colegas de trabalho tentaram arruinar a sua reputação…
Achei o final muito emotivo.
Este livro fala sobre duas livreiras -Aki e Riko - que se odeiam profundamente, mas têm de trabalhar juntas de forma a garantir o sucesso da livraria Pégaso. Trabalhar com alguém que tem opiniões diferentes das nossas nem sempre é fácil ainda por cima quando não gostamos da outra pessoa. Será que elas irão conseguir?
Na minha opinião este livro poderia ser bem melhor…
Estava com as expectativas elevadas porque gosto imenso de livros que falem sobre livros mas este, infelizmente, não me cativou da forma que eu idealizava.
Demorou bastante tempo a desenvolver e eu, pessoalmente, prefiro ler histórias cuja ação se desenrole com alguma fluidez.
Apesar disso, gostei das estratégias de marketing que a Aki e a Riko usaram para manter a livraria à tona assim como certas práticas japonesas que desconhecia completamente! É bom quando os livros nos ensinam sobre outras culturas.
O que mais me marcou neste livro foi, sem dúvida, a coragem da Riko quando os seus colegas de trabalho tentaram arruinar a sua reputação…
Achei o final muito emotivo.
June 28, 2024
Este livro é um livro sobre livros, sobre o amor aos livros, sobre o amor e sobre muito mais...
É uma ode aos livreiros e a quem trabalha no belo mundo dos livros 😌
Adorei a beleza da escrita e a progressão da ação, contudo não amei toda a quezília inicial entre a Riko e a Aki (não achei que fosse necessário ser algo tão forte...).
A Livraria Pégaso é de facto um lugar muito especial, não só por ter livros, mas por ser feita de pessoas que amam livros e dão tudo de si pelas obras que ali estão...é um amor único o amor aos livros ❤️
É para os amantes de histórias de superação e de resiliência no que diz sentido ao carácter das personagens. Ver a mudança na livraria e em todos é sublime e o desfecho final é algo muito poético e esperançoso ✨️
É uma ode aos livreiros e a quem trabalha no belo mundo dos livros 😌
Adorei a beleza da escrita e a progressão da ação, contudo não amei toda a quezília inicial entre a Riko e a Aki (não achei que fosse necessário ser algo tão forte...).
A Livraria Pégaso é de facto um lugar muito especial, não só por ter livros, mas por ser feita de pessoas que amam livros e dão tudo de si pelas obras que ali estão...é um amor único o amor aos livros ❤️
É para os amantes de histórias de superação e de resiliência no que diz sentido ao carácter das personagens. Ver a mudança na livraria e em todos é sublime e o desfecho final é algo muito poético e esperançoso ✨️
August 31, 2024
no início semelha que não está a acontecer muita coisa mas depois tórna-se uma história muito linda gostei muito da importância que têm os livros e as livrarias
July 23, 2026
Lots of fun. Book sucked me right in and never let go.
August 17, 2026
3.5/5 stars. Great insight into the bookshop industry and running a successful bookstore, very well researched and lots of references to actual Japanese authors/works that I assume were popular at the time.
Really liked the character growth of Riko and Aki but I really hate it when females are pitched against each other - at least they eventually grow out of it.
The clear misogyny in the Japanese workplace (not sure if publishing is worse?) made my blood boil because it's definitely still like that to this day.
Where this book fell flat was the pacing - it took way too long setting up the dynamic between characters that the plot doesn't really start until 50% in and it doesn't pick up until 70% of the way through and then it's over.
The translation also felt awkward at times, especially in the beginning.
I'd still be interested in the sequel if it ever comes out in English (7 book series wth).
Really liked the character growth of Riko and Aki but I really hate it when females are pitched against each other - at least they eventually grow out of it.
The clear misogyny in the Japanese workplace (not sure if publishing is worse?) made my blood boil because it's definitely still like that to this day.
Where this book fell flat was the pacing - it took way too long setting up the dynamic between characters that the plot doesn't really start until 50% in and it doesn't pick up until 70% of the way through and then it's over.
The translation also felt awkward at times, especially in the beginning.
I'd still be interested in the sequel if it ever comes out in English (7 book series wth).
June 15, 2026
This is a general fiction novel that’s translated from Japanese to English. Again, if you have little knowledge about Japanese culture and social hierarchy, I would highly recommend understanding the basics. Riko is the assistant manager of a flagship bookstore of a large chain. Aki is a privileged, 27 year old woman who lands a full time job at the bookstore due to her connections. Like most workplaces, if you have a bunch of women in one spot, there are going to be problems and these two do not like each other. After Riko is upgraded to store manager and learns the company will be closing the store soon, they have to put their differences aside.
Ami Okumura Jones always does a great job narrating.
Thank you NetGalley and RBMedia for this ALC.
Ami Okumura Jones always does a great job narrating.
Thank you NetGalley and RBMedia for this ALC.
January 16, 2026
What a wonderful book. I love it when I find gems like this by walking through a bookstore without any prior recommendation from people or the internet.
This book is so much more than I initially thought. This is not just about two female book sellers having beef at work. This story reveals how toxic the workplace culture is in Japan and how women are still struggling to earn equal treatment in society. I can imagine that in Japan, this is considered a radically feminist story, however, for western standards it might seem to only scratch the surface. At the same time, this novel shows a deep appreciation for bookstore and the bookselling, which is always a theme I adore. I just love learning about another culture through the mundane, everyday lives of people.
This book is so much more than I initially thought. This is not just about two female book sellers having beef at work. This story reveals how toxic the workplace culture is in Japan and how women are still struggling to earn equal treatment in society. I can imagine that in Japan, this is considered a radically feminist story, however, for western standards it might seem to only scratch the surface. At the same time, this novel shows a deep appreciation for bookstore and the bookselling, which is always a theme I adore. I just love learning about another culture through the mundane, everyday lives of people.
November 7, 2026
the second half really won me over!!
first half was p good (some mixed feelings b/c the conflict felt inorganic at times and didn't love the focus on defining aki's and riko's identities through their to men).
that scene where aki comes home to her empty flat, wondering about what marriage means and how to actually get to know her husband when they hardly get to see each other <3 the last quarter when the focus is finally on the warming relationship between aki and riko
and descriptions of their endeavours to save the bookstore <333
first half was p good (some mixed feelings b/c the conflict felt inorganic at times and didn't love the focus on defining aki's and riko's identities through their to men).
that scene where aki comes home to her empty flat, wondering about what marriage means and how to actually get to know her husband when they hardly get to see each other <3 the last quarter when the focus is finally on the warming relationship between aki and riko
and descriptions of their endeavours to save the bookstore <333
April 25, 2026
Yazar ve eseriyle Deniz Yüce Başarır’ın nefis seslendirmesi sayesinde tanıştım. Pişman da etmedi.
Bir kitapçıda çalışan iki kadın karakterin iletişimi ekseninde ilerleyen kurgu kadınlar arasındaki rekabetten husumete bir çok duyguyu başarıyla işliyor.
Zor zamanlarda iyi gelecek kitaplardan diyebilirim.
Bir kitapçıda çalışan iki kadın karakterin iletişimi ekseninde ilerleyen kurgu kadınlar arasındaki rekabetten husumete bir çok duyguyu başarıyla işliyor.
Zor zamanlarda iyi gelecek kitaplardan diyebilirim.
March 10, 2026
Absolutely loved it
June 11, 2025
La cosa piu gay che abbia mai letto, carino.
June 8, 2026
قد يبدو أن هذا ليس سوى كتاب آخر عن الكتب والمكتبات، حكاية شخص يحب القراءة وممرات الكتب في المتاجر، لكن الأمر مختلف بعض الشيء هنا.
هذه حكاية بائعي الكتب، مؤلفيها ومحرريها ومراجعيها، وحتى شركات النشر والتوزيع. كيف تعمل هذه السلسلة في سبيل القارئ والكتاب.
الحكاية لطيفة وذات جوانب إنسانية مهمة كالغيرة والحسد في المهنة والوظائف ذات الهيمنة الذكورية وسوء استخدام السلطة في اتخاذ القرارات لدى سلاسل الشركات الكبرى.
كانت قراءة ماتعة ومختلفة.
هذه حكاية بائعي الكتب، مؤلفيها ومحرريها ومراجعيها، وحتى شركات النشر والتوزيع. كيف تعمل هذه السلسلة في سبيل القارئ والكتاب.
الحكاية لطيفة وذات جوانب إنسانية مهمة كالغيرة والحسد في المهنة والوظائف ذات الهيمنة الذكورية وسوء استخدام السلطة في اتخاذ القرارات لدى سلاسل الشركات الكبرى.
كانت قراءة ماتعة ومختلفة.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 237 reviews