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Bienvenidos a la librería Hyunam-Dong: Edición limitada a precio especial. El fenómeno coreano que ha dado la vuelta al mundo
서울 어디에나 있을 것 같은 동네의 후미진 골목길. 오가는 사람도 많지 않은 가정집들 사이에 평범한 동네 서점 하나가 들어선다. 바로 휴남동 서점! 슬픈 사연을 갖고 있는 사람처럼 얼굴에 아무런 의욕도 보이지 않는 서점 주인 영주는 처음 몇 달간은 자신이 손님인 듯 일은 하지 않고 가만히 앉아 책만 읽는다. 그렇게 잃어버린 것들을 하나둘 되찾는 기분으로 하루하루를 보내다 보니 소진되고 텅 빈 것만 같았던 내면의 느낌이 서서히 사라진다. 그러다 어느 순간 깨닫는다. 자신이 꽤 건강해졌다는 사실을. 그 순간부터 휴남동 서점은 완전히 새로운 공간이 된다. 사람이 모이고 감정이 모이고 저마다의 이야기가 모이는 공간으로.
바리스타 민준, 로스팅 업체 대표 지미, 작가 승우, 단골손님 정서, 사는 게 재미없는 고등학생 민철과 그의 엄마 희주 등 크고 작은 상처와 희망을 가진 사람들이 휴남동 서점이라는 공간을 안식처로 삼아 함께 살아가는 법을 배운다. 『어서 오세요, 휴남동 서점입니다』는 우리가 잃어버린 채 살고 있지만 사는 데 꼭 필요한 것들이 가득한 책이다. 배려와 친절, 거리를 지킬 줄 아는 사람들끼리의 우정과 느슨한 연대, 진솔하고 깊이 있는 대화 등.
바리스타 민준, 로스팅 업체 대표 지미, 작가 승우, 단골손님 정서, 사는 게 재미없는 고등학생 민철과 그의 엄마 희주 등 크고 작은 상처와 희망을 가진 사람들이 휴남동 서점이라는 공간을 안식처로 삼아 함께 살아가는 법을 배운다. 『어서 오세요, 휴남동 서점입니다』는 우리가 잃어버린 채 살고 있지만 사는 데 꼭 필요한 것들이 가득한 책이다. 배려와 친절, 거리를 지킬 줄 아는 사람들끼리의 우정과 느슨한 연대, 진솔하고 깊이 있는 대화 등.
352 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 17, 2022
11057 people are currently reading
239314 people want to read
About the author
Hwang Bo-Reum
5 books1,257 followersHwang Bo-reum studied Computer Science and worked as a software engineer. She wrote several essay collections: I Read Every Day, I Tried Kickboxing for the First Time and This Distance is Perfect. Welcome to the Hyunam-dong Bookshop is her first novel, which has sold over 150,000 copies in Korea and been sold into 9 territories. Before its release as a paperback, the novel was initially published as an e-book after winning an open contest co-organised by Korean content-publishing platform ‘Brunch’.
대학에서 컴퓨터공학을 전공하고 LG전자에서 소프트웨어 개발자로 일했다. 몇 번의 입사와 퇴사를 반복하면서도 매일 읽고 쓰는 사람으로서의 정체성은 잃지 않고 있다. 지은 책으로 『매일 읽겠습니다』, 『난생처음 킥복싱』, 『이 정도 거리가 딱 좋다』가 있다.
대학에서 컴퓨터공학을 전공하고 LG전자에서 소프트웨어 개발자로 일했다. 몇 번의 입사와 퇴사를 반복하면서도 매일 읽고 쓰는 사람으로서의 정체성은 잃지 않고 있다. 지은 책으로 『매일 읽겠습니다』, 『난생처음 킥복싱』, 『이 정도 거리가 딱 좋다』가 있다.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 15,705 reviews
October 1, 2023
In Korea, this book’s genre is described as “healing fiction” which contrasts to the western fiction’s “book you cannot put down” speed that often is required to reach the best sellers list. This book intentionally slows down time in its short chapters that reads from various characters’ views. It’s not a book to be enjoyed on the tube journey to work as the book requires peace and space to enjoy fully—but instead, I recommend this as an excellent warming evening book with a cup of tea.
Similar to “I Want to Die but I Want to Eat Tteokbokki” that enjoys popularity outside of Korea but relatively unknown in Seoul, this book also isn’t a best seller in the traditional lists in Korea (although currently rising in ranks). I wonder whether the reason is its subject matter. It gently pokes at culturally difficult subjects—divorce, cutting ties with family, quitting a successful job that pays well etc. While these are elements that are accepted in western countries (and even welcomed in this generation), I hope readers start this book understanding just how harshly judged these subjects still are in Korea. This is a beautiful book portraying how much depth and courage is required for anyone who ventures out on his/her own speed and direction in a society that celebrates uniformity. It’s a book that reminds us it’s ok to slow down and find your own unique path.
Similar to “I Want to Die but I Want to Eat Tteokbokki” that enjoys popularity outside of Korea but relatively unknown in Seoul, this book also isn’t a best seller in the traditional lists in Korea (although currently rising in ranks). I wonder whether the reason is its subject matter. It gently pokes at culturally difficult subjects—divorce, cutting ties with family, quitting a successful job that pays well etc. While these are elements that are accepted in western countries (and even welcomed in this generation), I hope readers start this book understanding just how harshly judged these subjects still are in Korea. This is a beautiful book portraying how much depth and courage is required for anyone who ventures out on his/her own speed and direction in a society that celebrates uniformity. It’s a book that reminds us it’s ok to slow down and find your own unique path.
February 12, 2024
In a Nutshell: An ode to books and the power they have on us. A bit too optimistic and preachy at times, but if you can handle slow-paced, character-oriented fiction focussed on an indie bookstore and the characters within, this Korean translation is a good option.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Story Synopsis:
Bookish Yays:
📚 A book about books and bookstores! Surely that has to be the biggest attraction of this work! This novel is like an ode to all things connected to books, indie bookshops, writers, and readers. I love how it focussed on the healing and enlightening power of books.
📚 Yeong-ju – for everything she does for the bookshop. She begins almost as a cloistered person unaware of her mistakes, but she is ready to learn and incorporate practical advice for the betterment of her venture. The book is almost like a coming-of-age story for her, though she is in her late thirties. I especially loved how she was not portrayed as a reclusive geeky introvert just because she owned a bookshop, nor was she shown as being perfect in her bookish knowledge.
📚 Loved the insight this story threw on the running of a contemporary bookstore. It doesn’t stop at what most books about bookstores do – just talking about stocking and selling. Rather, it depicts the challenges of being an indie bookstore in the modern era dominated by screens.
📚 Coffee also has an important role to play in this story. Not complaining, because I do love the brew, albeit mainly in its Indian variant. Through Minjun – the barista at the bookshop, we get to read several interesting trivia about coffee.
📚 The vivid setting. Be it the bookstore or the coffee roasting factory, the writing is so realistic that I could almost smell the books and the coffee. It immersed me in the two places such that I felt one with the story.
📚 The characters in the story, each of whom comes with their own baggage. But this never overwhelms the plot. All the characters have past secrets or present dilemmas, but they are taking baby steps towards a hopeful future. Most of them are well-layered, making their character arc quite interesting. What also helps is that most characters have opted for the road not taken in terms of their professional life. This makes their journey an atypical one, especially considering the Korean cultural setting.
📚 The problems faced by the characters are hardly ever abstract. They battle common challenges such as marital discord, parental expectations, career issues, work-life balance, and personal ambitions. This makes them very relatable. The central themes seem to be ‘find your tribe’ and ‘accept yourself’, neither of which is earth-shattering but is still so-very-important to keep in mind.
📚 Some stunning quotes (mostly but not always about books) that made me stop reading and reflect on the beauty and realism of the words.
📚 The author’s note at the end – really sweet and touching. I could actually sense her excitement over this debut work.
Bookish Yays-For-Me-Possible-Nay-For-Others:
📖 As a literary fiction, this book is not twisty or action-packed. The pace is slow, and the writing is character-oriented. There is no overarching plot as such. The story is almost episodic at times, with the episodes still being interconnected and progressive. All of these points are common features of literary fiction as well as Korean dramatic fiction. As I was prepared for these, I didn’t have a problem while reading.
Bookish Nays:
📕 The plot drags much in between, sometimes because of a tendency towards over-elaboration. Many scenes involving formal or informal conversations (such as the book club conversation or the explanation about how a button on a shirt is a simile for the goals of life) are needlessly extended.
📕 The story gets a bit too sweet at times. There is not a single conflict on page; all the battles are fought within. Moreover, the plot makes the solution to the issues too simplistic and perfect. What indie bookstore is thriving this way in today’s cutthroat business environment?
📕 At times, the author’s personal voice seeps into the writing, which then becomes quite preachy. This didactic approach doesn’t help the novel, all the more as the life lessons are mostly typical and not out of the box.
All in all, despite some reservations, I did enjoy this literary fiction work to a great extent. The translation seems to be on point, through only a native speaker would be able to judge this properly.
Recommended only to literary fiction lovers who would love a book about bookshops and all things within. It is a mood read, and a book not to be rushed through but to be savoured. This debut novel was a bestseller in Korea, and I can see why.
4 stars.
My thanks to Bloomsbury Publishing Plc (UK & ANZ) and NetGalley for the DRC of “Welcome to the Hyunam-dong Bookshop”. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Connect with me through:
My Blog | The StoryGraph | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Story Synopsis:
Yeong-ju has abandoned her old life, which involved doing all things as dictated by her family and the society, and followed her dreams by setting up a bookshop in an old-fashioned neighbourhood in Seoul. She knows nothing about running an indie bookstore, but learns along the way.
The story depicts Yeong-ju’s journey towards inner peace and business success, while also focussing on the other people around her – her employees, business partners, associate authors, and customers – and their personal journeys of self-discovery.
The story is written in the third person perspective of various characters, but comes primarily through Yeong-ju’s eyes.
Bookish Yays:
📚 A book about books and bookstores! Surely that has to be the biggest attraction of this work! This novel is like an ode to all things connected to books, indie bookshops, writers, and readers. I love how it focussed on the healing and enlightening power of books.
📚 Yeong-ju – for everything she does for the bookshop. She begins almost as a cloistered person unaware of her mistakes, but she is ready to learn and incorporate practical advice for the betterment of her venture. The book is almost like a coming-of-age story for her, though she is in her late thirties. I especially loved how she was not portrayed as a reclusive geeky introvert just because she owned a bookshop, nor was she shown as being perfect in her bookish knowledge.
📚 Loved the insight this story threw on the running of a contemporary bookstore. It doesn’t stop at what most books about bookstores do – just talking about stocking and selling. Rather, it depicts the challenges of being an indie bookstore in the modern era dominated by screens.
📚 Coffee also has an important role to play in this story. Not complaining, because I do love the brew, albeit mainly in its Indian variant. Through Minjun – the barista at the bookshop, we get to read several interesting trivia about coffee.
📚 The vivid setting. Be it the bookstore or the coffee roasting factory, the writing is so realistic that I could almost smell the books and the coffee. It immersed me in the two places such that I felt one with the story.
📚 The characters in the story, each of whom comes with their own baggage. But this never overwhelms the plot. All the characters have past secrets or present dilemmas, but they are taking baby steps towards a hopeful future. Most of them are well-layered, making their character arc quite interesting. What also helps is that most characters have opted for the road not taken in terms of their professional life. This makes their journey an atypical one, especially considering the Korean cultural setting.
📚 The problems faced by the characters are hardly ever abstract. They battle common challenges such as marital discord, parental expectations, career issues, work-life balance, and personal ambitions. This makes them very relatable. The central themes seem to be ‘find your tribe’ and ‘accept yourself’, neither of which is earth-shattering but is still so-very-important to keep in mind.
📚 Some stunning quotes (mostly but not always about books) that made me stop reading and reflect on the beauty and realism of the words.
📚 The author’s note at the end – really sweet and touching. I could actually sense her excitement over this debut work.
Bookish Yays-For-Me-Possible-Nay-For-Others:
📖 As a literary fiction, this book is not twisty or action-packed. The pace is slow, and the writing is character-oriented. There is no overarching plot as such. The story is almost episodic at times, with the episodes still being interconnected and progressive. All of these points are common features of literary fiction as well as Korean dramatic fiction. As I was prepared for these, I didn’t have a problem while reading.
Bookish Nays:
📕 The plot drags much in between, sometimes because of a tendency towards over-elaboration. Many scenes involving formal or informal conversations (such as the book club conversation or the explanation about how a button on a shirt is a simile for the goals of life) are needlessly extended.
📕 The story gets a bit too sweet at times. There is not a single conflict on page; all the battles are fought within. Moreover, the plot makes the solution to the issues too simplistic and perfect. What indie bookstore is thriving this way in today’s cutthroat business environment?
📕 At times, the author’s personal voice seeps into the writing, which then becomes quite preachy. This didactic approach doesn’t help the novel, all the more as the life lessons are mostly typical and not out of the box.
All in all, despite some reservations, I did enjoy this literary fiction work to a great extent. The translation seems to be on point, through only a native speaker would be able to judge this properly.
Recommended only to literary fiction lovers who would love a book about bookshops and all things within. It is a mood read, and a book not to be rushed through but to be savoured. This debut novel was a bestseller in Korea, and I can see why.
4 stars.
My thanks to Bloomsbury Publishing Plc (UK & ANZ) and NetGalley for the DRC of “Welcome to the Hyunam-dong Bookshop”. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Connect with me through:
My Blog | The StoryGraph | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter
December 15, 2023
I’m a bit sad to be giving this three stars. “Welcome to the Hyunam-dong Bookshop” is a bit of a love letter to readers, book clubs, reviewers, bookstores, and authors. It follows Yeong-ju, a South Korean woman who wants to get back to reading and opens a bookstore in Hyunam-dong, and things progress from there: to becoming a better reader, choosing which books to highlight, starting a bookclub, doing Q&As with authors… It’s also a very light, feel-good novel that I think many people may enjoy.
The book was, however, directionless. The first 30% of the book felt like strolling down the beach and watching a nice sunset, and the rest of it was just like being adrift in the sea. Things were moving, but there was no goal, they just moved. The story talks a lot about a key theme in Korean culture, its work culture and obsession with money, and it introduces discussions that are ‘less talked about’ in that context - anxiety, burning out, choosing a job you love even if it doesn’t make money, etc. I thought it was all really good, but it was all ‘just there.’
In retrospect, if I sit down and think about the book, I liked the themes, I liked the discussions it introduced, and I liked the story - I mean, I read, I write shitty reviews, I love talking about reading and memorizing quotes, and I mod a bookclub. But it just lacked something that tied it together. It had no ‘oomph’ or satisfying resolution to look forward to.
The book was, however, directionless. The first 30% of the book felt like strolling down the beach and watching a nice sunset, and the rest of it was just like being adrift in the sea. Things were moving, but there was no goal, they just moved. The story talks a lot about a key theme in Korean culture, its work culture and obsession with money, and it introduces discussions that are ‘less talked about’ in that context - anxiety, burning out, choosing a job you love even if it doesn’t make money, etc. I thought it was all really good, but it was all ‘just there.’
In retrospect, if I sit down and think about the book, I liked the themes, I liked the discussions it introduced, and I liked the story - I mean, I read, I write shitty reviews, I love talking about reading and memorizing quotes, and I mod a bookclub. But it just lacked something that tied it together. It had no ‘oomph’ or satisfying resolution to look forward to.
January 2, 2024
Um ótimo livro para as pessoas que estão perdidas e em busca de um sentido.
January 16, 2024
Annyeonghaseyo! Welcome to the Hyunam-dong Bookshop!
Yeongju's dream is to open a bookshop.
The characters in the novel face personal challenges like loneliness, career doubts, and family issues.
The book captures the spirit of a close-knit neighbourhood.
The book celebrates the power of second chances, friendship, and the magic of books.
This is a lighthearted book that will absolutely delight you.
Yeongju's dream is to open a bookshop.
The characters in the novel face personal challenges like loneliness, career doubts, and family issues.
The book captures the spirit of a close-knit neighbourhood.
The book celebrates the power of second chances, friendship, and the magic of books.
This is a lighthearted book that will absolutely delight you.
February 17, 2024
um livro de quem ama ler pra quem ama ler
January 31, 2024
Probably the slowest paced book I have ever read. (not always a bad thing but it is when it DRAGS).
I was expecting an actual story when I went into this, you know one with a beginning, middle and an end.
There are no characters to root for or to hate (but yes they ARE all incredibly boring).
Unfortunately this was just words on a page. Really monotonous.
If you enjoy philosophical plotless reads then you’ll love this.
I was expecting an actual story when I went into this, you know one with a beginning, middle and an end.
There are no characters to root for or to hate (but yes they ARE all incredibly boring).
Unfortunately this was just words on a page. Really monotonous.
If you enjoy philosophical plotless reads then you’ll love this.
September 23, 2024
So, is this the year or two or three that everyone is writing books about bookshops? Or am I just naturally gravitating to them? And, how can we not be attracted to this book cover? Also, for those of you who are not reading the print copy, the girl on the cover that is walking her dog…she and her dog is at the end of every single chapter. I love that!
Now, the question is, does the ambiance of the cover, match the story?
This is a Korean bestseller translated. It follows independent bookstore owner Yeongju and the people who are drawn to her shop in Seoul.
Yeongju who once worked corporate, opted to leave her burned out life to follow her dream of opening a bookshop in hopes that this would heal her life and draw in other lonely people who need comfort and refuge from the fast-paced world.
How will Yeongju be able to face her personal challenges? What will it take for her to find self-acceptance?
How best to describe this reading experience?
It is like a cup of hot cocoa in front of the fireplace. It is lighthearted with a touch of whimsy and warmth. As an example, characters engage in friendly witty conversations during their book club meetings. Can I attend, too?
There is a sympathetic, yet objective narrative voice that is easy to follow that feels non-judgmental and compassionate as readers witness characters’ actions, choices and thoughts. So, as readers it is almost like we are an observer hopeful for all the different characters that walk through the doors of the bookshop. Including us feeling hopeful for Yeongju.
But…it will be a slow paced-read…comforting, and yet, heart-warming. The question is, can you be a patient reader?
Now, the question is, does the ambiance of the cover, match the story?
This is a Korean bestseller translated. It follows independent bookstore owner Yeongju and the people who are drawn to her shop in Seoul.
Yeongju who once worked corporate, opted to leave her burned out life to follow her dream of opening a bookshop in hopes that this would heal her life and draw in other lonely people who need comfort and refuge from the fast-paced world.
How will Yeongju be able to face her personal challenges? What will it take for her to find self-acceptance?
How best to describe this reading experience?
It is like a cup of hot cocoa in front of the fireplace. It is lighthearted with a touch of whimsy and warmth. As an example, characters engage in friendly witty conversations during their book club meetings. Can I attend, too?
There is a sympathetic, yet objective narrative voice that is easy to follow that feels non-judgmental and compassionate as readers witness characters’ actions, choices and thoughts. So, as readers it is almost like we are an observer hopeful for all the different characters that walk through the doors of the bookshop. Including us feeling hopeful for Yeongju.
But…it will be a slow paced-read…comforting, and yet, heart-warming. The question is, can you be a patient reader?
December 12, 2025
This healed me.
March 16, 2024
“As if trying her best to mend a broken friendship from her childhood, she immersed herself into the books, day and night, never leaving their side. It didn’t take long for their treasured relationship to rekindle. The books welcomed her back with open arms without judging the person she’d become, and accepted her for who she was.”
In the wake of her divorce and burned out from a demanding career, Yeongju, a woman in her mid-late thirties, decides to make a fresh start and pursues her dream of owning a bookshop. Being surrounded by her favorite books and the responsibility of running her own business gradually prompted her to embark on a journey of healing and self-acceptance. It’s not an easy road and there will be moments of self-doubt, the stress of running an independent bookshop and unresolved past trauma but along the way, she meets several people who will become an integral part of her daily life – peers, colleagues, friends –those who look to her for inspiration and from whom she receives kindness and support enabling her to effect positive changes in her life.
"Isn’t that what life is about? Forging forward with the answer you have – stumbling along the way and picking yourself up – only to one day realise that the answer you’ve held on to for a long time is not the right one. When that happens, it’s time to look for the next answer. That’s how ordinary folks, like herself, live. Over our life span, the right answer will keep changing.”
I found Welcome to the Hyunam-Dong Bookshop by Hwang Bo-reum (translated by Shanna Tan) to be an insightful, charming and thought-provoking read. There is no doubt of how avid readers feel about the role of books in their lives. A bookshop is a haven for book lovers and The Hyunam-Dong Bookshop is no exception. I loved how the author tackles the theme of second chances, not only in terms of one’s career trajectory but also in terms of relationships. The characters and their struggles are real and relatable. Topics such as divorce, job satisfaction and career choices, loneliness and depression are addressed with compassion, wisdom and maturity. From a teenager on the cusp of adulthood to weary adults searching for direction everyone else in between, Yeongju’s bookshop provides a sense of security, belongingness and community– whether one wants to sit with a favorite book or in a corner pondering over life or share confidences over a cup of coffee. I thoroughly enjoyed the segments on the daily activities involved in running a bookshop as well as the book references mentioned throughout the narrative. It was a joy to read about Yeongju’s love for books, her courage to start over and how she inspires others to effect change in their lives in the course of her own transformative journey of healing and self-renewal.
The narrative does suffer from minor repetitiveness but this does not detract from the overall reading experience. The pace is on the slower side, but this suits the nature of the story. Overall, this is a beautifully penned novel that needs to be read with time and patience.
“Every one of us is like an island; alone and lonely. It's not a bad thing. Solitude sets us free, just as loneliness brings depth to our lives.”
Many thanks to Bloomsbury USA and NetGalley for the digital review copy. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. This novel was published in the USA on February 20, 2024.
Connect with me! ✏ Instagram ✏ My Blog ✏ The StoryGraph
In the wake of her divorce and burned out from a demanding career, Yeongju, a woman in her mid-late thirties, decides to make a fresh start and pursues her dream of owning a bookshop. Being surrounded by her favorite books and the responsibility of running her own business gradually prompted her to embark on a journey of healing and self-acceptance. It’s not an easy road and there will be moments of self-doubt, the stress of running an independent bookshop and unresolved past trauma but along the way, she meets several people who will become an integral part of her daily life – peers, colleagues, friends –those who look to her for inspiration and from whom she receives kindness and support enabling her to effect positive changes in her life.
"Isn’t that what life is about? Forging forward with the answer you have – stumbling along the way and picking yourself up – only to one day realise that the answer you’ve held on to for a long time is not the right one. When that happens, it’s time to look for the next answer. That’s how ordinary folks, like herself, live. Over our life span, the right answer will keep changing.”
I found Welcome to the Hyunam-Dong Bookshop by Hwang Bo-reum (translated by Shanna Tan) to be an insightful, charming and thought-provoking read. There is no doubt of how avid readers feel about the role of books in their lives. A bookshop is a haven for book lovers and The Hyunam-Dong Bookshop is no exception. I loved how the author tackles the theme of second chances, not only in terms of one’s career trajectory but also in terms of relationships. The characters and their struggles are real and relatable. Topics such as divorce, job satisfaction and career choices, loneliness and depression are addressed with compassion, wisdom and maturity. From a teenager on the cusp of adulthood to weary adults searching for direction everyone else in between, Yeongju’s bookshop provides a sense of security, belongingness and community– whether one wants to sit with a favorite book or in a corner pondering over life or share confidences over a cup of coffee. I thoroughly enjoyed the segments on the daily activities involved in running a bookshop as well as the book references mentioned throughout the narrative. It was a joy to read about Yeongju’s love for books, her courage to start over and how she inspires others to effect change in their lives in the course of her own transformative journey of healing and self-renewal.
The narrative does suffer from minor repetitiveness but this does not detract from the overall reading experience. The pace is on the slower side, but this suits the nature of the story. Overall, this is a beautifully penned novel that needs to be read with time and patience.
“Every one of us is like an island; alone and lonely. It's not a bad thing. Solitude sets us free, just as loneliness brings depth to our lives.”
Many thanks to Bloomsbury USA and NetGalley for the digital review copy. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. This novel was published in the USA on February 20, 2024.
Connect with me! ✏ Instagram ✏ My Blog ✏ The StoryGraph
November 24, 2024
*4.5 stars*
January 7, 2026
I went into Welcome to the Hyunam-Dong Bookshop expecting a cozy, slice-of-life read—something that would calm my nervous system with everything happening in the world at the moment (I'm Canadian. Yes, it's a weird time to be alive). Unfortunately, this one just didn't work for me. My friend, who buddy-read it with me, loved it and gave it five stars, so your mileage may vary, but for me, it felt like a self-help book awkwardly masquerading as fiction.
One of my biggest frustrations with this book was how rudimentary it felt. So much of it read like a list of basic life lessons that didn't feel insightful or profound—just trite and obvious. Things like, "Focus on what you're doing to do a better job at whatever you're doing." ...groundbreaking. There were so many of these little tidbits that felt like they were meant to be inspirational, but they just came across as simplistic, overly prescriptive, and honestly a little ridiculous.
The protagonist's journey also felt oddly detached and unemotional. We're told she's struggling, but the book never really delves into what happened to her or why she's sad (until near the end of the book, at which point I no longer cared). Instead, we just follow her as she quits her high-paying job and opens a bookshop—seemingly without any financial concerns. Is she independently wealthy? Because she certainly doesn't seem worried about making money. She only stocks books she personally likes, which feels wildly short-sighted for someone running a new, small, independent business. The assumption that only books she enjoys are worth selling as if different people can't have different tastes, was endlessly frustrating - it made the bookshop feel more like a vanity project than a real business, and as a result, extraordinarily privileged and self-indulgent.
Beyond that, the book is bogged down by excessive, tedious detail. There are long descriptions with pointless details, like in one scene where the author meticulously lists how many eggs she uses to make a meal, how she gets up, makes coffee, sits back down, eats, and then goes back to her book. Why do I need to know all of this? It doesn't add anything to the story or the character development; it's not atmospheric; it doesn't establish a sense of place or provide *cozy vibes* - it's just filler. The same goes for the constant run-downs of her social media posts, complete with full lists of hashtags. Maybe because I have to post things on social media for a living, but reading about someone else doing it in painstaking detail was mind-blowingly dull.
*Spoilers for the protagonist's backstory* One of the most baffling moments was the protagonist's divorce. She wanted to quit her job, so she gave her husband an ultimatum: he had to quit his job too, because seeing him still working reminded her of the job she didn't want anymore. That's so wildly unreasonable and selfish that I couldn't take it seriously. And yet, the book treats this like some profound realization rather than an impulsive, unfair demand.
The overall message of the book seems to be about work-life balance, which is fine in theory, but it presents such an idealized and unrealistic version of that struggle. As someone who has been self-employed for years, I know firsthand that working for yourself doesn't magically solve burnout. But this book treats quitting a traditional job and following your passion as some sort of cure-all, without acknowledging that most people don't have the financial safety net to make that leap without serious risk.
Ultimately, this book didn't land for me in any way. It wasn't heartwarming, cozy, inspiring, or even particularly engaging. I didn't care about the characters (the only slight exception being the barista, who had a sweet arc if somewhat underdeveloped), I wasn't invested in their lives, and I found the writing style grating. I have a feeling I'll forget everything about it within a couple of weeks because it just left no impression on me. I'm glad people are enjoying this book (including my friend), but it definitely didn't work for me!
January Wrap Up: https://youtu.be/j_DyTKIdktg
Trigger/Content Warnings: divorce
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You can join our book club over on Patreon...
PBB Book Club
One of my biggest frustrations with this book was how rudimentary it felt. So much of it read like a list of basic life lessons that didn't feel insightful or profound—just trite and obvious. Things like, "Focus on what you're doing to do a better job at whatever you're doing." ...groundbreaking. There were so many of these little tidbits that felt like they were meant to be inspirational, but they just came across as simplistic, overly prescriptive, and honestly a little ridiculous.
The protagonist's journey also felt oddly detached and unemotional. We're told she's struggling, but the book never really delves into what happened to her or why she's sad (until near the end of the book, at which point I no longer cared). Instead, we just follow her as she quits her high-paying job and opens a bookshop—seemingly without any financial concerns. Is she independently wealthy? Because she certainly doesn't seem worried about making money. She only stocks books she personally likes, which feels wildly short-sighted for someone running a new, small, independent business. The assumption that only books she enjoys are worth selling as if different people can't have different tastes, was endlessly frustrating - it made the bookshop feel more like a vanity project than a real business, and as a result, extraordinarily privileged and self-indulgent.
Beyond that, the book is bogged down by excessive, tedious detail. There are long descriptions with pointless details, like in one scene where the author meticulously lists how many eggs she uses to make a meal, how she gets up, makes coffee, sits back down, eats, and then goes back to her book. Why do I need to know all of this? It doesn't add anything to the story or the character development; it's not atmospheric; it doesn't establish a sense of place or provide *cozy vibes* - it's just filler. The same goes for the constant run-downs of her social media posts, complete with full lists of hashtags. Maybe because I have to post things on social media for a living, but reading about someone else doing it in painstaking detail was mind-blowingly dull.
*Spoilers for the protagonist's backstory* One of the most baffling moments was the protagonist's divorce. She wanted to quit her job, so she gave her husband an ultimatum: he had to quit his job too, because seeing him still working reminded her of the job she didn't want anymore. That's so wildly unreasonable and selfish that I couldn't take it seriously. And yet, the book treats this like some profound realization rather than an impulsive, unfair demand.
The overall message of the book seems to be about work-life balance, which is fine in theory, but it presents such an idealized and unrealistic version of that struggle. As someone who has been self-employed for years, I know firsthand that working for yourself doesn't magically solve burnout. But this book treats quitting a traditional job and following your passion as some sort of cure-all, without acknowledging that most people don't have the financial safety net to make that leap without serious risk.
Ultimately, this book didn't land for me in any way. It wasn't heartwarming, cozy, inspiring, or even particularly engaging. I didn't care about the characters (the only slight exception being the barista, who had a sweet arc if somewhat underdeveloped), I wasn't invested in their lives, and I found the writing style grating. I have a feeling I'll forget everything about it within a couple of weeks because it just left no impression on me. I'm glad people are enjoying this book (including my friend), but it definitely didn't work for me!
January Wrap Up: https://youtu.be/j_DyTKIdktg
Trigger/Content Warnings: divorce
You can find me on...
Youtube | Instagram | TikTok
You can join our book club over on Patreon...
PBB Book Club
December 27, 2024
This is one of those quiet, slow-paced books that seem simple on the surface level, but it surprises with the complexity and range of topics it covers, even if it gets philosophical at times.
The writing is beautiful and it creates a very heartwarming and comforting atmosphere. There's so much love here for books, the bookshop and all the characters whose lives we follow. There's coffee, knitting, book events, book talks, friendships and so much more.
The title and the cover couldn't have been more perfect.
The writing is beautiful and it creates a very heartwarming and comforting atmosphere. There's so much love here for books, the bookshop and all the characters whose lives we follow. There's coffee, knitting, book events, book talks, friendships and so much more.
The title and the cover couldn't have been more perfect.
March 3, 2025
“Isn’t that what life is about? Forging forward with the answer you have – stumbling along the way and picking yourself up – only to one day realise that the answer you’ve held on to for a long time is not the right one . When that happens, it’s time to look for the next answer. That’s how ordinary folks, like herself, live. Over our life span, the right answer will keep changing.”
A balm for the soul, Welcome to the Hyunam-Dong Bookshop makes for the perfect comfort-read. Hwang Bo-reum’s storytelling was a delight, and I found myself wholly won over by how thoughtful and humane her novel is. A healing slice-of-life, Welcome to the Hyunam-Dong Bookshop around the Hyunam-dong Bookshop, located in a small residential neighborhood outside Seoul. We meet the owner, Yeongju, a woman who by her late 30s feels burnt-out, both by her professional life and her personal one. After divorcing her husband and quitting her job, Yeongju decides to fulfil her dream and opens a bookshop. But setting up a successful business is no easy feat, and in the first few months, Yeongju is still feeling emotionally drained. So she spends most of her days crying, or looking gloomy, which does little in terms of attracting new customers. She does have a regular, an older woman who is quite frank in pointing out Yeongju’s flaws when it comes to managing the bookshop. Yeongju ends up hiring a barista, Minjun, who is also dealing with doubts about his future (starting a ‘real’ career, and so on). We then meet new regulars, some of whom end up working at the bookshops, while others end up participating in its reading clubs and or attending its various events.
“Running an independent bookshop was like roaming a stretch of land without roads. There was no tried-and-tested business model. Bookshop owners live day by day, hesitant to plan too far ahead .”
We gain insight into their lives, their everyday worries, their thoughts on happiness and love, and their differentiating values (should you pursue a respectable high-paying career? Should you stay in an environment that is detrimental to your mental health? How do you cope with parental pressure? If you choose to follow your dreams, does that make you selfish?). I loved how despite their differences in age and personality, they are all trying to heal, to be a little less lost, a little less lonely.
“A curious feeling swept over her. The feeling of being accepted.”
We are given almost a documentary-like insight into the behind-the-scenes of running a bookshop. Yeongju has to come up with ways to attract more customers, she has to weigh whether she wants to stock books that are bound to sell (because they are written by a well-known author or were mentioned by someone famous) or whether she should treat all books the same way, regardless of the likelihood that they will be bought. And what to do when someone asks for a recommendation? As a bibliophile, I was utterly absorbed by this verisimilitude approach to the publishing and book-selling scenes. Not only is the book full of literary references but we also get to read about the characters’ different opinions of the same books, debate what is and what isn’t good writing, and so on.
“Because it’s our first life, worries are aplenty, and anxiety, too. Because it’s our first life, it’s precious. Because it’s our first life, nobody knows what’ll happen even in five minutes.”
I loved seeing the way they connect and support one another, and I found the pace of their blossoming friendships to be really believable. There are also some bittersweet moments. We have characters confronting painful memories, thinking back to past disappointments, and or struggling to see a more fulfilling future. The author allows her characters to question themselves, their past behaviors, and their present-day feelings. The way these characters change and or consider things felt very organic, and I was almost lulled by the realistic rhythm of their thoughts and their conversations. Throughout the novel, I found myself growing fond of the Hyunam-dong Bookshop and its people.
“All of you should find something you enjoy doing, something that makes you excited. Instead of pursuing what is recognised and valued by society, do what you like. If you can find it, you’ll not waver easily, no matter what others think. Be brave.”
Welcome to the Hyunam-Dong Bookshop is such a charming novel. Its heartwarming slice-of-life atmosphere wholly complemented Hwang's meditative and slightly melancholic storytelling. The characters, from their everyday worries to their longstanding regrets, felt like real people, and I was completely invested in their journeys. I can’t wait to read this again as I already miss Yeongju & co!
December 30, 2024
I haven't been this disappointed by a book in a long time and I seem to be on a real streak of disappointing reads, so that is saying something.
In my world, this is not fiction but rather a collection of short essays telling the reader what the author thinks "we" should all do. Her wisdom is stunningly shallow:
Don't recommend the book you like, find out what the person asking is looking for.
Treat the people you hire fairly.
It's okay to cry until you are done crying. You'll feel better once you're done.
Um... okay.
I have a superficial knowledge of Asian culture, but the idea that seems predominant in what I have learned is that the focus on achievement and attaining a high position in the social hierarchy has become problematic for many. So maybe these simple messages are comforting to South Koreans and my objection is just a cultural difference.
But that does not excuse the the biggest fault of this book which is that it is told and not shown to such an extent that I had no emotional engagement at all. Even if the messages were honestly presented as essays, they would still be poorly written. A good essayist will give us enough context to understand why what they write is important and invite us to agree with, or at least give consideration to, their viewpoint. This author is merely telling us what to think.
I've recently been exploring the difference between writing and storytelling. Given my streak of disappointing reads, I've wanted to know the source of my disappointment and am beginning to see how a person can write well, provide good dialogue and description, and put words together well on the page, but still lack talent as a storyteller. To satisfy me, you've got to have something more than a simple trope, i.e., hero struggles but the good guys win in the end or MC is oppressed but finds freedom in the end, etc.
And sadly, this book accomplishes neither of these things. The writing is not engaging and there is no story beyond simple vignettes that illustrate the author's ideas of how to be happy. Ugh.
In my world, this is not fiction but rather a collection of short essays telling the reader what the author thinks "we" should all do. Her wisdom is stunningly shallow:
Don't recommend the book you like, find out what the person asking is looking for.
Treat the people you hire fairly.
It's okay to cry until you are done crying. You'll feel better once you're done.
Um... okay.
I have a superficial knowledge of Asian culture, but the idea that seems predominant in what I have learned is that the focus on achievement and attaining a high position in the social hierarchy has become problematic for many. So maybe these simple messages are comforting to South Koreans and my objection is just a cultural difference.
But that does not excuse the the biggest fault of this book which is that it is told and not shown to such an extent that I had no emotional engagement at all. Even if the messages were honestly presented as essays, they would still be poorly written. A good essayist will give us enough context to understand why what they write is important and invite us to agree with, or at least give consideration to, their viewpoint. This author is merely telling us what to think.
I've recently been exploring the difference between writing and storytelling. Given my streak of disappointing reads, I've wanted to know the source of my disappointment and am beginning to see how a person can write well, provide good dialogue and description, and put words together well on the page, but still lack talent as a storyteller. To satisfy me, you've got to have something more than a simple trope, i.e., hero struggles but the good guys win in the end or MC is oppressed but finds freedom in the end, etc.
And sadly, this book accomplishes neither of these things. The writing is not engaging and there is no story beyond simple vignettes that illustrate the author's ideas of how to be happy. Ugh.
March 7, 2024
The feminine urge to open a bookshop/coffee shop, host book clubs and writing seminars, write a blog/newspaper column about books, build a supportive community with your customers and employees, and pursue your dreams and personal happiness while also recognizing that there is no one method to achieve either.
This book was just so nourishing in every sense, with a contemplative meandering flow, rather than having a structured plot — which felt more true to life. I’ve really been enjoying these low stakes, cozy types of books where “nothing” happens.
I got the same feeling while reading it that I get when browsing a small independent bookshop — that for that certain period of time, I’m separate from the rush of the outside world, and fully present in the sacred task of finding a story that speaks to where I am in that moment — and that no matter how long I’ve spent there or whether I find what I’m looking for, I know it’s time well spent.
This book was just so nourishing in every sense, with a contemplative meandering flow, rather than having a structured plot — which felt more true to life. I’ve really been enjoying these low stakes, cozy types of books where “nothing” happens.
I got the same feeling while reading it that I get when browsing a small independent bookshop — that for that certain period of time, I’m separate from the rush of the outside world, and fully present in the sacred task of finding a story that speaks to where I am in that moment — and that no matter how long I’ve spent there or whether I find what I’m looking for, I know it’s time well spent.
May 8, 2025
While I didn't dislike this novel in any way, it wasn't until the 80% mark that I couldn't put it down. This is listed as a cozy, which is fine, but it is in this very late 1/5 of the book where we delve deep into why Yeongju is the way she is. I'm glad they didn't give its usual stigma, especially in this area of the world.
📱 Thank you to NetGalley and Bloomsbury Publishing
📱 Thank you to NetGalley and Bloomsbury Publishing
February 22, 2025
Yeongju is so much like who I am today - ensnared in an exhausting daily grind. Endless office work and gridlocked traffic steal away precious moments, leaving me yearning for something different… a pace that’s slow, secure, and serene.
Welcome to Hyunam-dong Bookstore became the escape I craved after growing tired of a life defined by material pursuits, worldly distractions, and a sense of aimlessness.
How wonderful it would be to embody Yeongju’s spirit. At 1 point, she made the bold choice to leave behind a secure career and open Hyunam-dong, a charming little bookstore nestled in a quiet neighborhood. Imagine stepping into her store, where the scent of aged paper mingles with the aroma of freshly ground coffee dancing through the air… rows of neatly arranged books by genre, waiting to be discovered by readers in search of soulful calm. Ah…
The first 6 months were far from easy for Yeongju. She wrestled with the mental toll of past pressures, slowly emerging from her shell. Then she hired Minjun - a cheerful, spirited young barista - and things began to change. Soon, customers started coming not only in search of books but also for a place to relax, converse, and spend time with friends.
I have to say, I love this book so much - and I even prefer the Malay version to the English one. There’s a certain sweetness in Azzah’s translation that, when needed, shifts into tartness or even bitterness. Although the novel recounts the simplicity of everyday life without dramatic plot twists, its message is delivered with just the right emotion and impact, allowing me to feel deeply what each character experiences.
In truth, this isn’t merely a tale about Yeongju opening a new bookstore. Every customer who walks through her door carries their own unique story. There’s Minjun, who dreams of someday opening his own cafe, Jimi, the brilliant coffee roaster, who shares life lessons from his own journey; and my favorite, Jungsuh - a loyal patron who shattered my own notions about the importance of chasing dreams, even after passing thirty. Reading his conversations with Yeongju felt like unfolding a deeply relatable healing book, prompting moments of reflection. And then there’s Mincheol, a high school student who visits with his mother, reminding me of the hopes and fresh aspirations of youth as they begin to explore the world.
Yeongju isn’t just a bookseller, either. She’s a compassionate listener who engages her customers in conversations about life, careers, and dreams. If you’ve ever felt lost or uncertain about what to do next, her gentle chats reveal that happiness isn’t measured by a high salary or an impressive title. Sometimes, all we need is to slow down, cherish the small things we often overlook, and pursue what truly brings us joy.
The narrative of this novel moves at a languid, unhurried pace - but don’t mistake its lightness for triviality. It’s more like a balm for the soul, inviting us to ponder life on a deeper level. Each chapter unveils an engaging topic, compelling you to turn the page and discover the next story.
If you’re weary of heavy reads and long for a gentle story that leaves a lasting impression, this book is the perfect remedy. It’s ideal for anyone who has ever felt overwhelmed, lost, or in need of a spark to face tomorrow. So find a cozy nook, brew a comforting cup of coffee or tea, and let this book transport you to a world brimming with warmth, friendship, and tales that will linger in your heart.
4.6 / 5 stars
Bahasa Malaysia:
Yeongju tu macam aku yang sekarang ni tau, terperuk dalam rutin harian yang memenatkan. Kerja office yang tak berpenghujung, jalan jem yang mencuri masa saban hari, semuanya membuatkan aku dahagakan sesuatu yang lebih.. slow, aman dan tenang.
"Selamat Datang ke Kedai Buku Hyunam-dong" adalah escape yang aku perlukan selepas penat menempuh perjalanan hidup yang serba material, serba duniawi, atau serba hilang arah, barangkali?
Alangkah bestnya kalau aku boleh jadii macam Yeongju, time tu juga dia ambil keputusan drastik untuk tinggalkan kerjaya yang memberi kestabilan dan buka "Hyunam-dong," sebuah kedai buku di kawasan kejiranan yang tenang. Bayangkan saat kau melangkah masuk ke kedai Yeongju, bau kertas lama bersemadi dalam aroma kopi yang digiling baru menari di ruang udara.. deretan buku disusun rapi mengikut genre, menanti untuk dijelajahi oleh pembaca yang dahagakan ketenangan jiwa. Hwaa...
6 bulan pertama adalah tempoh yang bukan mudah buat Yeongju. Dia bergelut dengan kesihatan mental kesan daripada tekanan yang dialaminya sebelum ini. Tapi perlahan-lahan dia mula keluar daripada tempurungnya. Yeongju kemudian mengupah Minjun, seorang barista muda yang ceria dan bersemangat, and things started to get much better bila kedai Yeongju mula dikunjungi pelanggan yang bukan sahaja mencari buku, malah mencari tempat untuk bersantai, berbual dan meluangkan masa bersama kengkawan.
I gotta say I love this book so much. And I prefer yang versi Melayu lagi berbanding English. Ada nuansa yang manis dalam tulisan kak Azzah. Dan bila situasi memerlukan, nuansa itu berubah menjadi masam dan adakalanya pahit. Walaupun novel ni bercerita tentang kehidupan seharian yang biasa, takde plot twist segala bagai, namun mesej dalam novel ni disampaikan dengan emosi yang tepat dan impactful, aku turut dapat merasakan apa yang dilalui oleh para watak dalam novel ni
Sebenarnya ini bukan sekadar cerita mengenai Yeongju buka kedai buku baru. Sebab setiap pelanggan yang berkunjung ke kedai dia membawa kisah tersendiri. Ada Minjun yang bercita -cita untuk membuka kafe sendiri, ada Jimi si tukang panggang kopi yang hebat, dorang selalu berkongsi pengalaman dan nasihat dengan Yeongju, hasil daripada pengalaman hidup dorang. Dan aku paling suka watak Jungsuh, seorang pelanggan tetap yang berjaya menghentak realiti aku tentang peri pentingnya mengejar impian walaupun usia dah melewati angka 30. Membaca conversation-nya dengan Yeongju umpama menelaah sebuah buku healing yang sangat relatable, ia buat aku bebetul tersentak dan berfikir sejenak. Manakala Mincheol, pelajar sekolah menengah yang sering berkunjung ke kedai bersama ibunya, membuat aku terfikir tentang harapan dan cita-cita anak muda yang baru belajar membaca peta dunia.
Dan Yeongju ni pula bukan sekadar penjual buku. Dia seorang pendengar yang baik dan sering berbual dengan pelanggan tentang kehidupan, kerjaya, dan impian mereka. Kalau korang pernah rasa hilang arah tuju dan tak tahu apa yang patut dilakukan seterusnya? Perbualan Yeongju dengan para pelanggannya akan buatkan kita sedar bahawa kebahagiaan tidak semestinya datang daripada gaji yang tinggi atau pangkat yang hebat. Kadang-kadang, kita hanya perlu memperlahankan rentak kehidupan, menghargai perkar - perkara kecil yang selama ini kita pandang enteng, dan mengejar apa yang buat kita gembira untuk berjumpa dengan bahagia dalam hidup.
Naratif novel ini sangat slow pace dan ringan tapi ia bukan bacaan ringan yang sekadar menghiburkan. Ia ibarat terapi jiwa yang membawa kita berfikir tentang kehidupan dengan lebih mendalam. Setiap bab dalam buku ini mengetengahkan topik yang menarik, membuatkan kita ingin terus membaca untuk mengetahui kisah seterusnya.
Kalau korang dah penat dgn buku begini begitu yang memberatkan, dan dahagakan bacaan yang santai tetapi meninggalkan kesan yang mendalam, "Selamat Datang ke Kedai Buku Hyunam-dong" adalah jawapannya. Buku ini sesuai untuk sesiapa sahaja yang pernah berasa tertekan, hilang arah, atau memerlukan suntikan semangat untuk menghadapi hari esok. Korang carilah ruang yang selesa, buat secangkir kopi atau teh, dan biarkan "Selamat Datang ke Kedai Buku Hyunam-dong" membawa korang menulusir dunia yang penuh dengan kehangatan, persahabatan, dan kisah - kisah yang akan meninggalkan kesan di lubuk hati korang.
4.6 / 5 stars.
Welcome to Hyunam-dong Bookstore became the escape I craved after growing tired of a life defined by material pursuits, worldly distractions, and a sense of aimlessness.
How wonderful it would be to embody Yeongju’s spirit. At 1 point, she made the bold choice to leave behind a secure career and open Hyunam-dong, a charming little bookstore nestled in a quiet neighborhood. Imagine stepping into her store, where the scent of aged paper mingles with the aroma of freshly ground coffee dancing through the air… rows of neatly arranged books by genre, waiting to be discovered by readers in search of soulful calm. Ah…
The first 6 months were far from easy for Yeongju. She wrestled with the mental toll of past pressures, slowly emerging from her shell. Then she hired Minjun - a cheerful, spirited young barista - and things began to change. Soon, customers started coming not only in search of books but also for a place to relax, converse, and spend time with friends.
I have to say, I love this book so much - and I even prefer the Malay version to the English one. There’s a certain sweetness in Azzah’s translation that, when needed, shifts into tartness or even bitterness. Although the novel recounts the simplicity of everyday life without dramatic plot twists, its message is delivered with just the right emotion and impact, allowing me to feel deeply what each character experiences.
In truth, this isn’t merely a tale about Yeongju opening a new bookstore. Every customer who walks through her door carries their own unique story. There’s Minjun, who dreams of someday opening his own cafe, Jimi, the brilliant coffee roaster, who shares life lessons from his own journey; and my favorite, Jungsuh - a loyal patron who shattered my own notions about the importance of chasing dreams, even after passing thirty. Reading his conversations with Yeongju felt like unfolding a deeply relatable healing book, prompting moments of reflection. And then there’s Mincheol, a high school student who visits with his mother, reminding me of the hopes and fresh aspirations of youth as they begin to explore the world.
Yeongju isn’t just a bookseller, either. She’s a compassionate listener who engages her customers in conversations about life, careers, and dreams. If you’ve ever felt lost or uncertain about what to do next, her gentle chats reveal that happiness isn’t measured by a high salary or an impressive title. Sometimes, all we need is to slow down, cherish the small things we often overlook, and pursue what truly brings us joy.
The narrative of this novel moves at a languid, unhurried pace - but don’t mistake its lightness for triviality. It’s more like a balm for the soul, inviting us to ponder life on a deeper level. Each chapter unveils an engaging topic, compelling you to turn the page and discover the next story.
If you’re weary of heavy reads and long for a gentle story that leaves a lasting impression, this book is the perfect remedy. It’s ideal for anyone who has ever felt overwhelmed, lost, or in need of a spark to face tomorrow. So find a cozy nook, brew a comforting cup of coffee or tea, and let this book transport you to a world brimming with warmth, friendship, and tales that will linger in your heart.
4.6 / 5 stars
Bahasa Malaysia:
Yeongju tu macam aku yang sekarang ni tau, terperuk dalam rutin harian yang memenatkan. Kerja office yang tak berpenghujung, jalan jem yang mencuri masa saban hari, semuanya membuatkan aku dahagakan sesuatu yang lebih.. slow, aman dan tenang.
"Selamat Datang ke Kedai Buku Hyunam-dong" adalah escape yang aku perlukan selepas penat menempuh perjalanan hidup yang serba material, serba duniawi, atau serba hilang arah, barangkali?
Alangkah bestnya kalau aku boleh jadii macam Yeongju, time tu juga dia ambil keputusan drastik untuk tinggalkan kerjaya yang memberi kestabilan dan buka "Hyunam-dong," sebuah kedai buku di kawasan kejiranan yang tenang. Bayangkan saat kau melangkah masuk ke kedai Yeongju, bau kertas lama bersemadi dalam aroma kopi yang digiling baru menari di ruang udara.. deretan buku disusun rapi mengikut genre, menanti untuk dijelajahi oleh pembaca yang dahagakan ketenangan jiwa. Hwaa...
6 bulan pertama adalah tempoh yang bukan mudah buat Yeongju. Dia bergelut dengan kesihatan mental kesan daripada tekanan yang dialaminya sebelum ini. Tapi perlahan-lahan dia mula keluar daripada tempurungnya. Yeongju kemudian mengupah Minjun, seorang barista muda yang ceria dan bersemangat, and things started to get much better bila kedai Yeongju mula dikunjungi pelanggan yang bukan sahaja mencari buku, malah mencari tempat untuk bersantai, berbual dan meluangkan masa bersama kengkawan.
I gotta say I love this book so much. And I prefer yang versi Melayu lagi berbanding English. Ada nuansa yang manis dalam tulisan kak Azzah. Dan bila situasi memerlukan, nuansa itu berubah menjadi masam dan adakalanya pahit. Walaupun novel ni bercerita tentang kehidupan seharian yang biasa, takde plot twist segala bagai, namun mesej dalam novel ni disampaikan dengan emosi yang tepat dan impactful, aku turut dapat merasakan apa yang dilalui oleh para watak dalam novel ni
Sebenarnya ini bukan sekadar cerita mengenai Yeongju buka kedai buku baru. Sebab setiap pelanggan yang berkunjung ke kedai dia membawa kisah tersendiri. Ada Minjun yang bercita -cita untuk membuka kafe sendiri, ada Jimi si tukang panggang kopi yang hebat, dorang selalu berkongsi pengalaman dan nasihat dengan Yeongju, hasil daripada pengalaman hidup dorang. Dan aku paling suka watak Jungsuh, seorang pelanggan tetap yang berjaya menghentak realiti aku tentang peri pentingnya mengejar impian walaupun usia dah melewati angka 30. Membaca conversation-nya dengan Yeongju umpama menelaah sebuah buku healing yang sangat relatable, ia buat aku bebetul tersentak dan berfikir sejenak. Manakala Mincheol, pelajar sekolah menengah yang sering berkunjung ke kedai bersama ibunya, membuat aku terfikir tentang harapan dan cita-cita anak muda yang baru belajar membaca peta dunia.
Dan Yeongju ni pula bukan sekadar penjual buku. Dia seorang pendengar yang baik dan sering berbual dengan pelanggan tentang kehidupan, kerjaya, dan impian mereka. Kalau korang pernah rasa hilang arah tuju dan tak tahu apa yang patut dilakukan seterusnya? Perbualan Yeongju dengan para pelanggannya akan buatkan kita sedar bahawa kebahagiaan tidak semestinya datang daripada gaji yang tinggi atau pangkat yang hebat. Kadang-kadang, kita hanya perlu memperlahankan rentak kehidupan, menghargai perkar - perkara kecil yang selama ini kita pandang enteng, dan mengejar apa yang buat kita gembira untuk berjumpa dengan bahagia dalam hidup.
Naratif novel ini sangat slow pace dan ringan tapi ia bukan bacaan ringan yang sekadar menghiburkan. Ia ibarat terapi jiwa yang membawa kita berfikir tentang kehidupan dengan lebih mendalam. Setiap bab dalam buku ini mengetengahkan topik yang menarik, membuatkan kita ingin terus membaca untuk mengetahui kisah seterusnya.
Kalau korang dah penat dgn buku begini begitu yang memberatkan, dan dahagakan bacaan yang santai tetapi meninggalkan kesan yang mendalam, "Selamat Datang ke Kedai Buku Hyunam-dong" adalah jawapannya. Buku ini sesuai untuk sesiapa sahaja yang pernah berasa tertekan, hilang arah, atau memerlukan suntikan semangat untuk menghadapi hari esok. Korang carilah ruang yang selesa, buat secangkir kopi atau teh, dan biarkan "Selamat Datang ke Kedai Buku Hyunam-dong" membawa korang menulusir dunia yang penuh dengan kehangatan, persahabatan, dan kisah - kisah yang akan meninggalkan kesan di lubuk hati korang.
4.6 / 5 stars.
October 26, 2023
Hwang Bo-reum’s episodic, debut novel reflects her desire to write something that makes people feel good and promotes community and connection. A massive bestseller in Korea, it centres on Yeongju whose life hasn’t turned out the way she planned. After deciding to start over, Yeongju returns to her first love, reading, and opens a bookshop in a peaceful district of Seoul. There Yeongju finds solace in stories, particularly ones that reflect aspects of her own experience, and slowly she’s able to confront the difficult emotions stemming from her traumatic past and messy divorce. At first business is shaky but slowly Yeongju turns things around, aided by barista Minjun who’s also looking for a better way to live. The shop gradually becomes a haven and a hub for local residents whose interactions with Yeongju and Minjun help them address their own issues and problems. Yes, it’s a little sentimental and life-lesson-y but it’s also a gentle, fluid, comfort read that’s often surprisingly likeable. Translated by Shanna Tan.
Thanks to Netgalley and publisher Bloomsbury for an ARC
Rating: 3 to 3.5
Thanks to Netgalley and publisher Bloomsbury for an ARC
Rating: 3 to 3.5
September 15, 2024
4,25
Historia przynosząca ciepło i ukojenie, lecz poruszająca czasami tematy, o których większość nie chce myśleć
Historia przynosząca ciepło i ukojenie, lecz poruszająca czasami tematy, o których większość nie chce myśleć
August 6, 2023
Good things in books shouldn’t just stay in ink and on paper. I want things happening around me to be good stories that can be shared with others.
책에서 읽은 좋은 이야기들이 책 속에만 머물러 있지 않게 하고 싶어요. 내 삶 주변에서 일어나는 이야기들도 남에게 들려줄 만한 좋은 이야기가 될 수 있으면 좋겠어요.
Welcome to the Hyunam-Dong Bookshop is Shanna Tan’s 2023 translation of 어서 오세요, 휴남동 서점입니다 by 황보름 (Hwang Bo-reum), originally published in 2022.
This is a gentle love letter to the art of reading and to bookshops, the story of a woman, Yeongju, who quits her work and her marriage to find what really make her happy. I almost wrote “pursue her true passion” there but that would be to misread the novel as part of its ethos is expressed early on:
In the past, she used to live by mantras like passion and willpower, as if by imprinting the words on her mind, they would somehow breathe meaning into her life. It only felt like she was driving herself into a corner. From then on, she resolved never to let those words dictate her life again. Instead, she learnt to listen to her body, her feelings, and be in happy places. She would ask herself these questions: does this place make me feel positive? Can I be truly whole and uncompromisingly myself? Do I love and treasure myself here? For Yeongju, the bookshop checked all the boxes.
While Yeongju’s love is novels, one of her early learnings as a bookseller is that some customers are looking for non-fiction not her subjective recommendation of a novel on the same topic, and one of the (real-life) books she introduces to the book shop’s book club is David Frayne, The Refusal of Work: The Theory and Practice of Resistance to Work, which challenges the work ethic that underpins our culture.
In keeping with this feel positive ethos, this isn’t a novel that permits much conflict. Although the novel is clear that running a bookshop is not terribly profitable, there don’t seem to be any actually financially tough decisions to make. And any romantic tension between the characters never goes past the “I think I like you” stage. The book’s biggest drama is a customer who comes in each day to read a few chapters of the same book without buying it, and even that is resolved smoothly and successfully.
Instead this is about the empathy that reading and novels in particular create and I loved this quote about finding time to read, from an interview with an author:
AR: We become more compassionate. To read is to see things from someone else's perspective, and that naturally leads you to stop and look out for other people, rather than chase after success in the rat race. If more people read, I think the world will become a better place.
YJ: It's common to hear people say that they have no time to read but I believe you read a lot?
AR: Not really, about one book every two or three days.
YR: I call that reading a lot. (laughs)
AR: Really? (laughs). Being so busy, we're usually left with only small pockets of time to read - perhaps in the morning, during lunch, in the evening after work and before we go to bed. But these pockets of time can add up to become something substantial.
The novel is very well done for what it is - but really was not my cup of tea (indeed as a tea lover, the novel, and indeed the bookshop itself, was oddly obsessed with the devil’s brew, coffee) and rather too nice and unchallenging. So 4 stars for what it sets out to do, but 2 for my taste.
책에서 읽은 좋은 이야기들이 책 속에만 머물러 있지 않게 하고 싶어요. 내 삶 주변에서 일어나는 이야기들도 남에게 들려줄 만한 좋은 이야기가 될 수 있으면 좋겠어요.
Welcome to the Hyunam-Dong Bookshop is Shanna Tan’s 2023 translation of 어서 오세요, 휴남동 서점입니다 by 황보름 (Hwang Bo-reum), originally published in 2022.
This is a gentle love letter to the art of reading and to bookshops, the story of a woman, Yeongju, who quits her work and her marriage to find what really make her happy. I almost wrote “pursue her true passion” there but that would be to misread the novel as part of its ethos is expressed early on:
In the past, she used to live by mantras like passion and willpower, as if by imprinting the words on her mind, they would somehow breathe meaning into her life. It only felt like she was driving herself into a corner. From then on, she resolved never to let those words dictate her life again. Instead, she learnt to listen to her body, her feelings, and be in happy places. She would ask herself these questions: does this place make me feel positive? Can I be truly whole and uncompromisingly myself? Do I love and treasure myself here? For Yeongju, the bookshop checked all the boxes.
While Yeongju’s love is novels, one of her early learnings as a bookseller is that some customers are looking for non-fiction not her subjective recommendation of a novel on the same topic, and one of the (real-life) books she introduces to the book shop’s book club is David Frayne, The Refusal of Work: The Theory and Practice of Resistance to Work, which challenges the work ethic that underpins our culture.
In keeping with this feel positive ethos, this isn’t a novel that permits much conflict. Although the novel is clear that running a bookshop is not terribly profitable, there don’t seem to be any actually financially tough decisions to make. And any romantic tension between the characters never goes past the “I think I like you” stage. The book’s biggest drama is a customer who comes in each day to read a few chapters of the same book without buying it, and even that is resolved smoothly and successfully.
Instead this is about the empathy that reading and novels in particular create and I loved this quote about finding time to read, from an interview with an author:
AR: We become more compassionate. To read is to see things from someone else's perspective, and that naturally leads you to stop and look out for other people, rather than chase after success in the rat race. If more people read, I think the world will become a better place.
YJ: It's common to hear people say that they have no time to read but I believe you read a lot?
AR: Not really, about one book every two or three days.
YR: I call that reading a lot. (laughs)
AR: Really? (laughs). Being so busy, we're usually left with only small pockets of time to read - perhaps in the morning, during lunch, in the evening after work and before we go to bed. But these pockets of time can add up to become something substantial.
The novel is very well done for what it is - but really was not my cup of tea (indeed as a tea lover, the novel, and indeed the bookshop itself, was oddly obsessed with the devil’s brew, coffee) and rather too nice and unchallenging. So 4 stars for what it sets out to do, but 2 for my taste.
Read
January 2, 2024A wonderfully cozy novel which, rather than being led ever onwards by its plot, instead reflects the ebb and flow of ordinary life with charming and astonishing accuracy. This is the story of a woman who, after realising that she is chasing happiness, leaves her job, divorces her husband, and fulfils her dream of opening an independent bookshop.
My full thoughts: https://booksandbao.com/korean-novels...
My full thoughts: https://booksandbao.com/korean-novels...
September 21, 2024
j’avais vraiment pas besoin d’une énième raison d’ouvrir ma librairie café
May 8, 2025
spoiler-filled vlog will be up on my youtube channel May 12th!
as expected, there were so many solid quotes that resonated with me, but they weren't as life-changing as I thought they'd be. some were more validating than others, but I don't feel an overwhelming sense of this is an all-time favorite book because of them. I loved the cozy vibes all throughout until the very end, but I didn't feel as connected to the characters as I thought I'd be. I appreciated all the discussions about The Catcher in the Rye though, which is one of my favorite classics!
as expected, there were so many solid quotes that resonated with me, but they weren't as life-changing as I thought they'd be. some were more validating than others, but I don't feel an overwhelming sense of this is an all-time favorite book because of them. I loved the cozy vibes all throughout until the very end, but I didn't feel as connected to the characters as I thought I'd be. I appreciated all the discussions about The Catcher in the Rye though, which is one of my favorite classics!
November 9, 2024
Bienvenidos a la librería Hyunam-Dong 🦉🍁📖☕️🍂
Mi nuevo mantra es: “Un día a la vez”
En un pequeño callejón de un barrio tranquilo de Seúl se encuentra la librería Hyunam-dong. La dueña, Yeongju, ha pasado su vida haciendo lo que se esperaba de ella (estudiar, casarse y tener una carrera exitosa) hasta que, tras su divorcio y cansada de cumplir con las expectativas de otros, decide dejarlo todo atrás para perseguir su sueño de tener una librería.
Definitivamente es un libro para un amante de los libros, cada capítulo te va contando una historia de las personas que van visitando la librería y en cada una el lector se ve reflejado porque tiene esta magia que hacerte sentir acompañado, de que la vida es difícil, la vida es dura y hay que ser valiente para darle fuerte pero apesar de eso la vida también puede ser feliz, tú decides tu destino, tus acciones son tu poder y conforme a eso es que se traza tu camino.
Sinceramente lo sentí como una curita en el corazón porque yo como muchos de aquí fui de esas personas que los juzgaban por siempre querer tener un libro en la mano, por escapar un ratito de nuestra realidad y no podemos explicar ese sentimiento, y el libro te lo da.
Bellísimo! 📚☕️🤎✨
Mi nuevo mantra es: “Un día a la vez”
En un pequeño callejón de un barrio tranquilo de Seúl se encuentra la librería Hyunam-dong. La dueña, Yeongju, ha pasado su vida haciendo lo que se esperaba de ella (estudiar, casarse y tener una carrera exitosa) hasta que, tras su divorcio y cansada de cumplir con las expectativas de otros, decide dejarlo todo atrás para perseguir su sueño de tener una librería.
Definitivamente es un libro para un amante de los libros, cada capítulo te va contando una historia de las personas que van visitando la librería y en cada una el lector se ve reflejado porque tiene esta magia que hacerte sentir acompañado, de que la vida es difícil, la vida es dura y hay que ser valiente para darle fuerte pero apesar de eso la vida también puede ser feliz, tú decides tu destino, tus acciones son tu poder y conforme a eso es que se traza tu camino.
Sinceramente lo sentí como una curita en el corazón porque yo como muchos de aquí fui de esas personas que los juzgaban por siempre querer tener un libro en la mano, por escapar un ratito de nuestra realidad y no podemos explicar ese sentimiento, y el libro te lo da.
Bellísimo! 📚☕️🤎✨
Read
October 22, 2024My mother lent me this book, and this seduced me away from La petite Fadette, which I was thinking of starting to read again from the beginning anyway. After a while she asked me what I thought of this novel set in a Seoul bookshop. The cogs in my head turned slowly, “it’s nice...full of nice people... being nice to each other” . And that is more or less what I have to say about the book.
My impression overall, which the author’s note at the end does not exactly confirm, is that this is a character led novel. Each chapter might be about one character, or sometimes two or more characters interacting, and it was easy for me to imagine that rather than plotting out the novel that Hwang Bo-Reum imagined the character, asked herself how they came to be in this place, or what they might say to another character and how they might get along. This gives the book an improvisational quality, as though it is being performed in front of the reader.
Given my primitive, reductionist orientalist thinking I will compare this with before the coffee gets cold. More seriously coffee plays a more important role in these two books than in any other that I can remember reading, but then I haven’t read the adventures of Carlo the coffee drinker in the coffee trade , nor twelve years roasting coffee beans or other landmarks of caffeinated literature.
Aside from the coffee, before are books about healing and reconciliation. While in Before... this is driven by magic coffee that enables time travel so you can talk to your ghosts and achieve psychological resolution in Welcome... it is community and companionship, maybe even camaraderie, that enables the characters to slowly step forwards in their lives away from their pain and suffering.
The bookshop really is a symbol of this, it is an independent bookshop, about twenty minutes walk away from the nearest metro station, established by Yeongju whose childhood desire was to have a room with book shelves on all four sides. It’s a dream, withdrawn and isolated. All the same it slowly attracts loyal customers, staff and suppliers and becomes the hub for a community. This is all charming and sweet. I didn’t believe about half of the resolutions, particularly that of fervent knitter Jungsuh whose knitting I could visualise being put to unconventional uses once she returned to work, but maybe I am just thinking of a tale of two cities. Partly this is a matter of perspective, none of the narration is from the first person, and interior developments are revealed only in conversation.
The pain and suffering comes about through the individual’s place in society and particularly in the workplace, and most of the people we meet have been burnt out or damaged like a set of case studies to sit along side Civilisation and its discontents. I found this abrasive to read in places, which plainly means that I haven’t grown out of my own burn out as much as I had imagined, possibly – and contrary to appearances - I haven’t been spending enough time in bookshops drinking coffee. The challenge of earning a living wage without destroying yourself through obsessive work in a capitalist society is explicitly stated, there is no sense of there being a universally acceptable solution. The inadequacies of Korean men in relationships and sexism in the corporate workplace are also flagged up as destructive problems to which there appear to be less of a chance of progress than in overthrowing capitalism, maybe this is reflected in the quasi- romantic relationship that occurs in the novel.
My other major take away is that Korean culture and society is really alien to me. Though obviously quite how far that is the reality of life in Korea or the author’s fantasy I don’t know, for example relations between men and women came across as more equal than I would expect in any European novel, while the picnic based friendship between some of the women, jovial and joyful reminded me of the feasting and eating in children’s books, all wholesome and nourishing and not really something I am familiar with from books for adults whether written by men or women. After reading falling slowly the amount of beer drunk here was intoxicating. You might be tempted to have a crate or two to hand while reading so that you can drink along with the characters. The relationship between Yeongju and a certain man was also striking for its extreme lack of romance and absence of physical touch coupled with tenderness, it is really quite distinctive, but this is my first Korean novel.
My impression overall, which the author’s note at the end does not exactly confirm, is that this is a character led novel. Each chapter might be about one character, or sometimes two or more characters interacting, and it was easy for me to imagine that rather than plotting out the novel that Hwang Bo-Reum imagined the character, asked herself how they came to be in this place, or what they might say to another character and how they might get along. This gives the book an improvisational quality, as though it is being performed in front of the reader.
Given my primitive, reductionist orientalist thinking I will compare this with before the coffee gets cold. More seriously coffee plays a more important role in these two books than in any other that I can remember reading, but then I haven’t read the adventures of Carlo the coffee drinker in the coffee trade , nor twelve years roasting coffee beans or other landmarks of caffeinated literature.
Aside from the coffee, before are books about healing and reconciliation. While in Before... this is driven by magic coffee that enables time travel so you can talk to your ghosts and achieve psychological resolution in Welcome... it is community and companionship, maybe even camaraderie, that enables the characters to slowly step forwards in their lives away from their pain and suffering.
The bookshop really is a symbol of this, it is an independent bookshop, about twenty minutes walk away from the nearest metro station, established by Yeongju whose childhood desire was to have a room with book shelves on all four sides. It’s a dream, withdrawn and isolated. All the same it slowly attracts loyal customers, staff and suppliers and becomes the hub for a community. This is all charming and sweet. I didn’t believe about half of the resolutions, particularly that of fervent knitter Jungsuh whose knitting I could visualise being put to unconventional uses once she returned to work, but maybe I am just thinking of a tale of two cities. Partly this is a matter of perspective, none of the narration is from the first person, and interior developments are revealed only in conversation.
The pain and suffering comes about through the individual’s place in society and particularly in the workplace, and most of the people we meet have been burnt out or damaged like a set of case studies to sit along side Civilisation and its discontents. I found this abrasive to read in places, which plainly means that I haven’t grown out of my own burn out as much as I had imagined, possibly – and contrary to appearances - I haven’t been spending enough time in bookshops drinking coffee. The challenge of earning a living wage without destroying yourself through obsessive work in a capitalist society is explicitly stated, there is no sense of there being a universally acceptable solution. The inadequacies of Korean men in relationships and sexism in the corporate workplace are also flagged up as destructive problems to which there appear to be less of a chance of progress than in overthrowing capitalism, maybe this is reflected in the quasi- romantic relationship that occurs in the novel.
My other major take away is that Korean culture and society is really alien to me. Though obviously quite how far that is the reality of life in Korea or the author’s fantasy I don’t know, for example relations between men and women came across as more equal than I would expect in any European novel, while the picnic based friendship between some of the women, jovial and joyful reminded me of the feasting and eating in children’s books, all wholesome and nourishing and not really something I am familiar with from books for adults whether written by men or women. After reading falling slowly the amount of beer drunk here was intoxicating. You might be tempted to have a crate or two to hand while reading so that you can drink along with the characters. The relationship between Yeongju and a certain man was also striking for its extreme lack of romance and absence of physical touch coupled with tenderness, it is really quite distinctive, but this is my first Korean novel.
September 22, 2023
Another instant favorite, I'm feeling lucky.
I'm inevitably drawn by books about libraries and book lovers. I start reading them knowing that I'll feel connected to the characters on some level at least, and if the very concept of the stories is relatable to me, there's very little chance I'll regret reading them, right? While that's usually the case, some books, including "Welcome to Hyunam-dong Bookshop", deliver so much more than a few moments of mutual understanding between author and reader.
This is a story about finding a place to belong and finding pleasure in the mundane. It's about celebrating the little victories achieved by you and those around you, and understanding that happiness and hope may mean different things to different people, but they're still the feelings we all strive for and try to hold on to. A lot of things are discussed throughout the pages, including how hellish it is to live in a capitalist world in which what is presented to us as success is both difficult to achieve and to balance with a healthy, fulfilling life.
The dilemmas lived by the characters are genuine and universal. Should I follow my dreams? Is it necessary to have a dream? Should I work with something I love or something I'm good at? What if I feel like there's nothing I'm good at? Should I do what my parents expect of me? Should I keep striving for what's conventionally thought of as a successfull career? Am I a bad person for prioritizing myself? Am I a bad person for letting others down whilst searching for inner peace? Some answers may seem obvious, but in real life, they seldom are.
In spite of the aforementioned themes, this book feels like a safe space. Like a hug, a summer's breeze or a warm cup of coffee at the end of the day. It holds, at all times, a calm and comforting atmosphere, and while the characters try to help each other without ever judging one another, the readers can find themselves surrounded by the same sense of acceptance after each page turn. Truly a powerful and beautiful debut by Hwang Bo-reum.
I'm inevitably drawn by books about libraries and book lovers. I start reading them knowing that I'll feel connected to the characters on some level at least, and if the very concept of the stories is relatable to me, there's very little chance I'll regret reading them, right? While that's usually the case, some books, including "Welcome to Hyunam-dong Bookshop", deliver so much more than a few moments of mutual understanding between author and reader.
This is a story about finding a place to belong and finding pleasure in the mundane. It's about celebrating the little victories achieved by you and those around you, and understanding that happiness and hope may mean different things to different people, but they're still the feelings we all strive for and try to hold on to. A lot of things are discussed throughout the pages, including how hellish it is to live in a capitalist world in which what is presented to us as success is both difficult to achieve and to balance with a healthy, fulfilling life.
The dilemmas lived by the characters are genuine and universal. Should I follow my dreams? Is it necessary to have a dream? Should I work with something I love or something I'm good at? What if I feel like there's nothing I'm good at? Should I do what my parents expect of me? Should I keep striving for what's conventionally thought of as a successfull career? Am I a bad person for prioritizing myself? Am I a bad person for letting others down whilst searching for inner peace? Some answers may seem obvious, but in real life, they seldom are.
In spite of the aforementioned themes, this book feels like a safe space. Like a hug, a summer's breeze or a warm cup of coffee at the end of the day. It holds, at all times, a calm and comforting atmosphere, and while the characters try to help each other without ever judging one another, the readers can find themselves surrounded by the same sense of acceptance after each page turn. Truly a powerful and beautiful debut by Hwang Bo-reum.
February 15, 2024
I’m in the minority here with this rating but this was just so boring and wasn’t fiction.
This book was trying to be too existentialist, too philosophical and tried to turn too many mundane day to day experiences into thought provoking works of literary genius. This is my fancy way of saying that I was bored a lot in this book. The cozy vibe was great, and I don’t love books that are completely character driven but I can work with them if the characters are interesting, but this just felt like a mis match of thoughts the author had about life and used the characters to portray them. It was supposed to be a love letter to readers but honestly it read like a bad “how to read more” or “how to get out of a reading slump” YouTube video.
If you want to comment on day to day life just do that, don’t write a fiction book if your real goal is to be a philosopher. This felt like an extreme case of false advertising, the blurb vs what I read were completely misleading.
DNFd at 75% but should have been at about 30%
This book was trying to be too existentialist, too philosophical and tried to turn too many mundane day to day experiences into thought provoking works of literary genius. This is my fancy way of saying that I was bored a lot in this book. The cozy vibe was great, and I don’t love books that are completely character driven but I can work with them if the characters are interesting, but this just felt like a mis match of thoughts the author had about life and used the characters to portray them. It was supposed to be a love letter to readers but honestly it read like a bad “how to read more” or “how to get out of a reading slump” YouTube video.
If you want to comment on day to day life just do that, don’t write a fiction book if your real goal is to be a philosopher. This felt like an extreme case of false advertising, the blurb vs what I read were completely misleading.
DNFd at 75% but should have been at about 30%
June 15, 2025
به خاطر چالش گودریدز این کتاب رو انتخاب کردم و معمولا هم توی چالشهای گ��دریدز کتابهای ترجمه شده کم پیدا میشه چون معمولا خیلی جدید هستند
ولی خب از اونی که انتظار داشتم خیلی بهتر در اومد. داستان اصلی در خصوص شکلگیری یک کتابفروشی و تلاش برای سرپا نگه داشتن اون هستش ولی نویسنده کرهای موضوعات و دغدغههای مهمی که دنیای مدرن و سریع کنونی باهاشون روبهرو هستش رو توی کتاب مطرح میکنه. شاید اصلیترین محورهای کتاب در مورد حل شدن مردم در جامعه سرمایهداری و شبانهروز کار کردن هستش که در نتیجه زمان برای تفریح، مطالعه و درنهایت خودشناسی فرد کم میشه. همینطور نارضایتی شخصیتهای مختلف کتاب از شرایط کاریشون مطرح میشه، بهرهکشیها و سواستفادهها در محیط کاری در حالی که کارفرماها تلاشی برای قرارداد رسمی و دائمی با کارمندانشون نمیکنن و این مساله رو به شکل اهرمی برای کار و تقاضای بیشتر ازشون استفاده میکنن.
شخصیت اصلی داستان (یونگجو) ایدهآلهایی برای گردوندن کتابفروشی توی ذهنش داره که خب بعد از شروع به کار متوجه میشه بعضی از اونا رو باید تغییر بده و اصلا یه سری از این تغییرات خیلی هم خوب و کمککننده هستش. یکی از دغدغههای یونگجو فروش و گذاشتن قفسه کتابهای پرفروش هستش، کتابهایی که یک شبه به خاطر یک سلبریتی معروف میشن یا چیزهای مشابه، موضوعی که برای خود منم همیشه چالشی بوده و هروقت توی کتابفروشیها به این میز یا قفسه نگاه میکنم حدود ۹۰درصد از اون عنوانها از نظرم زرد، آبکی یا به درد نخور به حساب میان، البته شاید واقعا کتابهای خوبی باشن ولی جزو حیطهها و دستههای مورد علاقه من نیستن. سوالی که همیشه ذهن من رو درگیر میکنه اینه که آیا مطالعه کتاب صرفا مساله خوبیه یا بهتره فقط کتابهای خوب خونده بشه و اگه قراره کتاب بد یا زردی خونده بشه اصلا خونده نشه؟ البته من خودم موافق خوندن هستم و به نظرم مطالعه کتاب خودش چیزهایی به شخص اضافه میکنه که میتونه بعد از یه مدت حتی ذائقهش رو هم عوض کنه و خیلی خیلی بهتر از هیچی نخوندنه.
در نهایت به نظرم کتاب روان و با موضوع بهروزی هستش و خوندنش خالی از لطف نیست!
ولی خب از اونی که انتظار داشتم خیلی بهتر در اومد. داستان اصلی در خصوص شکلگیری یک کتابفروشی و تلاش برای سرپا نگه داشتن اون هستش ولی نویسنده کرهای موضوعات و دغدغههای مهمی که دنیای مدرن و سریع کنونی باهاشون روبهرو هستش رو توی کتاب مطرح میکنه. شاید اصلیترین محورهای کتاب در مورد حل شدن مردم در جامعه سرمایهداری و شبانهروز کار کردن هستش که در نتیجه زمان برای تفریح، مطالعه و درنهایت خودشناسی فرد کم میشه. همینطور نارضایتی شخصیتهای مختلف کتاب از شرایط کاریشون مطرح میشه، بهرهکشیها و سواستفادهها در محیط کاری در حالی که کارفرماها تلاشی برای قرارداد رسمی و دائمی با کارمندانشون نمیکنن و این مساله رو به شکل اهرمی برای کار و تقاضای بیشتر ازشون استفاده میکنن.
شخصیت اصلی داستان (یونگجو) ایدهآلهایی برای گردوندن کتابفروشی توی ذهنش داره که خب بعد از شروع به کار متوجه میشه بعضی از اونا رو باید تغییر بده و اصلا یه سری از این تغییرات خیلی هم خوب و کمککننده هستش. یکی از دغدغههای یونگجو فروش و گذاشتن قفسه کتابهای پرفروش هستش، کتابهایی که یک شبه به خاطر یک سلبریتی معروف میشن یا چیزهای مشابه، موضوعی که برای خود منم همیشه چالشی بوده و هروقت توی کتابفروشیها به این میز یا قفسه نگاه میکنم حدود ۹۰درصد از اون عنوانها از نظرم زرد، آبکی یا به درد نخور به حساب میان، البته شاید واقعا کتابهای خوبی باشن ولی جزو حیطهها و دستههای مورد علاقه من نیستن. سوالی که همیشه ذهن من رو درگیر میکنه اینه که آیا مطالعه کتاب صرفا مساله خوبیه یا بهتره فقط کتابهای خوب خونده بشه و اگه قراره کتاب بد یا زردی خونده بشه اصلا خونده نشه؟ البته من خودم موافق خوندن هستم و به نظرم مطالعه کتاب خودش چیزهایی به شخص اضافه میکنه که میتونه بعد از یه مدت حتی ذائقهش رو هم عوض کنه و خیلی خیلی بهتر از هیچی نخوندنه.
در نهایت به نظرم کتاب روان و با موضوع بهروزی هستش و خوندنش خالی از لطف نیست!
January 31, 2025
Solid book. Good reflection of Korean attitudes and limiting societal views (e.g., prioritizing a husband’s emotional and mental wellbeing). Characters are general likable.
Yeongju, the protagonist, is learning to live for herself. Sometimes that’s scary. But her bravery is her key motivating driver. This makes the hard decisions easier to make.
Lighthearted. Easy to read. Had hoped it had a bit more magic, but it had plenty of charm to make up for it. 3.5 stars.
Yeongju, the protagonist, is learning to live for herself. Sometimes that’s scary. But her bravery is her key motivating driver. This makes the hard decisions easier to make.
Lighthearted. Easy to read. Had hoped it had a bit more magic, but it had plenty of charm to make up for it. 3.5 stars.
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