Goodreads Choice Awards Book Club discussion

Voted by members for Debut additional read



Welcome to the Hyunam-Dong Bookshop

Yeongju is burned out. With her high-flying career, demanding marriage, and bustling life in Seoul, she knows she should feel successful—but all she feels is drained. Haunted by an abandoned dream, she takes a leap of faith and leaves her old life behind. Quitting her job and divorcing her husband, Yeongju moves to a quiet residential neighborhood outside the city and opens the Hyunam-dong Bookshop.

The transition isn’t easy. For months, all Yeongju can do is cry. But as the long hours in the shop stretch on, she begins to reflect on what makes a good bookseller and a meaningful store. She throws herself into reading voraciously, hosting author events, and crafting her own philosophy on bookselling. Gradually, Yeongju finds her footing in her new surroundings.

Surrounded by friends, writers, and the books that bind them, Yeongju begins to write a new chapter in her life. The Hyunam-dong Bookshop evolves into a warm, welcoming haven for lost souls—a place to rest, heal, and remember that it’s never too late to scrap the plot and start over.

My first read of 2025!

I'm looking forward to reading it, but it won't be until the latter half of the month. I have a buddy read planned.

I'm reading it, but it's a bit boring so far.

I have been wanting to read this book since I saw it hugging pride of place in a Greenwich, London Bookstore. I'm really enjoying the character led story and the emerging community. Currently at the 55% mark.

I finished this a while back and never came back to post anything. I LOVED this book. I felt it was inspirational, nudging me to live my life a little more authentically. I wanted to visit this bookshop and drink their coffee all day. I left the book feeling blissful!
Rating 3.9
4 Stars