What do you think?
Rate this book
Welcome to the Hyunam-Dong Bookshop
The Korean smash hit available for the first time in English, a slice-of-life novel for readers of Matt Haig's The Midnight Library and Gabrielle Zevin's The Storied Life of AJ Fikry.
Yeongju is burned out. With her high-flying career, demanding marriage, and busy life in Seoul, she knows she should feel successful, but all she feels is drained. Yet an abandoned dream nags at her, and in a leap of faith, she leaves her old life behind. Quitting her job and divorcing her husband, Yeongju moves to a small residential neighborhood outside the city, where she opens the Hyunam-dong Bookshop.
For the first few months, all Yeongju does is cry, deterring visitors. But the long hours in the shop give her time to mull over what makes a good bookseller and store, and as she starts to read hungrily, host author events, and develop her own bookselling philosophy, she begins to ease into her new setting. Surrounded by friends, writers, and the books that connect them all, she finds her new story as the Hyunam-dong Bookshop transforms into an inviting space for lost souls to rest, heal, and remember that it's never too late to scrap the plot and start again.
Yeongju is burned out. With her high-flying career, demanding marriage, and busy life in Seoul, she knows she should feel successful, but all she feels is drained. Yet an abandoned dream nags at her, and in a leap of faith, she leaves her old life behind. Quitting her job and divorcing her husband, Yeongju moves to a small residential neighborhood outside the city, where she opens the Hyunam-dong Bookshop.
For the first few months, all Yeongju does is cry, deterring visitors. But the long hours in the shop give her time to mull over what makes a good bookseller and store, and as she starts to read hungrily, host author events, and develop her own bookselling philosophy, she begins to ease into her new setting. Surrounded by friends, writers, and the books that connect them all, she finds her new story as the Hyunam-dong Bookshop transforms into an inviting space for lost souls to rest, heal, and remember that it's never too late to scrap the plot and start again.
320 pages, Hardcover
First published January 17, 2022
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 2,839 reviews
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
January 2, 2024
Um ótimo livro para as pessoas que estão perdidas e em busca de um sentido.
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.
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
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
March 5, 2024
“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!
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
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.
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...
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.
November 18, 2023
This has to be one of the quirkiest books I have read this year. The language appeared so plain that I wondered if some things were lost in translation. The dialog stilted at times. But I grew to like the book more - I love books with quirky characters. And when you have bookshop, how can I not like it?
Don't read this for the language or amazing prose. Read it because it's a quaint book that can invite us to contemplate the magic of reading, and of doing difficult things versus what we love, and realizing there is no difference.
PS: I did not read this book 2 times. Why is Goodreads still the worst site I have ever used?
Don't read this for the language or amazing prose. Read it because it's a quaint book that can invite us to contemplate the magic of reading, and of doing difficult things versus what we love, and realizing there is no difference.
PS: I did not read this book 2 times. Why is Goodreads still the worst site I have ever used?
December 16, 2023
Niezwykle przyjemna lektura. Zostawiła mnie z wieloma ciepłymi myślami.
February 28, 2024
finalmente terminei esse livro!!! achei mega especial e querido, ainda mais pq li com a galera do Clubinho! 🥰
sei q esse livro pode desagradar muita gente. os gringo chamam esse tipo de livro d ~healing fiction, o que faz o que o livro seja, basicamente, uma auto ajuda disfarçada de ficção. se isso é um problema? você decide 😜 eu amei cade detalhezinho dessa história e, honestamente, caras, passei a ter a livraria como um espaço de conforto e refúgio, também, assim como (quase) todos os personagens da história!
o final do livro foi uma surpresa gostosinha, com certo elemento q eu particularmente não esperava, então curti tb! eu só não dei 5* pq senti q faltou um pouco de "corpo" pro livro ser perfeito, mas tô pensando em favoritar -- vou deixar a história maturar um pouco na minha cabeça e depois eu volto aqui (ou não kjjj)
sei q esse livro pode desagradar muita gente. os gringo chamam esse tipo de livro d ~healing fiction, o que faz o que o livro seja, basicamente, uma auto ajuda disfarçada de ficção. se isso é um problema? você decide 😜 eu amei cade detalhezinho dessa história e, honestamente, caras, passei a ter a livraria como um espaço de conforto e refúgio, também, assim como (quase) todos os personagens da história!
o final do livro foi uma surpresa gostosinha, com certo elemento q eu particularmente não esperava, então curti tb! eu só não dei 5* pq senti q faltou um pouco de "corpo" pro livro ser perfeito, mas tô pensando em favoritar -- vou deixar a história maturar um pouco na minha cabeça e depois eu volto aqui (ou não kjjj)
March 3, 2024
To miała być taka comfort historia, ale strasznie się przy niej wynudziłam :( Dosłownie odliczałam minuty do końca audiobooka, no nie była to książka dla mnie.
April 17, 2024
4.5 stars
new comfort read unlocked 🔓
new comfort read unlocked 🔓
February 11, 2024
Książka jak kocyk – mięciutka, przytulna, taka prawdziwa comfort book, czyli najbardziej kojąca powieść tego roku.
Książki mają moc – kto jak kto, ale my, obsesyjni czytelnicy dobrze o tym wiemy. I wie o tym Hwang Bo-reum, której powieść przenosi nas za drzwi małej koreańskiej księgarni. To szczególne miejsce, które jak wszystkie księgarnie z duszą jest nie tylko sklepem, ale też miejscem spotkań i czułych rozmów dzielonych półgłosem. Książki są tu tłem dla ludzkich rozterek i wspomnień, są też świadkami ich zmagania się z życiem, ale – przede wszystkim – są przyczynkiem do inspiracji, do zmian, do przemyśleń. Pod tym względem to taka meta-powieść, która opowiadając o czytelnikach i zwykłych ludziach odpowiada na potrzeby czytelników i zwykłych ludzkich emocji.
Tak, powieść Hwang Bo-reum ma tę moc – kojącą, tulącą, terapeutyczną. W gruncie rzeczy opowiada o zwykłych dniach spędzonych za drzwiami zwykłej małej księgarni. O to właśnie w tym chodzi – niektórzy nazwaliby to z duńskiego hygge, komfortem, przytulnością, która nie musi prowadzić do żadnych wyższych celów, ale owego komfortu właśnie. I to znajdziemy w „Witajcie w księgarni Hyunam-Dong” – rutynę i codzienne emocje. Miłość. Zagubienie. Niepokój. Wspomnienie. Zadumę. Szczęście. A potem wyjdziemy z księgarni zupełnie usatysfakcjonowani. Z poczuciem, że piękne spędziliśmy tę zaczytane godziny. Że to był nasz czas komfortu. I teraz można stawić czoła życiu. Aż chce się wrócić tam i przeczytać jeszcze raz!
Książki mają moc – kto jak kto, ale my, obsesyjni czytelnicy dobrze o tym wiemy. I wie o tym Hwang Bo-reum, której powieść przenosi nas za drzwi małej koreańskiej księgarni. To szczególne miejsce, które jak wszystkie księgarnie z duszą jest nie tylko sklepem, ale też miejscem spotkań i czułych rozmów dzielonych półgłosem. Książki są tu tłem dla ludzkich rozterek i wspomnień, są też świadkami ich zmagania się z życiem, ale – przede wszystkim – są przyczynkiem do inspiracji, do zmian, do przemyśleń. Pod tym względem to taka meta-powieść, która opowiadając o czytelnikach i zwykłych ludziach odpowiada na potrzeby czytelników i zwykłych ludzkich emocji.
Tak, powieść Hwang Bo-reum ma tę moc – kojącą, tulącą, terapeutyczną. W gruncie rzeczy opowiada o zwykłych dniach spędzonych za drzwiami zwykłej małej księgarni. O to właśnie w tym chodzi – niektórzy nazwaliby to z duńskiego hygge, komfortem, przytulnością, która nie musi prowadzić do żadnych wyższych celów, ale owego komfortu właśnie. I to znajdziemy w „Witajcie w księgarni Hyunam-Dong” – rutynę i codzienne emocje. Miłość. Zagubienie. Niepokój. Wspomnienie. Zadumę. Szczęście. A potem wyjdziemy z księgarni zupełnie usatysfakcjonowani. Z poczuciem, że piękne spędziliśmy tę zaczytane godziny. Że to był nasz czas komfortu. I teraz można stawić czoła życiu. Aż chce się wrócić tam i przeczytać jeszcze raz!
May 18, 2024
This book was adorable 🥹
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.
December 8, 2023
Welcome to the Hyunam-dong Bookshop is an ode to booklovers but more than that is an ode to appreciating life in its plainest & simplest terms. Having read this, I found myself lulled into the conversations & monologues of the struggles faced by each characters in here echoing my own internal battle within myself. Its a book that offered you comfort in every sentences, a hug when needed, a friends to converse, a hope that may rekindled, a light to shine when in the dark and a warm cup of coffee to keep you awake & refreshed.
Yeongju opened the bookshop in a quaint neighbourhood after a divorce & burnout from work. In the first 6 months, she was listless & barely make a profits as she struggled with her own mental health but soon decided to change her approach and hired a young barista, Minjun. From here on, the bookshop slowlt garnered customers, alongside this more book events, talks and seminars are being held. More people come into Yeongju's life and we learn each of their own stories
This book is simple yet heartwarming. There is no high conflicts yet the simplicity of just trying to live was spoken so well in here. Many topics that are relatable to the current society can be found here such as the work culture, marriages, domestic affairs, loneliness, depression, extreme burnout, unhappiness, finding joy in life and the struggle of job seekers. I appreciated a lot being talked about in here especially on the job, work culture & depression because this felt close to me. Being in a situation where you dont feel worthy or what you have done your best to graduate but unable to secure a job you want are devastating, losing any kind of joy when working, being depressed and not seeing anything worthy in life, its the stories in here that made my heart aches since its personal and dear to me.
I like Minjun the most, perhaps I sense a comradeship in him. We found it harsh that the society seems to favour others more and luck is not on our side, no matter how much you are successful in your school, getting a job is 100x harder in real life. Appreciate the discussion on the work culture a lot and made me want to read more on the book they talked about. I like Yeongju for her perseverance, the serious Seungwoo with his philosophy, Jungsuh the woman that I found myself relate to, Jimi and her resilience, Mincheol whom is still young and lost but firm in his thinking. The dialogues & conversations may be philosophical at times but on the heart of this book is the slow pace of life, of taking time for yourself, making decisions that is for you and only you, finding happiness in whatever you do and stop trying to please the society in exchange for ripping out your own self.
Thank you to @definitelybooks and pansing for the review copy
Yeongju opened the bookshop in a quaint neighbourhood after a divorce & burnout from work. In the first 6 months, she was listless & barely make a profits as she struggled with her own mental health but soon decided to change her approach and hired a young barista, Minjun. From here on, the bookshop slowlt garnered customers, alongside this more book events, talks and seminars are being held. More people come into Yeongju's life and we learn each of their own stories
This book is simple yet heartwarming. There is no high conflicts yet the simplicity of just trying to live was spoken so well in here. Many topics that are relatable to the current society can be found here such as the work culture, marriages, domestic affairs, loneliness, depression, extreme burnout, unhappiness, finding joy in life and the struggle of job seekers. I appreciated a lot being talked about in here especially on the job, work culture & depression because this felt close to me. Being in a situation where you dont feel worthy or what you have done your best to graduate but unable to secure a job you want are devastating, losing any kind of joy when working, being depressed and not seeing anything worthy in life, its the stories in here that made my heart aches since its personal and dear to me.
I like Minjun the most, perhaps I sense a comradeship in him. We found it harsh that the society seems to favour others more and luck is not on our side, no matter how much you are successful in your school, getting a job is 100x harder in real life. Appreciate the discussion on the work culture a lot and made me want to read more on the book they talked about. I like Yeongju for her perseverance, the serious Seungwoo with his philosophy, Jungsuh the woman that I found myself relate to, Jimi and her resilience, Mincheol whom is still young and lost but firm in his thinking. The dialogues & conversations may be philosophical at times but on the heart of this book is the slow pace of life, of taking time for yourself, making decisions that is for you and only you, finding happiness in whatever you do and stop trying to please the society in exchange for ripping out your own self.
Thank you to @definitelybooks and pansing for the review copy
November 19, 2023
4.5 ⭐
I could not put "Welcome To The Hyunam-dong Bookshop" down!
Yes, it is a book about how an independent bookstore works on a day-to-day basis, but more than that, it is a book that explores different interpersonal and intrapersonal relationships, which began and developed because of this very bookstore.
Sim, Bem-vindos à livraria Hyunam-dong é um daqueles livros que falam sobre livros, mas, sinceramente, essas partes não foram as que mais me chamaram a atenção. Para quem não sabe, sou formada e atuo na área das Ciências Humanas e, por isso, a forma como a autora, Hwang Bo-Reum, escreveu sobre o início e, consequentemente, o desenvolvimento de novas relações interpessoais e, principalmente, o desenvolvimento de relações intrapessoais, que foram ocorrendo por causa da Livraria Hyunam-dong, foram as partes que mais prenderam a minha atenção.
"Depois de uma breve despedida, Yeongju entrou na livraria. No momento em que pisou na loja, seu corpo relaxou. Era como se todos os seus sentidos se deliciassem com o conforto do lugar." (p. 10)
"Antes de a livraria abrir, Yeongju geralmente fica absorta na leitura de algum romance. Mergulhar nas emoções dos personagens a ajuda a entender os próprios sentimentos. Ela lamenta e sofre com eles. Quando fecha o livro, depois de compartilhar tantas emoções e experiências com os personagens, Yeongju se sente capaz de compreender qualquer um." (p. 25)
- Quando se trata de família... Acho que é mais confortável levar a vida que você quer em vez de viver para não decepcionar os outros. É claro, é muito ruim ver as pessoas que amamos decepcionadas com a gente. Mas não dá para viver de acordo com o que os seus pais querem pelo resto da vida. Fiquei muito tempo pensando que não devia ter feito o que fiz e que era melhor ter escutado os meus pais. Mas percebi que não havia como voltar atrás, e mesmo que eu pudesse, faria tudo de novo." (p. 102 a 103)
- Cansaço. Tédio. Vazio. Desesperança. Depois que um desses sentimentos o consome, é muito difícil escapar. É como cair num poço sem fundo. Você se sente a pessoa mais insignificante do mundo." (p. 146)
I could not put "Welcome To The Hyunam-dong Bookshop" down!
Yes, it is a book about how an independent bookstore works on a day-to-day basis, but more than that, it is a book that explores different interpersonal and intrapersonal relationships, which began and developed because of this very bookstore.
Sim, Bem-vindos à livraria Hyunam-dong é um daqueles livros que falam sobre livros, mas, sinceramente, essas partes não foram as que mais me chamaram a atenção. Para quem não sabe, sou formada e atuo na área das Ciências Humanas e, por isso, a forma como a autora, Hwang Bo-Reum, escreveu sobre o início e, consequentemente, o desenvolvimento de novas relações interpessoais e, principalmente, o desenvolvimento de relações intrapessoais, que foram ocorrendo por causa da Livraria Hyunam-dong, foram as partes que mais prenderam a minha atenção.
"Depois de uma breve despedida, Yeongju entrou na livraria. No momento em que pisou na loja, seu corpo relaxou. Era como se todos os seus sentidos se deliciassem com o conforto do lugar." (p. 10)
"Antes de a livraria abrir, Yeongju geralmente fica absorta na leitura de algum romance. Mergulhar nas emoções dos personagens a ajuda a entender os próprios sentimentos. Ela lamenta e sofre com eles. Quando fecha o livro, depois de compartilhar tantas emoções e experiências com os personagens, Yeongju se sente capaz de compreender qualquer um." (p. 25)
- Quando se trata de família... Acho que é mais confortável levar a vida que você quer em vez de viver para não decepcionar os outros. É claro, é muito ruim ver as pessoas que amamos decepcionadas com a gente. Mas não dá para viver de acordo com o que os seus pais querem pelo resto da vida. Fiquei muito tempo pensando que não devia ter feito o que fiz e que era melhor ter escutado os meus pais. Mas percebi que não havia como voltar atrás, e mesmo que eu pudesse, faria tudo de novo." (p. 102 a 103)
- Cansaço. Tédio. Vazio. Desesperança. Depois que um desses sentimentos o consome, é muito difícil escapar. É como cair num poço sem fundo. Você se sente a pessoa mais insignificante do mundo." (p. 146)
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 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.
April 9, 2024
3,5⭐️. Ma ta historia kilka fajnych smaczków w postaci trafnego komentarza do dzisiejszego świata. Niby to Korea, a jakby polska rzeczywistość. Rzeczywistość lokalnej kameralnej księgarni , kawiarnia i parzenie kawy, różne przemyślenia o pracy - te trzy wątki bardzo do mnie trafiły. Ale nie byłam w stanie totalnie zakochać się w tej książce, bo czasami była przegadana, robiło się nudno i miałam takie poczucie, że czegoś tu jest za dużo. Niemniej przyjemnie się ją czytało i mogę ją dopisać do listy miłych książek do przytulenia.
Shelved as 'dnf'
February 12, 2024DNF. Chyba najnudniejsza książka o książkach, jaką przyszło mi czytać... Złote myśli jak przypadkowy Paulo Coelho na demotywatorach. Ba, gorzej! Odrealniona i nieciekawa do szpiku kości. Wielki zawód.
May 2, 2024
4.5 stars / 5 stars
⭐⭐⭐⭐.5
buddy read this with Keilah (Keilah’s Portal) 🥺💗
“Books are not meant to remain in your mind, but in your heart. Maybe they exist in your mind too, but as something more than memories. At a crossroads in life, a forgotten sentence or a story from years ago can come back to offer an invisible hand and guide you to a decision. Personally, I feel like the books I've read led me to make the choices I've made in life. While I may not remember all the details, the stories continue to exert a quiet influence on me.”
"Welcome to the Hyunam-Dong Bookshop" is more than just a book; it's a gentle embrace, a whispered reassurance, and a celebration of the profound impact literature can have on our lives. From its opening pages to its poignant conclusion, this novel weaves a spellbinding narrative that lingers long after the final chapter.
At the heart of the story is Yeongju-nim, the enigmatic proprietor of the titular bookshop, whose passion for literature is as infectious as it is profound. As we follow Yeongju-nim through the bustling aisles of her neighborhood and the bookstore, we encounter a rich tapestry of characters, each with their own hopes, dreams, and quirks.
From the introspective Mincheol to the charming barista Minjun, every character is meticulously crafted, adding depth and nuance to the narrative. What sets this book apart is its ability to seamlessly blend moments of introspection with lighthearted humor and heartfelt emotion. Through its pages, we are reminded of the transformative power of storytelling, and how a single book can serve as a beacon of hope in our darkest moments.
As I immersed myself in the world of the Hyunam-Dong Bookshop, I found myself laughing, crying, and ultimately, reflecting on the choices that have brought me to where I am today. This is a book that speaks to the soul, offering comfort, wisdom, and a gentle nudge towards self-discovery. While the novel may be a translated work, the emotions it evokes are universal. Through skillful prose and evocative imagery, the author transports readers to the bustling streets of Hyunam-Dong, inviting them to lose themselves in its enchanting charm.
“To find happiness, do what you enjoy. 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.”
In conclusion, "Welcome to the Hyunam-Dong Bookshop" is a triumph of storytelling—a testament to the enduring power of literature to heal, inspire, and connect us all. Whether you're seeking solace in troubled times or simply in need of a heartwarming tale to uplift your spirits, this book is sure to leave a lasting impression. Highly recommended for readers of all ages, it is a literary gem that deserves a cherished place on your bookshelf.
⭐⭐⭐⭐.5
buddy read this with Keilah (Keilah’s Portal) 🥺💗
“Books are not meant to remain in your mind, but in your heart. Maybe they exist in your mind too, but as something more than memories. At a crossroads in life, a forgotten sentence or a story from years ago can come back to offer an invisible hand and guide you to a decision. Personally, I feel like the books I've read led me to make the choices I've made in life. While I may not remember all the details, the stories continue to exert a quiet influence on me.”
"Welcome to the Hyunam-Dong Bookshop" is more than just a book; it's a gentle embrace, a whispered reassurance, and a celebration of the profound impact literature can have on our lives. From its opening pages to its poignant conclusion, this novel weaves a spellbinding narrative that lingers long after the final chapter.
At the heart of the story is Yeongju-nim, the enigmatic proprietor of the titular bookshop, whose passion for literature is as infectious as it is profound. As we follow Yeongju-nim through the bustling aisles of her neighborhood and the bookstore, we encounter a rich tapestry of characters, each with their own hopes, dreams, and quirks.
From the introspective Mincheol to the charming barista Minjun, every character is meticulously crafted, adding depth and nuance to the narrative. What sets this book apart is its ability to seamlessly blend moments of introspection with lighthearted humor and heartfelt emotion. Through its pages, we are reminded of the transformative power of storytelling, and how a single book can serve as a beacon of hope in our darkest moments.
As I immersed myself in the world of the Hyunam-Dong Bookshop, I found myself laughing, crying, and ultimately, reflecting on the choices that have brought me to where I am today. This is a book that speaks to the soul, offering comfort, wisdom, and a gentle nudge towards self-discovery. While the novel may be a translated work, the emotions it evokes are universal. Through skillful prose and evocative imagery, the author transports readers to the bustling streets of Hyunam-Dong, inviting them to lose themselves in its enchanting charm.
“To find happiness, do what you enjoy. 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.”
In conclusion, "Welcome to the Hyunam-Dong Bookshop" is a triumph of storytelling—a testament to the enduring power of literature to heal, inspire, and connect us all. Whether you're seeking solace in troubled times or simply in need of a heartwarming tale to uplift your spirits, this book is sure to leave a lasting impression. Highly recommended for readers of all ages, it is a literary gem that deserves a cherished place on your bookshelf.
January 22, 2024
Seria impossível não sentir uma empatia gigante ao ler um livro onde a narrativa é centrada numa livraria.
Hwang Bo-Reum criou uma história capaz de se conectar com as nossas emoções, algo difícil de alcançar e importante de manter.
Terminei esta leitura com uma sensação de conforto.
Hwang Bo-Reum criou uma história capaz de se conectar com as nossas emoções, algo difícil de alcançar e importante de manter.
Terminei esta leitura com uma sensação de conforto.
April 25, 2024
Książka kocyk
March 15, 2024
Sometimes, the book resonating with you depends on your stage in life and the experiences you face. I read this book at the right time in my life it seems. Though slow paced, loved the book very much.
The book talks about the work burnouts. And questions….is it necessary to go to a job? Is a successful career a measurement of happiness?
Through a character, author suggests having a career that’s not your passion and have time to pursue your time alongside your career. Similar nuggets of life wisdoms throughout.
The book talks about the work burnouts. And questions….is it necessary to go to a job? Is a successful career a measurement of happiness?
Through a character, author suggests having a career that’s not your passion and have time to pursue your time alongside your career. Similar nuggets of life wisdoms throughout.
January 30, 2024
I LOVE BOOKS ABOUT BOOKS! SO YA I WILL RECOMMEND THIS FOR EVERYONE WHO NEEDS A LIGHT AND HEARTWARMING READ.
Thank you to Bloomsbury Publishing for providing an advance copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Thank you to Bloomsbury Publishing for providing an advance copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 2,839 reviews