You have probably heard of the “Before the Coffee Gets Cold” series by Toshikazu Kawaguchi, a series of four novels exploring love, regret, and time travel. But do you know the best order to read them?
Although each book can be read as a standalone, there is a chronological order that connects the stories and characters and reveals more details and secrets about the mysterious café that allows its customers to travel back in time for as long as their coffee stays warm. So follow on and I will tell you the best order to read this series, and what you can expect from each book.
The Best Order To Read “Before The Coffee Gets Cold” Series
1. Before the Coffee Gets Cold: This is the first book that introduces the café and its rules and tells the stories of four customers who want to travel back in time for different reasons.
2. Tales from the Café: This is the second book that continues the stories of some of the characters from the first book, and introduces new ones who also seek to change their past or future.
3. Before Your Memory Fades: This is the third book that focuses on the café staff and their personal journeys through time, as well as revealing more secrets about the café itself.
4. Before We Say Goodbye: This is the fourth and final book that wraps up the series with a touching and surprising conclusion, and shows how the café has changed the lives of many people.
Before The Coffee Gets Cold
This is the first book in the series, and it introduces the café and its rules, as well as four customers who want to use the time-traveling service for different reasons. The stories are:
Husband and Wife: A woman named Kumi wants to see her husband who has Alzheimer’s and doesn’t recognize her anymore. She hopes to relive a happy memory with him before he forgets her completely.
Lover: A woman named Fumiko wants to stop her boyfriend from leaving her for his dream job in the United States. She hopes to convince him to stay with her or at least say goodbye properly.
Sister: A woman named Hirai wants to see her sister who died in an accident. She hopes to apologize for their fight and tell her how much she loves her.
Mother and Child: A woman named Kei wants to meet her daughter whom she gave up for adoption. She hopes to see how she is doing and tell her the truth about her birth.
Each story explores the themes of love, regret, and choice, and shows how the characters deal with the consequences of their actions. Click here for reading more detailed summary and review of this book.
Tales From The Café
This is the second book in the series, and it continues the stories of some of the characters from the first book, as well as introduces new ones who also seek to change their past or future. The stories are:
The Lovers’ Parting: This story follows Goro, Fumiko’s ex-boyfriend who left for the United States. He returns to Japan after five years and visits the café, hoping to see Fumiko again and make amends.
The Man Who Doesn’t Drink Coffee: This story follows Kohtake, a regular customer who never orders coffee. He reveals that he is actually a ghost who died in a fire at the café 30 years ago. He wants to see his wife who survived the fire and moved on with her life.
The Woman Who Travels Through Time: This story follows Nagare, a young man who works at a bookstore. He falls in love with a mysterious woman who visits his store every day and buys books about time travel. He discovers that she is actually a customer of the café who travels back in time every day to relive her romance with a man who died.
The Man Who Waits for His Wife: This story follows Kazu, the barista of the café who knows all about its secrets. He reveals that he is actually waiting for his wife who traveled back in time 22 years ago and never returned. He hopes that she will come back before he dies.
Each story explores the themes of fate, destiny, and hope, and shows how the characters cope with their losses and dreams.
Before Your Memory Fades
This is the third book in the series, and it focuses on the café staff and their personal journeys through time, as well as revealing more secrets about the café itself. The stories are:
The Woman Who Makes Coffee: This story follows Nagisa, a waitress who works at the café. She wants to travel back in time to see her father who died when she was young. She hopes to learn more about him and his passion for coffee.
The Man Who Serves Coffee: This story follows Ryosuke, a waiter who works at the café. He wants to travel back in time to see his mother who abandoned him when he was a child. He hopes to understand why she left him and forgive her.
The Woman Who Owns The Café: This story follows Fusagi, the owner of the café who inherited it from her grandmother. She wants to travel back in time to see her grandmother who taught her everything about coffee and time travel. She hopes to thank her for her gift and legacy.
The Man Who Loves Coffee: This story follows Kazu again, who finally decides to travel back in time to see his wife who disappeared 22 years ago. He hopes to find out what happened to her and why she never came back.
Each story explores the themes of family, memory, and gratitude, and shows how the characters discover more about themselves and their loved ones.
Before We Say Goodbye
This is the fourth and final book in the series, and it wraps up the series with a touching and surprising conclusion and shows how the café has changed the lives of many people. The stories are:
The Woman Who Returns to the Past: This story follows Fusagi again, who travels back in time to see her grandmother one last time. She learns a shocking truth about her grandmother and the origin of the café.
The Man Who Changes the Future: This story follows Ryosuke again, who travels back in time to see his mother one last time. He changes his mother’s decision and alters his own future.
The Woman Who Meets Her Future Self: This story follows Nagisa again, who travels back in time to see her father one last time. She meets her future self and receives a message from her.
The Man Who Drinks Before We Say Goodbye: This story follows Kazu again, who travels back in time to see his wife one last time. He faces a difficult choice and makes a sacrifice for his love.
Each story explores the themes of truth, change, and sacrifice, and shows how the characters find closure and peace.
FAQ’s
I have also mentioned some frequently asked questions related to this series. Make sure to check out that as well!
Should I read Before the Coffee Gets Cold in Order?
Yes, It is recommended to read the series in order, as the books are connected by the same setting and characters, and there are references and spoilers to the previous books in the later ones. Reading the series in order will help you understand the plot and the character development better, and enjoy the stories more. 😊
How Many Books/Chapters Are in the “Before The Coffee Gets Cold” Series?
There are four books/chapters in the series:
1. Before the Coffee Gets Cold
2. Tales from the Café
3. Before Your Memory Fades
4. Before We Say Goodbye
Conclusion
The “Before The Coffee Gets Cold” series is a heartwarming and thought-provoking series that will make you appreciate the precious moments of life. The stories are simple yet profound, and the characters are relatable and realistic. The series also offers a unique perspective on time travel, as it is not about changing history or saving the world, but about facing oneself and one’s emotions.
If you are looking for a series that will make you feel and think, you should definitely read this series in this order. You won’t regret it. ☕️
