If you return to the past, what are you planning to do? "Before the coffee gets cold" centers around a little café in Tokyo that holds a secret - besides coffee, there's a chance to travel back in time. However, specific rules must be followed and the time travel only lasts as long as it takes for the coffee to get cold. This Japanese translated literature just became my new favorite! At first, several characters (café customers and staff members) were introduced at once and it was a bit hard to keep track. But soon I was wholly engrossed in the story and read this book in two sittings. Through lyrical writing, Kawaguchi delivers interconnected stories that alternate between present day and flashbacks of the characters' backstory. Throughout the plot, we grasp how the characters relate to each other and their motives to travel in time. The author beautifully tackles regret, hope, family and love by showing the alteration of each character life's perception after going through time-travel. I didn't have a favorite story as I absolutely loved all of them and I thought that Kawaguchi brought everything together excellently. Moreover, the mystery constantly kept me interested. The part regarding coffee beans, brewing method and aroma made me fall in love with coffee as a whole "culture". While the story-telling structure might be confusing for some readers, I thought that it was executed in its brilliancy and it worked well for me. I enjoyed this book so much that I only wish there was even more depth in the characters' story. "Before the coffee gets cold" is an inspiring time-travelling novel that I found incredibly memorable - it was emotional yet poignant. It is perfect for readers who enjoy a great translated literature or those interested in a unique time-travel plot. Now I am excited to watch the movie. [ I received a complimentary copy from the publisher - Hanover Square Press - in exchange for an honest review ]