Title : Before We Say Good Bye
Author : Toshikazu Gawaguchi
Published date : September 2021
Genres : Magical Realism | Time Travel |Science Fiction
Length : 182
Favorite Character : __
Rating : ⭐️⭐️⭐️
☕ Before We Say Goodbye – A Quiet, Heartfelt Farewell
By Toshikazu Kawaguchi | Thoughts on Goodbyes, Memories, and Letting Go
🌸 Summary
In Before We Say Goodbye, we return to the quiet little café in Tokyo where, if you sit in a specific seat and follow a few strict rules, you can travel back in time—for just the length of one cup of coffee.
But as always, there’s a catch: you can’t leave your seat. You can’t meet someone who’s never visited the café. And no matter what happens, the present won’t change.
Still, people keep coming. Because sometimes, all we want is one more moment—just a little more time to say the things we couldn’t say before.
In this final installment of the series, we meet new visitors each carrying their own pain, hopes, and questions: a daughter longing to meet the mother she never knew, a man trying to say goodbye to his wife, and others who are trying to make peace with the past.
💭 My Thoughts
Reading this book felt like sitting in that very café—quiet, thoughtful, and full of emotion. It’s not dramatic or flashy, but it makes you feel. There were so many moments that made me pause, reflect, and think about the people I’ve loved and lost, and the words I’ve never said out loud.
Kawaguchi’s writing is simple and soft. It doesn’t rush. It doesn’t shout. It just… gently speaks to your heart.
And even though this is the fourth book in the series, it doesn’t feel tired. Yes, the rules are the same. The setup is familiar. But the emotions? They still hit hard.
This one felt more personal to me—more like a real goodbye. Not just for the characters, but for the readers too. And somehow, that made it even more special.
🖋️ What I Loved
- The stories are short, but they stay with you.
- It’s emotional without being heavy.
- You don’t need big plot twists to be moved—just honest, quiet moments.
- It reminds you to treasure the people in your life now.
🔁 What Could Be Better
If you’ve read the previous books, some parts might feel repetitive. The time travel rules haven’t changed, and the stories follow a similar rhythm.
But honestly? I didn’t mind. The familiarity was comforting, like revisiting a place you love. And each character still brought something new.
🌼 A Favorite Quote
“Even if my voice can’t reach her, I want her to know—what we had was real. She mattered.”
That line stayed with me. Sometimes, the most important words are the ones we say too late—but saying them at all still matters.
💬 A Question for You
If you could go back for just five minutes and talk to someone you’ve lost—or someone you never got to properly say goodbye to—what would you say?
Would it be “I’m sorry”? “Thank you”? Or maybe just, “I love you”?
I’d love to hear your answers in the comments. This book really made me think, and maybe it will do the same for you.
📚 Final Thoughts
Before We Say Goodbye is a gentle, emotional ending to a beautiful series. It’s about memory, love, and the quiet strength it takes to let go. If you’ve read the earlier books, this one brings everything full circle. And if you haven’t started yet, I promise—it’s worth the journey.
Sometimes we don’t need big endings. Just a soft, honest one. One that lets us say: “I’m okay now. Thank you.”
📝 Quick Recap of the Series
- Before the Coffee Gets Cold — Where the magic begins
- Tales from the Café — New stories, same warm café
- Before Your Memory Fades — A different location, same longing hearts
- Before We Say Goodbye — One last visit, one final cup, one quiet goodbye
💌 Thanks for Reading
If this book touched your heart like it did mine, or if you’ve ever wished for just a little more time with someone you’ve loved, I hope you’ll give this one a read.
Until next time—take care, and don’t forget to say the things that matter while you still can 💛
✨__Firdos_Abdul__✨