Hey, what’s up?

I recently read The Full Moon Coffee Shop by Japanese author Mai Mochizuki, translated into English by Jesse Kirkwood. Since it’s originally written in Japanese, translation was essential — and I must say, it was beautifully done. Today, I’ll be sharing a short review!

I’d rate the book 7 out of 10. It’s a unique read that weaves in many life lessons. One that stood out to me is this: no matter how old you are, it’s never too late to pursue what you’ve always wanted. The challenges we face and the failures we endure aren’t wasted — they’re simply preparing us for what’s ahead.

Before getting into the story itself, let’s talk about the author and translator. Mai Mochizuki was born and raised in Kyoto, and she has quite a collection of works under her belt. Some of her books have even been adapted into manga and anime — if you’re curious, check out Sanjay no Holmes. As for Jesse Kirkwood, he’s a British-born professional translator who specialises in fiction. I think he did a fantastic job with this book; not every translator can capture the nuance and emotion that an author intends, but he certainly managed to convey Mochizuki’s charm and message.

Now, onto the book. The story centres around a whimsical, fictional coffee shop run by… cats. But these aren’t ordinary cats — they read the astrological signs of their customers. The coffee shop itself appears in random locations, and only certain people are chosen to enter. In the book, the cats explain (through the lens of astrology) why certain things happen in a person’s life, and they guide each customer on how to move forward.

What I found especially interesting is that all the customers are actually childhood friends. The final chapter ties everything together, giving a short but satisfying conclusion to each of their stories.

I don’t personally believe in astrology, but I still found the premise refreshing and unique. And the good news? There’s a sequel on the way — Best Wishes from the Full Moon Coffee Shop — set to be published this October. I’ll definitely be picking it up!

Thanks for reading my review. Until next time — and stay tuned for my next book review!