I decided to write a review on this book I recently read, like not long ago, 'Welcome to the Hyunam-Dong Bookshop'. I picked up this book (on my kindle) in a right timing. You know, some books just find you at the right time, right when you need them. Thanks to my flexi workload, I finished the book in just 3 days. I spent 5 hours per day to read it. The book wrapped me in a very heartwarming and comforting.
At first, I did find the start of the book a bit stilted and kind of wondered what the point was, but in retrospect it is setting the scene before we get into the characters’ stories. The latter half is more emotional and ‘alive’ as it all comes together. It’s a sweet story with depth that increases over time. What stood out most for me, however, was the way the characters interact. The book revolves around a diverse group of individuals – a barista, a coffee roaster, and a range of customers – all navigating their own challenges. All of them deal with very human, very common and relatable life problems. After all, i think i love that the book gives me the perspectives of so many generations, the outlook of older like gen z, boomers and also millennial.
The conversations between these characters felt so real, almost like overhearing a chat in a cozy café. Their voices spoke of the very issues we all deal with, making it easy to connect with them. <3
There’s also a part in the story where the protagonist has to figure out how to keep an independent bookstore afloat in a small, tight-knit neighborhood. I found myself completely absorbed in her journey of survival, and as she brainstormed ways to make money and keep the shop running, I started to think, “I’m not sure I’m cut out to own a bookstore.” But it’s so much more than that. There’s a particularly poignant moment when a group of people expresses their desire to open a bookstore, and the shopkeeper warns them that they shouldn’t expect to make any money – they might even lose it. This, to me, was a sharp commentary on the capitalist world we live in. We are often told we must work tirelessly, sacrifice time for our hobbies, and face the harsh reality that some dreams might not be as financially rewarding as we hope.
In today’s society, where the pressure to succeed financially is so intense, it’s easy to forget that not everything is about money. That’s where the book shines – while it acknowledges the struggle for financial sustainability, it also encourages following your passion. The protagonist’s journey wasn’t about getting rich; it was about doing something that felt right, even if the monetary rewards were low. And in that way, the book offers a balance of realism and hope.
But the book also encouraging like if this is your dream, go ahead and do it (just keep monetary expectation low)
My favorite scene in this book:
My absolute favorite scene in the book comes toward the end when Yeongju, the independent bookstore owner, explains why she doesn’t stock bestsellers. To her, bestsellers represent a society that has stopped reading, a society that is only interested in what is popular rather than what is meaningful. This struck me deeply because, in a world dominated by trends, it’s easy to forget the value of books that might not be on the bestseller lists but hold timeless wisdom or offer perspectives we don't often hear.
Minjun, the barista in the book, also undergoes a fascinating transformation. He begins his journey with a simple goal – to be good at his job. But as time passes, his dedication to perfecting the art of coffee-making evolves. He finds passion in a seemingly mundane task, and this mirrors my own journey with kefir. What started as a simple experiment grew into something I genuinely care about. This transformation, though different in its context, felt incredibly relatable.
The book also touches on a major life lesson: it’s not as simple as just doing what you love and expecting happiness to follow.
Life, especially when it comes to passion projects and entrepreneurship, is full of challenges, hard work, and sacrifices. The independent bookstore owner’s struggles illustrate this truth beautifully – there’s no guaranteed success, no roadmap to follow, and no guarantee of happiness. But it’s the pursuit of something meaningful that makes it all worthwhile.
Even though I may not be a traditional bookworm, I’ve always loved reading for the simple reason that books open up worlds I can’t physically visit and experiences I can’t personally have. Welcome to the Hyunam-Dong Bookshop offered just that – a beautiful escape into a world that, though fictional, felt like home.
There were so many wonderful quotes in this book, was highlighting so many pages. So here is a collection of my favorite ones from the book.
- 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. In the novels I like, the characters are like isolated islands. In the novels I love, the characters used to be like isolated islands, until their fates gradually intertwined; the kind of stories where you whisper, 'You were here?' and a voice answers, 'Yes, always.
- Life is too complicated and expansive to be judged solely by the career you have. You could be unhappy doing something you liked, just as it was possible to do what you didn't like but derive happiness from something entirely different. Life is mysterious and complex. Work plays an important role in life, but it isn't solely responsible for our happiness or misery.
- 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. In the novels I like, the characters are like isolated islands. In the novels I love, the characters used to be like isolated islands, until their fates gradually intertwined; the kind of stories where you whisper, 'You were here?' and a voice answers, 'Yes, always.
- A life surrounded by good people is a successful life. It might not be success as defined by society, but thanks to the people around you, each day is a successful day.
- When Mincheol's mother said 'I want to be called by my name - Heejoo'. Let's do another round of introductions, not as someone's wife or someone's mother.
- Doing what you like doesn't guarantee happiness. Unless you're also in an excellent environment, then maybe. If you're in an ill-suited environment, what you enjoy can become something you want to give up.
- Happiness is never too far away.’ ‘That’s what I wanted to say.’ ‘About happiness?’ ‘Yes, I wanted to say happiness is never beyond reach. It’s not in the distant past, nor on the horizon of the future. It’s right in front of me. Like that day’s beer, and today’s quince tea.
- Dissonance before moments of harmony makes the harmony sound beautiful. Just as harmony and dissonance exist side by side in music, life is the same. Because harmony is preceded by dissonance, that's why we think life is beautiful.
- I should stop labelling myself an inadequate person. I still have opportunities, don’t I? Opportunities to act kindly, to speak with compassion. Even a disappointing human like myself can still be, occasionally, a good person.
- Running a bookshop is no romantic dream. But if you're determined to start one, I'd say do it. You need to do it so that you have no regrets in the future. So simple yet powerful.
- You shouldn't rush into an answer.
