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Welcome to the Hyunam-dong Bookshop
There was only one thing on her mind.
I must start a bookshop.
Yeong-ju did everything she was supposed to, go to university, marry a decent man, get a respectable job. Then it all fell apart. Burned out, Yeong-ju abandons her old life, quits her high-flying career, divorces her husband, and follows her dream. She opens a bookshop.
In a quaint neighbourhood in Seoul, surrounded by books, Yeong-ju and her customers take refuge. From the lonely barista to the unhappily married housewife, and the writer who sees something special in Yeong-ju - they all have disappointments in their past. The Hyunam-Dong Bookshop becomes the place where they all learn how to truly live.
Welcome to the Hyunam-Dong Bookshop is a heart-warming story about finding comfort and acceptance in your life - and the healing power of books.
I must start a bookshop.
Yeong-ju did everything she was supposed to, go to university, marry a decent man, get a respectable job. Then it all fell apart. Burned out, Yeong-ju abandons her old life, quits her high-flying career, divorces her husband, and follows her dream. She opens a bookshop.
In a quaint neighbourhood in Seoul, surrounded by books, Yeong-ju and her customers take refuge. From the lonely barista to the unhappily married housewife, and the writer who sees something special in Yeong-ju - they all have disappointments in their past. The Hyunam-Dong Bookshop becomes the place where they all learn how to truly live.
Welcome to the Hyunam-Dong Bookshop is a heart-warming story about finding comfort and acceptance in your life - and the healing power of books.
336 pages, Hardcover
First published January 17, 2022
About the author
Hwang Bo-Reum
3 books415 followersHwang Bo-reum studied Computer Science and worked as a software engineer. She wrote several essay collections: I Read Every Day, I Tried Kickboxing for the First Time and This Distance is Perfect. Welcome to the Hyunam-dong Bookshop is her first novel, which has sold over 150,000 copies in Korea and been sold into 9 territories. Before its release as a paperback, the novel was initially published as an e-book after winning an open contest co-organised by Korean content-publishing platform ‘Brunch’.
대학에서 컴퓨터공학을 전공하고 LG전자에서 소프트웨어 개발자로 일했다. 몇 번의 입사와 퇴사를 반복하면서도 매일 읽고 쓰는 사람으로서의 정체성은 잃지 않고 있다. 지은 책으로 『매일 읽겠습니다』, 『난생처음 킥복싱』, 『이 정도 거리가 딱 좋다』가 있다.
대학에서 컴퓨터공학을 전공하고 LG전자에서 소프트웨어 개발자로 일했다. 몇 번의 입사와 퇴사를 반복하면서도 매일 읽고 쓰는 사람으로서의 정체성은 잃지 않고 있다. 지은 책으로 『매일 읽겠습니다』, 『난생처음 킥복싱』, 『이 정도 거리가 딱 좋다』가 있다.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 5,473 reviews
October 1, 2023
In Korea, this book’s genre is described as “healing fiction” which contrasts to the western fiction’s “book you cannot put down” speed that often is required to reach the best sellers list. This book intentionally slows down time in its short chapters that reads from various characters’ views. It’s not a book to be enjoyed on the tube journey to work as the book requires peace and space to enjoy fully—but instead, I recommend this as an excellent warming evening book with a cup of tea.
Similar to “I Want to Die but I Want to Eat Tteokbokki” that enjoys popularity outside of Korea but relatively unknown in Seoul, this book also isn’t a best seller in the traditional lists in Korea (although currently rising in ranks). I wonder whether the reason is its subject matter. It gently pokes at culturally difficult subjects—divorce, cutting ties with family, quitting a successful job that pays well etc. While these are elements that are accepted in western countries (and even welcomed in this generation), I hope readers start this book understanding just how harshly judged these subjects still are in Korea. This is a beautiful book portraying how much depth and courage is required for anyone who ventures out on his/her own speed and direction in a society that celebrates uniformity. It’s a book that reminds us it’s ok to slow down and find your own unique path.
Similar to “I Want to Die but I Want to Eat Tteokbokki” that enjoys popularity outside of Korea but relatively unknown in Seoul, this book also isn’t a best seller in the traditional lists in Korea (although currently rising in ranks). I wonder whether the reason is its subject matter. It gently pokes at culturally difficult subjects—divorce, cutting ties with family, quitting a successful job that pays well etc. While these are elements that are accepted in western countries (and even welcomed in this generation), I hope readers start this book understanding just how harshly judged these subjects still are in Korea. This is a beautiful book portraying how much depth and courage is required for anyone who ventures out on his/her own speed and direction in a society that celebrates uniformity. It’s a book that reminds us it’s ok to slow down and find your own unique path.
February 12, 2024
In a Nutshell: An ode to books and the power they have on us. A bit too optimistic and preachy at times, but if you can handle slow-paced, character-oriented fiction focussed on an indie bookstore and the characters within, this Korean translation is a good option.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Story Synopsis:
Bookish Yays:
📚 A book about books and bookstores! Surely that has to be the biggest attraction of this work! This novel is like an ode to all things connected to books, indie bookshops, writers, and readers. I love how it focussed on the healing and enlightening power of books.
📚 Yeong-ju – for everything she does for the bookshop. She begins almost as a cloistered person unaware of her mistakes, but she is ready to learn and incorporate practical advice for the betterment of her venture. The book is almost like a coming-of-age story for her, though she is in her late thirties. I especially loved how she was not portrayed as a reclusive geeky introvert just because she owned a bookshop, nor was she shown as being perfect in her bookish knowledge.
📚 Loved the insight this story threw on the running of a contemporary bookstore. It doesn’t stop at what most books about bookstores do – just talking about stocking and selling. Rather, it depicts the challenges of being an indie bookstore in the modern era dominated by screens.
📚 Coffee also has an important role to play in this story. Not complaining, because I do love the brew, albeit mainly in its Indian variant. Through Minjun – the barista at the bookshop, we get to read several interesting trivia about coffee.
📚 The vivid setting. Be it the bookstore or the coffee roasting factory, the writing is so realistic that I could almost smell the books and the coffee. It immersed me in the two places such that I felt one with the story.
📚 The characters in the story, each of whom comes with their own baggage. But this never overwhelms the plot. All the characters have past secrets or present dilemmas, but they are taking baby steps towards a hopeful future. Most of them are well-layered, making their character arc quite interesting. What also helps is that most characters have opted for the road not taken in terms of their professional life. This makes their journey an atypical one, especially considering the Korean cultural setting.
📚 The problems faced by the characters are hardly ever abstract. They battle common challenges such as marital discord, parental expectations, career issues, work-life balance, and personal ambitions. This makes them very relatable. The central themes seem to be ‘find your tribe’ and ‘accept yourself’, neither of which is earth-shattering but is still so-very-important to keep in mind.
📚 Some stunning quotes (mostly but not always about books) that made me stop reading and reflect on the beauty and realism of the words.
📚 The author’s note at the end – really sweet and touching. I could actually sense her excitement over this debut work.
Bookish Yays-For-Me-Possible-Nay-For-Others:
📖 As a literary fiction, this book is not twisty or action-packed. The pace is slow, and the writing is character-oriented. There is no overarching plot as such. The story is almost episodic at times, with the episodes still being interconnected and progressive. All of these points are common features of literary fiction as well as Korean dramatic fiction. As I was prepared for these, I didn’t have a problem while reading.
Bookish Nays:
📕 The plot drags much in between, sometimes because of a tendency towards over-elaboration. Many scenes involving formal or informal conversations (such as the book club conversation or the explanation about how a button on a shirt is a simile for the goals of life) are needlessly extended.
📕 The story gets a bit too sweet at times. There is not a single conflict on page; all the battles are fought within. Moreover, the plot makes the solution to the issues too simplistic and perfect. What indie bookstore is thriving this way in today’s cutthroat business environment?
📕 At times, the author’s personal voice seeps into the writing, which then becomes quite preachy. This didactic approach doesn’t help the novel, all the more as the life lessons are mostly typical and not out of the box.
All in all, despite some reservations, I did enjoy this literary fiction work to a great extent. The translation seems to be on point, through only a native speaker would be able to judge this properly.
Recommended only to literary fiction lovers who would love a book about bookshops and all things within. It is a mood read, and a book not to be rushed through but to be savoured. This debut novel was a bestseller in Korea, and I can see why.
4 stars.
My thanks to Bloomsbury Publishing Plc (UK & ANZ) and NetGalley for the DRC of “Welcome to the Hyunam-dong Bookshop”. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Connect with me through:
My Blog | The StoryGraph | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Story Synopsis:
Yeong-ju has abandoned her old life, which involved doing all things as dictated by her family and the society, and followed her dreams by setting up a bookshop in an old-fashioned neighbourhood in Seoul. She knows nothing about running an indie bookstore, but learns along the way.
The story depicts Yeong-ju’s journey towards inner peace and business success, while also focussing on the other people around her – her employees, business partners, associate authors, and customers – and their personal journeys of self-discovery.
The story is written in the third person perspective of various characters, but comes primarily through Yeong-ju’s eyes.
Bookish Yays:
📚 A book about books and bookstores! Surely that has to be the biggest attraction of this work! This novel is like an ode to all things connected to books, indie bookshops, writers, and readers. I love how it focussed on the healing and enlightening power of books.
📚 Yeong-ju – for everything she does for the bookshop. She begins almost as a cloistered person unaware of her mistakes, but she is ready to learn and incorporate practical advice for the betterment of her venture. The book is almost like a coming-of-age story for her, though she is in her late thirties. I especially loved how she was not portrayed as a reclusive geeky introvert just because she owned a bookshop, nor was she shown as being perfect in her bookish knowledge.
📚 Loved the insight this story threw on the running of a contemporary bookstore. It doesn’t stop at what most books about bookstores do – just talking about stocking and selling. Rather, it depicts the challenges of being an indie bookstore in the modern era dominated by screens.
📚 Coffee also has an important role to play in this story. Not complaining, because I do love the brew, albeit mainly in its Indian variant. Through Minjun – the barista at the bookshop, we get to read several interesting trivia about coffee.
📚 The vivid setting. Be it the bookstore or the coffee roasting factory, the writing is so realistic that I could almost smell the books and the coffee. It immersed me in the two places such that I felt one with the story.
📚 The characters in the story, each of whom comes with their own baggage. But this never overwhelms the plot. All the characters have past secrets or present dilemmas, but they are taking baby steps towards a hopeful future. Most of them are well-layered, making their character arc quite interesting. What also helps is that most characters have opted for the road not taken in terms of their professional life. This makes their journey an atypical one, especially considering the Korean cultural setting.
📚 The problems faced by the characters are hardly ever abstract. They battle common challenges such as marital discord, parental expectations, career issues, work-life balance, and personal ambitions. This makes them very relatable. The central themes seem to be ‘find your tribe’ and ‘accept yourself’, neither of which is earth-shattering but is still so-very-important to keep in mind.
📚 Some stunning quotes (mostly but not always about books) that made me stop reading and reflect on the beauty and realism of the words.
📚 The author’s note at the end – really sweet and touching. I could actually sense her excitement over this debut work.
Bookish Yays-For-Me-Possible-Nay-For-Others:
📖 As a literary fiction, this book is not twisty or action-packed. The pace is slow, and the writing is character-oriented. There is no overarching plot as such. The story is almost episodic at times, with the episodes still being interconnected and progressive. All of these points are common features of literary fiction as well as Korean dramatic fiction. As I was prepared for these, I didn’t have a problem while reading.
Bookish Nays:
📕 The plot drags much in between, sometimes because of a tendency towards over-elaboration. Many scenes involving formal or informal conversations (such as the book club conversation or the explanation about how a button on a shirt is a simile for the goals of life) are needlessly extended.
📕 The story gets a bit too sweet at times. There is not a single conflict on page; all the battles are fought within. Moreover, the plot makes the solution to the issues too simplistic and perfect. What indie bookstore is thriving this way in today’s cutthroat business environment?
📕 At times, the author’s personal voice seeps into the writing, which then becomes quite preachy. This didactic approach doesn’t help the novel, all the more as the life lessons are mostly typical and not out of the box.
All in all, despite some reservations, I did enjoy this literary fiction work to a great extent. The translation seems to be on point, through only a native speaker would be able to judge this properly.
Recommended only to literary fiction lovers who would love a book about bookshops and all things within. It is a mood read, and a book not to be rushed through but to be savoured. This debut novel was a bestseller in Korea, and I can see why.
4 stars.
My thanks to Bloomsbury Publishing Plc (UK & ANZ) and NetGalley for the DRC of “Welcome to the Hyunam-dong Bookshop”. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Connect with me through:
My Blog | The StoryGraph | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter
January 2, 2024
Um ótimo livro para as pessoas que estão perdidas e em busca de um sentido.
January 16, 2024
Annyeonghaseyo! Welcome to the Hyunam-dong Bookshop!
Yeongju's dream is to open a bookshop.
The characters in the novel face personal challenges like loneliness, career doubts, and family issues.
The book captures the spirit of a close-knit neighbourhood.
The book celebrates the power of second chances, friendship, and the magic of books.
This is a lighthearted book that will absolutely delight you.
Yeongju's dream is to open a bookshop.
The characters in the novel face personal challenges like loneliness, career doubts, and family issues.
The book captures the spirit of a close-knit neighbourhood.
The book celebrates the power of second chances, friendship, and the magic of books.
This is a lighthearted book that will absolutely delight you.
February 17, 2024
um livro de quem ama ler pra quem ama ler
March 16, 2024
“As if trying her best to mend a broken friendship from her childhood, she immersed herself into the books, day and night, never leaving their side. It didn’t take long for their treasured relationship to rekindle. The books welcomed her back with open arms without judging the person she’d become, and accepted her for who she was.”
In the wake of her divorce and burned out from a demanding career, Yeongju, a woman in her mid-late thirties, decides to make a fresh start and pursues her dream of owning a bookshop. Being surrounded by her favorite books and the responsibility of running her own business gradually prompted her to embark on a journey of healing and self-acceptance. It’s not an easy road and there will be moments of self-doubt, the stress of running an independent bookshop and unresolved past trauma but along the way, she meets several people who will become an integral part of her daily life – peers, colleagues, friends –those who look to her for inspiration and from whom she receives kindness and support enabling her to effect positive changes in her life.
"Isn’t that what life is about? Forging forward with the answer you have – stumbling along the way and picking yourself up – only to one day realise that the answer you’ve held on to for a long time is not the right one. When that happens, it’s time to look for the next answer. That’s how ordinary folks, like herself, live. Over our life span, the right answer will keep changing.”
I found Welcome to the Hyunam-Dong Bookshop by Hwang Bo-reum (translated by Shanna Tan) to be an insightful, charming and thought-provoking read. There is no doubt of how avid readers feel about the role of books in their lives. A bookshop is a haven for book lovers and The Hyunam-Dong Bookshop is no exception. I loved how the author tackles the theme of second chances, not only in terms of one’s career trajectory but also in terms of relationships. The characters and their struggles are real and relatable. Topics such as divorce, job satisfaction and career choices, loneliness and depression are addressed with compassion, wisdom and maturity. From a teenager on the cusp of adulthood to weary adults searching for direction everyone else in between, Yeongju’s bookshop provides a sense of security, belongingness and community– whether one wants to sit with a favorite book or in a corner pondering over life or share confidences over a cup of coffee. I thoroughly enjoyed the segments on the daily activities involved in running a bookshop as well as the book references mentioned throughout the narrative. It was a joy to read about Yeongju’s love for books, her courage to start over and how she inspires others to effect change in their lives in the course of her own transformative journey of healing and self-renewal.
The narrative does suffer from minor repetitiveness but this does not detract from the overall reading experience. The pace is on the slower side, but this suits the nature of the story. Overall, this is a beautifully penned novel that needs to be read with time and patience.
“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.”
Many thanks to Bloomsbury USA and NetGalley for the digital review copy. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. This novel was published in the USA on February 20, 2024.
Connect with me! ✏ Instagram ✏ My Blog ✏ The StoryGraph
In the wake of her divorce and burned out from a demanding career, Yeongju, a woman in her mid-late thirties, decides to make a fresh start and pursues her dream of owning a bookshop. Being surrounded by her favorite books and the responsibility of running her own business gradually prompted her to embark on a journey of healing and self-acceptance. It’s not an easy road and there will be moments of self-doubt, the stress of running an independent bookshop and unresolved past trauma but along the way, she meets several people who will become an integral part of her daily life – peers, colleagues, friends –those who look to her for inspiration and from whom she receives kindness and support enabling her to effect positive changes in her life.
"Isn’t that what life is about? Forging forward with the answer you have – stumbling along the way and picking yourself up – only to one day realise that the answer you’ve held on to for a long time is not the right one. When that happens, it’s time to look for the next answer. That’s how ordinary folks, like herself, live. Over our life span, the right answer will keep changing.”
I found Welcome to the Hyunam-Dong Bookshop by Hwang Bo-reum (translated by Shanna Tan) to be an insightful, charming and thought-provoking read. There is no doubt of how avid readers feel about the role of books in their lives. A bookshop is a haven for book lovers and The Hyunam-Dong Bookshop is no exception. I loved how the author tackles the theme of second chances, not only in terms of one’s career trajectory but also in terms of relationships. The characters and their struggles are real and relatable. Topics such as divorce, job satisfaction and career choices, loneliness and depression are addressed with compassion, wisdom and maturity. From a teenager on the cusp of adulthood to weary adults searching for direction everyone else in between, Yeongju’s bookshop provides a sense of security, belongingness and community– whether one wants to sit with a favorite book or in a corner pondering over life or share confidences over a cup of coffee. I thoroughly enjoyed the segments on the daily activities involved in running a bookshop as well as the book references mentioned throughout the narrative. It was a joy to read about Yeongju’s love for books, her courage to start over and how she inspires others to effect change in their lives in the course of her own transformative journey of healing and self-renewal.
The narrative does suffer from minor repetitiveness but this does not detract from the overall reading experience. The pace is on the slower side, but this suits the nature of the story. Overall, this is a beautifully penned novel that needs to be read with time and patience.
“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.”
Many thanks to Bloomsbury USA and NetGalley for the digital review copy. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. This novel was published in the USA on February 20, 2024.
Connect with me! ✏ Instagram ✏ My Blog ✏ The StoryGraph
September 23, 2024
So, is this the year or two or three that everyone is writing books about bookshops? Or am I just naturally gravitating to them? And, how can we not be attracted to this book cover? Also, for those of you who are not reading the print copy, the girl on the cover that is walking her dog…she and her dog is at the end of every single chapter. I love that!
Now, the question is, does the ambiance of the cover, match the story?
This is a Korean bestseller translated. It follows independent bookstore owner Yeongju and the people who are drawn to her shop in Seoul.
Yeongju who once worked corporate, opted to leave her burned out life to follow her dream of opening a bookshop in hopes that this would heal her life and draw in other lonely people who need comfort and refuge from the fast-paced world.
How will Yeongju be able to face her personal challenges? What will it take for her to find self-acceptance?
How best to describe this reading experience?
It is like a cup of hot cocoa in front of the fireplace. It is lighthearted with a touch of whimsy and warmth. As an example, characters engage in friendly witty conversations during their book club meetings. Can I attend, too?
There is a sympathetic, yet objective narrative voice that is easy to follow that feels non-judgmental and compassionate as readers witness characters’ actions, choices and thoughts. So, as readers it is almost like we are an observer hopeful for all the different characters that walk through the doors of the bookshop. Including us feeling hopeful for Yeongju.
But…it will be a slow paced-read…comforting, and yet, heart-warming. The question is, can you be a patient reader?
Now, the question is, does the ambiance of the cover, match the story?
This is a Korean bestseller translated. It follows independent bookstore owner Yeongju and the people who are drawn to her shop in Seoul.
Yeongju who once worked corporate, opted to leave her burned out life to follow her dream of opening a bookshop in hopes that this would heal her life and draw in other lonely people who need comfort and refuge from the fast-paced world.
How will Yeongju be able to face her personal challenges? What will it take for her to find self-acceptance?
How best to describe this reading experience?
It is like a cup of hot cocoa in front of the fireplace. It is lighthearted with a touch of whimsy and warmth. As an example, characters engage in friendly witty conversations during their book club meetings. Can I attend, too?
There is a sympathetic, yet objective narrative voice that is easy to follow that feels non-judgmental and compassionate as readers witness characters’ actions, choices and thoughts. So, as readers it is almost like we are an observer hopeful for all the different characters that walk through the doors of the bookshop. Including us feeling hopeful for Yeongju.
But…it will be a slow paced-read…comforting, and yet, heart-warming. The question is, can you be a patient reader?
December 15, 2023
I’m a bit sad to be giving this three stars. “Welcome to the Hyunam-dong Bookshop” is a bit of a love letter to readers, book clubs, reviewers, bookstores, and authors. It follows Yeong-ju, a South Korean woman who wants to get back to reading and opens a bookstore in Hyunam-dong, and things progress from there: to becoming a better reader, choosing which books to highlight, starting a bookclub, doing Q&As with authors… It’s also a very light, feel-good novel that I think many people may enjoy.
The book was, however, directionless. The first 30% of the book felt like strolling down the beach and watching a nice sunset, and the rest of it was just like being adrift in the sea. Things were moving, but there was no goal, they just moved. The story talks a lot about a key theme in Korean culture, its work culture and obsession with money, and it introduces discussions that are ‘less talked about’ in that context - anxiety, burning out, choosing a job you love even if it doesn’t make money, etc. I thought it was all really good, but it was all ‘just there.’
In retrospect, if I sit down and think about the book, I liked the themes, I liked the discussions it introduced, and I liked the story - I mean, I read, I write shitty reviews, I love talking about reading and memorizing quotes, and I mod a bookclub. But it just lacked something that tied it together. It had no ‘oomph’ or satisfying resolution to look forward to.
The book was, however, directionless. The first 30% of the book felt like strolling down the beach and watching a nice sunset, and the rest of it was just like being adrift in the sea. Things were moving, but there was no goal, they just moved. The story talks a lot about a key theme in Korean culture, its work culture and obsession with money, and it introduces discussions that are ‘less talked about’ in that context - anxiety, burning out, choosing a job you love even if it doesn’t make money, etc. I thought it was all really good, but it was all ‘just there.’
In retrospect, if I sit down and think about the book, I liked the themes, I liked the discussions it introduced, and I liked the story - I mean, I read, I write shitty reviews, I love talking about reading and memorizing quotes, and I mod a bookclub. But it just lacked something that tied it together. It had no ‘oomph’ or satisfying resolution to look forward to.
March 5, 2024
“Isn’t that what life is about? Forging forward with the answer you have – stumbling along the way and picking yourself up – only to one day realise that the answer you’ve held on to for a long time is not the right one . When that happens, it’s time to look for the next answer. That’s how ordinary folks, like herself, live. Over our life span, the right answer will keep changing.”
A balm for the soul, Welcome to the Hyunam-Dong Bookshop makes for the perfect comfort-read. Hwang Bo-reum’s storytelling was a delight, and I found myself wholly won over by how thoughtful and humane her novel is. A healing slice-of-life, Welcome to the Hyunam-Dong Bookshop around the Hyunam-dong Bookshop, located in a small residential neighborhood outside Seoul. We meet the owner, Yeongju, a woman who by her late 30s feels burnt-out, both by her professional life and her personal one. After divorcing her husband and quitting her job, Yeongju decides to fulfil her dream and opens a bookshop. But setting up a successful business is no easy feat, and in the first few months, Yeongju is still feeling emotionally drained. So she spends most of her days crying, or looking gloomy, which does little in terms of attracting new customers. She does have a regular, an older woman who is quite frank in pointing out Yeongju’s flaws when it comes to managing the bookshop. Yeongju ends up hiring a barista, Minjun, who is also dealing with doubts about his future (starting a ‘real’ career, and so on). We then meet new regulars, some of whom end up working at the bookshops, while others end up participating in its reading clubs and or attending its various events.
“Running an independent bookshop was like roaming a stretch of land without roads. There was no tried-and-tested business model. Bookshop owners live day by day, hesitant to plan too far ahead .”
We gain insight into their lives, their everyday worries, their thoughts on happiness and love, and their differentiating values (should you pursue a respectable high-paying career? Should you stay in an environment that is detrimental to your mental health? How do you cope with parental pressure? If you choose to follow your dreams, does that make you selfish?). I loved how despite their differences in age and personality, they are all trying to heal, to be a little less lost, a little less lonely.
“A curious feeling swept over her. The feeling of being accepted.”
We are given almost a documentary-like insight into the behind-the-scenes of running a bookshop. Yeongju has to come up with ways to attract more customers, she has to weigh whether she wants to stock books that are bound to sell (because they are written by a well-known author or were mentioned by someone famous) or whether she should treat all books the same way, regardless of the likelihood that they will be bought. And what to do when someone asks for a recommendation? As a bibliophile, I was utterly absorbed by this verisimilitude approach to the publishing and book-selling scenes. Not only is the book full of literary references but we also get to read about the characters’ different opinions of the same books, debate what is and what isn’t good writing, and so on.
“Because it’s our first life, worries are aplenty, and anxiety, too. Because it’s our first life, it’s precious. Because it’s our first life, nobody knows what’ll happen even in five minutes.”
I loved seeing the way they connect and support one another, and I found the pace of their blossoming friendships to be really believable. There are also some bittersweet moments. We have characters confronting painful memories, thinking back to past disappointments, and or struggling to see a more fulfilling future. The author allows her characters to question themselves, their past behaviors, and their present-day feelings. The way these characters change and or consider things felt very organic, and I was almost lulled by the realistic rhythm of their thoughts and their conversations. Throughout the novel, I found myself growing fond of the Hyunam-dong Bookshop and its people.
“All of you should find something you enjoy doing, something that makes you excited. Instead of pursuing what is recognised and valued by society, do what you like. If you can find it, you’ll not waver easily, no matter what others think. Be brave.”
Welcome to the Hyunam-Dong Bookshop is such a charming novel. Its heartwarming slice-of-life atmosphere wholly complemented Hwang's meditative and slightly melancholic storytelling. The characters, from their everyday worries to their longstanding regrets, felt like real people, and I was completely invested in their journeys. I can’t wait to read this again as I already miss Yeongju & co!
August 15, 2024
Women in Translation
어서 오세요, 휴남동 서점입니다
While I didn't dislike this novel in any way, it wasn't until the 80% mark that I couldn't put it down. This is listed as a cozy, which is fine, but it is in this very late 1/5 of the book where we delve deep into why Yeongju is the way she is. I'm glad they didn't give its usual stigma, especially in this area of the world.
📱 Thank you to NetGalley and Bloomsbury Publishing
어서 오세요, 휴남동 서점입니다
While I didn't dislike this novel in any way, it wasn't until the 80% mark that I couldn't put it down. This is listed as a cozy, which is fine, but it is in this very late 1/5 of the book where we delve deep into why Yeongju is the way she is. I'm glad they didn't give its usual stigma, especially in this area of the world.
📱 Thank you to NetGalley and Bloomsbury Publishing
October 26, 2023
Hwang Bo-reum’s episodic, debut novel reflects her desire to write something that makes people feel good and promotes community and connection. A massive bestseller in Korea, it centres on Yeongju whose life hasn’t turned out the way she planned. After deciding to start over, Yeongju returns to her first love, reading, and opens a bookshop in a peaceful district of Seoul. There Yeongju finds solace in stories, particularly ones that reflect aspects of her own experience, and slowly she’s able to confront the difficult emotions stemming from her traumatic past and messy divorce. At first business is shaky but slowly Yeongju turns things around, aided by barista Minjun who’s also looking for a better way to live. The shop gradually becomes a haven and a hub for local residents whose interactions with Yeongju and Minjun help them address their own issues and problems. Yes, it’s a little sentimental and life-lesson-y but it’s also a gentle, fluid, comfort read that’s often surprisingly likeable. Translated by Shanna Tan.
Thanks to Netgalley and publisher Bloomsbury for an ARC
Rating: 3 to 3.5
Thanks to Netgalley and publisher Bloomsbury for an ARC
Rating: 3 to 3.5
September 15, 2024
4,25
Historia przynosząca ciepło i ukojenie, lecz poruszająca czasami tematy, o których większość nie chce myśleć
Historia przynosząca ciepło i ukojenie, lecz poruszająca czasami tematy, o których większość nie chce myśleć
Read
January 2, 2024A wonderfully cozy novel which, rather than being led ever onwards by its plot, instead reflects the ebb and flow of ordinary life with charming and astonishing accuracy. This is the story of a woman who, after realising that she is chasing happiness, leaves her job, divorces her husband, and fulfils her dream of opening an independent bookshop.
My full thoughts: https://booksandbao.com/korean-novels...
My full thoughts: https://booksandbao.com/korean-novels...
January 31, 2024
Probably the slowest paced book I have ever read. (not always a bad thing but it is when it DRAGS).
I was expecting an actual story when I went into this, you know one with a beginning, middle and an end.
There are no characters to root for or to hate (but yes they ARE all incredibly boring).
Unfortunately this was just words on a page. Really monotonous.
If you enjoy philosophical plotless reads then you’ll love this.
I was expecting an actual story when I went into this, you know one with a beginning, middle and an end.
There are no characters to root for or to hate (but yes they ARE all incredibly boring).
Unfortunately this was just words on a page. Really monotonous.
If you enjoy philosophical plotless reads then you’ll love this.
March 7, 2024
The feminine urge to open a bookshop/coffee shop, host book clubs and writing seminars, write a blog/newspaper column about books, build a supportive community with your customers and employees, and pursue your dreams and personal happiness while also recognizing that there is no one method to achieve either.
This book was just so nourishing in every sense, with a contemplative meandering flow, rather than having a structured plot — which felt more true to life. I’ve really been enjoying these low stakes, cozy types of books where “nothing” happens.
I got the same feeling while reading it that I get when browsing a small independent bookshop — that for that certain period of time, I’m separate from the rush of the outside world, and fully present in the sacred task of finding a story that speaks to where I am in that moment — and that no matter how long I’ve spent there or whether I find what I’m looking for, I know it’s time well spent.
This book was just so nourishing in every sense, with a contemplative meandering flow, rather than having a structured plot — which felt more true to life. I’ve really been enjoying these low stakes, cozy types of books where “nothing” happens.
I got the same feeling while reading it that I get when browsing a small independent bookshop — that for that certain period of time, I’m separate from the rush of the outside world, and fully present in the sacred task of finding a story that speaks to where I am in that moment — and that no matter how long I’ve spent there or whether I find what I’m looking for, I know it’s time well spent.
August 16, 2024
Yeongju tu macam aku yang sekarang ni tau, terperuk dalam rutin harian yang memenatkan. Kerja office yang tak berpenghujung, jalan jem yang mencuri masa saban hari, semuanya membuatkan aku dahagakan sesuatu yang lebih.. slow, aman dan tenang.
"Selamat Datang ke Kedai Buku Hyunam-dong" adalah escape yang aku perlukan selepas penat menempuh perjalanan hidup yang serba material, serba duniawi, atau serba hilang arah, barangkali?
Alangkah bestnya kalau aku boleh jadii macam Yeongju, time tu juga dia ambil keputusan drastik untuk tinggalkan kerjaya yang memberi kestabilan dan buka "Hyunam-dong," sebuah kedai buku di kawasan kejiranan yang tenang. Bayangkan saat kau melangkah masuk ke kedai Yeongju, bau kertas lama bersemadi dalam aroma kopi yang digiling baru menari di ruang udara.. deretan buku disusun rapi mengikut genre, menanti untuk dijelajahi oleh pembaca yang dahagakan ketenangan jiwa. Hwaa...
6 bulan pertama adalah tempoh yang bukan mudah buat Yeongju. Dia bergelut dengan kesihatan mental kesan daripada tekanan yang dialaminya sebelum ini. Tapi perlahan-lahan dia mula keluar daripada tempurungnya. Yeongju kemudian mengupah Minjun, seorang barista muda yang ceria dan bersemangat, and things started to get much better bila kedai Yeongju mula dikunjungi pelanggan yang bukan sahaja mencari buku, malah mencari tempat untuk bersantai, berbual dan meluangkan masa bersama kengkawan.
I gotta say I love this book so much. And I prefer yang versi Melayu lagi berbanding English. Ada nuansa yang manis dalam tulisan kak Azzah. Dan bila situasi memerlukan, nuansa itu berubah menjadi masam dan adakalanya pahit. Walaupun novel ni bercerita tentang kehidupan seharian yang biasa, takde plot twist segala bagai, namun mesej dalam novel ni disampaikan dengan emosi yang tepat dan impactful, aku turut dapat merasakan apa yang dilalui oleh para watak dalam novel ni
Sebenarnya ini bukan sekadar cerita mengenai Yeongju buka kedai buku baru. Sebab setiap pelanggan yang berkunjung ke kedai dia membawa kisah tersendiri. Ada Minjun yang bercita -cita untuk membuka kafe sendiri, ada Jimi si tukang panggang kopi yang hebat, dorang selalu berkongsi pengalaman dan nasihat dengan Yeongju, hasil daripada pengalaman hidup dorang. Dan aku paling suka watak Jungsuh, seorang pelanggan tetap yang berjaya menghentak realiti aku tentang peri pentingnya mengejar impian walaupun usia dah melewati angka 30. Membaca conversation-nya dengan Yeongju umpama menelaah sebuah buku healing yang sangat relatable, ia buat aku bebetul tersentak dan berfikir sejenak. Manakala Mincheol, pelajar sekolah menengah yang sering berkunjung ke kedai bersama ibunya, membuat aku terfikir tentang harapan dan cita-cita anak muda yang baru belajar membaca peta dunia.
Dan Yeongju ni pula bukan sekadar penjual buku. Dia seorang pendengar yang baik dan sering berbual dengan pelanggan tentang kehidupan, kerjaya, dan impian mereka. Kalau korang pernah rasa hilang arah tuju dan tak tahu apa yang patut dilakukan seterusnya? Perbualan Yeongju dengan para pelanggannya akan buatkan kita sedar bahawa kebahagiaan tidak semestinya datang daripada gaji yang tinggi atau pangkat yang hebat. Kadang-kadang, kita hanya perlu memperlahankan rentak kehidupan, menghargai perkar - perkara kecil yang selama ini kita pandang enteng, dan mengejar apa yang buat kita gembira untuk berjumpa dengan bahagia dalam hidup.
Naratif novel ini sangat slow pace dan ringan tapi ia bukan bacaan ringan yang sekadar menghiburkan. Ia ibarat terapi jiwa yang membawa kita berfikir tentang kehidupan dengan lebih mendalam. Setiap bab dalam buku ini mengetengahkan topik yang menarik, membuatkan kita ingin terus membaca untuk mengetahui kisah seterusnya.
Kalau korang dah penat dgn buku begini begitu yang memberatkan, dan dahagakan bacaan yang santai tetapi meninggalkan kesan yang mendalam, "Selamat Datang ke Kedai Buku Hyunam-dong" adalah jawapannya. Buku ini sesuai untuk sesiapa sahaja yang pernah berasa tertekan, hilang arah, atau memerlukan suntikan semangat untuk menghadapi hari esok. Korang carilah ruang yang selesa, buat secangkir kopi atau teh, dan biarkan "Selamat Datang ke Kedai Buku Hyunam-dong" membawa korang menulusir dunia yang penuh dengan kehangatan, persahabatan, dan kisah - kisah yang akan meninggalkan kesan di lubuk hati korang.
Baca buku yang santai, review pun jadi santai kan? Nice one Karangkraf. 4.6 / 5 stars.
"Selamat Datang ke Kedai Buku Hyunam-dong" adalah escape yang aku perlukan selepas penat menempuh perjalanan hidup yang serba material, serba duniawi, atau serba hilang arah, barangkali?
Alangkah bestnya kalau aku boleh jadii macam Yeongju, time tu juga dia ambil keputusan drastik untuk tinggalkan kerjaya yang memberi kestabilan dan buka "Hyunam-dong," sebuah kedai buku di kawasan kejiranan yang tenang. Bayangkan saat kau melangkah masuk ke kedai Yeongju, bau kertas lama bersemadi dalam aroma kopi yang digiling baru menari di ruang udara.. deretan buku disusun rapi mengikut genre, menanti untuk dijelajahi oleh pembaca yang dahagakan ketenangan jiwa. Hwaa...
6 bulan pertama adalah tempoh yang bukan mudah buat Yeongju. Dia bergelut dengan kesihatan mental kesan daripada tekanan yang dialaminya sebelum ini. Tapi perlahan-lahan dia mula keluar daripada tempurungnya. Yeongju kemudian mengupah Minjun, seorang barista muda yang ceria dan bersemangat, and things started to get much better bila kedai Yeongju mula dikunjungi pelanggan yang bukan sahaja mencari buku, malah mencari tempat untuk bersantai, berbual dan meluangkan masa bersama kengkawan.
I gotta say I love this book so much. And I prefer yang versi Melayu lagi berbanding English. Ada nuansa yang manis dalam tulisan kak Azzah. Dan bila situasi memerlukan, nuansa itu berubah menjadi masam dan adakalanya pahit. Walaupun novel ni bercerita tentang kehidupan seharian yang biasa, takde plot twist segala bagai, namun mesej dalam novel ni disampaikan dengan emosi yang tepat dan impactful, aku turut dapat merasakan apa yang dilalui oleh para watak dalam novel ni
Sebenarnya ini bukan sekadar cerita mengenai Yeongju buka kedai buku baru. Sebab setiap pelanggan yang berkunjung ke kedai dia membawa kisah tersendiri. Ada Minjun yang bercita -cita untuk membuka kafe sendiri, ada Jimi si tukang panggang kopi yang hebat, dorang selalu berkongsi pengalaman dan nasihat dengan Yeongju, hasil daripada pengalaman hidup dorang. Dan aku paling suka watak Jungsuh, seorang pelanggan tetap yang berjaya menghentak realiti aku tentang peri pentingnya mengejar impian walaupun usia dah melewati angka 30. Membaca conversation-nya dengan Yeongju umpama menelaah sebuah buku healing yang sangat relatable, ia buat aku bebetul tersentak dan berfikir sejenak. Manakala Mincheol, pelajar sekolah menengah yang sering berkunjung ke kedai bersama ibunya, membuat aku terfikir tentang harapan dan cita-cita anak muda yang baru belajar membaca peta dunia.
Dan Yeongju ni pula bukan sekadar penjual buku. Dia seorang pendengar yang baik dan sering berbual dengan pelanggan tentang kehidupan, kerjaya, dan impian mereka. Kalau korang pernah rasa hilang arah tuju dan tak tahu apa yang patut dilakukan seterusnya? Perbualan Yeongju dengan para pelanggannya akan buatkan kita sedar bahawa kebahagiaan tidak semestinya datang daripada gaji yang tinggi atau pangkat yang hebat. Kadang-kadang, kita hanya perlu memperlahankan rentak kehidupan, menghargai perkar - perkara kecil yang selama ini kita pandang enteng, dan mengejar apa yang buat kita gembira untuk berjumpa dengan bahagia dalam hidup.
Naratif novel ini sangat slow pace dan ringan tapi ia bukan bacaan ringan yang sekadar menghiburkan. Ia ibarat terapi jiwa yang membawa kita berfikir tentang kehidupan dengan lebih mendalam. Setiap bab dalam buku ini mengetengahkan topik yang menarik, membuatkan kita ingin terus membaca untuk mengetahui kisah seterusnya.
Kalau korang dah penat dgn buku begini begitu yang memberatkan, dan dahagakan bacaan yang santai tetapi meninggalkan kesan yang mendalam, "Selamat Datang ke Kedai Buku Hyunam-dong" adalah jawapannya. Buku ini sesuai untuk sesiapa sahaja yang pernah berasa tertekan, hilang arah, atau memerlukan suntikan semangat untuk menghadapi hari esok. Korang carilah ruang yang selesa, buat secangkir kopi atau teh, dan biarkan "Selamat Datang ke Kedai Buku Hyunam-dong" membawa korang menulusir dunia yang penuh dengan kehangatan, persahabatan, dan kisah - kisah yang akan meninggalkan kesan di lubuk hati korang.
Baca buku yang santai, review pun jadi santai kan? Nice one Karangkraf. 4.6 / 5 stars.
September 21, 2024
j’avais vraiment pas besoin d’une énième raison d’ouvrir ma librairie café
August 6, 2023
Good things in books shouldn’t just stay in ink and on paper. I want things happening around me to be good stories that can be shared with others.
책에서 읽은 좋은 이야기들이 책 속에만 머물러 있지 않게 하고 싶어요. 내 삶 주변에서 일어나는 이야기들도 남에게 들려줄 만한 좋은 이야기가 될 수 있으면 좋겠어요.
Welcome to the Hyunam-Dong Bookshop is Shanna Tan’s 2023 translation of 어서 오세요, 휴남동 서점입니다 by 황보름 (Hwang Bo-reum), originally published in 2022.
This is a gentle love letter to the art of reading and to bookshops, the story of a woman, Yeongju, who quits her work and her marriage to find what really make her happy. I almost wrote “pursue her true passion” there but that would be to misread the novel as part of its ethos is expressed early on:
In the past, she used to live by mantras like passion and willpower, as if by imprinting the words on her mind, they would somehow breathe meaning into her life. It only felt like she was driving herself into a corner. From then on, she resolved never to let those words dictate her life again. Instead, she learnt to listen to her body, her feelings, and be in happy places. She would ask herself these questions: does this place make me feel positive? Can I be truly whole and uncompromisingly myself? Do I love and treasure myself here? For Yeongju, the bookshop checked all the boxes.
While Yeongju’s love is novels, one of her early learnings as a bookseller is that some customers are looking for non-fiction not her subjective recommendation of a novel on the same topic, and one of the (real-life) books she introduces to the book shop’s book club is David Frayne, The Refusal of Work: The Theory and Practice of Resistance to Work, which challenges the work ethic that underpins our culture.
In keeping with this feel positive ethos, this isn’t a novel that permits much conflict. Although the novel is clear that running a bookshop is not terribly profitable, there don’t seem to be any actually financially tough decisions to make. And any romantic tension between the characters never goes past the “I think I like you” stage. The book’s biggest drama is a customer who comes in each day to read a few chapters of the same book without buying it, and even that is resolved smoothly and successfully.
Instead this is about the empathy that reading and novels in particular create and I loved this quote about finding time to read, from an interview with an author:
AR: We become more compassionate. To read is to see things from someone else's perspective, and that naturally leads you to stop and look out for other people, rather than chase after success in the rat race. If more people read, I think the world will become a better place.
YJ: It's common to hear people say that they have no time to read but I believe you read a lot?
AR: Not really, about one book every two or three days.
YR: I call that reading a lot. (laughs)
AR: Really? (laughs). Being so busy, we're usually left with only small pockets of time to read - perhaps in the morning, during lunch, in the evening after work and before we go to bed. But these pockets of time can add up to become something substantial.
The novel is very well done for what it is - but really was not my cup of tea (indeed as a tea lover, the novel, and indeed the bookshop itself, was oddly obsessed with the devil’s brew, coffee) and rather too nice and unchallenging. So 4 stars for what it sets out to do, but 2 for my taste.
책에서 읽은 좋은 이야기들이 책 속에만 머물러 있지 않게 하고 싶어요. 내 삶 주변에서 일어나는 이야기들도 남에게 들려줄 만한 좋은 이야기가 될 수 있으면 좋겠어요.
Welcome to the Hyunam-Dong Bookshop is Shanna Tan’s 2023 translation of 어서 오세요, 휴남동 서점입니다 by 황보름 (Hwang Bo-reum), originally published in 2022.
This is a gentle love letter to the art of reading and to bookshops, the story of a woman, Yeongju, who quits her work and her marriage to find what really make her happy. I almost wrote “pursue her true passion” there but that would be to misread the novel as part of its ethos is expressed early on:
In the past, she used to live by mantras like passion and willpower, as if by imprinting the words on her mind, they would somehow breathe meaning into her life. It only felt like she was driving herself into a corner. From then on, she resolved never to let those words dictate her life again. Instead, she learnt to listen to her body, her feelings, and be in happy places. She would ask herself these questions: does this place make me feel positive? Can I be truly whole and uncompromisingly myself? Do I love and treasure myself here? For Yeongju, the bookshop checked all the boxes.
While Yeongju’s love is novels, one of her early learnings as a bookseller is that some customers are looking for non-fiction not her subjective recommendation of a novel on the same topic, and one of the (real-life) books she introduces to the book shop’s book club is David Frayne, The Refusal of Work: The Theory and Practice of Resistance to Work, which challenges the work ethic that underpins our culture.
In keeping with this feel positive ethos, this isn’t a novel that permits much conflict. Although the novel is clear that running a bookshop is not terribly profitable, there don’t seem to be any actually financially tough decisions to make. And any romantic tension between the characters never goes past the “I think I like you” stage. The book’s biggest drama is a customer who comes in each day to read a few chapters of the same book without buying it, and even that is resolved smoothly and successfully.
Instead this is about the empathy that reading and novels in particular create and I loved this quote about finding time to read, from an interview with an author:
AR: We become more compassionate. To read is to see things from someone else's perspective, and that naturally leads you to stop and look out for other people, rather than chase after success in the rat race. If more people read, I think the world will become a better place.
YJ: It's common to hear people say that they have no time to read but I believe you read a lot?
AR: Not really, about one book every two or three days.
YR: I call that reading a lot. (laughs)
AR: Really? (laughs). Being so busy, we're usually left with only small pockets of time to read - perhaps in the morning, during lunch, in the evening after work and before we go to bed. But these pockets of time can add up to become something substantial.
The novel is very well done for what it is - but really was not my cup of tea (indeed as a tea lover, the novel, and indeed the bookshop itself, was oddly obsessed with the devil’s brew, coffee) and rather too nice and unchallenging. So 4 stars for what it sets out to do, but 2 for my taste.
February 28, 2024
finalmente terminei esse livro!!! achei mega especial e querido, ainda mais pq li com a galera do Clubinho! 🥰
sei q esse livro pode desagradar muita gente. os gringo chamam esse tipo de livro d ~healing fiction, o que faz o que o livro seja, basicamente, uma auto ajuda disfarçada de ficção. se isso é um problema? você decide 😜 eu amei cade detalhezinho dessa história e, honestamente, caras, passei a ter a livraria como um espaço de conforto e refúgio, também, assim como (quase) todos os personagens da história!
o final do livro foi uma surpresa gostosinha, com certo elemento q eu particularmente não esperava, então curti tb! eu só não dei 5* pq senti q faltou um pouco de "corpo" pro livro ser perfeito, mas tô pensando em favoritar -- vou deixar a história maturar um pouco na minha cabeça e depois eu volto aqui (ou não kjjj)
sei q esse livro pode desagradar muita gente. os gringo chamam esse tipo de livro d ~healing fiction, o que faz o que o livro seja, basicamente, uma auto ajuda disfarçada de ficção. se isso é um problema? você decide 😜 eu amei cade detalhezinho dessa história e, honestamente, caras, passei a ter a livraria como um espaço de conforto e refúgio, também, assim como (quase) todos os personagens da história!
o final do livro foi uma surpresa gostosinha, com certo elemento q eu particularmente não esperava, então curti tb! eu só não dei 5* pq senti q faltou um pouco de "corpo" pro livro ser perfeito, mas tô pensando em favoritar -- vou deixar a história maturar um pouco na minha cabeça e depois eu volto aqui (ou não kjjj)
November 18, 2023
This has to be one of the quirkiest books I have read this year. The language appeared so plain that I wondered if some things were lost in translation. The dialog stilted at times. But I grew to like the book more - I love books with quirky characters. And when you have bookshop, how can I not like it?
Don't read this for the language or amazing prose. Read it because it's a quaint book that can invite us to contemplate the magic of reading, and of doing difficult things versus what we love, and realizing there is no difference.
PS: I did not read this book 2 times. Why is Goodreads still the worst site I have ever used?
Don't read this for the language or amazing prose. Read it because it's a quaint book that can invite us to contemplate the magic of reading, and of doing difficult things versus what we love, and realizing there is no difference.
PS: I did not read this book 2 times. Why is Goodreads still the worst site I have ever used?
December 16, 2023
Niezwykle przyjemna lektura. Zostawiła mnie z wieloma ciepłymi myślami.
September 22, 2023
Another instant favorite, I'm feeling lucky.
I'm inevitably drawn by books about libraries and book lovers. I start reading them knowing that I'll feel connected to the characters on some level at least, and if the very concept of the stories is relatable to me, there's very little chance I'll regret reading them, right? While that's usually the case, some books, including "Welcome to Hyunam-dong Bookshop", deliver so much more than a few moments of mutual understanding between author and reader.
This is a story about finding a place to belong and finding pleasure in the mundane. It's about celebrating the little victories achieved by you and those around you, and understanding that happiness and hope may mean different things to different people, but they're still the feelings we all strive for and try to hold on to. A lot of things are discussed throughout the pages, including how hellish it is to live in a capitalist world in which what is presented to us as success is both difficult to achieve and to balance with a healthy, fulfilling life.
The dilemmas lived by the characters are genuine and universal. Should I follow my dreams? Is it necessary to have a dream? Should I work with something I love or something I'm good at? What if I feel like there's nothing I'm good at? Should I do what my parents expect of me? Should I keep striving for what's conventionally thought of as a successfull career? Am I a bad person for prioritizing myself? Am I a bad person for letting others down whilst searching for inner peace? Some answers may seem obvious, but in real life, they seldom are.
In spite of the aforementioned themes, this book feels like a safe space. Like a hug, a summer's breeze or a warm cup of coffee at the end of the day. It holds, at all times, a calm and comforting atmosphere, and while the characters try to help each other without ever judging one another, the readers can find themselves surrounded by the same sense of acceptance after each page turn. Truly a powerful and beautiful debut by Hwang Bo-reum.
I'm inevitably drawn by books about libraries and book lovers. I start reading them knowing that I'll feel connected to the characters on some level at least, and if the very concept of the stories is relatable to me, there's very little chance I'll regret reading them, right? While that's usually the case, some books, including "Welcome to Hyunam-dong Bookshop", deliver so much more than a few moments of mutual understanding between author and reader.
This is a story about finding a place to belong and finding pleasure in the mundane. It's about celebrating the little victories achieved by you and those around you, and understanding that happiness and hope may mean different things to different people, but they're still the feelings we all strive for and try to hold on to. A lot of things are discussed throughout the pages, including how hellish it is to live in a capitalist world in which what is presented to us as success is both difficult to achieve and to balance with a healthy, fulfilling life.
The dilemmas lived by the characters are genuine and universal. Should I follow my dreams? Is it necessary to have a dream? Should I work with something I love or something I'm good at? What if I feel like there's nothing I'm good at? Should I do what my parents expect of me? Should I keep striving for what's conventionally thought of as a successfull career? Am I a bad person for prioritizing myself? Am I a bad person for letting others down whilst searching for inner peace? Some answers may seem obvious, but in real life, they seldom are.
In spite of the aforementioned themes, this book feels like a safe space. Like a hug, a summer's breeze or a warm cup of coffee at the end of the day. It holds, at all times, a calm and comforting atmosphere, and while the characters try to help each other without ever judging one another, the readers can find themselves surrounded by the same sense of acceptance after each page turn. Truly a powerful and beautiful debut by Hwang Bo-reum.
March 3, 2024
To miała być taka comfort historia, ale strasznie się przy niej wynudziłam :( Dosłownie odliczałam minuty do końca audiobooka, no nie była to książka dla mnie.
February 11, 2024
Książka jak kocyk – mięciutka, przytulna, taka prawdziwa comfort book, czyli najbardziej kojąca powieść tego roku.
Książki mają moc – kto jak kto, ale my, obsesyjni czytelnicy dobrze o tym wiemy. I wie o tym Hwang Bo-reum, której powieść przenosi nas za drzwi małej koreańskiej księgarni. To szczególne miejsce, które jak wszystkie księgarnie z duszą jest nie tylko sklepem, ale też miejscem spotkań i czułych rozmów dzielonych półgłosem. Książki są tu tłem dla ludzkich rozterek i wspomnień, są też świadkami ich zmagania się z życiem, ale – przede wszystkim – są przyczynkiem do inspiracji, do zmian, do przemyśleń. Pod tym względem to taka meta-powieść, która opowiadając o czytelnikach i zwykłych ludziach odpowiada na potrzeby czytelników i zwykłych ludzkich emocji.
Tak, powieść Hwang Bo-reum ma tę moc – kojącą, tulącą, terapeutyczną. W gruncie rzeczy opowiada o zwykłych dniach spędzonych za drzwiami zwykłej małej księgarni. O to właśnie w tym chodzi – niektórzy nazwaliby to z duńskiego hygge, komfortem, przytulnością, która nie musi prowadzić do żadnych wyższych celów, ale owego komfortu właśnie. I to znajdziemy w „Witajcie w księgarni Hyunam-Dong” – rutynę i codzienne emocje. Miłość. Zagubienie. Niepokój. Wspomnienie. Zadumę. Szczęście. A potem wyjdziemy z księgarni zupełnie usatysfakcjonowani. Z poczuciem, że piękne spędziliśmy tę zaczytane godziny. Że to był nasz czas komfortu. I teraz można stawić czoła życiu. Aż chce się wrócić tam i przeczytać jeszcze raz!
Książki mają moc – kto jak kto, ale my, obsesyjni czytelnicy dobrze o tym wiemy. I wie o tym Hwang Bo-reum, której powieść przenosi nas za drzwi małej koreańskiej księgarni. To szczególne miejsce, które jak wszystkie księgarnie z duszą jest nie tylko sklepem, ale też miejscem spotkań i czułych rozmów dzielonych półgłosem. Książki są tu tłem dla ludzkich rozterek i wspomnień, są też świadkami ich zmagania się z życiem, ale – przede wszystkim – są przyczynkiem do inspiracji, do zmian, do przemyśleń. Pod tym względem to taka meta-powieść, która opowiadając o czytelnikach i zwykłych ludziach odpowiada na potrzeby czytelników i zwykłych ludzkich emocji.
Tak, powieść Hwang Bo-reum ma tę moc – kojącą, tulącą, terapeutyczną. W gruncie rzeczy opowiada o zwykłych dniach spędzonych za drzwiami zwykłej małej księgarni. O to właśnie w tym chodzi – niektórzy nazwaliby to z duńskiego hygge, komfortem, przytulnością, która nie musi prowadzić do żadnych wyższych celów, ale owego komfortu właśnie. I to znajdziemy w „Witajcie w księgarni Hyunam-Dong” – rutynę i codzienne emocje. Miłość. Zagubienie. Niepokój. Wspomnienie. Zadumę. Szczęście. A potem wyjdziemy z księgarni zupełnie usatysfakcjonowani. Z poczuciem, że piękne spędziliśmy tę zaczytane godziny. Że to był nasz czas komfortu. I teraz można stawić czoła życiu. Aż chce się wrócić tam i przeczytać jeszcze raz!
May 18, 2024
This book was adorable 🥹
April 17, 2024
4.5 stars
new comfort read unlocked 🔓
new comfort read unlocked 🔓
June 17, 2024
I came across this book thanks to a Booktuber (who I know from Instagram instead, ironically enough). Since I like stories about bookstores and the power of reading - or, to paraphrase the afore-mentioned Booktuber, the fact that while reading is a solitary hobby of many an introvert there is a whole tribe of bookworms - I was interested enough to give this a try. Besides, it's by a Korean author, haven't read too many Korean books, but always enjoy a glimpse into other cultures so ...
A young women has finally thrown in the towel. Ignoring society and even her own mother (and boy, she was a piece of work!), she quits her job, gets a divorce and opens a bookshop. And in an area where nobody would expect it to work, too. Soon, also thanks to some really cool events, she and her bookshop / café attract all kinds of loners and "weirdos" who are tired of expectations and norms. Together, they talk about their pasts and futures, their hopes and dreams, their country and everything in between.
Through the lense of all these people, we get to know Korea as a society but that also serves as a nice mirror to our own. Because there are quite some similarities to other cultures the world over. Such as indoctrinated work ethics, realtives' expectations, the pressure we put on ourselves, relationships, art, politics, religion, ... I was amazed at the array of topics here and enjoyed the frank look at all of them. In many an instance I shook my head or raged - not least because in at least 2 instances, I used to suffer the same way until I broke free and now get passionate whenever I see other people still stuck in the same harmful situation.
For such a seemingly unassuming book (a "quiet" one, as I usually call them), this packed an immense punch! The writing had a nice steady flow to it and thus reinforced the feeling of a quiet lake with nobody making waves ... until someone jumps in and splashes around for the sheer fun of it. :D
Definitely the surprise of the year (so far) and I enjoyed the hell out of it. Absolute recommendation.
A young women has finally thrown in the towel. Ignoring society and even her own mother (and boy, she was a piece of work!), she quits her job, gets a divorce and opens a bookshop. And in an area where nobody would expect it to work, too. Soon, also thanks to some really cool events, she and her bookshop / café attract all kinds of loners and "weirdos" who are tired of expectations and norms. Together, they talk about their pasts and futures, their hopes and dreams, their country and everything in between.
Through the lense of all these people, we get to know Korea as a society but that also serves as a nice mirror to our own. Because there are quite some similarities to other cultures the world over. Such as indoctrinated work ethics, realtives' expectations, the pressure we put on ourselves, relationships, art, politics, religion, ... I was amazed at the array of topics here and enjoyed the frank look at all of them. In many an instance I shook my head or raged - not least because in at least 2 instances, I used to suffer the same way until I broke free and now get passionate whenever I see other people still stuck in the same harmful situation.
For such a seemingly unassuming book (a "quiet" one, as I usually call them), this packed an immense punch! The writing had a nice steady flow to it and thus reinforced the feeling of a quiet lake with nobody making waves ... until someone jumps in and splashes around for the sheer fun of it. :D
Definitely the surprise of the year (so far) and I enjoyed the hell out of it. Absolute recommendation.
February 19, 2024
Son dönemde canım tatlı bir şeyler çektiğinde (ki bu sık başıma gelir) aynı şeyi yapıyorum: en basitinden bir pandispanya. Her yaptığımda da sadece dört-beş malzemenin bir araya gelip bu kadar lezzetli bir şey ortaya çıkarmasına şaşıyorum.
Ve keyif almamız için illa büyük büyük şeylere ihtiyacımız olmadığına inanmamı sağlıyor bu. Hyunam-Dong Kitabevi gibi..
.
Youngju başkalarının imrendiği düzenli bir hayata sahiptir ama her şeyi bir kenara bırakıp kitabevi açar. Bir mahalle arasında, çok da büyük olmayan bir kitabevi. İlk başlarda geleni gideni çok olmaz, sonra Youngju başka açılardan bakmaya başlar dükkanına. Orayı daha sıcak bir hale getirir yavaş yavaş.
Müşterilerle, çalışanıyla, kahve servisleriyle ışıldar Hyunam-Dong Kitabevi.
.
Hayata dair kısacık ama sakin anların ne denli önemli olabileceğini biliyoruz birçoğumuz. Hwang Bo Reum da biliyor üstelik aktarabiliyor da! Her karakterinin kendi sesinin olduğu, okuru mekana dahil eden, başlangıç ve sonun değil sürecin tadına yoğunlaşan bir kitap Hyunam-Dong Kitabevi. Konfor alanıma hemen girip yerleşti bile.. Kitapları seven, cesur kararlar alabilen, bir fincan kahvenin gülümsetebildiği karakterler bana çok iyi geldi..
.
Nilay Özeser çevirisiyle ~
Ve keyif almamız için illa büyük büyük şeylere ihtiyacımız olmadığına inanmamı sağlıyor bu. Hyunam-Dong Kitabevi gibi..
.
Youngju başkalarının imrendiği düzenli bir hayata sahiptir ama her şeyi bir kenara bırakıp kitabevi açar. Bir mahalle arasında, çok da büyük olmayan bir kitabevi. İlk başlarda geleni gideni çok olmaz, sonra Youngju başka açılardan bakmaya başlar dükkanına. Orayı daha sıcak bir hale getirir yavaş yavaş.
Müşterilerle, çalışanıyla, kahve servisleriyle ışıldar Hyunam-Dong Kitabevi.
.
Hayata dair kısacık ama sakin anların ne denli önemli olabileceğini biliyoruz birçoğumuz. Hwang Bo Reum da biliyor üstelik aktarabiliyor da! Her karakterinin kendi sesinin olduğu, okuru mekana dahil eden, başlangıç ve sonun değil sürecin tadına yoğunlaşan bir kitap Hyunam-Dong Kitabevi. Konfor alanıma hemen girip yerleşti bile.. Kitapları seven, cesur kararlar alabilen, bir fincan kahvenin gülümsetebildiği karakterler bana çok iyi geldi..
.
Nilay Özeser çevirisiyle ~
January 12, 2024
Bu tarz cozy/iç ısıtan kitaplara bayılıyorum ama hikmetse kendimi çoğunlukla tam tersi vahşet, dehşet, gam ve keder temalı okumalar yaparken buluyorum. Bazen soruluyor hatta tatlı bi’ kitap önerir misin diye, ay yok mümkün değil düşün düşün bulamıyorum. Okumuyorum çünkü nasıl bulayım? Kendi ruh ve akıl sağlığım içinde önemli aslında. Bu yıl bu konuda daha seçici bi’ okur olmayı umuyorum.
Kitap yaşamın içinden, günlük hayatta hepimizin yüzleştiği şeylere dair oldukça basit ama keyifli bir anlatı. Kitaplar, yazarlar ve duygular etrafında dönüyor bu açıdan çoğu zaman sanki bizi kucaklıyormuş gibi hissettiriyor. Eğer bi’ de kahve insanıysanız keyfinize diyecek yok valla. Karakterler ve yazım stili de epey tatlı bence.
‘Kitap kahve battaniye’ sezonu için biçilmiş kaftan özetle. Hatta Türkçeye çevrilmiş bile.
O zaman ne diyelim? Hyunam-dong Kitabevi'ne hoş geldiniz mi? Oluuuur.
Kitap yaşamın içinden, günlük hayatta hepimizin yüzleştiği şeylere dair oldukça basit ama keyifli bir anlatı. Kitaplar, yazarlar ve duygular etrafında dönüyor bu açıdan çoğu zaman sanki bizi kucaklıyormuş gibi hissettiriyor. Eğer bi’ de kahve insanıysanız keyfinize diyecek yok valla. Karakterler ve yazım stili de epey tatlı bence.
‘Kitap kahve battaniye’ sezonu için biçilmiş kaftan özetle. Hatta Türkçeye çevrilmiş bile.
O zaman ne diyelim? Hyunam-dong Kitabevi'ne hoş geldiniz mi? Oluuuur.
November 19, 2023
4.5 ⭐
I could not put "Welcome To The Hyunam-dong Bookshop" down!
Yes, it is a book about how an independent bookstore works on a day-to-day basis, but more than that, it is a book that explores different interpersonal and intrapersonal relationships, which began and developed because of this very bookstore.
Sim, Bem-vindos à livraria Hyunam-dong é um daqueles livros que falam sobre livros, mas, sinceramente, essas partes não foram as que mais me chamaram a atenção. Para quem não sabe, sou formada e atuo na área das Ciências Humanas e, por isso, a forma como a autora, Hwang Bo-Reum, escreveu sobre o início e, consequentemente, o desenvolvimento de novas relações interpessoais e, principalmente, o desenvolvimento de relações intrapessoais, que foram ocorrendo por causa da Livraria Hyunam-dong, foram as partes que mais prenderam a minha atenção.
"Depois de uma breve despedida, Yeongju entrou na livraria. No momento em que pisou na loja, seu corpo relaxou. Era como se todos os seus sentidos se deliciassem com o conforto do lugar." (p. 10)
"Antes de a livraria abrir, Yeongju geralmente fica absorta na leitura de algum romance. Mergulhar nas emoções dos personagens a ajuda a entender os próprios sentimentos. Ela lamenta e sofre com eles. Quando fecha o livro, depois de compartilhar tantas emoções e experiências com os personagens, Yeongju se sente capaz de compreender qualquer um." (p. 25)
- Quando se trata de família... Acho que é mais confortável levar a vida que você quer em vez de viver para não decepcionar os outros. É claro, é muito ruim ver as pessoas que amamos decepcionadas com a gente. Mas não dá para viver de acordo com o que os seus pais querem pelo resto da vida. Fiquei muito tempo pensando que não devia ter feito o que fiz e que era melhor ter escutado os meus pais. Mas percebi que não havia como voltar atrás, e mesmo que eu pudesse, faria tudo de novo." (p. 102 a 103)
- Cansaço. Tédio. Vazio. Desesperança. Depois que um desses sentimentos o consome, é muito difícil escapar. É como cair num poço sem fundo. Você se sente a pessoa mais insignificante do mundo." (p. 146)
I could not put "Welcome To The Hyunam-dong Bookshop" down!
Yes, it is a book about how an independent bookstore works on a day-to-day basis, but more than that, it is a book that explores different interpersonal and intrapersonal relationships, which began and developed because of this very bookstore.
Sim, Bem-vindos à livraria Hyunam-dong é um daqueles livros que falam sobre livros, mas, sinceramente, essas partes não foram as que mais me chamaram a atenção. Para quem não sabe, sou formada e atuo na área das Ciências Humanas e, por isso, a forma como a autora, Hwang Bo-Reum, escreveu sobre o início e, consequentemente, o desenvolvimento de novas relações interpessoais e, principalmente, o desenvolvimento de relações intrapessoais, que foram ocorrendo por causa da Livraria Hyunam-dong, foram as partes que mais prenderam a minha atenção.
"Depois de uma breve despedida, Yeongju entrou na livraria. No momento em que pisou na loja, seu corpo relaxou. Era como se todos os seus sentidos se deliciassem com o conforto do lugar." (p. 10)
"Antes de a livraria abrir, Yeongju geralmente fica absorta na leitura de algum romance. Mergulhar nas emoções dos personagens a ajuda a entender os próprios sentimentos. Ela lamenta e sofre com eles. Quando fecha o livro, depois de compartilhar tantas emoções e experiências com os personagens, Yeongju se sente capaz de compreender qualquer um." (p. 25)
- Quando se trata de família... Acho que é mais confortável levar a vida que você quer em vez de viver para não decepcionar os outros. É claro, é muito ruim ver as pessoas que amamos decepcionadas com a gente. Mas não dá para viver de acordo com o que os seus pais querem pelo resto da vida. Fiquei muito tempo pensando que não devia ter feito o que fiz e que era melhor ter escutado os meus pais. Mas percebi que não havia como voltar atrás, e mesmo que eu pudesse, faria tudo de novo." (p. 102 a 103)
- Cansaço. Tédio. Vazio. Desesperança. Depois que um desses sentimentos o consome, é muito difícil escapar. É como cair num poço sem fundo. Você se sente a pessoa mais insignificante do mundo." (p. 146)
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