Name: 어서 오세요, 휴남동 서점입니다
ISBN: 9791197377143

Hwang Bo-reum

어서 오세요, 휴남동 서점입니다

Jane S

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.’ You think to yourself,

 I was a little lonely, but because of you, I’m less alone. 

It’s a wonderful feeling and the book in your hands gives me a taste of that joy.

mikee ♡

Devika M

Books are not meant to remain in your mind, but in your heart. Maybe they exist in your mind too, but as something more than memories. At a crossroads in life, a forgotten sentence or a story from years ago can come back to offer an invisible hand and guide you to a decision.

Lindy

To achieve happiness at the end of life, you have to be miserable for a lifetime. When I think of it this way, happiness becomes horrible. It’s such an empty feeling, to stake everything on a single accomplishment in life. So, I changed my mind and decided to chase after pleasure - the feeling of happiness instead.

blue

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. 

Books are not meant to remain in your mind, but in your heart. Maybe they exist in your mind too, but as something more than memories. 

‘“When significant proportions of our time are spent working, recuperating from work, compensating for work,  or doing the many things necessary in order to find, prepare for, and hold on to work, it becomes increasingly difficult to say how much of our time is truly our own.”’

She was always trying to be ahead of the curve. It wasn’t as if she had to deliberately push herself to do it. Even without conscious effort, she still studied and worked hard. She lived like a robot who didn't know rest.

this book is seriously unearthing some deeply buried thoughts and emotions ! 

She was desperate to return to the bright and cheery middle-school kid who loved books more than anything else. She wanted to start from there again. That was all she could think about.

I’m the kind of person who may throw someone away again for my own sake, for my own life. I’m not the person you will want to keep close to you.

Yet, it seemed like she couldn’t get over it; she couldn’t forget the fact that she had abandoned someone, and that person was hurt because of her actions. Or perhaps she was miserable because she realised what kind of a person she was.

Emma Hak-Kovacs

As with everything in life, reading is about the right timing.

Perhaps he was miserable precisely because he was trying to simplify a life that was meant to remain complex.

When she wasn't talking, her inner voice grew louder. She wasn't talking, but she still spent the whole day thinking and feeling.

'But .. does everyone really need something interesting? Why can't I live a mundane Life?' 

‘Well, it's true that forcing yourself to find something would be tough,' she mused. 

'My mum is the same…I don't get why people see a mundane life as a bad thing. Sometimes l'd rather she forced me to study, instead of trying to make me look for something interesting. Isn't life just about going through the motions of living? We live be cause we were born.’

Yeongju didn't reply immediately. Instead, she looked around the bookshop first, to make sure there weren't any customers who needed assistance, before she returned her gaze to the child who'd already concluded that life was nothing to shout about. 

'You have a point. But having something you're interested in clears the airway.' 

Next to Mincheol, Jungsuh nodded in agreement. A frown creased Mincheol's forehead. 'Clears the airway? 

‘It makes breathing easier, and when that happens, life seems much more bearable.’

'Sometimes I think about how lucky it is that I enjoy the wind. When the evening breeze blows,I thank it for clearing up the stuffiness in me and letting me breathe easier. They say hell hath no wind, so thank goodness where I am now must not be hell. If I could capture a moment like this every day, I'Il be strong enough to keep going. Humans are every complex, but sometimes, we can be so simple. We can be content with having some time — whether ten minutes, or an hour — where I can feel, Ah, I'm so glad I'm alive, so glad to seize and enjoy this moment.’

I wonder if there is something about busy parents that causes children to feel their hearts with books and media. 

“Up until middle school, Yeongju had been an avid reader. Her parents, both perpetually busy, left her alone in a corner at home.” 

“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.” 

Immersing herself into the feelings of the characters provided a reprieve from her own. She grieved, suffered, and emerged stronger with them. As if sharing their experiences and emotions would, at the end of the book, allow her to understand anyone in the world.

In any case, there was only one correct answer: the one she had in mind right now. 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.

There was only one thing on her mind. 'I must start a bookshop.' Yeongju did everything she was supposed to, go to university, marry a decent man, get a respectable job. Then it all fell apart. Burned out, Yeongju abandons her old life, quits her high-flying career, and follows her dream. She opens a bookshop. In a quaint neighbourhood in Seoul, surrounded by books, Yeongju and her customers take refuge. From the lonely barista to the unhappily married coffee roaster, and the writer who sees something special in Yeongju - they all have disappointments in their past. The Hyunam-dong Bookshop becomes the place where they all learn how to truly live. A heart-warming story about finding comfort and acceptance in your life – and the healing power of books. 'An incredibly exciting debut novel. At once gentle and invigorating. I devoured it' Sarah Crossan Reader Reviews: 'Love love love this book! Cosy, heart warming, wholesome...Will be recommending this to everyone. It makes me smile when I think about it!' 'Such a beautiful book, I adored the story and characters, The writing style was gorgeous. 100% recommend.' 'A love letter to books, bookshops and all who love them' 'Such a warm and cosy read! Was completely here for it...and the appreciation for books was magical' 'A heart-warming cosy read that makes you think about how important it is to be happy, and that we can all find a place to call 'home'.'

The heart-warming Korean sensation

Welcome to the Hyunam-dong Bookshop

• The tears wouldn't stop, but you know, when we feel like crying, we should let it all out. Forcing them back only makes the wounds heal slower.

• You need rest to work, and to rest, you need a certain level of income to live comfortably

• Over our life span, the right answer will keep changing.

• Sharing space with Minjun taught her silence could also be a form of consideration, that it was possible to be comfortable without needing to fill the silence.

• You'll read about suffering you didn't know existed. Having experienced their pain through words, it becomes a lot harder to focus on pursuing individual happiness and success.

• Books are not meant to remain in your mind, but in your heart. Maybe they exist in your mind too,but as something more than memories.

• When I was a kid, I saw too many women-my mother, aunts, aunties outside of the family- suffering because of their marriages. They kept pounding their chests in regret, to the extent they bruised the skin over their hearts.

• he thought about it and concluded that perhaps if he was able to listen to someone rant for a few hours, he would also eventually be able to articulate his own struggles.

• In the process of figuring out his preferences, he had a vague realisation that, perhaps, spending time on a single thing was like looking deep into himself.

• Understanding it is different from actually doing it.

• He thought coffee brewing was, in some ways, similar to reading: anyone can do it, and the more time you spend on it. the deeper you want to dig. Once you fall into the rabbit hole, it is hard to get out.

• What propels life forward are decisions. It came to him that what he needed to do was not to give up, but to make a decision-to step away from the path he'd been walking on.

• He needed courage. The courage not to waver in the face of disappointment from others, the courage to stick to his beliefs and choices.

• The excitement of the unknown, of the unfamiliar. It's what makes travel so alluring.

• To find happiness, do what you enjoy. 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.

• Doing what you like doesn't guarantee happiness.

• Life is mysterious and complex. Work plays an important role in life, but it isn't solely responsible for our happiness or misery.

• Instead of agonising over what you should do, think about putting effort into whatever you're doing. It's more important to try your best in whatever you do, no matter how small it may seem. All your effort will add up to something.

• By forcing an answer, you risk closing your ears to what your heart is telling you, misinterpreting your feelings or worse, deceiving yourself.

• 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.

• '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."

• A Place that Makes Me a Better Person

• Seeing a colleague in the same workspace so focused on his work is a huge motivation.

Kath

• The tears wouldn't stop, but you know, when we feel like crying, we should let it all out. Forcing them back only makes the wounds heal slower.
• You need rest to work, and to rest, you need a certain level of income to live comfortably
• Over our life span, the right answer will keep changing.
• Is a good book always a good read?
• Sharing space with Minjun taught her silence could also be a form of consideration, that it was possible to be comfortable without needing to fill the silence.
• You'll read about suffering you didn't know existed. Having experienced their pain through words, it becomes a lot harder to focus on pursuing individual happiness and success.
• Books are not meant to remain in your mind, but in your heart. Maybe they exist in your mind too,but as something more than memories.
• When I was a kid, I saw too many women-my mother, aunts, aunties outside of the family- suffering because of their marriages. They kept pounding their chests in regret, to the extent they bruised the skin over their hearts.
• he thought about it and concluded that perhaps if he was able to listen to someone rant for a few hours, he would also eventually be able to articulate his own struggles.
• In the process of figuring out his preferences, he had a vague realisation that, perhaps, spending time on a single thing was like looking deep into himself.
• Understanding it is different from actually doing it.
• He thought coffee brewing was, in some ways, similar to reading: anyone can do it, and the more time you spend on it. the deeper you want to dig. Once you fall into the rabbit hole, it is hard to get out.
• What propels life forward are decisions. It came to him that what he needed to do was not to give up, but to make a decision-to step away from the path he'd been walking on.
• He needed courage. The courage not to waver in the face of disappointment from others, the courage to stick to his beliefs and choices.
• The excitement of the unknown, of the unfamiliar. It's what makes travel so alluring.
• To find happiness, do what you enjoy. 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.
• Doing what you like doesn't guarantee happiness.
• Life is mysterious and complex. Work plays an important role in life, but it isn't solely responsible for our happiness or misery.
• Instead of agonising over what you should do, think about putting effort into whatever you're doing. It's more important to try your best in whatever you do, no matter how small it may seem. All your effort will add up to something.
• By forcing an answer, you risk closing your ears to what your heart is telling you, misinterpreting your feelings or worse, deceiving yourself.
• 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.
• '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."
• A Place that Makes Me a Better Person
• Seeing a colleague in the same workspace so focused on his work is a huge motivation.

this book felt like a slice of life kdrama. it is cozy, easy to consume, and it is not trying to be more than what it is. the characters and themes are simple but it touches you in the right moments—forcing you to reflect on what you feel or think about what was said. i can see this book becoming impactful for people who are going through the same things as the characters. i found myself nodding in agreement and highlighting passages a lot. though it is not profound, i still enjoyed the setting, characters, and the feeling of ease while i read this. 

bri (´｡• ᵕ •｡`) ♡

It’s true that books find you when you need them the most. It took me a while to finish this one, not because it’s bad, but because so much has happened this year that I forgot its existence.

Puts a lot into perspective as well, especially at the end where they talk about work — seeing it as food and not stairs, “food that makes a difference to my body, my heart, my mental health, and my soul. […] Food that you eat with care and sincerity.”

What a lovely, cosy, and comforting read.

It’s true that books find you when you need them the most. It took me a while to finish this one, not because it’s bad, but because so much has happened this year that I forgot its existence.

Puts a lot into perspective as well, especially at the end where they talk about work — seeing it as food and not stairs, “food that makes a difference to my body, my heart, my mental health, and my soul. […] Food that you eat with care and sincerity.”

What a lovely, cosy, and comforting read.

jinny

honestly should be required reading for indie bookstore workers. cozy but also handles some serious topics and real life issues!! very hopeful!! i love the authors takes on literature, coffee, capitalism, and friendship !

Clara Gauthier

there were a lot of good take aways from this book, living a life based on what pleases your soul rather than what society expects of you. i think a lot was lost in translation though as the english translation felt pretty robotic. it also dragged on a LOT, but the vibes were great.

cee 

There’s a lot of good lines in this book, but the story arc is just not holding my attention unfortunately. I may try to revisit this another time. 

Floofyflower

Such a cute and comforting read! It’s the best book to probably have chosen to get out of my reading slump recently. As a barista and book lover, this book really hit the mark on the coziness of the setting and pace of the book. Nothing too exciting happens and jumps around with characters but it’s honestly relatable in terms of the topic it focuses on. 

This book is a reminder to myself that it’s ok to be where I’m at as long as I’m enjoying what I’m doing, regardless of how much society tries to push goals onto you. Everyone navigates life differently, just like these characters, and each person has their goals on how they want to live the rest of their lives and that’s OK. 

Each character got to reach an understanding on where they wanted to go next in their lives and just shows that change and figuring out yourself isn’t a thing that happens overnight or even in a week. I think if you’re feeling a bit lost or just need a reminder on why you’re taking the path you are, this book will definitely help! 

lily

Such a cute and comforting read! It’s the best book to probably have chosen to get out of my reading slump recently. As a barista and book lover, this book really hit the mark on the coziness of the setting and pace of the book. Nothing too exciting happens and jumps around with characters but it’s honestly relatable in terms of the topic it focuses on. 

This book is a reminder to myself that it’s ok to be where I’m at as long as I’m enjoying what I’m doing, regardless of how much society tries to push goals onto you. Everyone navigates life differently, just like these characters, and each person has their goals on how they want to live the rest of their lives and that’s OK. 

Each character got to reach an understanding on where they wanted to go next in their lives and just shows that change and figuring out yourself isn’t a thing that happens overnight or even in a week. I think if you’re feeling a bit lost or just need a reminder on why you’re taking the path you are, this book will definitely help! 

A heartwarming story about a neighbourhood bookshop and the community built within it. 

In the Author's Notes, Hwang tells us that through this book she wanted to create a safe place where people could come and rest, where they felt accepted and understood wherever they were in life. Seeing this group of people, each exhausted and burdened by the post-capitalistic society that constantly pushes us to strive for more ambition, more hard work, find themselves in this space of mutual care and slow, intentional living, felt like the exact remedy my soul was craving. They each go their own way in their own pace, but they certainly blossom, and create their own meaning of intentional living, treating themselves and in turn the world around them kindly. A cozy read for everyone who feels tired and a little bit lost (just like the rest of us).

deniz

I've been dreaming of own a bookshop since I was a kid. I know very well it's not an easy dream job to pursue, BUT... "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." well said!

This book has the same vibe with "The Midnight Library" by Matt Haig, but more realistic version. I feel like it's "close" to me since I could relate to every issues they brought up and the crucial issues we face as we're growing up. So, when I read this book, I could sense that I'm not alone in this journey because I think everyone experiences the same things; adulting, school, career, family, to love life problems, while still put the power of book and bookshops as their main focus.

However, this book seems too "optimistic" for me. I mean how they managed to run a bookshop for such a long time, in midst of these hostile business environment? I'm dying to know!!

Despite of how heartwarming and comforting this book is, I can't deny the fact that it's a slow-paced book and have no particular plot or story, so I understand if some of the readers might be bored. But, it's one of my best read in 2024!

I've been dreaming of own a bookshop since I was a kid. I know very well it's not an easy dream job to pursue, BUT... "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." well said!

This book has the same vibe with "The Midnight Library" by Matt Haig, but more realistic version. I feel like it's "close" to me since I could relate to every issues they brought up and the crucial issues we face as we're growing up. So, when I read this book, I could sense that I'm not alone in this journey because I think everyone experiences the same things; adulting, school, career, family, to love life problems, while still put the power of book and bookshops as their main focus.

However, this book seems too "optimistic" for me. I mean how they managed to run a bookshop for such a long time, in midst of these hostile business environment? I'm dying to know!!

Despite of how heartwarming and comforting this book is, I can't deny the fact that it's a slow-paced book and have no particular plot or story, so I understand if some of the readers might be bored. But, it's one of my best read in 2024!

A Novel

will revisit in a couple of months maybe - a little too existentialist / didactic / doesnt go anywhere for my current state of mind.

diya

DNF at 22%

will revisit in a couple of months maybe - a little too existentialist / didactic / doesnt go anywhere for my current state of mind.

I wish this had managed to enchant me a little more, is all. I was impressed with how many relevant to the day topics the novel discussed, which helped it feel a lot less like a publishing trend, but at the same time, the topic of everything made it feel really lacking in focus. This makes sense, given the author's note on her process at the end, and it is fine - there is place for books like this one. But a cosy book is all it will ever remain to me.

it was a cute book but fell into a preachy book about life

kezzie

Very heartwarming and connected to the echoing desires of many amidst a capitalistic and "grind set" world. As the author hoped for, this book was a fresh breath of air and left me with a sense of hope and connection. I was reminded that my path in life is one that at foremost, be one that I happy and content in.

Roseanne

This is a beautifully written slice of life book. It’s a heart-warming story about finding comfort and acceptance in your life, and the healing power of books. It seems like the author very gently compiled her thoughts and feelings, and offered them up for the world to read. This book nudges the reader to think about happiness and success, and what those words mean to them within and outside of societal expectations, in the gentlest of ways.

Some of the quotes from the book that gave me pause:

Have you read this book? If yes, did you like it? What are your thoughts?

This is a beautifully written slice of life book. It’s a heart-warming story about finding comfort and acceptance in your life, and the healing power of books. It seems like the author very gently compiled her thoughts and feelings, and offered them up for the world to read. This book nudges the reader to think about happiness and success, and what those words mean to them within and outside of societal expectations, in the gentlest of ways.

Some of the quotes from the book that gave me pause:

“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.”

“I don’t think much of dreams that are stripped bare of pleasure. Dreams, or pleasure? If I have to choose one, I’ll take the latter. That said, my heart still flutters at the word dream. A life without dreams is as dry as a life without tears. There’s a line in Herman Hesse’s Demian that goes: “But no dream lasts forever, each dream is followed by another, and one should not cling to any particular dream.””

“Books are not meant to remain in your mind, but in your heart. Maybe they exist in your mind too, but as something more than memories. At a crossroads in life, a forgotten sentence or a story from years ago can come back to offer an invisible hand and guide you to a decision.”

“Reading makes you deviate further from the textbook definition of success because books don’t make us go ahead of or above anyone else; they guide us to stand alongside others.”

Have you read this book? If yes, did you like it? What are your thoughts?

A charming slice of life book about good people finding each-other and encouraging each other during their respective tough times. This book is like a warm hug, a warm cup of coffee on a winter’s day and a cold sweet lemonade on a hot summer day. 

AnjB

this is so lovely! felt like a conversation with a sister who i look up to so much. let us learn how to live slowly and without regrets. 

開花

Gelaine Trinidad

3.5/5

wise and wholesome.
includes lessons on mindfulness and how to harmonize happiness with life's challenges. 
& of course talks a lot about books/bookclubs/bookshops, coffee, and even literary & film references. 
recommend for those who enjoy quiet books and movies such as  After the Storm  directed by Hirokazu Kore-eda and  Little Forest  directed by Yim Soon-rye. ~

This is a sweet book about charming characters and the charming bookstore they frequent.  It is a sweet story that is perfect for when you are in the mood to relax and read about people you would like to have as friends.  I wish I had a bookstore like this in my neighborhood.

shellybn

This book was highly recommended. It's a cosy read but didn't quite made me want to keep on reading more. Probably the English translation did not quite capture the essence well enough?

Natasha Mok

Hyunam-Dong Bookshop is an honest story about regular people and their lives all converging in this bookshop. Yeongjun was perfectly and imperfectly human. The writing wasn’t too complex nor too casual, the pacing wasn’t slow nor fast. I can imagine myself stumbling upon this bookshop in Seoul and feeling invited into its warm embrace. Hwang Bo-Reum makes you feel like you’re also in this bookshop with the cast of characters. I loved the lessons and takeaways from this book, and I feel many people would benefit from hearing them. Bo-Reum has outdone herself.

Charlotte Squire

ineke

I’m not quite sure if the purpose of this book was to bring the realities of owning a bookshop to those who romanticise it (me) and discourage or encourage them. Honestly, maybe it was both maybe it was neither. Either way I enjoyed it deeply and felt connected to the characters in all their different walks of life. The gentle development seen throughout the story and their decisions was subtle but heartwarming and left me invested in characters in a way books can never accomplish. 

I must admit I love books that don’t have a true ‘event’ or climax to them, but are rather books that follow a narrator through mundane aspects of their life. For me, this has to be done well though, and the narrator has to be either endearing, familiar to myself, or somewhat deranged. This book has characters and narrators that very neatly fall into the first two categories. 

This book was a christmas present and one I will definitely be calling the gift giver up about asap. I doubt I would’ve found this book on my own and because of that I am so thankful it was found for me instead.

어서 오세요, 휴남동 서점입니다

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