While I did enjoy the references and cameos of the stories I wish the stories were more relevant and connected. I felt the stories were too disjointed from one another for my preference, while there's nothing wrong with that kind of storytelling it wasn't what I had come to expect of the book from the description. To reiterate what I had said in my finished thoughts message; the description made it sound like the three guys holing up at the abandoned house were going on a life changing adventure during the night when they hid there. But that didn't happen,
My favorite story has gotta be Midnight Blues. It was interesting seeing Katsuro's struggle as an aspiring musician which later he relenquished and decided to run his family's fish store,
I find Katsuro's changed decision to run his family's fish store admirable and shows character development. Especially because it was his dream to make it big as a musician but his father's declining health changed his mind,
I also enjoyed Kosuke's journey from running away and leaving his parents because he felt his and his parents' bond had broke to growing up into a successful wood carver. That one was quite the journey.
Definitely not like the other higashino books i've read, but it was very sweet. i loved seeing everything come together, and the way every story (not just the 3rd one, i was mistaken) references the stories before, and there were connections everywhere. however, not a big fan of atsuya, and i don't really get his character either. he was so against the letters and giving advice, but then after seeing harumi's letter, he did a full 180. also, i would've liked to know how time is warped in this little store. i know the connection to the children's home is because of yuji's old relationship, but how did that end creating a time-travelling shop? also, all in all, it wasn't that compelling. it's nice to read, but i didn't care much either way, so 3/5 stars.