I really loved the reading of this book and felt a deep peace while reading it. The story doesn't rush or gallop. It unfolds slowly. The main character, Tsukiko, reminded me so much of myself. She is aloof, has few good friends (she has like 2 good friends), tiptoes around her family, prefers thinking about what she's experiencing rather than experience it. Her friendship with the elderly gentleman wasn't written in a forced, contrived way and is intuitive. I was with her until she fell in love with the old man (heh) - I had been relating their relationship thus far to the one I have with my own dad (nice person to hang out with, best friend almost) - but of course I had to abruptly change my perspective of it! Nevertheless, the way Tsukiko's happiness is found in the little moments and the small interactions really resonated with me. I'm realising that more and more, people in their 30s are being forced to face the truth of their loneliness. Books like these helps one know we aren't alone.