This is a charming and emotional novel that made me appreciate how fleeting and beautiful life’s moments really are. Set in a magical photo studio, those who have recently passed away are granted the chance to relive one treasured memory before moving on.

The characters in this book—whether it's a 92-year-old nursery teacher, a former yakuza member, or a young girl who tragically died too soon—all bring their own emotional baggage and backstories. Each one gives you a peek into different sides of life, regret, and the memories that shaped them.

But even though the book is about death, it actually feels more like a celebration of life's little moments. It manages to be touching and reflective without getting too heavy or depressing (except maybe the young girl's story, which broke my heart).

What I learned from this book:

First, cherish the little moments in life that we often overlook. These seemingly insignificant memories often end up defining who we are. And second, accept both the joys and losses in life and find peace in letting go when the time comes.

If you’re into magical realism or Japanese literature, you’ll enjoy this book. It has a calming yet thought-provoking vibe that fans of "Before the Coffee Gets Cold" by Toshikazu Kawaguchi will appreciate, especially if you love stories that are heartwarming but also make you reflect on life.