A slice of life: The quiet joys of everyday narratives

In a world that often feels hurried and chaotic, the “slice of life” genre, a subset of literary fiction offers a sanctuary where small, ordinary moments are celebrated and examined with tenderness. These books rarely involve sweeping plotlines or dramatic twists; instead, they focus on the beauty of the mundane, the intricacies of relationships, and the quiet triumphs and losses of daily life.

Books that Celebrate the Ordinary

It was this summer just past where I discovered this beautiful style of writing, where I began my journey with Welcome to the Hyunam-Dong Bookshop by Hwang Bo-reum. Originally written in Korean Welcome to the Hyunam-Dong Bookshop transports readers to a small bookshop tucked away in Seoul’s Hyunam-Dong neighbourhood. The narrative is less about grand events and more about the protagonist’s journey toward self-discovery. The bookshop remains the key constant in this book of interwoven journeys taken by several different characters, whether this be the protagonist herself, her employee or the bookshop’s customers. I would recommend this book to anyone looking for a slower and more meaningful read, as it is the type of book that merits its reader taking their time to absorb every detail.

Another book with a similar concept that I’d recommend is Michiko Aoyama’s What You Are Looking for Is in the Library. This book introduces readers to a librarian who helps her querents not just find the books they seek, but also answers to their personal dilemmas. Each story illustrates how seemingly small encounters and acts of kindness can ripple outward, transforming lives. These books emphasize connection between people, and between their past and present. It looks at the bond between the stories we read and the lives we live.

The Appeal of Slice of Life

For me, what makes these books so appealing is their relatability and the sense of calm they provide. They reflect the rhythms of life that many of us experience but rarely pause to examine. The genre invites us to slow down, to notice the details, and to appreciate the beauty in the ordinary day. There’s something inherently comforting in reading about characters who might be struggling with the same uncertainties or joys as we are, be it a career change, loneliness, or feelings much more intricate.

Further recommendations:

1. The Little Paris Bookshop by Nina George
   This tale follows a bookseller who prescribes novels as remedies for his customers’ emotional trials. It is set along the waterways of France, and is primarily a story of love, loss, and healing.
2. Before the Coffee Gets Cold by Toshikazu Kawaguchi
   In a small, nondescript Tokyo café, customers have the chance to travel back in time, but only until their coffee gets cold. The rules are strict, and the results are often bittersweet, yet they are often exactly what the customer needed.
3. The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry by Gabrielle Zevin
   This novel follows a cranky bookstore owner whose life changes when a mysterious package is left in his shop. It’s a love letter to books and the ways they connect us as readers.
4. Convenience Store Woman by Sayaka Murata
   A slightly humorous yet poignant story about a woman who finds her place working at a convenience store, despite constant societal pressures to conform to more traditional roles. This book captures the tension between embracing your unique identity and the pressures of external expectations.
5. The Lido by Libby Page
   Focusing on the unlikely friendship between an elderly woman and a young journalist, this heartwarming novel explores the fight to save a local community swimming pool. In a similar way to Welcome to the Hyunam-Dong Bookshop, the swimming pool is central to the story, providing a space for connection between the characters and their personal growth.

Why We Return to These Stories

Books in the “slice of life” genre remind us that meaning often lies in the small moments: a conversation with a stranger, the comfort of a familiar routine, or the unexpected gift of kindness. They teach us to pay attention, to cherish what is often overlooked, and to find beauty in simplicity.

So maybe the next time you’re in a bookshop or library, looking for something to soothe or inspire you, consider picking up one of these quiet masterpieces. In their pages, you might just find what you’re looking for in the same way so many of their characters do.