4.5 ⭐

This hit hard.... I don't think I saw the slice of life trope in any books except Korean books. 8 chapters, 208 pages of wholeness. It's a cozy read absolutely worth your time!

⋆ ˚｡⋆୨୧˚𝕻𝖗𝖊-𝖗𝖊𝖆𝖉˚୨୧⋆｡˚ ⋆

I love Korean everything; drama, films, skincare, music so I wanted to try books. Huge thanks to Netgalley and Harper Perennial and Paperbacks 💚💚

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for a free eARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

This was a fine book, but it was nothing special. It was a cozy translated read, with a unique premise of an owner of a convenience store meeting a homeless man and giving him a job there. He then helps various customers with their own problems. However, the story felt unsatisfying. We didn't learn anything about this man's past, which was a central mystery to the story.

It's always interesting to read a book in translation, because you know you aren't getting 100% of the original author's intention, and that instead you're reading a collaboration. Translation is an artform in itself. That said, I think this is a great translation of a great work.

The story itself is really interesting--the story of a man told not by him, but the people who interact with him. It's a novel almost told in short stories, which is a fun mechanical choice that I think lent itself well to the message of community and being aware of how we effect the people in our lives simply by knowing them. We didn't need to hear the details from him to understand who he was--we see it in the way he changes the lives of others.

All credit for the above goes to the author, Kim Ho-Yeon. But I must also shoutout the translator, Janet Hong, because I think she did a wonderful job. I am familiar enough with the Korean language to know that when it is translated into English, it often sounds stiff or very flowery and formal. But Hong's translation is straightforward without being bland, and offers a lot of artistry that I really think flatters the story. Obviously, I don't know how much of that is direct from the original text and how much is adaptation, but regardless, it doesn't read the way a lot of Korean-to-English translations read, so she's getting points from me.

Overall, I loved this book. Five stars from me :)

THE SECOND CHANCE CONVENIENCE STORE by Ho-Yeon Kim is set in present day Seoul, Korea. Perhaps because she is retired, a main character and store owner, Mrs. Yeom, made me think a bit of the feisty Chinese retailer Vera Wong but this Korean woman is not as pushy. The tone of the book is reminiscent of What you are Looking for is in the Library (although that novel is set in Japan); here, various characters appear in each (rather long) chapter and benefit in some way from attention form the convenience store employees. The pace is quite slow and there seems to be a very significant emphasis on drinking corn silk tea instead of alcohol. Ho-Yeon Kim has crafted a gentle book about being a person of principle, reaping what we sow, and caring for each other. Its universal lessons have produced an international best-seller. Although the story feels repetitive, readers may be drawn into the life of Mrs. Yeom and her band of loyal employees, including a formerly homeless man and a student, plus several customers and her wayward son. The audiobook is narrated by Jennifer Kim who uses different "voices" to portray the characters. I found her narration a bit grating initially, but later appreciated her attempts to differentiate between characters.

3.5 stars overall

This book just hits you in the heart. Even this cold one. You can’t help but fall in love with the characters and root for them and their happy ever after.
An elderly Korean woman is on the train to a funeral when she dozed off and wakes up ri realize that her wallet is missing. She soon gets a call that someone has found it and when she goes to recover it, she finds it is a homeless man and she decides to help him to thank him for his honesty by feeding him at her store. Soon both their lives are changed forever as they are intertwined.
There’s a lot to unpack as the story is told in chapters with cute titles that relate to what’s happening next and they alternate POV. You can tell that this has been translated to English but to me that made it even more endearing..
An absolutely hope filled story of second chances, kindness and strangers becoming friends.
Thanks to Harper Perennial and NetGalley for this eArc in exchange for my review.

Great read and love how the characters' paths converge together. We see character development in both of the characters. Also a unique novel that I have not read before and it is out of my comfort zone.

this book embodied everyday struggles of normal people so well.... I feel so arm and so changed from within(in a good way) after reading this... full rtc

This book felt like a warm hug. I didn’t expect to love it this much, but it honestly touched my heart in the best way.

It’s a quiet story, but a powerful one. Dok-go, a man who has lost his memory and is living at Seoul Station, finds a lost wallet—and that small good deed changes everything. Mrs. Yeom, the woman who owns the local convenience store, thanks him with a free meal. And from there, something beautiful starts to grow.

This story is about second chances, kindness, and how a little care can truly change someone’s life. The way Dok-go slowly becomes a part of the store, and the way he connects with the people around him, made me tear up more than once. He didn’t have much, but he gave so much to others just by being there.

Mrs. Yeom was one of my favorite characters—tough but kind, strong but soft inside. Their bond felt so real, and it reminded me that sometimes family isn’t who you’re born to, but who you find along the way.

Even though it’s a soft and calm book, it still has tension. When Mrs. Yeom’s son tries to sell the store and ruin everything, I was honestly holding my breath. But this book never lets go of hope. It keeps reminding you that healing takes time, and kindness isn’t loud—but it’s powerful.

This is the kind of story that stays with you. It doesn’t need drama to impress you—it just shows the beauty of everyday people, doing their best. It reminded me to slow down and appreciate the little things. I loved how real and gentle it was.

If you love slice-of-life books, found family, and stories that feel like soft light on a hard day—read this. It’s heartwarming, wise, and full of hope.

“Life’s not meant to be comfortable and convenient all the time.” 🍱🫂

a special thank you to Net Galley & Harper Perennial for allowing me access to an Advanced Reader’s Copy of The Second Chance Convenience Store by Ho-Yeon Kim!! it’s an absolute privilege to receive an ARC & i’m so honored to be able to share a honest review in exchange.

🏪 publication date: june 17th, 2025
review: ★ ★ ★ .5 (06/17/25)
this book had me in tears before i even read 50%. i just love reading about happy moments & positive character growth!!

mrs. yeom (convenience store owner) is the sweetest woman, so easy to love and respect!! although, out of all the multiple character perspectives, i enjoyed the last one the most.

it was absolutely heartwarming to read all of the reflection & opportunities caused by the characters interacting, even in small ways!! it felt like the butterfly effect where one small event (returning a stolen wallet) can eventually build to a much larger impact.

this book served as a reminder of how appearances aren’t everything or even accurate at times! i also loved the message of having hope & how it’s not too late to change, even if it’s years later, even if it’s for yourself.

When I chose this book, I was looking for a similar reading experience to "Welcome to the Hyunam-dong Bookshop" and while there are slight similarities (chapters are from different characters' POVs), The Second Chance Convenience Store was not as much in the "healing fiction" genre as I'd hoped. This book was actually darker than expected and dealt with alcoholism, elder abuse, and medical negligence. And since readers did not ever return to a character's perspective (we got one chapter for each person and that was it!), it was difficult to connect with the characters. Some characters had one chapter from their perspective and then they were completely gone from the story, while other characters showed up throughout the book.
Another frustrating aspect of this book is that the unhoused individual became a larger than life character who became a life saver to everyone. We stopped seeing his flaws and only saw him as having super human intuition and ethics. I did read this to the end simply because I was curious about this individual's background and explanation for how he became homeless!

Thank you to the author, Netgalley, and Harper Perennial for this advanced e-version.

The Second-Chance Convenience Store is arguably one the best-selling "healing fiction' books in Korea. It's still everywhere on book store shelves despite having been published a few years ago. They've even adapted it into a play! Most of my Korean friends and coworkers have read this book, and those who haven't have all heard of it.

I like certain themes in The Second Chance Convenience Store, like the idea of spreading kindness to everyone, giving others the benefit of the doubt, and trying to reflect on your own actions. The story about the business man and his So-So-So meal combo and the story about Yeonsuk and her son were my favorites. The second chapter where someone becomes a 'convenience store influencer' made me roll my eyes, and I don't like self-referential stories, like the one about the actor/author.

Also, the way this book dealt with very serious problems bothered me a little. It's nice to think that a nice convenience store clerk can approach an alcoholic and just say "you should stop drinking, it's bad for you," but we all know that it's not that easy to cure addictions.

Overall this was an interesting book and, if you don't overthink it, it's a nice story about a guy who helps others solve their life problems while also trying to work through his own.

I was excited to read the book to see what all the fuss was about, and I've actually read it in both Korean and English. I think the translation was great!

The Second Chance Convenience Store, is a tale of redemption for, Dokgo, a houseless man with dementia, who finds the lost wallet of a retired history teacher, Mrs. Yeom. This happenstance is life altering, not only for Dokgo, when Yeom offers him a job working the night shift at her convenience store, but for Yeom herself as the business is in jeopardy. What unfolds is an exercise in kindness, as well as, a heartwarming tale of community and connection. This title would be a great fit for fans of feel-good writers, such as Frederik Backman and Matt Haig.

The Second Chance Convenience Store by Kim Ho- Yeon
Translated by Janet Hong
Publication Date: June 17th, 2025
Thank you @harperperennial for the e-ARC.

This heart-warming novel follows Dok-go, a homeless man with dementia caused by alcoholism and Ms.Yeom, a retired good-hearted teacher who decides to rely on a stranger.

At the beginning of the novel, Dok-go finds Ms. Yeom purse and calls her so they can meet up at a station and deliver her belongings. It was strange but she decides to go and meet the guy and after seeing how unfortunate his life was she offers a job in her convenience store.

In this place, there are other employees, and their everyday life is portrayed as well their stories and the difficulties they face.
The novel presents the possibility of how life could be if someone is granted a second chance and the positive impact it can have in a community.

This was a pleasant read, I think nowadays is getting harder to lend a hand to a stranger, sometimes people willing to help is even affected so minding own business seems like a better option but this books makes consider "what if".

If you are looking for an easy and enjoyable read, this could be a good pick.

This was a lovely book, and I enjoyed the way the characters were connected, and how their stories kept the story moving along around the central character. At times, the story felt a little preachy in its message and around religion, however, it is ultimately a story about relationships, second chances, and the choices we make in life.

Thanks so much to Netgalley and Harper Perennial for this advance copy and the opportunity to review this book!

3.5⭐️ Overall, a very sweet story of how one person can influence those in which he comes into contact. Dok-go can’t remember much. Maybe it’s intentional or maybe it’s the alcohol. He still knows wrong from right and defends a woman from some pucks when they try to rob her convenience store. When Mrs. Yeom gives him an opportunity to no longer be homeless and a job, he gives it a shot. Over time, Dok-go proves home self to the other employees and the customers. Someone gave him a chance and new outlook. He too gives his customers a perspective and a listening ear. Will it be enough to save the convenience store or will Mrs. Yeom’s son take everything.

Thank you @netgalley, Harper Perennial, and the author for the advanced reader copy.

I'm not usually the biggest fan of Korean healing fiction, but decided to give this one a chance because of its unique premise. This novel does stand out to be in the genre and is very uplifting, although the second half might have you scratching your head at times because of the way the writer goes to go with the story. All in all, I do think this one is worth picking up at least once!

The genre of 'healing fiction' can truly take place in any setting. I particularly liked the convenience store in this novel and how it highlights that any job can be the spring board you need to find your true calling. It was really sweet that we got to meet all this different characters in different situations who all found something in the convenience store. The story also revolving around a homeless man who starts working at the store and is able to impart little nuggets of wisdom on the other characters.

A genuinely really sweet story that kind of lost steam towards the end as the narration tried to figure out what to do with Dok-go.

The Second Chance Convenience Store begins with a man without a past and his series of good deeds. The ways that people underestimate him, are rude to him, or are generally distrustful. And it's about all the ways he proves them wrong, offers them kindness and empathy, against their distrust. In many ways, the convenience store is a ground for second chances for them all. The Second Chance Convenience Store is a testament to not judging a book by its cover. We never know what's going on in people's lives. We have to give them the chance because a moment of kindness can change someone's life.

The Second Chance Convenience Store is a cozy, heartwarming slice-of-life story about Dokgo, an unhoused man who haunts Seoul Station. When he returns a lost purse, he meets its owner—a woman who later offers him a job at her convenience store. As Dokgo begins this new chapter in his life, the story follows the lives of those he encounters, showing how their paths cross and change for the better. Meanwhile, Dokgo quietly battles his fading memory, struggling to recall pieces of his past.

This book is full of cozy vibes, and it truly captures that slice-of-life vibe that so many people are chasing. It also is an impressive translation from Korean. While I can’t speak to how true to the original this translation is, it doesn’t suffer from common issues that persist in translated literature, like awkward phrasing or incorrect usage of figures of speech.

I did find that the story was a bit predictable and formulaic, but in the case of this story, I really think it just improved its cozy factor. The persisting themes of healing, personal growth, and redemption made this story significantly more touching and emotional than I expected, especially at the end. That last chapter absolutely blew me away!

If you read a lot, but are ready for a change of pace, I’d highly recommend securing a copy of The Second Chance Convenience Store, in whatever way is most convenient for you. This must-read summer release is bound to please, especially if you need a change from your normal and are ready to slow down and enjoy the moment, even if just for a little while. Five stars from this reader!

The Second Chance Convenience Store by Kim Ho-yeon
Translated by Janet Hong
Publication Date: June 17/25

A charming and poignant tale about the power of kindness, compassion, connection and second chances. When Dok-go, a homeless man, saves a shoplifted wallet and returns it to the owner of the Always Convenient store he sets off a quiet revolution of generosity. In gratitude, Mrs Yeom offers him a daily meal. Seeing beyond the unwashed exterior dirt she offers him employment on the night shift.

This simple act of trust begins a ripple effect of connection and kindness that reverberates out from the store touching and reshaping the lives in this community. The narrative gently explores how lives can unravel into isolation and despair and how even small gestures of care and kindness can begin to mend what’s broken.

This is a deeply moving story that will touch your heart and soul with characters that are quirky, complex and endearingly human. Their stories, interwoven with Dok-go’s, offer a moving reflection on the challenges of modern life and the healing power of community. This novel is a touching reminder of how looking past the surface can lead to unexpected transformation.

Perfect for summer reading, this heart warming and inspiring novel will linger with you.