Staff Book and Media Recommendations

Cory Castoe

Library Specialist

Convenience Store Woman  by Sayaka Murata

Convenience Store Woman is the story of a young woman, Keiko Furukura, and her experience, as the title suggests, working in a convenience store. From an early age, Keiko has felt like an outsider in human existence and interaction, and has learned ways to get through life without much real connection, and without raising suspicion from anyone around her. As she grows older, her family and friends begin to frown on her working in a convenience store rather than pursuing a career, and with no romantic prospects in sight. The more Keiko tries to please those around her, the more chaotic her life gets.

Keiko reminded me of the protagonist of the film Amelie, someone who was wholly different from every other person in the universe. As Hunter S. Thompson said, “There [s]he goes. One of God's own prototypes. A high-powered mutant of some kind never even considered for mass production. Too weird to live, and too rare to die.” I also gathered from the author information on the back of the dust jacket that the book was equal parts autobiographical as it was fiction.

I really enjoyed this book. It was a very fun insight into the mind of a truly unique individual, in a different culture from my own, and the perfect length and speed for a relaxing weekend read. Keiko will greet you with an “Irasshaimase!” as begin her story.  Reviewed February 2019