Shanna Tan

'Dreams that are laughable when said aloud are what's worth pursuing. Even if you fall, you do so with much poise.'In a small, enigmatic café in Hsinchu, Taiwan, everyone is waiting for someone. Whether it's love, a second chance, or a sign of something greater, the café is more than just an ordinary coffee shop; it's a place for serendipitous encounters. Si-Ying, a young woman working at the café, harbors a secret crush on the handsome Ze-Yu, who is always surrounded by a string of girlfriends.
However, her life takes a turn when she befriends the quirky and earnest A-Tuo, who introduces her to a vibrant cast of characters who aren't what they seem to be, including a triad boss who is a cinephile and a laundromat boss who whips up exquisite dishes worthy of the Michelin stars. As Si Ying's friendship with A-Tuo deepens, she begins to realize that her true feelings may not be for Ze-Yu after all.
Within the café's walls, moments of quiet reflection reveal profound truths, and amidst the wait for someone else, Si-Ying learns that sometimes the most significant journey is the one inward.** Translated from the Taiwanese by Shanna Tan **