Book review: The Second Chance Convenience Store

written by Kim Ho-yeon, translated by Janet Hong

This is a feel-good story in the truest sense. A quiet, steady narrative about kindness, second chances, and the way unlikely friendships can change lives.

When a homeless man returns a stolen purse to the owner of a convenience store, she chooses compassion over suspicion and offers him a second chance at life. That single act of kindness creates a ripple effect. Determined to repay her trust, he begins working at the store, helping customers, cleaning up, and, in his own understated way, improving the lives of the people around him, including his colleagues.

He has lost his memories due to years of drinking, but slowly, through routine, effort, and the gentle support of those around him, he begins to regain fragments of his past. Day after day, simply by showing up and trying, he sharpens his mind and rebuilds a sense of self.

I loved how smoothly the story flows. It’s comforting without being dull, and hopeful without feeling forced. That said, towards the end, it felt like things became a little too neatly wrapped up. I understand the intention, but it tipped slightly into excess for me.

Still, the book leaves you with a quiet warmth and a reminder of how far small acts of kindness can travel.

“When Bob Dylan was young, his grandmother told him that happiness isn’t on the road to anything. She said happiness is the road. And that we should be kind because everyone’s fighting a hard battle.”
— Kim Ho-yeon

Rating: 3/5 stars