The Second Chance Convenience Store - by Kim Ho-yeon (Paperback)

About the Book

Book Synopsis

"It's easy to see why this quick and endearing read was so popular in Korea and beyond; U.S. readers are in for a treat." -- Library Journal

In this million-copy international bestseller from Korea, the owner of a corner store takes in an unhoused man who does a good deed, a kind soul whose presence will transform the whole neighborhood--a heartwarming tale of found family, community, and redemption reminiscent of the bestselling novels of Matt Haig and Gabrielle Zevin.

Dok-go lives in Seoul Station. He can't remember his past, and the only thing he knows for certain is that he could really use a drink. When he finds a lost wallet filled with documents, his life is drastically changed, offering a surprising second chance.

Mrs. Yeom, a retired history teacher and current owner of her neighborhood's corner store, is distraught over the loss of her purse, until she receives a mysterious call from the person who found it. To thank this down-on-his-luck stranger, she offers him a free meal from the convenience store. Seeing the joy the food brings him, Mrs. Yeom impulsively invites him to stop by for lunch every day.

In a twist of fate, Dok-go saves the store from a robber--a brave act that propels Mrs. Yeom to offers the bear-like man a job working the night shift, despite the objections of her wary employees. The store's new employee quickly wins over the quirky denizens of the neighborhood, becoming a welcoming ear and source of advice for his coworkers and neighbors' problems, and helping his new boss save the store from financial ruin in this deeply character-driven story. But just when things are looking up for Dok-go, Mrs. Yeom's good-for-nothing son, eager to sell the store, hires a detective to dig into the mysterious man's past and what he seems to be trying so hard to forget.

The Second Chance Convenience Store is a moving and joyful piece of uplifting fiction about a woman fighting for her community and a man who has lost everything except the will to try again.

Review Quotes

"A moving story about solidarity and the healing process" - Yes24 and Kyobo Book Center

"The Second Chance Convenience Store... checks all the boxes, enhanced with additional charm and empathy, and smoothly translated by Janet Hong....In what might initially seem to be a light, breezy novel, Kim seamlessly inserts sharp commentary about society's failures concerning people late in life, people experiencing homelessness, corporate greed, compromised ethics." - Shelf Awareness (Starred Review)

"The Second Chance Convenience Store...should be on your reading list. This Korean book, soon in English, is special. It shows kindness, community, and second chances....If you want a book that makes you feel good about people, this one delivers." - Dionysus Reviews

"The whole thing was just delightful without being saccharine" - Reading Reality

"Dok-go's realistic and encouraging relationship with the store's customers, who have their problems and aspirations resolved so well through the pages, wins everyone's hearts." - The Korea Times

"Kim Ho-Yeon's prose, beautifully translated, is understated but piercing. He avoids melodrama, opting instead for daily textures: the warmth of doenjang soup, the quiet discipline of a part-time worker, the humbling dignity of a man once discarded by society. This is not just a feel-good narrative. It is a slow-burning reckoning with aging, dignity, capitalism, and the invisible social architecture of cities.... A standout in contemporary translated fiction, the book speaks volumes to our post-pandemic world where community is both scarce and sacred." - Litro Magazine

"It's easy to see why this quick and endearing read was so popular in Korea and beyond; U.S. readers are in for a treat." - Library Journal

"A delightful read." - Not Another Book Review Blog

"The Second Chance Convenience Store is a joyful and uplifting read that highlights the importance of human connection.... Highly recommended for anyone looking for a feel-good novel that also offers meaningful reflection." - FreshFiction

A What's Up? Magazine "Reading Pick"