I don't have the words to do  his book justice, but I'll try. Sweet bean paste is a story of love, loss, unlikely friendships and the importance of learning to make your own happiness. Sentaro works in a confectionery shop selling dorayaki (pancakes with a sweet bean paste sandwiched between them), but hes not very good at making the paste. On a whim, he decides to hire an elderly woman named Tokue who makes the best sweet bean paste hes ever tried and from there we see the way their relationship evolves as Tokue's past comes to light and Sentaro tries to be more hopeful towards his future. 

Sukegawa's writing is simple and eloquent, which makes this book all the more enjoyable but equally heartbreaking.

definitely one of the best books I've had the pleasure of reading this year.