This was cute. Ten moves into a boarding house to be closer to her high school. The cast of characters seems interesting enough. It seems like it has This was cute. Ten moves into a boarding house to be closer to her high school. The cast of characters seems interesting enough. It seems like it has the potential to be a good shoujo manga. I didn’t fall in love with it by any means, but I liked it enough to read the next volume....more
I have not read any Sally Rooney books yet, and I have been slightly apprehensive to do so. She is insanely popular, but some reviews I have read makeI have not read any Sally Rooney books yet, and I have been slightly apprehensive to do so. She is insanely popular, but some reviews I have read make me think her books might not be a good fit for me. So I thought I would read one of her short stories to see if I liked it before I jumped into one of her novels.
I thought it was okay.
It wasn't bad. It was interesting and provocative. The age difference doesn’t bother me, nor does the sexual forthrightness. I found it felt emotionally detached, but then again, the narrator did admit to being a “cold customer.� It was just so blase. I didn’t really get much from reading it.
The ending
(view spoiler)[In the end, she says, "I'm not going back to Boston, I didn't say. These cells may look fairly normal, but they are not."
And earlier: "In chronic leukemia, the cells can mature partly but not completely. These cells may look fairly normal, but they are not"
So at first, I thought, it meant she was not normal even if she looks normal, but I also wondered if she meant she was not as mature as she looks; she has actually only partly matured, like the cells. If she had truly matured, she would go back to Boston. (hide spoiler)] ...more
When I began reading I had no clue really what to expect from this book. From the cover and the title,“It’s not impossible. It’s an anomaly, is all.�
When I began reading I had no clue really what to expect from this book. From the cover and the title, I imagined a light whimsical tale. I’m halfway through, and this book is way heavier than imagined. It delves deep. It takes a while to read because it’s the kind of book that you can only read so much at a time before you have to put it down and process it. Nao sure doesn’t shy away from telling it like it is.
When I wasn’t reading I was thinking about it. I’m still thinking about it. There is a lot to ponder especially since it doesn’t answer every question, and some things don’t make sense using logic. This will make some readers uncomfortable, but I think it’s part of what I loved about this novel. I appreciate the challenging questions it’s brought up for me. I enjoyed the spiritual aspects of this novel a lot of it resonated with me.
And that part about the World-Rectifying Catfish…wow. I had no idea they had their version of “making the high places low and the low places high.�
I liked the concept of the found diary connecting the future to the past, but I did find some of Ruth’s part’s boring. Nao’s chapters were always engaging.
Overall I loved the book, I found it inspiring even if it was brutal at times. ...more
I was excited about this one, but I ended up disappointed. I am surprised at all the amazing reviews when this turned out to be such a mediocre read. I was excited about this one, but I ended up disappointed. I am surprised at all the amazing reviews when this turned out to be such a mediocre read. My favorite part was the setting, and I enjoyed the historical aspects. It made me want to read more books that take place in Vietnam. The rest of the story was not so great. I thought it was boring, hard to follow, and just kind of off the rails for a good portion of it....more
I thought it was okay. At first, I thought I was going to love it, but then it kind of fell apart. It didn’t have that much to it. I’m unsure why it’sI thought it was okay. At first, I thought I was going to love it, but then it kind of fell apart. It didn’t have that much to it. I’m unsure why it’s so popular. My favorite part of the story was the setting; I enjoyed learning about Beijing and the International School. I found the ending frustrating, especially because the main question was never addressed....more
I get it already! Everything doesn’t happen for a reason. Things are, in fact, bad, there isn’t some hidden good somewhere. Instead of rags to riches,I get it already! Everything doesn’t happen for a reason. Things are, in fact, bad, there isn’t some hidden good somewhere. Instead of rags to riches, we have riches to rags story. The overarching theme is everything goes bad eventually, or you might be happy now, but just you wait!
As I read this, I can certainly see their folly, and Voltaire is sure to throw it in my face over and over, and yet, I still find myself believing everything happens for a reason. I can’t seem to stop myself from looking for the silver lining. I do understand this is illogical (even before I read Candide) yet I still find myself thinking as such. If I were to describe everything I’ve had, and everything I’ve lost, I would sound like those dethroned Kings that Candide had dinner with. It’s not easy to just accept such losses in life. Voltaire is most likely correct in his thinking, but I think some people might need the kindness of a delusion so that they can get out of bed each morning.
I get the point and see the humor in it, but it grew tiresome by the end, and I can’t believe how many people came back from the dead in this book, it was like a bad soap opera. ...more
This is the epitome of slow-burn horror and I loved it. I was completely captivated even though very little happened during most of it. I went in blinThis is the epitome of slow-burn horror and I loved it. I was completely captivated even though very little happened during most of it. I went in blind, so I had no idea that it had so much to do with religion. I am a sucker for anything that combines horror and religion, and this was no exception. I found this book completely fascinating. It’s been a couple of months since I finished, but even now when I think about the book I am brought back to the feeling of utter desolation and loneliness found within the pages.
I definitely don't think this book is for everyone for various reasons. It is slow-paced, it's on the confusing side and religious themes run throughout. On the other hand, if you like something scary that will also cause you to question things like good and evil and human nature, then you might want to give it a chance....more
Okay, wow. I liked it, but wtf? So it was odd from the get-go, but the first half is straight normal compared to the ending. I will say it again, wtf?Okay, wow. I liked it, but wtf? So it was odd from the get-go, but the first half is straight normal compared to the ending. I will say it again, wtf?
I found the entire “Let’s resist becoming cogs in the machine� message endearing. I myself have attempted to live outside the box, much to the dismay of my family and friends, and I know how hard it is when it seems like all of society is screaming at you to “Just get over it� and “Grow up� and “Why can’t you be like everyone else?� So I can really appreciate this perspective. This story is over the top in its storytelling approach, but it’s not off the mark.
As for the ending, that might be a dealbreaker for some readers, but for those who like weird, this might be your jam....more
Wow. I didn’t see that coming. That was a powerful short story! This was a sad and painful read, one that I think many readers will be able to empathiWow. I didn’t see that coming. That was a powerful short story! This was a sad and painful read, one that I think many readers will be able to empathize with. I could definitely relate to the narrator's feelings, especially when she realized studying hard didn’t make you friends if you were a girl. I remember realizing this when I was ten, and it had recently become apparent to myself, and the other kids, how smart I was.
It’s heartbreaking that this was inspired by a true event. ...more
The premise sounded amazing, but it wasn’t as compelling as I expected. I contemplated DNFing, but I kept reading out of curiosity.
Overall, I thoughtThe premise sounded amazing, but it wasn’t as compelling as I expected. I contemplated DNFing, but I kept reading out of curiosity.
Overall, I thought the concept was interesting, but the writing was bland. I did find the last third of the book more engaging than the first two-thirds. I also thought the parallels between her life and the novel she was writing were the most fascinating part of the story. ...more
That was a ride. Wow. There is a lot to take away from this.
The story takes place in Argentina. It explores the theme of environmental pollution becaThat was a ride. Wow. There is a lot to take away from this.
The story takes place in Argentina. It explores the theme of environmental pollution because of ignorance, but it’s told in a unique fashion. I really enjoyed how this story was written. Reading it felt like a psychedelic trip. The author leaves a lot of things open, especially about David and Nina, so the reader is left to come to their own conclusions in the end.
Here are a few of my thoughts on a few things: (view spoiler)[I think David was there talking to her. I also think part of Nina transmigrated to David at the end. I also wonder if Nina had part of David in her. That is why she referred to herself as “we�. I think Carla sensed David in Nina. That’s why she was so drawn to Nina. (hide spoiler)]
An interesting note, one of the main themes in this book, the rescue distance, is actually the title in its original language....more
This was a quick read, perfect for October, atmospheric, and creepy AF. It really captures the horror of descending into madness well. It reminded me This was a quick read, perfect for October, atmospheric, and creepy AF. It really captures the horror of descending into madness well. It reminded me of House of Leaves, but I enjoyed this much more. Even now when I think back to when I was reading this book I still remember the disorientation and spine-tingly feeling....more
Another one wasted on my youth. Assigned in 7th grade, I thought I wasn't a fan of Agatha, but after reading one recently I realized I was just too yoAnother one wasted on my youth. Assigned in 7th grade, I thought I wasn't a fan of Agatha, but after reading one recently I realized I was just too young to really appreciate it....more
I liked it, but didn’t enjoy it as much as Circe. I definitely like how she tells a story behind the ancient myths, but I found Circe’s story more comI liked it, but didn’t enjoy it as much as Circe. I definitely like how she tells a story behind the ancient myths, but I found Circe’s story more compelling. I got bored a few times, which is why it took me so long to finish....more
It’s a beautifully written novel, though hard to read at the same time. This novel made me feel all sorts of ways and made me think all sorts of thougIt’s a beautifully written novel, though hard to read at the same time. This novel made me feel all sorts of ways and made me think all sorts of thoughts. In other words, it was certainly a good read. Pachinko is an epic saga with a lot of history. Ergo it may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but I found it was most definitely mine.
I knew very little about the Japanese occupation of Korea before reading this book. I was aware that there was racism between the Koreans and the Japanese, but I didn’t know where it stemmed from until I read this. It was fascinating and horrifying to read about.
Some things that stuck out to me:
* The way Solomon was treated. Holy shit!
* How Koreans were treated in general. The conditions they had to live in, and the way life was for them for so many years. I’ve lived through some shit, but I cannot begin to imagine what it was like for them during this time period.
* The way it ended for Noa vs Mozasu.
* The seeming unfairness of it all, and how some characters accepted it and some fought against it.
* The way their culture views honor. It was hard for me to wrap my brain around some of their choices.
All things considered, this is not light reading. It’s emotionally charged and infuriating at times, but nevertheless remarkable....more
Circe is my new favorite literary witch! I adore this book. It was such a pleasure to read; I would read anything by this author now. The writing was
Circe is my new favorite literary witch! I adore this book. It was such a pleasure to read; I would read anything by this author now. The writing was just beautiful! It also piqued my interest in Greek mythology again.
P.S. I listened to the audiobook while I was reading the book. I highly recommend it with this particular book. I’m not usually an audiobook fan, but this one really added to my reading experience....more
I haven't read much sci-fi in my life, but like most books I've read in the last few years it seemed to present itself to me. I read it quickly, lovinI haven't read much sci-fi in my life, but like most books I've read in the last few years it seemed to present itself to me. I read it quickly, loving every minute of it. The premise is compelling and unique. I was simultaneously fascinated and appalled with the idea of children being used in the military. The storyline between Ender and his siblings was also compelling. It definitely made me want to read more sci-fi. ...more
Very interesting book. The premise is a 16 year old is kidnapped, and she develops Stockholm syndrome over the course of her captivity. The fascinatinVery interesting book. The premise is a 16 year old is kidnapped, and she develops Stockholm syndrome over the course of her captivity. The fascinating part is that I, the reader, also apparently developed Stockholm syndrome in the process. The author draws you in, and in the end you want the protagonist to end up with her captor. That fact alone, gives insight into how the process or "syndrome" happens. The author manipulates the reader, but in such a subtle manner that you find yourself second guessing yourself. I have to say I kind of enjoy it when the author plays mind games with the reader....more
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