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313 reviews
Sweet Bean Paste by Durian Sukegawa
The book revolves around Sentaro, a dorayaki stall owner, and his unlikely friendship with Tokue, who has a talent for making the most delicious sweet bean paste. This heartwarming and endearing story has provided me with a great deal of comfort. What struck me the most was the author's ability to handle sensitive topics with such grace, making the novel both heartwarming and tragically uplifting. The story had me in tears, and I must say, I sincerely loved every bit of this book.
The way the author crafted the story was impeccable, and I was completely enraptured by it. The characters are so well-developed, and I found myself rooting for them throughout the book. The friendship between Sentaro and Tokue was a beautiful thing to witness, especially as it developed over the course of the story. The simplicity of dorayaki combined with the complex emotions of the characters made for an experience that was truly unforgettable.
However, I must admit that the ending felt a little rushed, and I found myself wishing that the book was longer. It was a little sad to see the story come to an end, but nonetheless, I would highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a heartwarming and touching read.
emotional
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
❝ It’s my belief that everything in this world has its own language. We have the ability to open up our ears and minds to anything and everything. That could be someone walking down the street, or it could be the sunshine or the wind. ❞
❝ I know you may not be able to hear anything now, even if you try, but please don't give up. I fee sure that one day you will find whatever it is you seek, and that the spark that leads to it will come from hearing some kind of voice. People's lives never stay the same colour forever. There are times when the colour of life changes completely. ❞
The book revolves around Sentaro, a dorayaki stall owner, and his unlikely friendship with Tokue, who has a talent for making the most delicious sweet bean paste. This heartwarming and endearing story has provided me with a great deal of comfort. What struck me the most was the author's ability to handle sensitive topics with such grace, making the novel both heartwarming and tragically uplifting. The story had me in tears, and I must say, I sincerely loved every bit of this book.
The way the author crafted the story was impeccable, and I was completely enraptured by it. The characters are so well-developed, and I found myself rooting for them throughout the book. The friendship between Sentaro and Tokue was a beautiful thing to witness, especially as it developed over the course of the story. The simplicity of dorayaki combined with the complex emotions of the characters made for an experience that was truly unforgettable.
However, I must admit that the ending felt a little rushed, and I found myself wishing that the book was longer. It was a little sad to see the story come to an end, but nonetheless, I would highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a heartwarming and touching read.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Ableism, Alcoholism, and Suicidal thoughts
No Land to Light On by Yara Zgheib
The book "No Land to Light On" is a deeply poignant and beautifully written work. It is an important piece of literature that serves as a reminder of the dark and terrible period of American history that should never be forgotten, especially for those who are immigrants to the United States from the Middle East.
The author has portrayed the harsh reality of how people can be dismissive of one another and treat them differently, as if they are not human. The book sheds light on the struggles of those who flee war-torn countries to seek refuge in other parts of the world, only to be exposed to further hatred and hostility. The author has made a compelling case for the importance of compassion and understanding, particularly for those who have already suffered more than anyone should in one lifetime.
While the book is not without its flaws, it remains a vital and timely piece of literature. One of its shortcomings is the frequent use of Arabic words within the text, which can be difficult for non-Middle Eastern readers who may not be familiar with the language. However, this does not diminish the importance of the subject matter.
Overall, "No Land to Light On" is a must-read for anyone who wants to gain a deeper understanding of the struggles faced by immigrants from war-torn countries. It is a powerful reminder of the importance of empathy and compassion towards those who have suffered unimaginable loss and trauma.
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
❝ The homesick have, at least, a home to miss, but this ... ❞ — 😥😥
The book "No Land to Light On" is a deeply poignant and beautifully written work. It is an important piece of literature that serves as a reminder of the dark and terrible period of American history that should never be forgotten, especially for those who are immigrants to the United States from the Middle East.
The author has portrayed the harsh reality of how people can be dismissive of one another and treat them differently, as if they are not human. The book sheds light on the struggles of those who flee war-torn countries to seek refuge in other parts of the world, only to be exposed to further hatred and hostility. The author has made a compelling case for the importance of compassion and understanding, particularly for those who have already suffered more than anyone should in one lifetime.
While the book is not without its flaws, it remains a vital and timely piece of literature. One of its shortcomings is the frequent use of Arabic words within the text, which can be difficult for non-Middle Eastern readers who may not be familiar with the language. However, this does not diminish the importance of the subject matter.
Overall, "No Land to Light On" is a must-read for anyone who wants to gain a deeper understanding of the struggles faced by immigrants from war-torn countries. It is a powerful reminder of the importance of empathy and compassion towards those who have suffered unimaginable loss and trauma.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Xenophobia, Pregnancy, and War
Vera Wong's Unsolicited Advice for Murderers by Jesse Q. Sutanto
I read two books by Jesse Q. Sutanto, and I enjoyed this one. I must say that I thoroughly enjoyed this book in particular. The book was a delightful mix of mystery, humour, and interesting characters that kept me hooked from start to finish. One of the things that stood out to me about this book was the humour. It was genuinely funny, and I found myself laughing out loud several times while reading it.
Vera Wong, the protagonist, was a force to be reckoned with, and her antics were both entertaining and endearing. While she may not be someone I would typically get along with in real life, I couldn't help but love her and root for her throughout the book. Besides Vera, the other characters in the book were equally fascinating. Their connections to each other and the murder of Marshall Chen made the story even more thrilling to read. As the plot unfolds, I get to know each character on a deeper level, and it becomes apparent that they all need each other in some way. The relationships they build with each other, or rebuild in some cases, show how people can become strong in the face of adversity and tragedy.
For the record, the descriptions of food and tea in the book were also a highlight for me. The author did an excellent job of creating comforting and delicious scenes that made me hungry while reading. It was a unique touch that added to the overall charm of the book.
Overall, Vera Wong's Unsolicited Advice for Murderers is a great book that I would highly recommend to anyone looking for a light-hearted and enjoyable read. The mix of mystery, humour, and interesting characters made it a page-turner that kept me engaged until the very end.
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
❝ The woman’s eyebrows are statement brows, and the statement is: I am fucking fabulous and don’t you forget it. ❞ YESSS.
I read two books by Jesse Q. Sutanto, and I enjoyed this one. I must say that I thoroughly enjoyed this book in particular. The book was a delightful mix of mystery, humour, and interesting characters that kept me hooked from start to finish. One of the things that stood out to me about this book was the humour. It was genuinely funny, and I found myself laughing out loud several times while reading it.
Vera Wong, the protagonist, was a force to be reckoned with, and her antics were both entertaining and endearing. While she may not be someone I would typically get along with in real life, I couldn't help but love her and root for her throughout the book. Besides Vera, the other characters in the book were equally fascinating. Their connections to each other and the murder of Marshall Chen made the story even more thrilling to read. As the plot unfolds, I get to know each character on a deeper level, and it becomes apparent that they all need each other in some way. The relationships they build with each other, or rebuild in some cases, show how people can become strong in the face of adversity and tragedy.
For the record, the descriptions of food and tea in the book were also a highlight for me. The author did an excellent job of creating comforting and delicious scenes that made me hungry while reading. It was a unique touch that added to the overall charm of the book.
Overall, Vera Wong's Unsolicited Advice for Murderers is a great book that I would highly recommend to anyone looking for a light-hearted and enjoyable read. The mix of mystery, humour, and interesting characters made it a page-turner that kept me engaged until the very end.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death and Murder
A Venom Dark and Sweet by Judy I. Lin
Upon reading the two books in the series, I must admit that I enjoyed the first book more than the second. The stunning cover art initially drew me in, and I was intrigued by the plot and characters from the get-go.
However, as I delved into the sequel, I found myself disappointed. Although it had the potential to be just as captivating as its predecessor, it seemed rushed and lacked the depth that made me fall in love with the first book.
The character development in the second book was somewhat lacklustre - I found Ning's behaviour to be inconsistent at times. Further, I was disappointed in Kang's chapters, as they didn't seem to sum up much of into story.
As for the romance, I wasn't particularly fond of the instant love that was present in both books. It just didn't resonate with me and left me feeling unsatisfied. Overall, I'd say that the series was decent, but the first book was definitely the highlight for me.
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
❝... The world began with a dream. Our lives are the same. Keep dreaming, my daughters. The world is greater than you know. ❞
Upon reading the two books in the series, I must admit that I enjoyed the first book more than the second. The stunning cover art initially drew me in, and I was intrigued by the plot and characters from the get-go.
However, as I delved into the sequel, I found myself disappointed. Although it had the potential to be just as captivating as its predecessor, it seemed rushed and lacked the depth that made me fall in love with the first book.
The character development in the second book was somewhat lacklustre - I found Ning's behaviour to be inconsistent at times. Further, I was disappointed in Kang's chapters, as they didn't seem to sum up much of into story.
As for the romance, I wasn't particularly fond of the instant love that was present in both books. It just didn't resonate with me and left me feeling unsatisfied. Overall, I'd say that the series was decent, but the first book was definitely the highlight for me.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Violence, and Death of parent
Displacement by Kiku Hughes
emotional
informative
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.75
The book that I recently read is an excellent example of historical fiction, which is one of my favorite genres. The story has a unique twist of truth and reality that sets it apart from other books in this genre. The central character, who is also the author, finds herself thrown back in time during the Japanese American internment Camps and is desperate to connect with her grandmother, whom she never met before.
The majority of the story takes place in the 1940s, with some back and forth between the present and the past. Additionally, I loved the science fiction element of the book, which is one of my go-to genres. This aspect of the story was a great segue to historical fiction and added an extra layer of intrigue to the plot.
The book explores the theme of racism during the 1940s in a shocking yet impactful way that is suitable for younger readers. I found the story to be an excellent example of merging fiction and nonfiction to create a compelling narrative. The author executed the story wonderfully, and the plot was well thought out and engaging.
One of the things that stood out to me in the book was the unique and different personalities of the characters. They were not cookie-cutter figures of social justice, but each had their own individual thoughts and feelings on what it meant to fight for freedom. This made the story more relatable and enjoyable to read.
Overall, this book is a must-read for anyone who is interested in learning about the Japanese Internment Camps or how history repeats itself. The story is an excellent example of how fiction can be used to highlight important issues and motivate people to fight against injustice.
The majority of the story takes place in the 1940s, with some back and forth between the present and the past. Additionally, I loved the science fiction element of the book, which is one of my go-to genres. This aspect of the story was a great segue to historical fiction and added an extra layer of intrigue to the plot.
The book explores the theme of racism during the 1940s in a shocking yet impactful way that is suitable for younger readers. I found the story to be an excellent example of merging fiction and nonfiction to create a compelling narrative. The author executed the story wonderfully, and the plot was well thought out and engaging.
One of the things that stood out to me in the book was the unique and different personalities of the characters. They were not cookie-cutter figures of social justice, but each had their own individual thoughts and feelings on what it meant to fight for freedom. This made the story more relatable and enjoyable to read.
Overall, this book is a must-read for anyone who is interested in learning about the Japanese Internment Camps or how history repeats itself. The story is an excellent example of how fiction can be used to highlight important issues and motivate people to fight against injustice.
Meet Me at the Lake by Carley Fortune
Meet Me at the Lake is a book with a beautifully designed cover art that perfectly complements the storyline. The story follows the journey of a couple who get a second chance at love, with the plot alternating between their past and present day.
As a reader, I found that the alternating storylines between the past and the present day can be confusing if the details are not provided. However, this is a popular style in the second-chance romance genre, and readers who enjoy easy summer romances will likely find this book delightful.
Personally, I found it hard to connect with the characters and their relationships, which unfortunately led to me losing interest reasonably early on. Despite this, I think the book has the potential to be a hit with readers who are looking for a light and easy summer read.
emotional
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
❝ There’s nothing less appetizing than a man’s bare foot, ❞ ..... excuse me— ???
Meet Me at the Lake is a book with a beautifully designed cover art that perfectly complements the storyline. The story follows the journey of a couple who get a second chance at love, with the plot alternating between their past and present day.
As a reader, I found that the alternating storylines between the past and the present day can be confusing if the details are not provided. However, this is a popular style in the second-chance romance genre, and readers who enjoy easy summer romances will likely find this book delightful.
Personally, I found it hard to connect with the characters and their relationships, which unfortunately led to me losing interest reasonably early on. Despite this, I think the book has the potential to be a hit with readers who are looking for a light and easy summer read.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Grief and Death of parent
The Art of Thinking Clearly by Rolf Dobelli
informative
reflective
medium-paced
3.0
I recently came across a book that captured my attention and admiration with its well-presented content. The book sheds light on 99 cognitive biases or errors in thinking that often influence our decisions. What sets this book apart is the author's ability to present each chapter with accurate examples that can be observed or even experienced by readers. The examples are relatable and provide insightful information about how we perceive the world around us. The author also provides conclusions and take-home notes that are useful in preventing readers from repeating the same mistakes in their thinking and decision-making processes.
However, while the book is informative and detailed, there is one minor drawback to it. The author often gives examples taken from other books and changes the characters and paraphrases a little instead of providing examples based on his own understanding when he decided to write this book. Despite this shortcoming, I found the book to be incredibly insightful and informative. It has helped me to understand the mistakes that I have been making in my thinking and decision-making process, and it has given me a new perspective on how to approach my thoughts and actions.
Overall, I highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to improve their decision-making skills and thinking process.
However, while the book is informative and detailed, there is one minor drawback to it. The author often gives examples taken from other books and changes the characters and paraphrases a little instead of providing examples based on his own understanding when he decided to write this book. Despite this shortcoming, I found the book to be incredibly insightful and informative. It has helped me to understand the mistakes that I have been making in my thinking and decision-making process, and it has given me a new perspective on how to approach my thoughts and actions.
Overall, I highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to improve their decision-making skills and thinking process.
Someone Who Will Love You in All Your Damaged Glory: Stories by Raphael Bob-Waksberg
This book is a full collection of short stories and is a true delight for any avid reader. Each story is uniquely crafted with a particular sense of humour that may not appeal to everyone. The humour present in these stories is closely tied to the television show, and therefore, fans of the show will certainly find the stories to be particularly enjoyable. However, if you are not familiar with this kind of humour, the humour may be lost on you, and you may find the stories to be less engaging.
With that being said, every story in this book is cleverly crafted, funny, and genuine. The writing is relatable in a way that I never expected. It's like the book is a museum of all my heartbreaks, wasted potential, unvoiced doubts, and ugliest truths. Every story touches on themes and experiences that I thought only applied to me. The author manages to explore these themes with a delicate touch, never coming across as heavy-handed or overbearing.
Overall, this book is a must-read for anyone who enjoys well-written short stories with a touch of humour. Even if you are not a fan of the television show, the writing is strong enough to stand on its own. The stories are full of heart and are sure to leave a lasting impression on any reader.
emotional
funny
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
❝ There are two kinds of people, he thought: the people you don’t want to touch because you’re afraid you’re going to break them, and the people you don’t want to touch because you’re afraid they’ll break you. ❞
This book is a full collection of short stories and is a true delight for any avid reader. Each story is uniquely crafted with a particular sense of humour that may not appeal to everyone. The humour present in these stories is closely tied to the television show, and therefore, fans of the show will certainly find the stories to be particularly enjoyable. However, if you are not familiar with this kind of humour, the humour may be lost on you, and you may find the stories to be less engaging.
With that being said, every story in this book is cleverly crafted, funny, and genuine. The writing is relatable in a way that I never expected. It's like the book is a museum of all my heartbreaks, wasted potential, unvoiced doubts, and ugliest truths. Every story touches on themes and experiences that I thought only applied to me. The author manages to explore these themes with a delicate touch, never coming across as heavy-handed or overbearing.
Overall, this book is a must-read for anyone who enjoys well-written short stories with a touch of humour. Even if you are not a fan of the television show, the writing is strong enough to stand on its own. The stories are full of heart and are sure to leave a lasting impression on any reader.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcoholism and Mental illness
Re: (Re: #1) by Maman Suherman
Memutuskan untuk membaca buku ini karena blurb-nya yang berhasil menarik minat saya, yang akhirnya membawa saya untuk menempatkan diri sebagai Penulis buku ini ketika 'ia sedang melakukan penelitian untuk skripsinya. Iya, buku ini merupakan suatu riwayat perjalanan penulis saat menyusun skripsi yang mana beliau juga bekerja sebagai jurnalis kala itu.
Selama membaca buku ini, saya sendiri dibuat takjub dan ngeri melihat bagaimana seorang wanita dianggap tidak ada artinya sampai Re: seorang pelacur harus tewas mengenaskan dengan penuh luka sayatan dan diikat di pinggir jalan. Namun, dengan cerita yang cukup mengerikan ini secara keseluruhan tentu saja saya takjub terhadap keberanian penulis untuk mengangkat suatu isu yang dianggap menjijikan dan tabu bagi khalayak umum. Membahas mengenai seorang pelacur yang selalu dianggap sebelah mata olah kebanyakan orang, yang selalu dianggap rendah dan tidak ada artinya. Padahal, pada dasarnya setiap manusia berhak atas dirinya sendiri. Berhak untuk merasa nyaman dan aman terlepas apapun pekerjaannya. Bahwa seorang pelacur sekalipun, tetap memiliki hati nurani dan cinta kasih.
dark
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
❝ Rasa asin, kecut penderitaan yang kita alami itu sangat bergantung dari besarnya hati yang menampungnya. ❞
Memutuskan untuk membaca buku ini karena blurb-nya yang berhasil menarik minat saya, yang akhirnya membawa saya untuk menempatkan diri sebagai Penulis buku ini ketika 'ia sedang melakukan penelitian untuk skripsinya. Iya, buku ini merupakan suatu riwayat perjalanan penulis saat menyusun skripsi yang mana beliau juga bekerja sebagai jurnalis kala itu.
Selama membaca buku ini, saya sendiri dibuat takjub dan ngeri melihat bagaimana seorang wanita dianggap tidak ada artinya sampai Re: seorang pelacur harus tewas mengenaskan dengan penuh luka sayatan dan diikat di pinggir jalan. Namun, dengan cerita yang cukup mengerikan ini secara keseluruhan tentu saja saya takjub terhadap keberanian penulis untuk mengangkat suatu isu yang dianggap menjijikan dan tabu bagi khalayak umum. Membahas mengenai seorang pelacur yang selalu dianggap sebelah mata olah kebanyakan orang, yang selalu dianggap rendah dan tidak ada artinya. Padahal, pada dasarnya setiap manusia berhak atas dirinya sendiri. Berhak untuk merasa nyaman dan aman terlepas apapun pekerjaannya. Bahwa seorang pelacur sekalipun, tetap memiliki hati nurani dan cinta kasih.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Adult/minor relationship and Sexual assault
Himawari House by Harmony Becker
emotional
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
This book had me hooked right from the start due to its fantastic illustrations. However, what really blew me away was the captivating and well-crafted story that was just as enthralling as the illustrations. The author skillfully managed to weave together the histories, ambitions, fears, and triumphs of the five unique characters that the story revolved around, creating a rich and engaging narrative that kept me on the edge of my seat throughout the book.
However, as I progressed through the book, I stumbled upon some Japanese writing that I found to be a bit confusing. It appeared to be gibberish with blanks in the middle of sentences, which initially left me perplexed. However, upon reflection, I realised that the author may have intended to convey the feeling of confusion that one might experience in an unfamiliar environment, which added an interesting and unique layer to the story.
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and would highly recommend it to anyone looking for an engrossing and thought-provoking read.
However, as I progressed through the book, I stumbled upon some Japanese writing that I found to be a bit confusing. It appeared to be gibberish with blanks in the middle of sentences, which initially left me perplexed. However, upon reflection, I realised that the author may have intended to convey the feeling of confusion that one might experience in an unfamiliar environment, which added an interesting and unique layer to the story.
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and would highly recommend it to anyone looking for an engrossing and thought-provoking read.