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sonalipawar26's reviews
196 reviews
I Want to Die But I Still Want to Eat Tteokbokki by Baek Se-hee
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
3.75
When my therapist first asked me to write down my thoughts, both good and bad, I wanted to pull my hair out—I couldn’t bear to see them on paper. It made everything too real, and it was physically exhausting. The idea of documenting my fears and other negative emotions felt terrifying, as if doing so would mean my thoughts were out there for all to see, even just in my head. It made me feel like I was spiralling into madness, afraid of being judged or locked away for thinking the way I did. So, major props to Baek Sehee for recording her conversations with her psychiatrist and then reliving them to write this book. I don’t think I would have the courage.
This book especially explores dark thoughts and intense emotional battles. Her raw and intimate writing makes it a powerful read. Sehee shares things that many of us, myself included, would be scared to say out loud. It’s commendable how she opens up these conversations (and her inner thoughts) with such honesty and vulnerability.
If you haven’t read I Want to D!e but I Want to Eat Tteokbokki, I recommend starting there before picking up the sequel. It gives you a window into Sehee’s mind that’s essential for understanding her journey. Moreover, this book isn't just a sequel, it's a deeper dive into the complexities of the human mind.
And as always, Anton Hur does a fantastic job translating the book. I had to take breaks while reading certain parts, which says a lot about how powerful his translation is!
This book especially explores dark thoughts and intense emotional battles. Her raw and intimate writing makes it a powerful read. Sehee shares things that many of us, myself included, would be scared to say out loud. It’s commendable how she opens up these conversations (and her inner thoughts) with such honesty and vulnerability.
If you haven’t read I Want to D!e but I Want to Eat Tteokbokki, I recommend starting there before picking up the sequel. It gives you a window into Sehee’s mind that’s essential for understanding her journey. Moreover, this book isn't just a sequel, it's a deeper dive into the complexities of the human mind.
And as always, Anton Hur does a fantastic job translating the book. I had to take breaks while reading certain parts, which says a lot about how powerful his translation is!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Suicidal thoughts
Peach Blossom Spring by Melissa Fu
dark
emotional
hopeful
informative
sad
tense
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? No
3.75
When Meilin loses her husband in the war and her home is destroyed, she packs all the essentials, including a cherished scroll from her beloved husband, in a basket and runs to the station with her son, Renshu, on her brother-in-law's orders to escape death.
From walking on foot to carrying Renshu in carts and selling her precious jewellery to afford food and to the final journey to Taiwan, Meilin and Renshu travel long distances to escape war and bloodshed. However, on this long and arduous journey, they can’t escape time, as Renshu grows up despite it all, and heartbreak, as they lose friends and loved ones along the way.
My heart was 100 per cent into this generational saga until Renshu had to bid goodbye to his mother and travel across oceans to study further. For me, Meilin was the strong foundation of this book, and when she appeared less and less, I disconnected from the narrative.
But the story picks up again when Renshu's (now Henry) daughter, Lily, tries to navigate the mixed emotions accompanying being biracial. While the time jump made Lily's narrative slightly rushed, Fu beautifully tied it all together, making my eyes water. Not to mention, she is a fabulous writer, making prose feel like poetry.
I reckon I had too many expectations from the book, which led to my lukewarm response to this historical saga. Regardless, I’d urge you to read this book to get some background on the impact of the war and post-war uprisings in China.
From walking on foot to carrying Renshu in carts and selling her precious jewellery to afford food and to the final journey to Taiwan, Meilin and Renshu travel long distances to escape war and bloodshed. However, on this long and arduous journey, they can’t escape time, as Renshu grows up despite it all, and heartbreak, as they lose friends and loved ones along the way.
My heart was 100 per cent into this generational saga until Renshu had to bid goodbye to his mother and travel across oceans to study further. For me, Meilin was the strong foundation of this book, and when she appeared less and less, I disconnected from the narrative.
But the story picks up again when Renshu's (now Henry) daughter, Lily, tries to navigate the mixed emotions accompanying being biracial. While the time jump made Lily's narrative slightly rushed, Fu beautifully tied it all together, making my eyes water. Not to mention, she is a fabulous writer, making prose feel like poetry.
I reckon I had too many expectations from the book, which led to my lukewarm response to this historical saga. Regardless, I’d urge you to read this book to get some background on the impact of the war and post-war uprisings in China.
Content Warnings
Graphic: War
Moderate: Rape and Violence
Minor: Xenophobia
Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-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? It's complicated
3.75
A brilliant chemist, Elizabeth Zott, faces endless challenges in a male-dominated field of science. Despite her talents, she is often dismissed because she is a woman. However, through a series of unexpected events, she becomes the host of a cooking show called Supper at Six. The show becomes popular because of her unconventional approach to cooking, as she treats it more like chemistry than a 'simple' act of cooking—guiding her viewers to add 'NaCl'. Gradually, a silent revolution begins across the country. In this journey, Elizabeth also unravels the missing pieces of a life deeply connected with hers.
The book follows the themes of feminism, women in science, and the societal constraints of that era. But is it really of that era? How can a book set in the 1960s still be ahead of today's time?
Lessons in Chemistry riled me up and made me teary-eyed. But all the time I was rooting only for Elizabeth, for her to go back to what she loved the most, after Calvin and Mad, of course.
The book did lose me in the middle due to its slow pace, but when it picked up again, I couldn't put it down.
It will make you livid, wanting to smack a few characters, but it will also make you realize how we still fall short in terms of gender equality.
It’s an important read, I urge you to pick it up.
PS In a world of Donattis and Lebensemals, be a Calvin Evans, a Dr. Mason, and a Walter Pine.
The book follows the themes of feminism, women in science, and the societal constraints of that era. But is it really of that era? How can a book set in the 1960s still be ahead of today's time?
Lessons in Chemistry riled me up and made me teary-eyed. But all the time I was rooting only for Elizabeth, for her to go back to what she loved the most, after Calvin and Mad, of course.
The book did lose me in the middle due to its slow pace, but when it picked up again, I couldn't put it down.
It will make you livid, wanting to smack a few characters, but it will also make you realize how we still fall short in terms of gender equality.
It’s an important read, I urge you to pick it up.
PS In a world of Donattis and Lebensemals, be a Calvin Evans, a Dr. Mason, and a Walter Pine.
Funny Story by Emily Henry
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
How can a romance also be about personal growth? Well, trust Emily Henry to achieve just that!
It all begins with a ‘funny story’ where Daphne finds herself rooming with her ex-fiancé’s fiancée’s ex-boyfriend. Yes, read that again. This scenario unfolds after Peter, her ex-fiancé, calls off their wedding because he's in love with his childhood best friend, Petra—Miles ex-girlfriend.
Daphne, a librarian who moved to Waning Bay, Michigan, because of Peter, now resides in a city that holds no meaning for her—until Miles (yes, Daphne’s ex-fiancé’s fiancée’s ex-boyfriend) reveals the wonders of this small city to her.
Funny Story features a cast of flawed characters who are so human and heartbroken that you'll want to rush and wrap them in a warm embrace. Miles could take my heart and run away with it for all I care. And Daphne, oh Daphne, she made me see myself in her. Like her, I, too, am a pessimistic 🍑hole. But witnessing her growth gives me hope for my own journey.
These characters spoke to me, and I’ll be discussing this book for a while. Reading the last few pages made my heart ache because I was sad to finish this beautiful story with equally beautiful and raw characters that made me burst into random fits of giggles. No doubt I was smiling like a maniac (almost) the entire time. My cheeks hurt, but I’m not complaining.
I don’t often read romance, but a good, well-written one lifts me out of a reading slump so swiftly and completely that I lose my mind—in the best way possible!
It all begins with a ‘funny story’ where Daphne finds herself rooming with her ex-fiancé’s fiancée’s ex-boyfriend. Yes, read that again. This scenario unfolds after Peter, her ex-fiancé, calls off their wedding because he's in love with his childhood best friend, Petra—Miles ex-girlfriend.
Daphne, a librarian who moved to Waning Bay, Michigan, because of Peter, now resides in a city that holds no meaning for her—until Miles (yes, Daphne’s ex-fiancé’s fiancée’s ex-boyfriend) reveals the wonders of this small city to her.
Funny Story features a cast of flawed characters who are so human and heartbroken that you'll want to rush and wrap them in a warm embrace. Miles could take my heart and run away with it for all I care. And Daphne, oh Daphne, she made me see myself in her. Like her, I, too, am a pessimistic 🍑hole. But witnessing her growth gives me hope for my own journey.
These characters spoke to me, and I’ll be discussing this book for a while. Reading the last few pages made my heart ache because I was sad to finish this beautiful story with equally beautiful and raw characters that made me burst into random fits of giggles. No doubt I was smiling like a maniac (almost) the entire time. My cheeks hurt, but I’m not complaining.
I don’t often read romance, but a good, well-written one lifts me out of a reading slump so swiftly and completely that I lose my mind—in the best way possible!
My Brilliant Life by Kim Ae-ran
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Areum is glad he got to turn sixteen. Despite his physical challenges, Areum possesses a vibrant spirit and an unquenchable curiosity about the world around him. Maybe it takes the knowledge that you aren’t going to live long to truly love life. And I believe that was the case with Areum as well. Because he was a 16-year-old with the body of an 80-year-old.
Born to teenage parents, Areum’s condition (progeria) was diagnosed when he was two. That’s the only life he’s known—a life where he’s always been frail. With no friends, his exhausted parents and friendly neighbour, Little Grandpa Jang, are his only sources of socializing and entertainment. Well, apart from his rusty laptop that he got as a birthday gift; the only kind his parents could afford. After all, he’s a master of words. He loves to read and write and is on a mission to finish a story before the inevitable happens.
This novella snuck up on me. It made its way to my heart when I least expected it. I had an idea of how the book would end, but Areum’s observations and his journey brought tears to my eyes. Kim Ae-ran is certainly a master of her craft, as her writing is tender and thought-provoking. Moreover, Chi-Young Kim has done a fantastic job of translating this book; the flow is beautiful.
Its lyrical prose got to me and how; I was holding back sobs. I learnt a lot from Areum; he was wise beyond his years. I’m sure you, too, can learn a thing or two about life and courage from him.
Areum’s short life was brilliant, and so was this book!
Born to teenage parents, Areum’s condition (progeria) was diagnosed when he was two. That’s the only life he’s known—a life where he’s always been frail. With no friends, his exhausted parents and friendly neighbour, Little Grandpa Jang, are his only sources of socializing and entertainment. Well, apart from his rusty laptop that he got as a birthday gift; the only kind his parents could afford. After all, he’s a master of words. He loves to read and write and is on a mission to finish a story before the inevitable happens.
This novella snuck up on me. It made its way to my heart when I least expected it. I had an idea of how the book would end, but Areum’s observations and his journey brought tears to my eyes. Kim Ae-ran is certainly a master of her craft, as her writing is tender and thought-provoking. Moreover, Chi-Young Kim has done a fantastic job of translating this book; the flow is beautiful.
Its lyrical prose got to me and how; I was holding back sobs. I learnt a lot from Areum; he was wise beyond his years. I’m sure you, too, can learn a thing or two about life and courage from him.
Areum’s short life was brilliant, and so was this book!
DallerGut Dream Department Store by Mi-Ye Lee 이미예
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
If you could purchase dreams—what kind of dreams would you ask for?
In our subconscious, there is a mysterious town that sells all kinds of dreams. And DallerGut dream department store is one of the best in the industry where you can find dreams from the top dream makers.
A couple of pages in, and I was quite impressed with the plot as I had never come across such a theme before. I found the entire idea of being able to buy dreams and pay later (depending on the emotions one felt post waking up) interesting. This made me wonder if we actually purchased dreams and forgot all about visiting the store upon waking up!
However, I couldn’t find anything different from what was explained in the blurb. The stories were nice, with little nuggets of wisdom peppered throughout the book. Overall, the book was nice, interesting even, but there was nothing remarkable or memorable . . . just like a dream that you enjoy while asleep but forget the moment you wake up.
In our subconscious, there is a mysterious town that sells all kinds of dreams. And DallerGut dream department store is one of the best in the industry where you can find dreams from the top dream makers.
A couple of pages in, and I was quite impressed with the plot as I had never come across such a theme before. I found the entire idea of being able to buy dreams and pay later (depending on the emotions one felt post waking up) interesting. This made me wonder if we actually purchased dreams and forgot all about visiting the store upon waking up!
However, I couldn’t find anything different from what was explained in the blurb. The stories were nice, with little nuggets of wisdom peppered throughout the book. Overall, the book was nice, interesting even, but there was nothing remarkable or memorable . . . just like a dream that you enjoy while asleep but forget the moment you wake up.
Good Material by Dolly Alderton
funny
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
My mind is blown! Good Material is such a smartly written book. For a good chunk of the book, we are in Andy’s head, an average comedian in his 30s who’s struggling to cope with the aftereffects of his breakup with Jen, a woman he still loves deeply.
Initially, I was a tad hesitant about reading a book from a male perspective. However, I was pleasantly surprised and didn’t entirely dislike it. Andy initially comes across as someone to sympathise with, but gradually, his constant focus on the past makes him unlikable. True to a man’s nature, he was cribbing and crying all the time.
Much to my dismay, I also found myself relating to him. If you’ve ever gone through a breakup, you’ll understand his emotions. If you’re someone who has ever experienced a breakup, you’ll empathise with him. However, as we reach towards the end, the focus shifts to Jen’s perspective, and we start to see things from her viewpoint. This was the cherry on top for me.
Dolly Alderton is a witty (I snorted quite a bit) and smart writer who portrays realistic modern love. I think I’ve found an auto-buy author.
Initially, I was a tad hesitant about reading a book from a male perspective. However, I was pleasantly surprised and didn’t entirely dislike it. Andy initially comes across as someone to sympathise with, but gradually, his constant focus on the past makes him unlikable. True to a man’s nature, he was cribbing and crying all the time.
Much to my dismay, I also found myself relating to him. If you’ve ever gone through a breakup, you’ll understand his emotions. If you’re someone who has ever experienced a breakup, you’ll empathise with him. However, as we reach towards the end, the focus shifts to Jen’s perspective, and we start to see things from her viewpoint. This was the cherry on top for me.
Dolly Alderton is a witty (I snorted quite a bit) and smart writer who portrays realistic modern love. I think I’ve found an auto-buy author.
Welcome to the Hyunam-dong Bookshop by Hwang Bo-Reum
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Welcome to the Hyunam-Dong Bookshop felt like wrapping my hands around a steaming mug of coffee on a bone-chilling winter day. As I flipped through the pages, a gentle warmth enveloped my soul. Much like savouring the comforting sips of hot coffee, I found solace in the act of turning each page, as if the book itself were a soothing beverage that thawed my frozen fingers. This book dissolved my worries and stresses, if only for a fleeting moment.
As a K-Drama lover and binge-watcher, I couldn’t help but draw parallels between Yoon Jiho from ‘Because This Is My First Life’ and the bookshop owner, Yeongju. Her struggles, inner thoughts, and the heartbreaking reluctance to share her troubles resonated deeply within me, hitting at the core of my own experiences. However, it wasn’t just Yeongju; the inner monologues and stories of the other characters within the bookshop also struck a chord. In a reflection of real life, these characters brought together by the bookshop, possessed many layers. Similar to us, they wore facades and like us, donned brave fronts in front of others, navigating societal expectations they were reluctant to fulfill.
Welcome to the Hyunam-Dong Bookshop is both a warm hug and a food for thought. It compels you to think about the way you’re living life. In fact, it’s a meditation on life itself. It’s scattered with pearls of wisdom, with each chapter inviting contemplation and insight.
For those standing at the crossroads of life, this book has the power to act as a compass, gently guiding you towards the life you genuinely want to live. It’s a beacon of inspiration, encouraging introspection and thoughtful contemplation.
I say, it’s a must-read!
As a K-Drama lover and binge-watcher, I couldn’t help but draw parallels between Yoon Jiho from ‘Because This Is My First Life’ and the bookshop owner, Yeongju. Her struggles, inner thoughts, and the heartbreaking reluctance to share her troubles resonated deeply within me, hitting at the core of my own experiences. However, it wasn’t just Yeongju; the inner monologues and stories of the other characters within the bookshop also struck a chord. In a reflection of real life, these characters brought together by the bookshop, possessed many layers. Similar to us, they wore facades and like us, donned brave fronts in front of others, navigating societal expectations they were reluctant to fulfill.
Welcome to the Hyunam-Dong Bookshop is both a warm hug and a food for thought. It compels you to think about the way you’re living life. In fact, it’s a meditation on life itself. It’s scattered with pearls of wisdom, with each chapter inviting contemplation and insight.
For those standing at the crossroads of life, this book has the power to act as a compass, gently guiding you towards the life you genuinely want to live. It’s a beacon of inspiration, encouraging introspection and thoughtful contemplation.
I say, it’s a must-read!
The Law of Attraction by Laura Carter
lighthearted
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.5
Better Than the Movies by Lynn Painter
funny
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0