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sonalipawar26's reviews
196 reviews
Others Were Emeralds by Lang Leav
emotional
hopeful
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
3.5
Others were Emeralds by Lang Leav is a journey of racism and immigrant experience through the eyes of Ai and her friends. Ai's family migrated from Cambodia to a small town Australian town called Whitlam. This town mostly consists of people fleeing war-torn countries to rebuild their lives. As a result, Ai's tight-knit group of friends also have refugee stories and pain attached to them. In fine, this book is 'a coming of age narrative set against the backdrop of anti-Asian sentiment sweeping Australia in the late 90’s.'
From the spectrum of love to guilt and heartbreak, Leav's writing encapsulates the entire range of emotions that teenagers experience. I am so glad to come across YA books that deal with topics such as a racism, gen0cide, and living as POC in predominantly white societies. I was initially afraid that the book is going to be lyrical, but once the plot hit the twists and turns, I was fully invested. My only qualm was that the second part was a tad too short, and I would have loved to read more about the characters post the tragedy. Nevertheless, I suggest you to read this book.
Privileged are those who can turn to books to escape reality even for a bit, especially in these times. Although this is hardly escapist literature as it has its fair share of heartbreak, it’s a worthwhile endeavor to explore the narratives of young immigrants.
From the spectrum of love to guilt and heartbreak, Leav's writing encapsulates the entire range of emotions that teenagers experience. I am so glad to come across YA books that deal with topics such as a racism, gen0cide, and living as POC in predominantly white societies. I was initially afraid that the book is going to be lyrical, but once the plot hit the twists and turns, I was fully invested. My only qualm was that the second part was a tad too short, and I would have loved to read more about the characters post the tragedy. Nevertheless, I suggest you to read this book.
Privileged are those who can turn to books to escape reality even for a bit, especially in these times. Although this is hardly escapist literature as it has its fair share of heartbreak, it’s a worthwhile endeavor to explore the narratives of young immigrants.
Confessions of a Forty-Something F**k Up by Alexandra Potter
funny
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Nell, in her 40s, returns to England after breaking up with her American fiancé. She's surrounded with friends who are married and busy with their lives, tending to their children and holidaying in places Nell can't afford. But everyone has their own unique path to follow. One night, while staying at her parents' house, she decides to start a podcast on how effed up her life is. Unbeknownst to her, this decision leads her to finding the greatest secret of living a life.
This is not just about a woman who hasn't led a conventional life. It also serves as a reminder that regardless of your identity, location, or occupation, the key to leading a happy and fulfilled life is in your hands, not in the opinions of nosy neighbours/relatives questioning your single and childfree status. Furthermore, it is also a gentle reminder that you should simply listen to your own heart.
This book caught me by surprise, filled my unhappy days with much-needed contentment and comfort, sending a signal of 'you do you'.
Perhaps you, too, will find yourself in Nell?
This is not just about a woman who hasn't led a conventional life. It also serves as a reminder that regardless of your identity, location, or occupation, the key to leading a happy and fulfilled life is in your hands, not in the opinions of nosy neighbours/relatives questioning your single and childfree status. Furthermore, it is also a gentle reminder that you should simply listen to your own heart.
This book caught me by surprise, filled my unhappy days with much-needed contentment and comfort, sending a signal of 'you do you'.
Perhaps you, too, will find yourself in Nell?
The Pachinko Parlour by Elisa Shua Dusapin
hopeful
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? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
One summer in Tokyo, Claire finds herself living at her grandparents house. She also takes up a part-time job, where she teaches French to a 10-year-old Mieko. Claire's grandparents are Zainichi Koreans, who run Shiny, a Pachinko Parlour, and this summer she is determined to take them to South Korea, the country they fled during the Civil War. Using fragmented English and minimal Korean, she communicates with her grandparents because she knows speaking Japanese is out of the question.
This book is about a lot of things; the narrative is nuanced and deeply layered. There's no plot, nor does it need one. One has to read between the lines to understand not only Claire's loneliness—despite being around family—and turmoil but her grandparents', too. Imagine moving to a country, raising a family there, but never calling it home!
This book is about a lot of things; the narrative is nuanced and deeply layered. There's no plot, nor does it need one. One has to read between the lines to understand not only Claire's loneliness—despite being around family—and turmoil but her grandparents', too. Imagine moving to a country, raising a family there, but never calling it home!
All the Lovers in the Night by Mieko Kawakami
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
slow-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? It's complicated
3.0
The first quarter of All the Lovers in the Night had me hooked. I sat with my pencil, underlining everything that made sense to me, anything that allowed me to see myself in her. However, as I progressed further, restlessness began to creep in. It wasn't just the lack of headspace to digest such a book, but also the fact that the book seemed to drag on endlessly, going nowhere. I picked it up again after a month’s break simply because I grew tired of seeing it gather dust; it had almost become an eyesore, staring at me from the nightstand.
There is no doubt there’s beauty in Kawakami’s words. There’s even a glimmer of life, albeit small, in Fuyuko’s world. It’s not entirely hopeless—both the book and Fuyuko’s life. Perhaps it wasn’t fair of me to compare it to her older works (which I’ve loved). However, I wish I had liked it more.
There is no doubt there’s beauty in Kawakami’s words. There’s even a glimmer of life, albeit small, in Fuyuko’s world. It’s not entirely hopeless—both the book and Fuyuko’s life. Perhaps it wasn’t fair of me to compare it to her older works (which I’ve loved). However, I wish I had liked it more.
Icebreaker by Hannah Grace
funny
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-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? No
5.0
A solid 10/10 for delivering those toe-curling sensations and providing the heartwarming escape I so desperately craved! Thoroughly enjoyed reading it.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Toxic friendship
Minor: Eating disorder
The Joy Luck Club by Amy Tan
dark
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
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
3.75
Humans are a complex species; mothers even more so, making mother-daughter relationships intricate.
In 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘑𝘰𝘺 𝘓𝘶𝘤𝘬 𝘊𝘭𝘶𝘣, Amy Tan delves into first-generation Asian-American experiences through four mother-daughter relationships.
Divided into four parts, the book draws from mahjong, showcasing complex dynamics. Both generations carry flaws due to different pasts. Mothers' caution contrasts daughters' American identities, yet their mutual care is evident. The mothers are overbearing, discouraging even at times, but they have a soft spot for each other. All of them have shortcomings, but there’s a lot of unspoken love, too. Asian mothers express love differently, don’t they?
Tan's writing is impactful, which captivates the reader with interconnected stories of these eight individuals. Rather than a novel, it's a collection of intertwined tales worth exploring. The intricacies of a mother-daughter relationship are beautifully laid bare.
It took me some time to get used to the format and the names, but once I did, I fell in love with the characters. And I’m sure first generation Asian-Americans will definitely relate to it.
In 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘑𝘰𝘺 𝘓𝘶𝘤𝘬 𝘊𝘭𝘶𝘣, Amy Tan delves into first-generation Asian-American experiences through four mother-daughter relationships.
Divided into four parts, the book draws from mahjong, showcasing complex dynamics. Both generations carry flaws due to different pasts. Mothers' caution contrasts daughters' American identities, yet their mutual care is evident. The mothers are overbearing, discouraging even at times, but they have a soft spot for each other. All of them have shortcomings, but there’s a lot of unspoken love, too. Asian mothers express love differently, don’t they?
Tan's writing is impactful, which captivates the reader with interconnected stories of these eight individuals. Rather than a novel, it's a collection of intertwined tales worth exploring. The intricacies of a mother-daughter relationship are beautifully laid bare.
It took me some time to get used to the format and the names, but once I did, I fell in love with the characters. And I’m sure first generation Asian-Americans will definitely relate to it.
The House of Doors by Tan Twan Eng
emotional
hopeful
informative
reflective
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
4.25
There's lightning somewhere in the distance. Strong winds separate the leaves from their trees. Petrichor permeates the air. You close your eyes, inhaling the sweet scent of the earth, unaware of the dark clouds making their way towards you.
The House of Doors was a mix of sweet and sour. The sweetness of cool winds followed by the sourness of thunderstorms and longing.
Trust Tan Twan Eng to beautifully marry fact with fiction. And this is what he did in The House of Doors by using real people (like British writer Somerset Maugham, revolutionary Sun Yat-Sen, and the case of Ethel Proudlock) and fictionalising their stories to an extent in a British-ruled Malay.
Tan's writing is breathtaking, exquisite, and sophisticated. If you've read any of his previous works, you'll know how ruminative his characters are and how they long for the people who were nothing but figures of the past. The characters are deliciously layered, with secrets of their own, adding ample intrigue to the story. It's slow at some places; it's unputdownable at others. You gasp at the revelations. It's everything you want in a historical fiction.
This book still sits heavy in my chest. As I finished the last few chapters, I felt the need to cry, or at the least let out a sob. It made me long for something, too . . .
This book is a thing of beauty. If you're a fan of Tan Twan Eng's work, you shouldn't miss it!
The House of Doors was a mix of sweet and sour. The sweetness of cool winds followed by the sourness of thunderstorms and longing.
Trust Tan Twan Eng to beautifully marry fact with fiction. And this is what he did in The House of Doors by using real people (like British writer Somerset Maugham, revolutionary Sun Yat-Sen, and the case of Ethel Proudlock) and fictionalising their stories to an extent in a British-ruled Malay.
Tan's writing is breathtaking, exquisite, and sophisticated. If you've read any of his previous works, you'll know how ruminative his characters are and how they long for the people who were nothing but figures of the past. The characters are deliciously layered, with secrets of their own, adding ample intrigue to the story. It's slow at some places; it's unputdownable at others. You gasp at the revelations. It's everything you want in a historical fiction.
This book still sits heavy in my chest. As I finished the last few chapters, I felt the need to cry, or at the least let out a sob. It made me long for something, too . . .
This book is a thing of beauty. If you're a fan of Tan Twan Eng's work, you shouldn't miss it!
Days at the Morisaki Bookshop by Satoshi Yagisawa
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
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? It's complicated
3.5
Do you remember when you first fell in love with reading? The name of the book that made you feel invincible? Where were you sitting? What did you feel when you finished reading it? And what made you to continue reading books?
After a heartbreak, Takako moves in above her uncle's bookshop in Tokyo's largest book town, Jimbōchō. She has no interest in reading despite the fact that generations of her family have owned this secondhand bookstore. But as someone who suffers from insomnia, she gives in to reading as, one day, she picks up a book just to fall asleep. And this is how her whirlwind romance with literature begins.
As the story gently unfolds, we come across elements of both mystery and romance; not just hers but her uncle's as well. These elements of the story jolt you awake from the romance with reading, throwing you into the world of love and loss of these characters.
But despite everything, Days at the Morisaki Bookshop (tr. Eric Ozawa) is a love letter to books. It is nostalgic and heartwarming; a testament to the healing powers of literature. And perhaps a part of you will ache to spend a few days at the Morisaki Bookshop as well . . .
After a heartbreak, Takako moves in above her uncle's bookshop in Tokyo's largest book town, Jimbōchō. She has no interest in reading despite the fact that generations of her family have owned this secondhand bookstore. But as someone who suffers from insomnia, she gives in to reading as, one day, she picks up a book just to fall asleep. And this is how her whirlwind romance with literature begins.
As the story gently unfolds, we come across elements of both mystery and romance; not just hers but her uncle's as well. These elements of the story jolt you awake from the romance with reading, throwing you into the world of love and loss of these characters.
But despite everything, Days at the Morisaki Bookshop (tr. Eric Ozawa) is a love letter to books. It is nostalgic and heartwarming; a testament to the healing powers of literature. And perhaps a part of you will ache to spend a few days at the Morisaki Bookshop as well . . .
The Authenticity Project by Clare Pooley
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
medium-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
3.75
When curiosity led to Pandora opening the box, all kinds of curses were unleashed upon humankind. Hope was one of the last things to be released. While many consider that hope was the only good unleashed upon this world, perhaps it is the cruelest of them all as it keeps you living with hoping, that things will be better.
Despite my better judgement, after reading The Authenticity Project, I truly hope that people like Monica and her motley group do exist. I hope that the heart-warming book may have been inspired by real-life stories, or perhaps this book might have inspired a Julian to start this project?! But that's hoping against hope.
A small book about authenticity brought a bunch of unlikely characters together in this simple yet heart-warming read. This book was a lot of things--unexpected at times and cheesy some other times, but at the end of the day it was about people; their flaws; their need to be seen, loved, and appreciated; and their willingness to change for the better.
It might have taken me two months to finish this (thanks to slump and travel plans), but each time I sat down to read the book, I could easily picture myself in Monica's cafe sitting amongst the rest of the crew. I thoroughly enjoyed it and the book made me smile. Isn't that the most important thing after all?
If you're looking for a light, warm-hearted read, do give it a go!
Perhaps it will give you some hope, no matter how evil it might be.
Despite my better judgement, after reading The Authenticity Project, I truly hope that people like Monica and her motley group do exist. I hope that the heart-warming book may have been inspired by real-life stories, or perhaps this book might have inspired a Julian to start this project?! But that's hoping against hope.
A small book about authenticity brought a bunch of unlikely characters together in this simple yet heart-warming read. This book was a lot of things--unexpected at times and cheesy some other times, but at the end of the day it was about people; their flaws; their need to be seen, loved, and appreciated; and their willingness to change for the better.
It might have taken me two months to finish this (thanks to slump and travel plans), but each time I sat down to read the book, I could easily picture myself in Monica's cafe sitting amongst the rest of the crew. I thoroughly enjoyed it and the book made me smile. Isn't that the most important thing after all?
If you're looking for a light, warm-hearted read, do give it a go!
Perhaps it will give you some hope, no matter how evil it might be.
Seven Exes by Lucy Vine
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
fast-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? Yes
3.0
I will turn 29 in three months. With (almost) everyone around me married and some stepping into motherhood, I at times ask myself if I’m doing something ‘wrong’? Am I ‘supposed’ to get married now? These questions come as a surprise to me because I’m content and happy as I am, where I am. I do not feel the need to have someone by my side I’m at this moment. But I guess when everyone around you is doing the same thing, you do pause and question yourself, don’t you?
But unlike me, Esther is desperate to find a partner. She is turning thirty and every time she sees babies, her 'ovaries explode'.
At a night out with her girl friends at the nearby pub, she comes across an old magazine where she reads an article about how everyone has had seven kinds of exes and one of them is probably 'The One'. Esther freaks out, realising she may have already dumped the love of her life! In order to find The One, she decides to reconnect with her seven exes one by one, starting with her first love. And this is how the story comes into being.
To be frank, Esther didn't have a personality outside of how she was painfully single and desperately looking for the father of her children. In the midst of her mission, she gains old friends, comes to certain realisations, and almost jeopardises her job that she actually loves.
This book was nothing extraordinary, but I enjoyed reading it; practically finished it in 1.5 days! I reckon I was in need of a light and fun read, which this absolutely was. It also had an important (but slightly preachy) message towards the end, so it was a nice way to tie it all together!
It points out a single woman’s—of ‘marriageable age’—doubts, thoughts, and questions…making it meaningful.
Thank you to @harperperennial for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
PS I totally called the end!
But unlike me, Esther is desperate to find a partner. She is turning thirty and every time she sees babies, her 'ovaries explode'.
At a night out with her girl friends at the nearby pub, she comes across an old magazine where she reads an article about how everyone has had seven kinds of exes and one of them is probably 'The One'. Esther freaks out, realising she may have already dumped the love of her life! In order to find The One, she decides to reconnect with her seven exes one by one, starting with her first love. And this is how the story comes into being.
To be frank, Esther didn't have a personality outside of how she was painfully single and desperately looking for the father of her children. In the midst of her mission, she gains old friends, comes to certain realisations, and almost jeopardises her job that she actually loves.
This book was nothing extraordinary, but I enjoyed reading it; practically finished it in 1.5 days! I reckon I was in need of a light and fun read, which this absolutely was. It also had an important (but slightly preachy) message towards the end, so it was a nice way to tie it all together!
It points out a single woman’s—of ‘marriageable age’—doubts, thoughts, and questions…making it meaningful.
Thank you to @harperperennial for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
PS I totally called the end!