Hanzy

Strange and eerie with domesticity added into the mix... the prose has a lulling, quieting quality to it that can transport one to a surreal trance like dream

I had a dreadful time reading this book with its starkly contrasting content and writing. While the beautiful writing kept me going on and on, the very plot and nature of this book kept me from reading for long. I appreciate the author's ability (bravery?) in tackling a topic so very discomfiting, but it's certainly not a book I'd be getting back to anytime in the future

3.75

Cozy, cute, and light read

3.75

I believe everyone interested in understanding why we sleep should be reading this book. It helped me change certain perspectives, and while I may still struggle getting enough sleep, at least I have a better understanding of it now and will be striving harder to improving the quality of my sleep.

I also really liked the writing as the author makes an effort in breaking down hard to understand facts into analogies or simpler language

3.5

This was just the book I'd needed right now. It's now my comfort book

The only reason I picked this up was because of its shortness and I wanted to sample a little of Ali Hazelwood's writing before checking out other works.

Sad to say, I skimmed through most of it

(will review later)

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(Will review soon)

This is such a vividly described and despairingly tragic tale that it transports you completely into the narrator's mind. Like other books written by Japanese authors, this one has more of an introspective and intimate feel to it rather than a plot-driven story. There's a lot explored... traumas, emotional turbulences, symbolism of snakes. There's not much to the story if you seek to find something plot-wise, but if you wish to experience the heavy feelings of a crumbling Japanese society post-war (with a dash of miserable sadness), then this book is for you.

(Will review soon)

2.5

(Will review soon)

3.5

It's been a while since I've read something that had me this hooked. This Chinese mythical tale was jam-packed with everything in one magically captivating storyline. The beautiful writing with all the illustrious descriptions made for quite a lovely experience (one that I can already imagine as an animated movie)

Definitely a book you could read if you wish to escape reality and enter a dimension of magical and mythical fantasy

Cannot wait to delve myself into this world again with the second book in the series

I was intrigued by the concept of this book and I must say, I was not disappointed

This was a beautifully composed tale of love, loss, friendship, heartbreak, strength (lots of it), resilience, trauma, and forgiveness.

Lately, my exploration of East Asian Literature has been leading me to uncover a lot of history and associative trauma that were uncharted territories to me. With this book, I was able to explore a dying tradition, an almost unique societal structure, and a tale of undying strength and resilience in the face of hardships.

Lisa See is truly a wonderful writer and I'm looking forward to reading more of her works.

This book is a lot about running and a little about writing. I don't quite fancy running myself, yet I enjoyed every bit of this book. Murakami has this ease in the way he expresses himself and his values and philosophies in life which I quite admire. There's a lot to read and learn, perspectives that clarify some of our own perceptions...

It's nice to peek a little into the life of a writer whose works I'm familiar with as it does add some depth to my understanding of them

3.5

This book surpassed my already low expectations and went even lower if that were possible.

My attempts at appreciating this book either ended up in my falling asleep or having to close the book as I just couldn't read any further. Maybe it's just me and I'm not in the right mood to analyse and read between the lines or something. It's certainly not a book that I'd be recommending. It's perhaps great as a coursework read but definitely not as a leisure-read.

I give it two stars because I do appreciate certain inspirative descriptions and maybe some of the themes? I'm not sure if I'd read it again, I might if someone really convinces me with valid points that would make me see the book differently