Figgy

I really enjoyed this story, it's one of the those easy reads that really help calm my brain and set me at ease. While the relationship between Mina and Shin isn't that in depth and realistically everything happens in a very short time span, I still think it's cute. It's not the best story of this type that I've read but it was easygoing which is exactly what I expect from this type of book.

Terry is my absolute favorite author, his books can make me smile and laugh like no one else. While I obviously don't love all his books equally, Rincewind has a soft spot in my heart.

This book felt like exploring a slow descent into madness. While ambition is important, it's very much a "not at all costs" type of thing. I will say that the portrayal of the social media mob was very on the nose at times and I do think that those people who were quick to judge and passive aggressive are unfortunately all too prominent in real life. Despite June really being put through the wringer, I felt like I could see a lot of clear moments of not only being sane but making a really good point, which I thought was a nice contrast.

At times it reminded me so much of Up. Hands down favorite character is Parvaneh, tho I do feel a bit annoyed that I felt like I learned more about her than Ove's actual wife, who for the most part seemed to be a bit too flat. In general the characters were interesting and it was very cute but definitely not groundbreaking. It's good if you enjoy familiarity in stories.

Struggling with EDs is something that, while I've never personally experienced, many of my friends either have or are actively going through. I found it so enlightening to see how that thought process works, tho it's obviously not universal or the same for everyone it helped me gain a new perspective. As for her mother, it pained me to read about such a narcissistic character as someone who grew up with a narcissistic dad. It's difficult thinking how this poor little girl made such an effort to be loved only to realize later down the line that it was all in vain. Definitely worth giving it a read.

I've read one of Backman's short stories and his other popular novel, A Man Called Ove, and I just had such a hard time relating to this character. Not that I don't recognize elements of her complacency or rigidness but because it was taken to such an extreme that I can't help but feeling put off by her. There were points where I found her so frustrating and annoying that I just wanted to grab her by the arms and give her a good shake. It's simply not for me...