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afi_whatafireads's reviews
589 reviews
Grin and Beard It by Penny Reid
LADIES AND GENTLEMAN.....
I FREAKING LOVE THIS BOOK WITH MY WHOLE CORE 🥺
NOT ONLY THIS BOOK GAVE ME BUTTERFLIES.... IT GAVE ME JUST EVERYTHING
I love the plus size representation in here.
I love that the author acknowledges her lack in diversity in writing, hence the latina rep in here. Major love.
I love that the male characters are just this adorable people that i just AGH CANT I LOVE THEM.
I love how every single one of the characters are just this bunch of fictional people that I will protect with my whole heart.
We get
✅ Vulnerable and emotional male character WHO IS NOT AFRAID TO TALK ABOUT HIS FEELINGS
✅ A female character that is feminist but also is the sweetest person ever like please i love Sienna so much as a character i want to be friends with her in real life
✅ Good-plot ; like the pacing, their relationship and THE BLOODY ANGST LIKE LORD SIGN ME UP I LOVE THEM
✅ Just everything....
Lowkey, I've been reading a few plus size reps in romance books this year, and this one tops it. The vulnerability of each of the male and female characters, and the fact that ... their argument, their worries are actually natural. I love the Winston brothers AND LORD PLEASE I CANT WAIT FOR THE THIRD BOOK CAUSE ITS CLETUS'S BOOK AND I THINK I WILL ACTUALLY BAWL .
Compared to the first installment in the series, I liked this book more. Not only because of the plus size rep, its also related to how Jethro and Sienna are MY kind of people, and I absolutely ADORE THEM WITH MY WHOLE HEART.
Gosh if someone like Jethro exists? I will marry them in a heartbeat. I actually teared up while reading the book. Its bittersweet, its heartfelt and it makes you feel warm all over. The thing about Reid's books is that the smut is actually SUPER INTIMATE; to a point when it actually happens, you will actually tear up cause of how they took the angst and intimacy to the next level. I love that Reid showed in romance books that we don't ONLY need physical intimacy to be close to the person that we love. Trust and confidence with each other, and just spending time with one another is also another form of intimacy which I loved that she highlighted it.
AND THE FACT THAT ALL THESE WINSTON BROTHERS ARE BLOODY GENTLEMEN GOSH PLEASE SIGN ME UP FOR ONE I WANNA CRY.
Overall, I freaking love this book with my whole heart.
Again , writing wise? Some things could've been better. BUT THE FEELS? AINT NOTHING CAN MAKE ME HAPPIER THAN THIS <3
emotional
funny
inspiring
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
4.75
LADIES AND GENTLEMAN.....
I FREAKING LOVE THIS BOOK WITH MY WHOLE CORE 🥺
NOT ONLY THIS BOOK GAVE ME BUTTERFLIES.... IT GAVE ME JUST EVERYTHING
I love the plus size representation in here.
I love that the author acknowledges her lack in diversity in writing, hence the latina rep in here. Major love.
I love that the male characters are just this adorable people that i just AGH CANT I LOVE THEM.
I love how every single one of the characters are just this bunch of fictional people that I will protect with my whole heart.
We get
✅ Vulnerable and emotional male character WHO IS NOT AFRAID TO TALK ABOUT HIS FEELINGS
✅ A female character that is feminist but also is the sweetest person ever like please i love Sienna so much as a character i want to be friends with her in real life
✅ Good-plot ; like the pacing, their relationship and THE BLOODY ANGST LIKE LORD SIGN ME UP I LOVE THEM
✅ Just everything....
Lowkey, I've been reading a few plus size reps in romance books this year, and this one tops it. The vulnerability of each of the male and female characters, and the fact that ... their argument, their worries are actually natural. I love the Winston brothers AND LORD PLEASE I CANT WAIT FOR THE THIRD BOOK CAUSE ITS CLETUS'S BOOK AND I THINK I WILL ACTUALLY BAWL .
Compared to the first installment in the series, I liked this book more. Not only because of the plus size rep, its also related to how Jethro and Sienna are MY kind of people, and I absolutely ADORE THEM WITH MY WHOLE HEART.
Gosh if someone like Jethro exists? I will marry them in a heartbeat. I actually teared up while reading the book. Its bittersweet, its heartfelt and it makes you feel warm all over. The thing about Reid's books is that the smut is actually SUPER INTIMATE; to a point when it actually happens, you will actually tear up cause of how they took the angst and intimacy to the next level. I love that Reid showed in romance books that we don't ONLY need physical intimacy to be close to the person that we love. Trust and confidence with each other, and just spending time with one another is also another form of intimacy which I loved that she highlighted it.
AND THE FACT THAT ALL THESE WINSTON BROTHERS ARE BLOODY GENTLEMEN GOSH PLEASE SIGN ME UP FOR ONE I WANNA CRY.
Overall, I freaking love this book with my whole heart.
Again , writing wise? Some things could've been better. BUT THE FEELS? AINT NOTHING CAN MAKE ME HAPPIER THAN THIS <3
Death on Gokumon Island by Seishi Yokomizo
Yokomizo sensei does it again, and boy I enjoyed this book very very much!
"It's a horrifying thought. Not the feelings of a human being. Inhuman feelings rather."
The thing with Seishi Yokomizo's books is that, they will always leave us just staring at the wall for a few minutes. The crime heinous, smart and technical, but what makes Yokomizo works interesting is the subject matter of each parts that the book was written at its period of time, integrating with the culture and the honour of each families that is instilled as well.
Reading cult-classic-crime-thrillers always left you with that bitter sense of; these crimes can never be prevented .
Albeit Gokumon Island is the fourth translated to English for that particular order, the book is actually the second in the standalone series, after The Honjin Murders, and I STRONGLY suggest reading the series in the particular order
1) The Honjin Murders
2) Death on Gokumon Island
3) The Village of Eight Graves
4) The Inugami Curse
This is because, eventhough it is a standalone series, the growth of the detective , Kosuke Kindaichi is one that you can see if we follow the order of the Japanese release. In this case, Gokumon Island is set 9 years after The Honjin Murders, and after the period of war, in which Kosuke goes on a somewhat secret mission of sorts.
I loved the pacing in Gokumon Island, and the end of the book makes you icky in a sense that doesn't sit by right with you. Novels set in this era showed how heavy words can contain and how sometimes, the reason for each crime is right under your nose.
Seishi Yokomizo had set to be one of my favourite authors this year. I love the pacing for each story and I like that, even when the killers have been revealed, you can't seem to blame them as well. Its unfortunate as it is heinous. Given the time period, the mechanics for the murders are absolutely, genius I would say. Grotesque but genius.
All in all, would definitely recommend the series! I have to thank @definitelybooks for this gorgeous copy!
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
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
4.5
Yokomizo sensei does it again, and boy I enjoyed this book very very much!
"It's a horrifying thought. Not the feelings of a human being. Inhuman feelings rather."
The thing with Seishi Yokomizo's books is that, they will always leave us just staring at the wall for a few minutes. The crime heinous, smart and technical, but what makes Yokomizo works interesting is the subject matter of each parts that the book was written at its period of time, integrating with the culture and the honour of each families that is instilled as well.
Reading cult-classic-crime-thrillers always left you with that bitter sense of; these crimes can never be prevented .
Albeit Gokumon Island is the fourth translated to English for that particular order, the book is actually the second in the standalone series, after The Honjin Murders, and I STRONGLY suggest reading the series in the particular order
1) The Honjin Murders
2) Death on Gokumon Island
3) The Village of Eight Graves
4) The Inugami Curse
This is because, eventhough it is a standalone series, the growth of the detective , Kosuke Kindaichi is one that you can see if we follow the order of the Japanese release. In this case, Gokumon Island is set 9 years after The Honjin Murders, and after the period of war, in which Kosuke goes on a somewhat secret mission of sorts.
I loved the pacing in Gokumon Island, and the end of the book makes you icky in a sense that doesn't sit by right with you. Novels set in this era showed how heavy words can contain and how sometimes, the reason for each crime is right under your nose.
Seishi Yokomizo had set to be one of my favourite authors this year. I love the pacing for each story and I like that, even when the killers have been revealed, you can't seem to blame them as well. Its unfortunate as it is heinous. Given the time period, the mechanics for the murders are absolutely, genius I would say. Grotesque but genius.
All in all, would definitely recommend the series! I have to thank @definitelybooks for this gorgeous copy!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death
The Life of a Stupid Man by Ryūnosuke Akutagawa
Super interesting premise! I liked that each Akutagawa's stories, we are left to ponder upon ourselves what had happened which makes it an interesting read!
Second Story : Death Register
The Death Register is the thoughts of the author himself which told about the three people in his family and how they died. It was a recollection of his thoughts, on the people that somehow mattered to him, and also showing how he had felt at each individual's death at the time. It was sorrowful, and I had definitely loved the haku at the end of the story.
Third Story: The Life of A Stupid Man
The life of a stupid man is an autobiography that leads to the death of Akutagawa, told in 51 short verses. His writing is one that I loved. It is daunting, sorrowful and mostly, it shows the thoughts of a man that feels empty inside. Stories like this, when a person whom has not experienced this feeling once in their life, would not be able to relate to the story. It was depressing and dark, but for me, it gave me a sense of comfort in his writing.
He wrote on reflections on different parts of his life, and this short essays of his was given to his good friend Kume Masao, and published as it is. Its one thing to read about someone's life, its also another thing to read on suicidal thoughts that eventually lead to death. One thing's for sure, Akutagawa's love for literature and reading is something that is commendable. He reads a lot, even before he took his own life. He tried to find meaning in life but in such a way that at one point, he just felt empty.
This story especially is not made for everyone. It is dark and it will take a toll on you if you're someone that has never gone through a bleak in your life, so do proceed in this story with caution. For those who can relate to his stories and writings, I pray only the best things in life for you, and tho life can seem unfair and dark, it will work it out. Slowly and surely.
dark
emotional
reflective
relaxing
sad
fast-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
5.0
An anthology of three short stories, which two stories mainly revolves on the author himself, making it an autobiography leading to his death. Akutagawa's writing has always had a flair that is quite hard to pinpoint, but its one that I really liked.
The three short stories will not be for everyone's cup of tea, which I recommend proceeding in this book with extreme caution of the trigger warnings (Death, Suicide, Suicidal Thoughts) . It highlights the stages of life in which Akutagawa reflects on his life, up till the moment of his death bed.
My thoughts for the different short stories are as follows:
First Story: In A Bamboo Grove
In a bamboo grove is a story where it is told in different perspectives from a murder of man. Its interesting how Akutagawa had arranged the story in such a way that there is a perspective from the sprit of the man himself. It was entertaining at best, mysterious, and until the end, you wouldn't know who to believe and what to expect.
The three short stories will not be for everyone's cup of tea, which I recommend proceeding in this book with extreme caution of the trigger warnings (Death, Suicide, Suicidal Thoughts) . It highlights the stages of life in which Akutagawa reflects on his life, up till the moment of his death bed.
My thoughts for the different short stories are as follows:
First Story: In A Bamboo Grove
In a bamboo grove is a story where it is told in different perspectives from a murder of man. Its interesting how Akutagawa had arranged the story in such a way that there is a perspective from the sprit of the man himself. It was entertaining at best, mysterious, and until the end, you wouldn't know who to believe and what to expect.
"Ah, what is the life of a human being - a drop of dew, a flash of lightning? This is so sad, so sad."
Super interesting premise! I liked that each Akutagawa's stories, we are left to ponder upon ourselves what had happened which makes it an interesting read!
Second Story : Death Register
The Death Register is the thoughts of the author himself which told about the three people in his family and how they died. It was a recollection of his thoughts, on the people that somehow mattered to him, and also showing how he had felt at each individual's death at the time. It was sorrowful, and I had definitely loved the haku at the end of the story.
"On that particular day, perhaps because I was physically debilitated, I found myself staring at the blackened gravestone in the early spring afternoon sunlight and wondering which of the three had been the most fortunate."
A shimmering of heat -
Outside the grave
Alone I dwell.
Third Story: The Life of A Stupid Man
"I am living now in the unhappiest happiness imaginable. Yet, strangely I have no regrets. I just feel sorry for everyone and anyone unfortunate enough to have had a bad husband, a bad son, a bad father like me. So, goodbye then."
The life of a stupid man is an autobiography that leads to the death of Akutagawa, told in 51 short verses. His writing is one that I loved. It is daunting, sorrowful and mostly, it shows the thoughts of a man that feels empty inside. Stories like this, when a person whom has not experienced this feeling once in their life, would not be able to relate to the story. It was depressing and dark, but for me, it gave me a sense of comfort in his writing.
"......but he knew that not everyone is moved by literature. His own works were unlikely to appeal to people who were not like him, and had not lived a life like his - this was another feeling that was worked upon him."
He wrote on reflections on different parts of his life, and this short essays of his was given to his good friend Kume Masao, and published as it is. Its one thing to read about someone's life, its also another thing to read on suicidal thoughts that eventually lead to death. One thing's for sure, Akutagawa's love for literature and reading is something that is commendable. He reads a lot, even before he took his own life. He tried to find meaning in life but in such a way that at one point, he just felt empty.
"I've heard you want do die,' she said.
"Yes- or rather, it's not so much that I want to die as that I'm tired of living."
This story especially is not made for everyone. It is dark and it will take a toll on you if you're someone that has never gone through a bleak in your life, so do proceed in this story with caution. For those who can relate to his stories and writings, I pray only the best things in life for you, and tho life can seem unfair and dark, it will work it out. Slowly and surely.
The Third Best Thing by Maya Hughes
I................ don't feel like writing my thoughts on this book cause it will be a super lengthy ranty post.
What's fore sure, its NOT a good PLUS SIZE REP.
It was cute. But really, take it from me, a plus size woman, nope this was not it.
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
1.5
I................ don't feel like writing my thoughts on this book cause it will be a super lengthy ranty post.
What's fore sure, its NOT a good PLUS SIZE REP.
It was cute. But really, take it from me, a plus size woman, nope this was not it.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body shaming
Self-Portrait with Ghost by Meng Jin
There's something about Meng Jin's writing that feels ethereal. If you're reading it in one glance without thinking about it too much, you'll find that the story is mundane, and has no absolute plot; but when you delved in deeper, there's so much to the story than just the surface. Jin dives into the subject of self-identity, to a point that it felt suffocating in some stories; how we can't seem to find ourselves in the midst of chaos in the world.
The recurring theme for all the stories are the question of loneliness, and how as oneself; we try to make ourselves useful to others in order to not 'lose' ourselves altogether. The elements of magical realism, mixed with representation of Asian culture makes the collection of stories unique. Whilst there are some stories that made you feel like ...... "Am i the dumb one?" ; I feel that its best to appreciate the writing as it is told without thinking too much about it.
Amongst the 10 stories, my TOP FAVOURITE would be the last of the story , which is entitled Odd Women, and I absolutely LOVED how Jin plays around with the characters and the possibility of oneself to have different powers. It has hints of fantasy and I feel that Jin wrote out and concludes the whole collection beautifully with the last story; on how humans still searches for oneself through multiple lenses and it can lead to a question of identity crisis and the constant feeling of never being enough. This story had impacted me so much, I still think about it until now and get goosebumps.
Another top stories that I liked is the title of the book the itself, which is Self-Portrait with Ghosts. I love how art is one of the constant topics that is written by the author, and the line between reality and what is not is interpreted differently by the human mind. I love that there's a sense of warmth and nostalgia to the story but also ; its somewhat told the story as a whole; how perception can either be humans best friend or worst nightmare.
Overall, this collection of short stories are a hit and miss for some, but mostly, it had impacted me and left me something deep to think about. You might need to dive deeper into some stories, but mostly, Jin's writing is definitely exquisite. Loved it!
Personal Ratings : 4🌟
Biggest thank you to Times Reads for this copy! I absolutely loved it :)
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
4.0
Phewww.....
That was indeed, a bloody collection! I can't fathom how much the last story impacted me, to a point that I got goosebumps just thinking about it.
That was indeed, a bloody collection! I can't fathom how much the last story impacted me, to a point that I got goosebumps just thinking about it.
"It was useful to fracture yourself, but what happened when you wanted again to be whole? And how is it possible to still feel lonely in a house full of bodies?
There's something about Meng Jin's writing that feels ethereal. If you're reading it in one glance without thinking about it too much, you'll find that the story is mundane, and has no absolute plot; but when you delved in deeper, there's so much to the story than just the surface. Jin dives into the subject of self-identity, to a point that it felt suffocating in some stories; how we can't seem to find ourselves in the midst of chaos in the world.
The recurring theme for all the stories are the question of loneliness, and how as oneself; we try to make ourselves useful to others in order to not 'lose' ourselves altogether. The elements of magical realism, mixed with representation of Asian culture makes the collection of stories unique. Whilst there are some stories that made you feel like ...... "Am i the dumb one?" ; I feel that its best to appreciate the writing as it is told without thinking too much about it.
Amongst the 10 stories, my TOP FAVOURITE would be the last of the story , which is entitled Odd Women, and I absolutely LOVED how Jin plays around with the characters and the possibility of oneself to have different powers. It has hints of fantasy and I feel that Jin wrote out and concludes the whole collection beautifully with the last story; on how humans still searches for oneself through multiple lenses and it can lead to a question of identity crisis and the constant feeling of never being enough. This story had impacted me so much, I still think about it until now and get goosebumps.
Another top stories that I liked is the title of the book the itself, which is Self-Portrait with Ghosts. I love how art is one of the constant topics that is written by the author, and the line between reality and what is not is interpreted differently by the human mind. I love that there's a sense of warmth and nostalgia to the story but also ; its somewhat told the story as a whole; how perception can either be humans best friend or worst nightmare.
Overall, this collection of short stories are a hit and miss for some, but mostly, it had impacted me and left me something deep to think about. You might need to dive deeper into some stories, but mostly, Jin's writing is definitely exquisite. Loved it!
Personal Ratings : 4🌟
Biggest thank you to Times Reads for this copy! I absolutely loved it :)
The Reading List by Sara Nisha Adams
The story is set in two POV's , of Aleisha, a girl who is secluded due to her family's conditions, with a mother who is a bipolar and Mukesh, a 90+ year old man who has just lost his wife. A very unexpected friendship that turned out to be heartwarming, that is connected through a series of Reading List that Aleisha had found in one of the library books she is working as a librarian. The story of venturing out into places through characters, in living lives through pages, in making friends through the book community and in handling grief; in going by the pages through the lenses of someone we loved.
Personal Thoughts
Being someone that has been saved from the Book Community when I started my bookstgram account a few years back, this book is somewhat a resonance to what I felt at the time. Its so magical how books can make you feel so many things. Its the words through pages that can make you not only livid and angry, we actually felt that we're living through another person's lives, or looking through from their lenses. Miss Adams here had exactly captured the feeling of being a reader, of being stuck in a story, and how sometimes, books can translate our grief and sadness by channeling it from the characters that we met in books.
This book felt like seeing a mirror. It reflected every reader and how some books had saved our lives and how the stories had impacted us so much that it felt like the story just came to life. I loved The Characters in this book. Both Aliesha and Mukesh led different lives, but had met through a place that connects lonely and searching souls, a place of sanctuary for all ; The Library.
I loved how their friendship developed to be so wholesome and I loved that both Aleisha and Mukesh had different takes from the books that they've read, but they somewhat had saved them from agony, from their lives and brought the people that they love closer together.
The author had touched on very serious topics such as depression, the seriousness and handling someone that suffers mental illness, handling grief and going through the death of your loved ones. Its how the book is so relatable to the world that we're living in, that books became a coping mechanism to some of the characters; that had made me loved this book so much. It felt like hugging a friend that had consoled you. It took me awhile to go through some of the journey of the characters (mostly I think because of the writing style); but for a debut work, Miss Adams definitely has a lot of potential and this book is one that you will relate to at some point of your life.
This is a story that I won't want to spoil as much, but I would say, I liked going through the characters lives. I appreciate how the author had shown that books are not only a form of escapism or a mearless hobby that is a waste of time; its also a part of a person's life and how someone relates to it is a bit a reflection of someone's soul. A book that I felt that everyone should read at least once i their life. Highly recommended.
Thank you so much to Times Reads for this copy! I love it :)
emotional
hopeful
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
4.5
This book.
I didn't expect to love it so much.
But I would say, this is a book that is a must read for everyone who is a reader, and you'll need to at least read this book once in your life.
Its heartwarming. Its relatable. Its heartfelt. It made me sobbed super ugly tears.
Personal Ratings: 4.5🌟
This book is somewhat a hidden gem that you find amongst the stack of your books. You didn't expect it to turn out as good as it would; and mainly, being a reader, you'll relate to the characters so much, in how immersed we are in the characters, how we're somehow living the characters lives, and how each character felt like an imaginary friend. The author somewhat translates the feeling of a reader to a book that I felt, for a debut work, its one that its just a read that I will remember for a very long time.
I didn't expect to love it so much.
But I would say, this is a book that is a must read for everyone who is a reader, and you'll need to at least read this book once in your life.
Its heartwarming. Its relatable. Its heartfelt. It made me sobbed super ugly tears.
Personal Ratings: 4.5🌟
This book is somewhat a hidden gem that you find amongst the stack of your books. You didn't expect it to turn out as good as it would; and mainly, being a reader, you'll relate to the characters so much, in how immersed we are in the characters, how we're somehow living the characters lives, and how each character felt like an imaginary friend. The author somewhat translates the feeling of a reader to a book that I felt, for a debut work, its one that its just a read that I will remember for a very long time.
"She didn't remember the story, but she remembered the way it made her feel. It had this kind of warm, magical quality about it.
The story is set in two POV's , of Aleisha, a girl who is secluded due to her family's conditions, with a mother who is a bipolar and Mukesh, a 90+ year old man who has just lost his wife. A very unexpected friendship that turned out to be heartwarming, that is connected through a series of Reading List that Aleisha had found in one of the library books she is working as a librarian. The story of venturing out into places through characters, in living lives through pages, in making friends through the book community and in handling grief; in going by the pages through the lenses of someone we loved.
Personal Thoughts
Being someone that has been saved from the Book Community when I started my bookstgram account a few years back, this book is somewhat a resonance to what I felt at the time. Its so magical how books can make you feel so many things. Its the words through pages that can make you not only livid and angry, we actually felt that we're living through another person's lives, or looking through from their lenses. Miss Adams here had exactly captured the feeling of being a reader, of being stuck in a story, and how sometimes, books can translate our grief and sadness by channeling it from the characters that we met in books.
"Please try to remember that books aren't always an escape; sometimes books teach us things. They show us the world, they don't hide it.
This book felt like seeing a mirror. It reflected every reader and how some books had saved our lives and how the stories had impacted us so much that it felt like the story just came to life. I loved The Characters in this book. Both Aliesha and Mukesh led different lives, but had met through a place that connects lonely and searching souls, a place of sanctuary for all ; The Library.
I loved how their friendship developed to be so wholesome and I loved that both Aleisha and Mukesh had different takes from the books that they've read, but they somewhat had saved them from agony, from their lives and brought the people that they love closer together.
The author had touched on very serious topics such as depression, the seriousness and handling someone that suffers mental illness, handling grief and going through the death of your loved ones. Its how the book is so relatable to the world that we're living in, that books became a coping mechanism to some of the characters; that had made me loved this book so much. It felt like hugging a friend that had consoled you. It took me awhile to go through some of the journey of the characters (mostly I think because of the writing style); but for a debut work, Miss Adams definitely has a lot of potential and this book is one that you will relate to at some point of your life.
This is a story that I won't want to spoil as much, but I would say, I liked going through the characters lives. I appreciate how the author had shown that books are not only a form of escapism or a mearless hobby that is a waste of time; its also a part of a person's life and how someone relates to it is a bit a reflection of someone's soul. A book that I felt that everyone should read at least once i their life. Highly recommended.
Thank you so much to Times Reads for this copy! I love it :)
Kamusari Tales Told at Night by Shion Miura
The second instalment to The Forest Series, and one that still gives me that calming and soothing vibes while reading a book. The continuation from the first instalment of the series The Easy Life in Kamusari, brings another perspective which is still intriguing; paired with the author's witty telling, there is a sense of warmth with this series and how Shion Miura portays her characters which makes it such a unique one.
Personal Ratings : 4🌟
Unlike the first book, the second book continues Yuki's story as he ventures out from an teenager to being an adult. I love his growth in the series and I liked how the story is told in specific events in Yuki's lives in Kamusari. Its like reading an old friend's journal who is up to no good ( in a funny way).
If the first book focuses more on the surroundings, Yuki having to adjust his life in Kamusari and learning the ropes of being in the forestry industry, the second book is more on the Cultures, History and the Beliefs of the people in the mountain. Its honestly very interesting to read as we ventures into the stories of myths, and how the mountain came to be, how the Gods of the mountains were somewhat a being that keeps the mountain and the people alive, and how the culture is being retained, even if times are moving forward in the modernization era.
The progression of the second book is slightly slower than the first (hence the ratings), but I honestly still enjoyed it. Shion Miura has a way in her writing, that its obvious that not only she does extensive research and puts loads of care in her work, she had also introduced on various cultures and beliefs in Japan that, even until today, are the rituals that are still being continued. Even if Kamusari is an imaginary place that is based on Mie Prefecture in Japan, it is not far off from reality to the beliefs of the people nowadays. I liked that it brings light to some rituals that is still alive and brings more insight depth of the workings in Japan. Even in Malaysia, we do adhere to some beliefs which makes it an interesting read for this one.
Whilst I enjoyed the first book more, the second book is no less good. It brings us into another perspective of a place that is filled with stories, history and beliefs. Its a story that will still make you smile due to the characters and remains a heartwarming read for me. Loved this!
Also I highly suggest you follow the sequence while reading the book as there are certain informations from the first book needs to be understood before diving into the instalment. Nevertheless, I will recommend this read for everyone to read! Its light and fast-paced and fills with warmth of a found family in an unfamiliar place that still feels like home.
Thank you so much to Times Reads for this gifted copy! I truly appreciate it :)
funny
informative
lighthearted
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
Loved the second instalment to the Forest Series!
RTC soon.
Edited : 17/11/2022
(Lowkey I'm in a huge writing slump and finally , she's back with full speed.
RTC soon.
Edited : 17/11/2022
(Lowkey I'm in a huge writing slump and finally , she's back with full speed.
Maybe that’s what a god is truly like. Someone who’s not far off in the sky but right in our hearts, always watching. Keeping an eye on our words and deeds, our lies and our truth.
The second instalment to The Forest Series, and one that still gives me that calming and soothing vibes while reading a book. The continuation from the first instalment of the series The Easy Life in Kamusari, brings another perspective which is still intriguing; paired with the author's witty telling, there is a sense of warmth with this series and how Shion Miura portays her characters which makes it such a unique one.
Personal Ratings : 4🌟
Unlike the first book, the second book continues Yuki's story as he ventures out from an teenager to being an adult. I love his growth in the series and I liked how the story is told in specific events in Yuki's lives in Kamusari. Its like reading an old friend's journal who is up to no good ( in a funny way).
If the first book focuses more on the surroundings, Yuki having to adjust his life in Kamusari and learning the ropes of being in the forestry industry, the second book is more on the Cultures, History and the Beliefs of the people in the mountain. Its honestly very interesting to read as we ventures into the stories of myths, and how the mountain came to be, how the Gods of the mountains were somewhat a being that keeps the mountain and the people alive, and how the culture is being retained, even if times are moving forward in the modernization era.
The progression of the second book is slightly slower than the first (hence the ratings), but I honestly still enjoyed it. Shion Miura has a way in her writing, that its obvious that not only she does extensive research and puts loads of care in her work, she had also introduced on various cultures and beliefs in Japan that, even until today, are the rituals that are still being continued. Even if Kamusari is an imaginary place that is based on Mie Prefecture in Japan, it is not far off from reality to the beliefs of the people nowadays. I liked that it brings light to some rituals that is still alive and brings more insight depth of the workings in Japan. Even in Malaysia, we do adhere to some beliefs which makes it an interesting read for this one.
Whilst I enjoyed the first book more, the second book is no less good. It brings us into another perspective of a place that is filled with stories, history and beliefs. Its a story that will still make you smile due to the characters and remains a heartwarming read for me. Loved this!
Also I highly suggest you follow the sequence while reading the book as there are certain informations from the first book needs to be understood before diving into the instalment. Nevertheless, I will recommend this read for everyone to read! Its light and fast-paced and fills with warmth of a found family in an unfamiliar place that still feels like home.
Thank you so much to Times Reads for this gifted copy! I truly appreciate it :)
Lemon Bird: Can Help! by Paulina Ganucheau
funny
inspiring
fast-paced
4.5
Such a cute read and one that literally just took me out of a reading limbo :')
I was in a very tiring phase of life when this book was graciously given to me from the Times Reads team, and lord this was the CUTEST THING EVER!
Firstly, I would say this book is very suitable for Children at the ages of 4 Years Old and Above as it is a book that is more heavily sided to the graphics than the amount of words of the characters.
I sincerely ADORE AND LOVE THE ARTSTYLE OF THE ARTIST! . Its cute and simple and yet it has so much attention to details! The artist and author had created the story and the animals with shapes like fruits, which for me is super smart in not only enhancing the skills of children for their knowledge, it also somehow creates a learning-based materials especially for children that is the target market for the book. Honestly, even reading this as an adult warms my heart and I just smiled even towards the end of the book.
Whilst the plot is simplistic, I also liked how it really showed the importance of
1) Knowing when to seek for help
2) Always be kind to whoever that you come across with
3) Try to help others as much as you can.
Even with the lack of words, which I'm always impressed with Graphic novels, each of the characters journey and their acts towards each other shows the storyline and how the story is set out to be. It not only sets a good moral value , it also adds depth to the story, as its somewhat written in a storyline that makes you just smile towards the end. The artstyle is the cutest and the colours can stimulate cognitive functions of children, and even set out to be very beneficial reading it as an adult as it serves as a light read that makes you just elated after finishing it.
A story about friendship, the hardships and things that you can go through to make it work, and most of all, of love and accepting of one's weakness.
Biggest thank you again to Times Reads for providing me a copy of this book! It really made my day.
I was in a very tiring phase of life when this book was graciously given to me from the Times Reads team, and lord this was the CUTEST THING EVER!
Firstly, I would say this book is very suitable for Children at the ages of 4 Years Old and Above as it is a book that is more heavily sided to the graphics than the amount of words of the characters.
I sincerely ADORE AND LOVE THE ARTSTYLE OF THE ARTIST! . Its cute and simple and yet it has so much attention to details! The artist and author had created the story and the animals with shapes like fruits, which for me is super smart in not only enhancing the skills of children for their knowledge, it also somehow creates a learning-based materials especially for children that is the target market for the book. Honestly, even reading this as an adult warms my heart and I just smiled even towards the end of the book.
Whilst the plot is simplistic, I also liked how it really showed the importance of
1) Knowing when to seek for help
2) Always be kind to whoever that you come across with
3) Try to help others as much as you can.
Even with the lack of words, which I'm always impressed with Graphic novels, each of the characters journey and their acts towards each other shows the storyline and how the story is set out to be. It not only sets a good moral value , it also adds depth to the story, as its somewhat written in a storyline that makes you just smile towards the end. The artstyle is the cutest and the colours can stimulate cognitive functions of children, and even set out to be very beneficial reading it as an adult as it serves as a light read that makes you just elated after finishing it.
A story about friendship, the hardships and things that you can go through to make it work, and most of all, of love and accepting of one's weakness.
Biggest thank you again to Times Reads for providing me a copy of this book! It really made my day.
Idol, Burning by Rin Usami
Whilst I'm not into the Idol culture in Japan, I was definitely into the Idol Culture in South Korea and mostly, I'm a weeb that lowkey collects various merchandises from mangas and animes that I like (and in another words , an Otaku but in another form).
Reading this book is what I would say expresses what I felt during the time I was still into the Idol Culture, in being in a fandom, talking about my bias , or oshi (in Japan) and how I would watch every single show that he had starred on. I remembered this one petty incident where I hated this female singer (until now) just because she did something to my bias at the time. And in this book, Akari, being someone that felt outcasted from what she's dealing with, finds solace in stanning her oshi, in which she took what I did to the next level.
What I loved about this book was how accurate the Representation in the Fan culture is.
As there are levels to being a fan, there are levels in their obsession as well. The author had shown the realities of The Otaku Culture and how it had affected their lives. In Akari's case, whilst it had helped her to become the most normal self that she ever could, once her oshi had 'burnt', she had shown signs of self-destruction, in which was the intention of the author, in showing that in a life that made the backbone of yourself from a human being (who is imperfect and will make mistakes), there will be bound to break at some point of the day.
I loved how Akari reminded me of characters from Sayaka Murata and Akutagawa himself, in which they found themselves trying to fit into the societal standards but failed to do so; in which they feel as though they incompetent not fit to live. I loved how the author had based Akari's condition to her brother (in which I cried so hard in the author's acknowledgment), and how Usami had apologized to her brother for not being able to understand his hardships when they were younger. In some ways, I love that the message that Usami was trying to portray is that, there are no faults to them being born in that way, but its the faults of society that judges you harshly if you're slightly different from what the society standards of 'normal' is.
And that also explains the toxic culture in the idol world, where each and every part of an idol's actions are bound to be scrutinized, to the smallest bit. The Internet "Cancel Culture" are one of the toxic cultures that goes hand in hand when an Idol became famous, and when they are tainted by a "scandal", nothing works for them anymore. Its interesting of a human psychology that we can actually judge someone, solely from their online persona , and what the media portrays them to be, only for us to cancel them once they made a mistake. We can feel betrayed (as fans invested money for these idols), or we can feel lied too, but it showed how toxic this culture can be and how we are super independent for it as a coping mechanism to escape the realities of our harsh life.
I love Akari as a character and I loved that she is somewhat trying so hard to stay alive, despite the conditions that she's having. She is a portrayal of a person who is depressed and makes being an Otaku as a coping mechanism. Personally, I can relate to that on how obsessed I can be with books and some comfort animes that I took pleasure watching day by day. Whilst Akari's obsession is unhealthy at certain times, it also shows how hobbies like these had helped saved lives too. Its good to stan someone (especially another fellow human) moderately, but I find that if it helps you to stay alive, just enjoy what you can . My judgment only goes to the stalker (the ssasaengs) and those who will endanger others lives for their own gain. In Akari's case, she's the kind of fan that does this for her own self until the incident of her oshi.
All in all, although the novella is short, it provides more depth and layers to the story. Usami's writing is one that I personally liked and its definitely something fresh that is written in a story form. Its not for everyone, and it has a depressing tone, but I would still recommend it, especially if you're into stories of growth with a tint of darkness.
Biggest thank you to Pansing Distributions (@definitelybooks) for this copy!
dark
emotional
reflective
fast-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
At the end of the book, I wasn't even surprised why this book won the Akutagawa Award in 2020, because it definitely deserved that title.
Personal Ratings : 4.5🌟
Idol, Burning is a short read that dives into the Idol Culture in Japan. My first work from Rin Usami and my second work from Asa Yoneda, Idol, Burning not only talks about dependancy of humans to something as a coping mechanism, it delves into the toxic culture of the internet, the effects that it has on various people, and mostly, on being constricted to the societal standards of normal. Its a book that may not be for everyone, but its one that I do have a deep understanding for and I loved the message that the author was trying to bring.
Personal Ratings : 4.5🌟
Idol, Burning is a short read that dives into the Idol Culture in Japan. My first work from Rin Usami and my second work from Asa Yoneda, Idol, Burning not only talks about dependancy of humans to something as a coping mechanism, it delves into the toxic culture of the internet, the effects that it has on various people, and mostly, on being constricted to the societal standards of normal. Its a book that may not be for everyone, but its one that I do have a deep understanding for and I loved the message that the author was trying to bring.
"An idol burns. I'm not talking about a celebrity physically going up in a flame. It's about someone in the public eye who commits a misdeed or makes an improper remark, and becomes the target of criticism, is scrutinised from every angle, and loses their influence.
Whilst I'm not into the Idol culture in Japan, I was definitely into the Idol Culture in South Korea and mostly, I'm a weeb that lowkey collects various merchandises from mangas and animes that I like (and in another words , an Otaku but in another form).
Reading this book is what I would say expresses what I felt during the time I was still into the Idol Culture, in being in a fandom, talking about my bias , or oshi (in Japan) and how I would watch every single show that he had starred on. I remembered this one petty incident where I hated this female singer (until now) just because she did something to my bias at the time. And in this book, Akari, being someone that felt outcasted from what she's dealing with, finds solace in stanning her oshi, in which she took what I did to the next level.
What I loved about this book was how accurate the Representation in the Fan culture is.
"There were as many styles of fandom as there were fans.
Some people worshipped every move their oshi made.
While others thought discernment made the true fan.
There were those who had a romantic interest in their oshi but no interest in their oshi's work
Others who had no such feelings but sought a direct connection through engaging on social media
People who enjoyed their oshi's output but didn't care about the gossip
Those who found fulfilment in supporting the oshi financially
Others who valued being part of a fan community."
As there are levels to being a fan, there are levels in their obsession as well. The author had shown the realities of The Otaku Culture and how it had affected their lives. In Akari's case, whilst it had helped her to become the most normal self that she ever could, once her oshi had 'burnt', she had shown signs of self-destruction, in which was the intention of the author, in showing that in a life that made the backbone of yourself from a human being (who is imperfect and will make mistakes), there will be bound to break at some point of the day.
I loved how Akari reminded me of characters from Sayaka Murata and Akutagawa himself, in which they found themselves trying to fit into the societal standards but failed to do so; in which they feel as though they incompetent not fit to live. I loved how the author had based Akari's condition to her brother (in which I cried so hard in the author's acknowledgment), and how Usami had apologized to her brother for not being able to understand his hardships when they were younger. In some ways, I love that the message that Usami was trying to portray is that, there are no faults to them being born in that way, but its the faults of society that judges you harshly if you're slightly different from what the society standards of 'normal' is.
And that also explains the toxic culture in the idol world, where each and every part of an idol's actions are bound to be scrutinized, to the smallest bit. The Internet "Cancel Culture" are one of the toxic cultures that goes hand in hand when an Idol became famous, and when they are tainted by a "scandal", nothing works for them anymore. Its interesting of a human psychology that we can actually judge someone, solely from their online persona , and what the media portrays them to be, only for us to cancel them once they made a mistake. We can feel betrayed (as fans invested money for these idols), or we can feel lied too, but it showed how toxic this culture can be and how we are super independent for it as a coping mechanism to escape the realities of our harsh life.
I love Akari as a character and I loved that she is somewhat trying so hard to stay alive, despite the conditions that she's having. She is a portrayal of a person who is depressed and makes being an Otaku as a coping mechanism. Personally, I can relate to that on how obsessed I can be with books and some comfort animes that I took pleasure watching day by day. Whilst Akari's obsession is unhealthy at certain times, it also shows how hobbies like these had helped saved lives too. Its good to stan someone (especially another fellow human) moderately, but I find that if it helps you to stay alive, just enjoy what you can . My judgment only goes to the stalker (the ssasaengs) and those who will endanger others lives for their own gain. In Akari's case, she's the kind of fan that does this for her own self until the incident of her oshi.
All in all, although the novella is short, it provides more depth and layers to the story. Usami's writing is one that I personally liked and its definitely something fresh that is written in a story form. Its not for everyone, and it has a depressing tone, but I would still recommend it, especially if you're into stories of growth with a tint of darkness.
Biggest thank you to Pansing Distributions (@definitelybooks) for this copy!
Babel by R.F. Kuang
This book is more about translation and language. Honestly, with these kind of books, I fear that what I say, will never be enough. And fact is, the more I love a book, the more I can't comprehend my feelings towards it.
This will be a messy review and dump of train-of-thoughts, and I may revise this on a later date after I actually calmed down, but these were my rawest reactions to the book, and I'm writing this right after I had finished it.
Lets break down each aspect one-by-one. And this will be Non-Spoilery, but more of what to expect (if you have expectations, and you obviously will) to make the experience of you reading the book more enjoyable.
Is this a Character-Driven book or Plot-Driven book?
Babel is a PLOT-Driven BOOK.
Which means that the book follows a story that derives most of its action from a well-constructed plot. A good plot-driven story will have compelling and multi-faceted characters but will place plot and story structure ahead of deep character development.
This means that, whilst we follow the journey of mostly Robin in his endeavours from Canton to Oxford, we will also get glimpses of other characters such as his friends, his guardian and as well the people that he met along the way. Whilst I expected the book to be a character-driven book, I think making it plot-driven works so well with the sentiments and what Kuang is trying to portray in the book. Its not just about the struggle of a Single Character . Its a struggle and the movement of a bigger cause, that affects and gives consequences to generations of people to come. What made this book special because , there was NEVER a boring moment, and that Kuang had developed the characters so well, to a point that you will care about them, cry with them and equates their pain to yours.
If you're wishing this would be a character-driven book? I kindly suggest for you to touch grass
Like I mentioned, the book does not focus on the characters, mostly to accentuate the bigger picture, which is the The Act of Violence Itself and Affects of Translated Language to Colonialism . If this were to be a character-driven book, the point may not come across as effectively as it should. The plot was divided well and the whole point of the book is to highlight the Longer Title itself, (which will make sense as you read along). Kuang had created such a world that seems so close and real, and the fact that it coincides with real Historical Moments makes it sometimes suffocating to read, on how naive and constricted the views on our world can be.
Kuang had focused on certain events that made impacts , and the fact that, she had so CLEVERLY insinuated every little detail, to the point that if you blink, you'll actually missed what she was trying to convey. The quote
But if its not Character-driven.. how will you relate to the characters?
The thing with Kuang is that, she KNOWS how to write characters, and she KNOWS how to make it PAINFUL. Albeit a plot-driven book, you'll get attached to the characters that are so flawed, but also you'll want to protect them from the pains of this world.
Kuang had written such fantastic characters for Babel and a well-represented at that. We have a myriad of characters from different backgrounds and religions, and my respect to her became tenfold when a Muslim Character was not misrepresented in a book, and lowkey thats saying something. Kuang had based off her characters to a variety of people that are a mismatch but can somehow take your heart away. EXCLUDING THAT ONE FUCKING BITCH The question of morality and the lines of black and white you will need to cross in this book is excruciating, but we somehow understood why the characters had done what they did.
The Footnotes which sealed the 5 stars from Chapter 2
I find it entertaining that I had actually sealed the 5 stars for Babel in Chapter 2, SOLELY from Kuang's footnotes. In fiction, I don't really like the idea of footnotes very much, as its just only facts that I can google about at some point of the day .
But Kuang's footnotes are one of the reasons why I will actually recommend everyone to read this book. Her footnotes are by far, one of the most entertaining (in a dark humour way) and informative, without being draggy. The fact that she wrote it in her own words and it encapsulates what she wanted to let people know without it sounding off-standish or even pompous. The fact that the footnotes had not only criticised some of the decisions from past leaders, it brings us to the minds of Kuang and how she thinks in a way that makes it amusing yet resourceful.
On Colonialism and Translation
Being a South East Asian, and from a country that has been colonized by the British, it made me represented in a way that showed the true horrors of what colonisation and the importance of translation and our mother-tongue to the Englishmen. It wasn't surprising to read about the rich and powerful, but what disgusts me was the ignorance of it all.
Imagine being stripped away of your identity, being transported away from our homes from a younger age, but expected to be grateful. These are not the acts of love, but the acts of slavery, which is concealed by good education and proper etiquette learnings.
The anger that I felt from the sentence alone, that showed how ignorant can the colonizers be without having thinking the consequences it can do to a person and the identity-crisis that will knock on your door whilst you growing up.
Its ironic, that even to the generation now (and even I was whitewashed at a certain period of my life), we tend to pretend that the problem and the root of it all is not there. I feel that with this book, we have a bigger appreciation towards language, and its Etymology. It feels like reading a very eventful academic text, and I love that as Robin is learning, I'm getting lessons as well.
On the Criticism to the Rich and Powerful
And that leads to this point, where Kuang had criticised the Rich and powerful to a point that, it will be daft of you to think otherwise. Its an educated suggestion to not everyone who had read this to not only realize that the root and cause of the problem is not only from the powerful, but also from our own mindset.
I absolutely loved that Kuang had criticised not only the social system, the racism and the acceptance of the people of the colour, she had also given criticism to the privileged, unnecessary (but included) to only the rich . Privilege can mean a lot of things and Kuang had shown that different privileges can blind us to certain things in this world, and it had shown that every single thing in this world is somehow intertwined with one another.
Necessity of Violence. How this sentence means more
It came to a point of the book, where WHEN the title made sense, it left you a crying and sobbing mess, and a whole load of appreciation for the book.
Morality will be questioned, but sometimes, in situations that demands your voice to be heart, VIOLENCE IS A NECESSITY. And yes, it can be wrong, and yes, it will affect the generations to come, but without one person trying to shake the world, no one, especially the ones that are ruling the country would do anything about it. And what makes it sad, was how CLOSE TO REALITY this situation is in our real world now. The fact is, if nothing goes viral, nothing will be done to fix stuff up. Whats eerily scary is how close Babel is to our real world and that there is not much change other than the fact we're just more educated, but are we vigilant enough to make a change.
That's the question isn't it.
This book is more than the dark notes in academia. Its the extortion of power, extortion of language to the contribution to colonialism and the extortion of manpower that masked slavery to being given translators as a title. Its to show that the source of power can only hold so much, when there are people that dies for it. It shows that whilst one voice can do so much, it may change the whole world. It shows that, there is more to just accepting your consequences as it is. Its on change. On loyalty, and mostly, on the importance of language and translation, and the appreciation for the art.
Kuang had never ceased to amaze me with her talents, and this book, is a wonder of its own. A masterpiece that I consider and plead everyone to read.
Biggest thank you to Times Reads for this copy! I can never thank you enough.
adventurous
dark
emotional
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
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? Yes
5.0
I came in this book blind; and I suggest you do the same too.
This book not only broke me in a million pieces , but filled every single quota of what I expected in a Dark Academia Fantasy. By far, its one of the best books I've read this year, and that's saying stuff cause I actually read a lot of good books this year.
This book was the most well-researched, and thoroughly written that it felt like reading a very entertaining AND HEARTBREAKING Academic text.
It took my breath away, in a way that made me just fixated with the story, with the writing, with what I can relate to and mostly, it made me have a newfound respect to Kuang.
This book not only broke me in a million pieces , but filled every single quota of what I expected in a Dark Academia Fantasy. By far, its one of the best books I've read this year, and that's saying stuff cause I actually read a lot of good books this year.
This book was the most well-researched, and thoroughly written that it felt like reading a very entertaining AND HEARTBREAKING Academic text.
It took my breath away, in a way that made me just fixated with the story, with the writing, with what I can relate to and mostly, it made me have a newfound respect to Kuang.
"That's just what translation is. That's all speaking is. Listening to the other and trying to see past your own biases to glimpse what they're trying to say. Showing yourself to the world, and hoping someone else understands."
This book is more about translation and language. Honestly, with these kind of books, I fear that what I say, will never be enough. And fact is, the more I love a book, the more I can't comprehend my feelings towards it.
This will be a messy review and dump of train-of-thoughts, and I may revise this on a later date after I actually calmed down, but these were my rawest reactions to the book, and I'm writing this right after I had finished it.
Lets break down each aspect one-by-one. And this will be Non-Spoilery, but more of what to expect (if you have expectations, and you obviously will) to make the experience of you reading the book more enjoyable.
Is this a Character-Driven book or Plot-Driven book?
Babel is a PLOT-Driven BOOK.
Which means that the book follows a story that derives most of its action from a well-constructed plot. A good plot-driven story will have compelling and multi-faceted characters but will place plot and story structure ahead of deep character development.
This means that, whilst we follow the journey of mostly Robin in his endeavours from Canton to Oxford, we will also get glimpses of other characters such as his friends, his guardian and as well the people that he met along the way. Whilst I expected the book to be a character-driven book, I think making it plot-driven works so well with the sentiments and what Kuang is trying to portray in the book. Its not just about the struggle of a Single Character . Its a struggle and the movement of a bigger cause, that affects and gives consequences to generations of people to come. What made this book special because , there was NEVER a boring moment, and that Kuang had developed the characters so well, to a point that you will care about them, cry with them and equates their pain to yours.
If you're wishing this would be a character-driven book? I kindly suggest for you to touch grass
Like I mentioned, the book does not focus on the characters, mostly to accentuate the bigger picture, which is the The Act of Violence Itself and Affects of Translated Language to Colonialism . If this were to be a character-driven book, the point may not come across as effectively as it should. The plot was divided well and the whole point of the book is to highlight the Longer Title itself, (which will make sense as you read along). Kuang had created such a world that seems so close and real, and the fact that it coincides with real Historical Moments makes it sometimes suffocating to read, on how naive and constricted the views on our world can be.
Kuang had focused on certain events that made impacts , and the fact that, she had so CLEVERLY insinuated every little detail, to the point that if you blink, you'll actually missed what she was trying to convey. The quote
"An Act of Translation is an Act of Betrayalmade so much sense but the detail of the event was so minor that you didn't feel that it will make a huge difference, but it did. Fact is, languages and academicians have been looked down from the powerful and the rich, and only used as a tool to their benefit, and Kuang had solely highlighted how , in the act of translation itself, you can make or break the world.
But if its not Character-driven.. how will you relate to the characters?
The thing with Kuang is that, she KNOWS how to write characters, and she KNOWS how to make it PAINFUL. Albeit a plot-driven book, you'll get attached to the characters that are so flawed, but also you'll want to protect them from the pains of this world.
Kuang had written such fantastic characters for Babel and a well-represented at that. We have a myriad of characters from different backgrounds and religions, and my respect to her became tenfold when a Muslim Character was not misrepresented in a book, and lowkey thats saying something. Kuang had based off her characters to a variety of people that are a mismatch but can somehow take your heart away. EXCLUDING THAT ONE FUCKING BITCH The question of morality and the lines of black and white you will need to cross in this book is excruciating, but we somehow understood why the characters had done what they did.
The Footnotes which sealed the 5 stars from Chapter 2
I find it entertaining that I had actually sealed the 5 stars for Babel in Chapter 2, SOLELY from Kuang's footnotes. In fiction, I don't really like the idea of footnotes very much, as its just only facts that I can google about at some point of the day .
But Kuang's footnotes are one of the reasons why I will actually recommend everyone to read this book. Her footnotes are by far, one of the most entertaining (in a dark humour way) and informative, without being draggy. The fact that she wrote it in her own words and it encapsulates what she wanted to let people know without it sounding off-standish or even pompous. The fact that the footnotes had not only criticised some of the decisions from past leaders, it brings us to the minds of Kuang and how she thinks in a way that makes it amusing yet resourceful.
On Colonialism and Translation
Being a South East Asian, and from a country that has been colonized by the British, it made me represented in a way that showed the true horrors of what colonisation and the importance of translation and our mother-tongue to the Englishmen. It wasn't surprising to read about the rich and powerful, but what disgusts me was the ignorance of it all.
Imagine being stripped away of your identity, being transported away from our homes from a younger age, but expected to be grateful. These are not the acts of love, but the acts of slavery, which is concealed by good education and proper etiquette learnings.
"Family names were not things to be dropped and replaced at whim. They marked lineage; they marked belonging."
The anger that I felt from the sentence alone, that showed how ignorant can the colonizers be without having thinking the consequences it can do to a person and the identity-crisis that will knock on your door whilst you growing up.
""No, personhood demanded the blood purity of the European man, the racial status that would make him _ equal.
He was an asset, and assets should be undyingly grateful that they were treated well at all."
Its ironic, that even to the generation now (and even I was whitewashed at a certain period of my life), we tend to pretend that the problem and the root of it all is not there. I feel that with this book, we have a bigger appreciation towards language, and its Etymology. It feels like reading a very eventful academic text, and I love that as Robin is learning, I'm getting lessons as well.
On the Criticism to the Rich and Powerful
And that leads to this point, where Kuang had criticised the Rich and powerful to a point that, it will be daft of you to think otherwise. Its an educated suggestion to not everyone who had read this to not only realize that the root and cause of the problem is not only from the powerful, but also from our own mindset.
I absolutely loved that Kuang had criticised not only the social system, the racism and the acceptance of the people of the colour, she had also given criticism to the privileged, unnecessary (but included) to only the rich . Privilege can mean a lot of things and Kuang had shown that different privileges can blind us to certain things in this world, and it had shown that every single thing in this world is somehow intertwined with one another.
Necessity of Violence. How this sentence means more
It came to a point of the book, where WHEN the title made sense, it left you a crying and sobbing mess, and a whole load of appreciation for the book.
Morality will be questioned, but sometimes, in situations that demands your voice to be heart, VIOLENCE IS A NECESSITY. And yes, it can be wrong, and yes, it will affect the generations to come, but without one person trying to shake the world, no one, especially the ones that are ruling the country would do anything about it. And what makes it sad, was how CLOSE TO REALITY this situation is in our real world now. The fact is, if nothing goes viral, nothing will be done to fix stuff up. Whats eerily scary is how close Babel is to our real world and that there is not much change other than the fact we're just more educated, but are we vigilant enough to make a change.
That's the question isn't it.
"Power could only be brought to heel by acts of defiance it could not ignore.
With brute, unflinching force.
With violence."
This book is more than the dark notes in academia. Its the extortion of power, extortion of language to the contribution to colonialism and the extortion of manpower that masked slavery to being given translators as a title. Its to show that the source of power can only hold so much, when there are people that dies for it. It shows that whilst one voice can do so much, it may change the whole world. It shows that, there is more to just accepting your consequences as it is. Its on change. On loyalty, and mostly, on the importance of language and translation, and the appreciation for the art.
Kuang had never ceased to amaze me with her talents, and this book, is a wonder of its own. A masterpiece that I consider and plead everyone to read.
Biggest thank you to Times Reads for this copy! I can never thank you enough.