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nhborg's reviews
378 reviews
The Vegetarian by Han Kang
3.0
3.5
Genuinely struggling to know what to write about this one…
It was an interesting read, I’ll give it that. But I also felt uncomfortable most of the time. It had some good metaphorical value, and explored interesting thematics such as isolation due narrowmindedness and judgementality from people who think they know what’s best for you. It was unique and captivating in a way, and certainly thought-provoking for being such a slim novel. Still, it felt like I listened to the audiobook with my eyes squinted in discomfort most of the time, mostly due to the male perspectives on Yeong-hye and the suffocating sensation being built up over time (it’s on purpose, but still).
Btw make sure to check out the long list of trigger warnings.
Genuinely struggling to know what to write about this one…
It was an interesting read, I’ll give it that. But I also felt uncomfortable most of the time. It had some good metaphorical value, and explored interesting thematics such as isolation due narrowmindedness and judgementality from people who think they know what’s best for you. It was unique and captivating in a way, and certainly thought-provoking for being such a slim novel. Still, it felt like I listened to the audiobook with my eyes squinted in discomfort most of the time, mostly due to the male perspectives on Yeong-hye and the suffocating sensation being built up over time (it’s on purpose, but still).
Btw make sure to check out the long list of trigger warnings.
Daisy Jones & The Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid
4.0
What a great book! The authenticity that Taylor Jenkins Reid manages to achieve is so impressive, and audiobook just proves how good she is at writing natural/believable mono- and dialogues. It truly felt like listening to an account of real events. Captivating!
The Body in the Library by Agatha Christie
3.0
3.5
I forget how funny Agatha Christie is! Great page-turner with a satisfying resolution, and for me, a nice introduction to the Miss Marple mysteries
I forget how funny Agatha Christie is! Great page-turner with a satisfying resolution, and for me, a nice introduction to the Miss Marple mysteries
Abroad in Japan by Chris Broad
5.0
4.5
This was exactly what I needed right now! A thoroughly fun and light read full of adventures, bizarre anecdotes and appreciative exploration of Japanese culture.
I was not familiar with Chris Broad or the «Abroad in Japan» YouTube channel from before, but I still found this book accessible and easy to love from the get-go. It is written with humor, eloquence and a addictive narration, and it made me want to indulge in story after story. I laughed out loud many times and it felt great to have the treat of ending the day by reading a few chapters of this.
I wasn’t quite as engaged at the very end of the book, mostly because there were a lot of time jumps and increasing references to stories/content covered by his YouTube videos. I didn’t mind, but my enjoyment wasn’t quite as high as during the virtual day-to-day accounts during the initial chapters.
All in all, had a great time with this, and my urge to return to Japan is even stronger now!
This was exactly what I needed right now! A thoroughly fun and light read full of adventures, bizarre anecdotes and appreciative exploration of Japanese culture.
I was not familiar with Chris Broad or the «Abroad in Japan» YouTube channel from before, but I still found this book accessible and easy to love from the get-go. It is written with humor, eloquence and a addictive narration, and it made me want to indulge in story after story. I laughed out loud many times and it felt great to have the treat of ending the day by reading a few chapters of this.
I wasn’t quite as engaged at the very end of the book, mostly because there were a lot of time jumps and increasing references to stories/content covered by his YouTube videos. I didn’t mind, but my enjoyment wasn’t quite as high as during the virtual day-to-day accounts during the initial chapters.
All in all, had a great time with this, and my urge to return to Japan is even stronger now!
The Memory Police by Yōko Ogawa
4.0
3.5
I loved the premise, and that finale made me wonder if the book was outstanding after all. Unfortunately, the characters and storyline (as well as the story within the story) never really appealed to be. I think the book would’ve been perfect for me if the set of characters had been switched out or explored to a degree which made me more attached to them. On the other hand, I see the point of keeping them anonymous in the context of the story.
It was so interesting to read about themes like collective memory loss, human adaptation to change, and abstract extremes of societal control. The novel was strange and curious and had a «manner of fact» voice in a typical dystopian style. I really liked what it was trying to do, but it only managed to grip me at the very start and the very end. Maybe I’ll be able to embrace it fully upon a reread.
I loved the premise, and that finale made me wonder if the book was outstanding after all. Unfortunately, the characters and storyline (as well as the story within the story) never really appealed to be. I think the book would’ve been perfect for me if the set of characters had been switched out or explored to a degree which made me more attached to them. On the other hand, I see the point of keeping them anonymous in the context of the story.
It was so interesting to read about themes like collective memory loss, human adaptation to change, and abstract extremes of societal control. The novel was strange and curious and had a «manner of fact» voice in a typical dystopian style. I really liked what it was trying to do, but it only managed to grip me at the very start and the very end. Maybe I’ll be able to embrace it fully upon a reread.
A Botanical Daughter by Noah Medlock
4.0
4.25
I’d been so hyped about this new (debuting) release, and I can happily say that it was worth my excitement:D It had basically everything I love; beautiful descriptions, gothic atmosphere, plants & fungi as central plot points, philosophical exploration (i.e. Frankenstein-ish themes), ambiguous characters, unconventional romance, a dash of gore … perfect.
Additionally, the way it was written made it gripping and easy to read. I found it to be a great balance between beautiful descriptions and a steady pace to make the story progress and be exciting page after page.
I also have to mention that I was thrilled about the scientific take on the story and all the research that had gone into the biological subjects. To be able to see the experiments being shaped and carried out, read lab journal notes and references to real-life botanical species, and be presented with attempts at in-depth scientific explanations of bizarre and fantastical creations? I thought it was so impressive and cool that Noah Medlock dived right into that.
There were a few logical brists and shortcuts here and there in the story, and there were certain routes I wish it would’ve taken. Overall though, I had a really good time, especially since this was a buddy read where everything could be dissected and discussed along the way. This debut was fresh, intriguing and surprising, and I’m excited to see what more N. M. will come up with!
I’d been so hyped about this new (debuting) release, and I can happily say that it was worth my excitement:D It had basically everything I love; beautiful descriptions, gothic atmosphere, plants & fungi as central plot points, philosophical exploration (i.e. Frankenstein-ish themes), ambiguous characters, unconventional romance, a dash of gore … perfect.
Additionally, the way it was written made it gripping and easy to read. I found it to be a great balance between beautiful descriptions and a steady pace to make the story progress and be exciting page after page.
I also have to mention that I was thrilled about the scientific take on the story and all the research that had gone into the biological subjects. To be able to see the experiments being shaped and carried out, read lab journal notes and references to real-life botanical species, and be presented with attempts at in-depth scientific explanations of bizarre and fantastical creations? I thought it was so impressive and cool that Noah Medlock dived right into that.
There were a few logical brists and shortcuts here and there in the story, and there were certain routes I wish it would’ve taken. Overall though, I had a really good time, especially since this was a buddy read where everything could be dissected and discussed along the way. This debut was fresh, intriguing and surprising, and I’m excited to see what more N. M. will come up with!
Wind/ Pinball by Haruki Murakami, Haruki Murakami
4.0
3.75
I’m stoked about having gotten around to Murakami’s debut, or his two «kitchen-table» novels as he calls them. I really enjoyed reading the introduction and how he somewhat randomly fell into writing, as well as how he developed his own, unique writing style. I also found it cool that although these first books are less refined than his newer works, there’s still so much of Murakami’s character in them. I agree with the Guardian quote on the back of the book: «Early Murakami isn’t Murakami-in-the-making, it’s already and entirely Murakami». I’ve officially started my journey of reading all of his books in chronological order (including a few rereads of his later works), and I’m excited about experiencing «growing up» together with his writing.
Murakami, as we know, has his … Things. While I admire that Murakami doesn’t give a damn and writes whatever he likes, it can go too far. His depictions of women are pretty shit sometimes. I also don’t jam along with everything he writes. However, there’s an essence in there that is just so fascinating and addictive, which sometimes crystallizes as beautiful passages or quotes. I’ve left a couple of my favorite quotes from Hear the wing sing and Pinball, 1973 below. I think the thematics speak for themselves here.
Hear the wing sing
«There are times when I can even feel myself aging by the hour. The scary thing is, it’s true.»
«All things pass. None of us can manage to hold on to anything. In that way, we live our lives.»
Pinball, 1973
«When the sky darkened he would take the same path back to his own world. This return, though, was always accompanied by an ineffable sadness. The world awaiting him out there was just too big, too powerful; there seemed to be no place where he could burrow into it.»
«We fell silent again. What we shared was no more than a fragment of a time long dead. Yet memories remained, warm memories that remained with me like lights from the past. And I would carry those lights in the brief interval before death grabbed me and tossed me back into the crucible of nothingness.»
(Side note: Listening to a lofi jazz playlist with an anime cat cover while writing this review felt very appropriate)
I’m stoked about having gotten around to Murakami’s debut, or his two «kitchen-table» novels as he calls them. I really enjoyed reading the introduction and how he somewhat randomly fell into writing, as well as how he developed his own, unique writing style. I also found it cool that although these first books are less refined than his newer works, there’s still so much of Murakami’s character in them. I agree with the Guardian quote on the back of the book: «Early Murakami isn’t Murakami-in-the-making, it’s already and entirely Murakami». I’ve officially started my journey of reading all of his books in chronological order (including a few rereads of his later works), and I’m excited about experiencing «growing up» together with his writing.
Murakami, as we know, has his … Things. While I admire that Murakami doesn’t give a damn and writes whatever he likes, it can go too far. His depictions of women are pretty shit sometimes. I also don’t jam along with everything he writes. However, there’s an essence in there that is just so fascinating and addictive, which sometimes crystallizes as beautiful passages or quotes. I’ve left a couple of my favorite quotes from Hear the wing sing and Pinball, 1973 below. I think the thematics speak for themselves here.
Hear the wing sing
«There are times when I can even feel myself aging by the hour. The scary thing is, it’s true.»
«All things pass. None of us can manage to hold on to anything. In that way, we live our lives.»
Pinball, 1973
«When the sky darkened he would take the same path back to his own world. This return, though, was always accompanied by an ineffable sadness. The world awaiting him out there was just too big, too powerful; there seemed to be no place where he could burrow into it.»
«We fell silent again. What we shared was no more than a fragment of a time long dead. Yet memories remained, warm memories that remained with me like lights from the past. And I would carry those lights in the brief interval before death grabbed me and tossed me back into the crucible of nothingness.»
(Side note: Listening to a lofi jazz playlist with an anime cat cover while writing this review felt very appropriate)
2001: A Space Odyssey by Arthur C. Clarke
3.0
3.5
This had its ups and downs, but I generally liked it! I haven’t watched the movie, but I was familiar with two of the iconic scenes and therefore kind of knew where it was going. I think what I liked the most was the otherwordly and surrealistic atmosphere it obtained in the later stages. Otherwise I’d say that the book was mostly interesting due to its age, as I don’t think it would’ve gotten the same sensational status if it was released now instead of in 1968.
The main drawback is that it felt pretty «hollow»; there were some reflections and interesting concepts touched upon, but in general it was written in a simplistic and flat way that made me think that it would be better suited for the movie screen. This made it a super quick read, but took away some of the substantiality. Knowing that the book and movie were made simultaneously, I started questioning whether there was actually any point in having the story as a book at all. Still, certain scenes convinced me that a book format was probably an interesting contrast to a movie which displays everything and leaves no room for imagination. I also read in some reviews that Clarke and Kubrick wrote different endings, which makes me extra curious to compare the two.
Time to go watch the movie!
This had its ups and downs, but I generally liked it! I haven’t watched the movie, but I was familiar with two of the iconic scenes and therefore kind of knew where it was going. I think what I liked the most was the otherwordly and surrealistic atmosphere it obtained in the later stages. Otherwise I’d say that the book was mostly interesting due to its age, as I don’t think it would’ve gotten the same sensational status if it was released now instead of in 1968.
The main drawback is that it felt pretty «hollow»; there were some reflections and interesting concepts touched upon, but in general it was written in a simplistic and flat way that made me think that it would be better suited for the movie screen. This made it a super quick read, but took away some of the substantiality. Knowing that the book and movie were made simultaneously, I started questioning whether there was actually any point in having the story as a book at all. Still, certain scenes convinced me that a book format was probably an interesting contrast to a movie which displays everything and leaves no room for imagination. I also read in some reviews that Clarke and Kubrick wrote different endings, which makes me extra curious to compare the two.
Time to go watch the movie!
The Hunting Party by Lucy Foley
3.0
I’ll always enjoy a Lucy Foley full-cast audiobook! «The Hunting Party» was entertaining, but it fell short of the other books I’ve read by her. It kind of struck me as a less refined version of «The Guest List», and considering that the latter was published two years after, I imagine Foley wanted to go back and upgrade an outline she’d already worked with. I might check out some of her older works, but I’ll hope to see a wider range of tropes.
An Anonymous Girl by Sarah Pekkanen, Greer Hendricks
3.0
«This test can free you, subject 52. Surrender to it»
What a shame, I thought I’d like this one:/ The beginning got me hooked; I was so into the mysterious and twisted setting in which the MC somehow traps herself in her own self-projected guilt, in addition to there being an element of external supervision and judgement of which she has no control over. (Has anyone watched Solo Leveling? The opening in that one got similar vibes).
However, I lost all interest once the mystery boiled down to 3 normal, boring people having beef with each other. Lydia, get over yourself. I got the impression that this is a story that will be gone from my head in not that long.
On another note, let’s talk thriller audiobooks. I’ve never read a thriller with my own two eyeballs, and I think I’ll keep it that way. Audiobook format is just superior. Yes, give me those shivers down my spine while I’m out in public. Freak me out while I’m doing dishes. Keep me on edge of paranoia while I’m showering.
Well, none of the stuff I’m listening to is ever THAT creepy, but I like a little kick of twisted eerieness in my daily and (thankfully) generally peaceful and safe life. I just wish it was easier to filter out the good ones!
What a shame, I thought I’d like this one:/ The beginning got me hooked; I was so into the mysterious and twisted setting in which the MC somehow traps herself in her own self-projected guilt, in addition to there being an element of external supervision and judgement of which she has no control over. (Has anyone watched Solo Leveling? The opening in that one got similar vibes).
However, I lost all interest once the mystery boiled down to 3 normal, boring people having beef with each other. Lydia, get over yourself. I got the impression that this is a story that will be gone from my head in not that long.
On another note, let’s talk thriller audiobooks. I’ve never read a thriller with my own two eyeballs, and I think I’ll keep it that way. Audiobook format is just superior. Yes, give me those shivers down my spine while I’m out in public. Freak me out while I’m doing dishes. Keep me on edge of paranoia while I’m showering.
Well, none of the stuff I’m listening to is ever THAT creepy, but I like a little kick of twisted eerieness in my daily and (thankfully) generally peaceful and safe life. I just wish it was easier to filter out the good ones!