Greta lives with her friend Sabine in an ancient Dutch farmhouse in Hudson, New York. The house, built in 1737, is unrenovated, uninsulated, and full of bees. Greta spends her days transcribing therapy sessions for a sex coach who calls himself Om. She becomes infatuated with his newest client, a repressed married woman she affectionately refers to as Big Swiss, since she’s tall, stoic, and originally from Switzerland. Greta is fascinated by Big Swiss’s refreshing attitude toward trauma. They both have dark histories, but Big Swiss chooses to remain unattached to her suffering while Greta continues to be tortured by her past.
One day, Greta recognizes Big Swiss’s voice at the dog park. In a panic, she introduces herself with a fake name and they quickly become enmeshed. Although Big Swiss is unaware of Greta’s true identity, Greta has never been more herself with anyone. Her attraction to Big Swiss overrides her guilt, and she’ll do anything to sustain the relationship…
I would love to know what sparked this idea in Beagin; there is an air of originality to it.
Something I discovered whilst reading, is that something is only as embarrassing as you make it. Greta displays some rather absurd behaviours but has a care-free outlook which almost nullifies it.
Beagin’s writing is well-structured and left an impression of maturity. The unconventional way Greta sees the world and the observations she makes feels unique to Beagin. Being able to sense the writer voice through their work, which is always a plus for me.
The plot is interesting. It is a snapshot into a slightly eccentric person’s life. There is not beginning or end per say.
The relationships were endearing in a peculiar yet distant way – this will make more sense if you have read it/ once you read it.
I would definitely recommend you add this to your list, Big Swiss has its own distinctive quality, setting it apart from others.
Click link below for Storygraph overview, which includes general rating, summary (same as above) and other reviews.
It is a perfect July morning, and Elle, a fifty-year-old happily married mother of three, awakens at “The Paper Palace”—the family summer place which she has visited every summer of her life. But this morning is different: last night Elle and her oldest friend Jonas crept out the back door into the darkness and had sex with each other for the first time, all while their spouses chatted away inside. Now, over the next twenty-four hours, Elle will have to decide between the life she has made with her genuinely beloved husband, Peter, and the life she always imagined she would have had with her childhood love, Jonas, if a tragic event hadn’t forever changed the course of their lives. As Heller colors in the experiences that have led Elle to this day, we arrive at her ultimate decision with all its complexity.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Rating: 4.5 out of 5.
REVIEW
THEMES: EMOTIONAL, FAMILY SECRETS, BETRAYAL, MEDIUM-PACED.
Heller’s writing is incredible, the layered relationships, complex characters and unexpected conclusions – are all so well explained and planned out.
The story follows Elle a daughter, wife and mother. It jumps between past and present tense, providing context on her background and relationships.
The sister’s ending/death felt unfinished. What seemed like an important subplot that ran throughout the story, got cut off at the end. As if Heller wanted to give the family ‘privacy’, which is rather inconsistent with how intimately you get to know them.
The events that take place are intense, Heller explores sensitive subjects and themes that arouses the emotions and piques curiosity.
The relationships are a realistic representation of a fractured family, where each character has their own respective outlook. Heller allows all the characters to make mistakes without persecuting them and painting them in a negative light.
I was reading through reviews, and someone mentioned that they noticed the women’s ‘depth’ always stemmed from abuse, which is tiring and one-dimensional. And I agree, I am not saying that this is always the case, but I do for this book. Which is why I brought my rating down a tad.
Be prepared for some confronting subjects that involve sexual abuse.
Click link below for Storygraph overview, which includes general rating, summary (same as above) and other reviews.
It is a perfect July morning, and Elle, a fifty-year-old happily married mother of three, awakens at “The Paper Palace”—the family summer place which she has visited every summer of her life. But this morning is different: last night Elle and her oldest friend Jonas crept out the back door into the darkness and had sex with each other for the first time, all while their spouses chatted away inside. Now, over the next twenty-four hours, Elle will have to decide between the life she has made with her genuinely beloved husband, Peter, and the life she always imagined she would have had with her childhood love, Jonas, if a tragic event hadn’t forever changed the course of their lives. As Heller colors in the experiences that have led Elle to this day, we arrive at her ultimate decision with all its complexity.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Rating: 4.5 out of 5.
REVIEW
THEMES: EMOTIONAL, FAMILY SECRETS, BETRAYAL, MEDIUM-PACED.
Heller’s writing is incredible, the layered relationships, complex characters and unexpected conclusions – are all so well explained and planned out.
The story follows Elle a daughter, wife and mother. It jumps between past and present tense, providing context on her background and relationships. Whilst there are some ends that were left untied – and it was not entirely clear whether that was deliberate – the story flowed well.
The events that take place are intense, Heller explores sensitive subjects and themes that arouses the emotions and piques curiosity.
The relationships are a realistic representation of a fractured family, where each character has their own respective outlook. Heller allows all the characters to make mistakes without persecuting them and painting them in a negative light.
Be prepared for some confronting subjects that involve sexual abuse.
Click link below for Storygraph overview, which includes general rating, summary (same as above) and other reviews.
This is a list of the Japanese Fiction books that I have read so far, whilst the title is a little general, I did not want to box them all in one genre. Most of them have a common theme, one of them is completely different, as you will notice. A reminder that these are my opinions, what I dislike in a book, you may love. I like recommending all types of books, I do not limit my recommendations to only what I like (which sounds a little contradictory but makes sense in my head). Please enjoy!
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What You Are Looking For is in The Library
By Michiko Aoyama
Released 2020, 253 Pages,
So asks Tokyo’s most enigmatic librarian, Sayuri Komachi. She is no ordinary librarian. Naturally, she has read every book on her shelf, but she also has the unique ability to read the souls of anyone who walks through her door. Sensing exactly what they’re looking for in life, she provides just the book recommendation they never knew they needed to help them find it.
Every borrower in her library is at a different crossroads, from the restless retail assistant – can she ever get out of a dead-end job? – to the juggling new mother who dreams of becoming a magazine editor, and the meticulous accountant who yearns to own an antique store. The surprise book Komachi lends to each will change their lives for ever.
Which book will you recommend?
This is one of my favourite books of all time.
When I read this book, I was stuck in a loop (routine wise). I did not have any expectations when I picked it up but reading it has helped my life more than I could have imagined. It has taught me to explore different interests and take advantage of life, to see what sparks motivation.
Aoyama’s ability to find inspiration in the most unexpected ventures is true genius. Even though the book was short, I felt that I got to know each character just the right amount. Aoyama explores the different problems people face in various aspects of their life (home, work, relationships etc.), making it relatable to a diverse audience.
I recommend that everyone read this book and hope it helps others like it helped me. At the very least, provide a pleasant read.
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Before The Coffee Gets Cold (series)
By Toshikazu Kawaguchi
Released 2015-2023.
What would you change if you could go back in time?
In a small back alley in Tokyo, there is a café which has been serving carefully brewed coffee for more than one hundred years. But this coffee shop offers its customers a unique experience: the chance to travel back in time.
In Before the Coffee Gets Cold, we meet four visitors, each of whom is hoping to make use of the café’s time-travelling offer, in order to: confront the man who left them, receive a letter from their husband whose memory has been taken by early onset Alzheimer’s, see their sister one last time, and meet the daughter they never got the chance to know.
But the journey into the past does not come without risks: customers must sit in a particular seat, they cannot leave the café, and finally, they must return to the present before the coffee gets cold . . .
These books are great on audiobook (which is how I read them) whether it’s going for a walk, working out at the gym or drawing. What I noticed was, If I accidentally zoned out and missed a minute or two, I could easily catch up without having to wind back.
All of the books are enjoyable, with sweet little stories, which act as life lesson – allowing readers to reflect upon their own life. Naturally it becomes repetitive, it could have stopped at the third or fourth, if you ask me, but that is expected with books like this.
I would read this book If you wanted something light and fluffy, that also has a message. There are definitely other books with messages like this, that have moved me more, but I would not dissuade someone from reading.
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The Full Moon Coffee Shop
By Mai Mochizuki
Released 2020, 256 Pages.
In Japan, cats are a symbol of good luck. As the myth goes, if you are kind to them, they’ll one day return the favor. And if you are kind to the right cat, you might just find yourself invited to a mysterious coffee shop under a glittering Kyoto moon.
This particular coffee shop is like no other. It has no fixed location, no fixed hours, and seemingly appears at random to adrift young people at crucial junctions in their lives.
It’s also run by talking cats.
While customers at the Full Moon Coffee Shop partake in cakes and coffees and teas, the cats also consult them on their star charts, offer cryptic wisdom, and let them know where their lives veered off course.
Every person who visits the shop has been feeling more than a little lost. For a down-on-her-luck screenwriter, a romantically stuck movie director, a hopeful hairstylist, and a technologically challenged website designer, the coffee shop’s feline guides will set them back on their fated paths. For there is a very special reason the shop appeared to each of them…
The Full Moon Coffee Shop was the first Japanese fiction I read, unless you include ‘No Longer Human’ by Osuma Dazai – which is debatably (semi) autobiographical.
In retrospect it is not my favourite, but I am glad it was my gateway book, if you will. Like ‘What You Are Looking For is in The Library’, it consists of short, interlinked stories where characters experience hardships in their lives. There was something very relaxing about reading this book – making it a good pallet cleanser.
There is a lot of astrology talk. At first, I tried to read it all and grasp the concepts that were spoken of, but it was a lot, so I ended up skimming most of it.
I would recommend this to someone who enjoys short stories, especially ones with magical realism. If you like astrology, then that’s definitely a bonus.
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The Travelling Cat Chronicles
By Hiro Arikawa
Released 2012, 277 Pages.
With his crooked tail—a sign of good fortune—and adventurous spirit, Nana is the perfect companion for the man who took him in as a stray. And as they travel in a silver van across Japan, with its ever-changing scenery and seasons, they will learn the true meaning of courage and gratitude, of loyalty and love.
Short, sweet and simple. Is how I would describe this book in three words. Arikawa does a good job of getting acquainted with the characters in short snippets, allowing readers to get to know their personalities without injecting over-the-top plotlines.
As someone who has three cats, this made me wonder whether my cats can understand me. Listening to the characters speak and act as though Nana could not understand was embarrassing, because that is what I do with my cats.
This book further fed my interest in animal communication, which is a perk. It is an enjoyable short read, especially for cat lovers.
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Days At the Morisaki Bookshop
By Satoshi Yagisawa
Released 2010-2011.
Twenty-five-year-old Takako has enjoyed a relatively easy existence—until the day her boyfriend Hideaki, the man she expected to wed, casually announces he’s been cheating on her and is marrying the other woman. Suddenly, Takako’s life is in freefall. She loses her job, her friends, and her acquaintances, and spirals into a deep depression. In the depths of her despair, she receives a call from her distant uncle Satoru.
An unusual man who has always pursued something of an unconventional life, especially after his wife Momoko left him out of the blue five years earlier, Satoru runs a second-hand bookshop in Jimbocho, Tokyo’s famous book district. Takako once looked down upon Satoru’s life. Now, she reluctantly accepts his offer of the tiny room above the bookshop rent-free in exchange for helping out at the store. The move is temporary, until she can get back on her feet. But in the months that follow, Takako surprises herself when she develops a passion for Japanese literature, becomes a regular at a local coffee shop where she makes new friends, and eventually meets a young editor from a nearby publishing house who’s going through his own messy breakup.
But just as she begins to find joy again, Hideaki reappears, forcing Takako to rely once again on her uncle, whose own life has begun to unravel. Together, these seeming opposites work to understand each other and themselves as they continue to share the wisdom they’ve gained in the bookshop.
I absolutely love the covers of these books, they are so charming.
‘Days at the Morisaki Bookshop’ was a pleasurable read. Takako’s circumstances were relatable and represents an unfortunate time everyone experiences at least once, which, off the bat allows the readers to form a connection.
Yagisawa was not afraid to accentuate characters flaws and show the messier side of life, which I respect as a reader and a person. This story depicts the strength of family bonds and, that you cannot force someone to find their way in life – it is up to them.
‘More Days at the Morisaki Bookshop’ fell a bit flat to me. The plot veered away from what made the first book shine, which (to me) changed the whole tone of the duology.
I would recommend the first book but am lukewarm on the second, though, if you really like/d book one, give it a try.
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We’ll Prescribe You a Cat
By Syou Ishida
Released 2023, 297 Pages.
Tucked away in an old building at the end of a narrow alley in Kyoto, the Kokoro Clinic for the Soul can only be found by people who are struggling in their lives and genuinely need help. The mysterious clinic offers a unique treatment to those who find their way there: it prescribes cats as medication. Patients are often puzzled by this unconventional prescription, but when they “take” their cat for the recommended duration, they witness profound transformations in their lives, guided by the playful, empathetic, occasionally challenging yet endearing cats.
Throughout the pages, the power of the human-animal bond is revealed as a disheartened businessman finds unexpected joy in physical labour, a young girl navigates the complexities of elementary school cliques, a middle-aged man struggles to stay relevant at work and home, a hardened bag designer seeks emotional balance, and a geisha finds herself unable to move on from the memory of her lost cat. As the clinic’s patients navigate their inner turmoil and seek resolution, their feline companions lead them toward healing, self-discovery, and newfound hope.
Cats and magical realism causing self-discovery and the betterment of life, sign me up. The idea of being prescribed a cat will never not be an endearing concept to me, I wish that was a form of therapy.
‘We’ll Prescribe You a Cat’ is a collection of short stories, however, it also explores the past and present, which is unique (to other books of similar style).
I still think back to certain storylines in this book and relate it to my own life and see what I can apply from its resolution. I love when books do subtle linking, as it reminds you of the previous stories – which I find clever.
The only significant aspect I feel the story lacked was a strong bond to the characters. The plot and idea were well-developed, but I did not feel fully connected with the characters, making it hard to follow their ‘self-discovery’ journey.
This is a fun, light story I would recommend to cat and magical realism lovers.
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The Lonely Castle in the Mirror
By Mizuki Tsujimura
Released 2017, 368 Pages.
How can you save your friend’s life if she doesn’t want to be rescued?
In a tranquil neighbourhood of Tokyo, seven teenagers wake to find their bedroom mirrors are shining.
At a single touch, they are pulled from their lonely lives into to a wondrous castle filled with winding stairways, watchful portraits and twinkling chandeliers. In this new sanctuary, they are confronted with a set of clues leading to a hidden room where one of them will be granted a wish. But there’s a catch: if they don’t leave by five o’clock, they will die.
As time passes, a devastating truth emerges: only those brave enough to share their stories will be punished.
If you struggled in school, or any academic setting then this is the book for you.
Tsujimura so accurately describes the anxiety of attending school and how it can affect young people. The different reasons whether academic pressure, anxiety, external commitments or bullying – Tsujimura creates a judgement-free environment, which creates a safe space for readers.
The story is beautifully written. The exploration of friendship and how shared suffering can enable healthier healing journeys, is insightful and touching.
I would recommend this to anyone who struggled in school, someone who has a child/friend struggling, or someone who wants to learn more about how the pressures of school can affect a young person.
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The Sailor Who Fell From Grace With The Sea
By Yukio Mishima
Released 1963, 181 Pages.
The Sailor Who Fell from Grace with the Sea tells the tale of a band of savage thirteen-year-old boys who reject the adult world as illusory, hypocritical and sentimental, and train themselves in a brutal callousness they call “objectivity.” When the mother of one of them begins an affair with a ship’s officer, he and his friends idealize the man at first; but it is not long before they conclude that he is in fact soft and romantic. They regard their disappointment in him as an act of betrayal on his part, and react violently.
This book has been put last because there is a dramatic shift of tone from the books prior.
‘The Sailor Who Fell from Grace with the Sea’ explores some very disturbing topics and creates an uncomfortable and – if I am being frank – unwelcome atmosphere. Ninety percent of the characters in this book are troubled in some way, shape or form.
Despite it all, I loved it. For such an unsettling book, it was easy to read and rather enjoyable. It evoked a wide range of emotions, which was refreshing and forces you to see the good in the ugly.
Warning: There are sexually disturbing ‘scenes’, animal abuse and generally unpleasant topics broached throughout.
I would recommend, I suppose, to horror lovers or readers who enjoy ‘weird’ books (like me).
Fantasy is such a diverse genre, there are many different readers with specific niches that dictate what their preferred subgenres are. I am one for trying all – though I have my preferences- I have aimed for a mix of different books in my recommendations. There are standalones, trilogies and series in this list.
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Babel
By R.F Kuang
Released in 2022, 544 Pages.
Juxtaposed to his impoverished upbringing, Robin Swift has been brought to England by Professor Lovell and groomed to become a student at Babel. Swift must acclimate to the politics of being one of the few ethnic students, and choose his path accordingly, whilst simultaneously being swayed by conflicting influences.
If you are looking for a historical fiction that features Fantasy, then this book is for you. I was not prepared for Babel, thinking it was an average Fantasy book, I was taken aback the more I read. The Fantasy elements are realistic like ‘magic powering electricity’ opposed to fae fighting each other.
Kuang explores themes of colonization, whitewashing, racialized power dynamics and complicated friendships. The emotions these subjects evoke are strong whether with anger, sadness or understanding.
Be PREPARED for quite a few etymology lessons, at first, I was intrigued… then slowly started skimming. This originally caused me to dislike the book but overtime I have thought back on it and am now interested in etymology and the history of words!
Go into this knowing it will be more informative than relaxing and take breaks when your brain starts hurting. R.F Kuang clearly did methodical research to make this book what it is, which is why I respect her as much as I do.
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Throne Of Glass
By Sarah J. Maas
Released 2012-2018.
Summoned by the King to Adarlan – the land without magic – Celaena Sardothien must fight for her freedom, the alternative being life imprisonment. As a skilled Assassin, Celaena must prove herself to become the King’s Champion against all other candidates.
Provoked by The Crown Prince and protected by The Captain of the Guard, Celaena finds herself in some compromising situations, with mysterious deaths trailing behind her.
Throne of Glass is my favourite Fantasy series to date. People who have never read it often judge this, because it is not ‘Mistborn’ or ‘Lord of the Rings’ (nothing wrong with those series), so it is often overlooked.
The world building in this book is sensational, almost everything is accounted for. There are minute comments made in book one that are revisited in book five or six, Maas’ memory is impressive. The character growth, layering and subplots are what really make this series shine. I do not usually re-read series, but I will definitely re-read this one.
My personal favourites are ‘Tower of Dawn’ and ‘Empire of Storms’ (remembering to tandem read!)
I could not recommend this series enough, however, it is nothing like ACOTAR, so please do not go into it thinking that.
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The Prison Healer
By Lynette Noni
Released 2021-2022.
Kiva Meridan is imprisoned in the deadly Zalindov prison and has been for ten years, surviving by working as the prison’s healer. When the comatose Rebel Queen is brought in, Kiva is ordered to keep her alive long enough to face the brutal ‘Trial by Ordeal.’ After receiving coded messages instructing her to save the Queen’s life, Kiva is left with no choice but to take the Queen’s place — risking her life for a chance at freedom. Amid a deadly plague and shifting prison politics, she finds help in a mysterious new inmate, but survival will demand more than healing skills.
The Prison Healer series was a pleasant surprise for me, mainly because I unfairly assumed it would be average due to it being Young Adult. The events that unfold, the plot twists and quests are all fascinating and captivating, albeit the characters are a tad flavourless.
The first and third book are superb; I am partial to Blood Traitor but enjoyed Prison Healer as well, Gilded Cage, however, felt like a fluffer. It was necessary for the plot but was average. Do not let it dissuade you though, because the last book makes it all worth it.
I would recommend this book for someone who wants an enjoyable read that involves quests, trials, rebellion and battles. Although Romance was consistent throughout the series, it was not the focal point (for me).
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The Rook
By Daniel O’Malley
Released 2012, 496 Pages.
Myfanwy Thomas awakens in a park surrounded by bodies, all of which are wearing latex gloves. Upon finding a letter, Myfanwy follows the clues to uncover her former identity.
The letter explains she is a ‘Rook’, a high-ranking member of the Chequy, a secret organization that protects the country from supernatural forces. She also discovers that she, herself, possesses a deadly ability.
The funny thing about this letter is that it was written by her.
Myfanwy must discreetly track down the agent that is/was set on ending her, whilst maintaining the farce that she is the same person she was before amnesia.
I absolutely loved this book and desperately need to finish the series. Daniel O’Malley is an incredible writer; everything was succinct and well-planned. The plot was detailed, perfectly explaining the world he created whilst weaving in some mystery. It can be common for male writers to unintentionally (or intentionally) sexualize female characters, there is none of this in The Rook. Myfanwy is a multifaceted and humorous character that I really enjoyed reading about/ from the POV of. The unique and diverse range of characters was refreshing, and the world-building was incredible.
I would recommend this to anyone and everyone, I was originally a bit sceptical as it is different from my usual read, but I am so glad I read this book.
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The Binding
By Bridget Collins
Released 2019, 438 Pages.
Working in the fields, Emmett Farmer lives a simple life tending to his family’s farm. One day he is sent a letter offering him an apprenticeship as a Bookbinder – a vocation that is frowned upon within the town he resides. Due to unexpected circumstances his parents have no choice but to send their son to the feared Bookbinders shop.
Bookbinding is a professional that requires the most unlikely of skills, the ability to transfer and trap memories into a book. If Emmett does not learn this craft, it will cost him his sanity.
The books are discreetly hidden behind a vault, the key around the neck of his mentor. One day, he finds himself in the safe and makes the discovery that one of the books, has his name on it.
This is such an underrated book. I always see it at second-hand shops, therefore coming to the conclusion that it is bad. Boy was I wrong, and happy for it. The book is split into three parts, I admit that you have to push through the first halve of part one, but once you do, you won’t regret it.
The character development, plot progression and writing are tremendous. The plot twists are ingenious, and the characters are layered and compelling to read about. I unfortunately cannot say too much as to why I enjoyed it, because it would spoil key components.
I would definitely recommend this book if you like ‘practical fantasy’ but think anyone should read this, one of my unexpected five star reads of the year.
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The Song of Achilles
By Madeline Miller
Released 2011, 378 Pages.
Patroclus, son of King Menoetius, is exiled to the court of King Peleus due to unfortunate circumstances. Whilst Patroclus is awkward, scrawny and timid, Achilles son of King Peleus, is the perfect Prince who is admired by all who meets him. Achilles and Patroclus find friendship in their differences and form a strong bond, growing together and becoming young men skilled in the art of war – despite the objections and meddling of Thetis, the cruel Sea Goddess and Achilles mother.
Unexpectedly, it is reported that Helen of Sparta has been kidnapped and must be rescued. Patroclus for fear of losing his beloved friend, follows Achilles to Troy. What was originally a straightforward plan turns into something much more, where all they hold dear will be tested.
This has to be one of my favourite books of all time, Miller’s writing is beautiful. I felt as though I was Patroclus and became really invested in what happened to him, as if we were one.
I cannot say too much, out of fear of spoiling it, but reading this was a magical experience, not to be cringe.
This book got me into Mythology which I am grateful for and opened me up to a whole new genre. Whilst it is under the category of ‘Fantasy’ it does not read like a Fantasy book.
I recommend everyone read this book, please !
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Honourable Mention
Crescent City
By Sarah J. Maas
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Bryce Quinlan had the perfect life-working hard all day and partying all night-until a demon murdered her closest friends, leaving her bereft, wounded, and alone. When the accused is behind bars but the crimes start up again, Bryce finds herself at the heart of the investigation. She’ll do whatever it takes to avenge their deaths.
Hunt Athalar is a notorious Fallen angel, now enslaved to the Archangels he once attempted to overthrow. His brutal skills and incredible strength have been set to one purpose-to assassinate his boss’s enemies, no questions asked. But with a demon wreaking havoc in the city, he’s offered an irresistible deal: help Bryce find the murderer, and his freedom will be within reach.
As Bryce and Hunt dig deep into Crescent City’s underbelly, they discover a dark power that threatens everything and everyone they hold dear, and they find, in each other, a blazing passion-one that could set them both free, if they’d only let it.
I loved this series. I would even argue that it is better than ‘A Court of Thorns and Roses’, I cannot quite put my finger on why, I just loved the plot and everything that unfolded. I have a lot of critiques and know it is not everyone’s cup of tea, which is why it is not on the official list. Crescent city is a great read if you really want a relaxing but captivating story.
Ji-won’s life tumbles into disarray in the wake of her Appa’s extramarital affair and subsequent departure. Her mother, distraught. Her younger sister, hurt and confused. Her college freshman grades, failing. Her dreams, horrifying… yet enticing.
In them, Ji-won walks through bloody rooms full of eyes. Succulent blue eyes. Salivatingly blue eyes. Eyes the same shape and shade as George’s, who is Umma’s obnoxious new boyfriend. George has already overstayed his welcome in her family’s claustrophobic apartment. He brags about his puffed-up consulting job, ogles Asian waitresses while dining out, and acts condescending toward Ji-won and her sister as if he deserves all of Umma’s fawning adoration. No, George doesn’t deserve anything from her family. Ji-won will make sure of that.
For no matter how many victims accumulate around her campus or how many people she must deceive and manipulate, Ji-won’s hunger and her rage deserve to be sated.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Rating: 4.5 out of 5.
REVIEW
THEMES: HORROR, DARK, TENSE, FAST-PACED.
The Eyes Are The Best Part is a story that follows Ji-Won as she experiences the trials and tribulations of what it is to be a Korean woman growing up in a western country (America). After her mother gets a new boyfriend, she starts to notice the striking blue in his eyes. It slowly becomes an obsession, that leads to something far more sinister.
This is my favourite horror so far – I am someone who likes horror books that have a purpose, and this one delivered.
Protagonist (in my eyes) Ji-won is driven to rage due to the racial fetishization and performative feminism created by men.
Kim touches on subjects that are typically overlooked and brushed off – she came for blood, and I loved it. Was it a bit unrealistic… yes but it was a very real scenario many women can relate to, and boy was it satisfying to read.
The satisfaction I felt when Ji-won started driving George insane was unmatched. I, for one have met so many Jeffrey’s in my life and to see it written on paper was so validating- performative feminism is joked about but not spoken about, Kim did a great job of encapsulating this behaviour and pointing out the signs.
There switch from sane to insane was quick, that’s for sure. The eye-eating takes a minute to stomach (pun intended), and the ending was a bit unrealistic as said above, but I do not think the point was to be realistic it was to be enjoyable – in real life she would have been arrested but I am glad she did not.
I would definitely recommend this book to anyone, but I think women would love it -especially Asian women as it touches on Asian fetishization.
And it’s her first book, how incredible.
Click link below for Storygraph overview, which includes general rating, summary (same as above) and other reviews.
Greece in the age of heroes. Patroclus, an awkward young prince, has been exiled to the court of King Peleus and his perfect son Achilles. By all rights their paths should never cross, but Achilles takes the shamed prince as his friend, and as they grow into young men skilled in the arts of war and medicine their bond blossoms into something deeper – despite the displeasure of Achilles’ mother Thetis, a cruel sea goddess. But then word comes that Helen of Sparta has been kidnapped. Torn between love and fear for his friend, Patroclus journeys with Achilles to Troy, little knowing that the years that follow will test everything they hold dear.
The writing is descriptive, simple and engrossing.
The protagonist(s) are so loveable but are not immune to flaws, I feel as I was not able to separate myself and almost became Patroclus, which is a rare feat.
The love between Patroclus and Achilles was incredible. They speak of each other in a fervent, yet gentle manner. The slow build is a masterpiece – at first, you’re not sure whether its friendship or romance.
The plot is a captivating page-turner; I found it difficult to put down. If I could read it anew I would. The pace was also spot-on – them meeting, learning together with Chiron, Achilles being hidden away and the battle, so much happened yet Miller was able to portray it all in a timely manner, that did not linger nor rush.
Miller did an amazing job at emulating infatuation, so well in fact that you are blind to Achilles flaws. It took me until the end of the book to realize Patroclus deserved better, but since you are reading from his view, you only see what he sees.
To enhance the experience, listen to some Hozier – especially Hymn to Virgil (only listen to after reading).
My only con would be the ending, it felt rushed, and some elements did not feel consistent with the rest of the book. What I mean by that is Pyrrhus’ character, it felt like Miller wanted to wrap the book up so she glossed over his entire part, personally it should have just been left out. I also found it implausible that Thetis detested Patroclus but did him a kindness in the end, I know it benefitted her son, but it seemed Miller made a concerted effort to show how merciless she was – just to erase it with a ‘happily ever after’ ending. In saying these negatives, they weren’t enough to put me off – If anything I never remember the ending and only think of the good sections.
I would recommend this to anyone, it is truly one of my favourite books of all time.
Click link below for Storygraph overview, which includes general rating, summary (same as above) and other reviews.
Before the nightmares began, Yeong-hye and her husband lived an ordinary, controlled life. But the dreams–invasive images of blood and brutality–torture her, driving Yeong-hye to purge her mind and renounce eating meat altogether. It’s a small act of independence, but it interrupts her marriage and sets into motion an increasingly grotesque chain of events at home. As her husband, her brother-in-law and sister each fight to reassert their control, Yeong-hye obsessively defends the choice that’s become sacred to her. Soon their attempts turn desperate, subjecting first her mind, and then her body, to ever more intrusive and perverse violations, sending Yeong-hye spiraling into a dangerous, bizarre estrangement, not only from those closest to her, but also from herself.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Rating: 3.5 out of 5.
REVIEW
THEMES: DARK, SAD, TENSE, FAST-PACED.
One of the first horror/psychological fictions I have read, and it was an experience.
It is interesting reading a book where the main character does not speak (barely). Whilst the book is about a woman named Yeong-hye, it is actually told from the perspective of the people around her.
Mr Cheong (husband) was disgusting and violent, I hate that he represents a percentage of men who treat their wives like commodities, ugh! he was so entitled.
I found the second segment (brother-in-law) the most fascinating part of the book because it brings the question of ‘consent’ into play. It enters a grey area, where you have to decide whether Yeong-hye is being taken advantage of by her brother-in-law. She ‘consented’ and was even insistent at times, but she was also in a dormant state of mind. The brother-in-law was also a bit eccentric, which adds another layer – was there some harmony with them both finding peace in each other’s mania?
The ending was tense and somber. It reminds me of when you step on/break off a butterfly’s wing, they can no longer fly and have lost their purpose – but killing them will weigh on you conscious, so you keep them alive, just for them to suffer.
Kang was able to find good middle ground for the ‘horror’ element, I am someone who does not like – what I like to call it – mania horror, where you do not know what is real and what is not. Kang was able to leave some aspects to the imagination but not enough to leave you utterly confused.
The storyline built up steadily to an interesting climax and the character POV switch was intriguing and refreshing.
It is a good horror; however, I have read better – It would not be the first horror book I would recommend but I would not dissuade someone from reading this.
The more I look back and review the book, the more I like it.
Fair warning: it is very gory and there is sexual violence, if this is something that upsets you should not read this book!
Click link below for Storygraph overview, which includes general rating, summary (same as above) and other reviews.
Ji-won’s life tumbles into disarray in the wake of her Appa’s extramarital affair and subsequent departure. Her mother, distraught. Her younger sister, hurt and confused. Her college freshman grades, failing. Her dreams, horrifying… yet enticing.
In them, Ji-won walks through bloody rooms full of eyes. Succulent blue eyes. Salivatingly blue eyes. Eyes the same shape and shade as George’s, who is Umma’s obnoxious new boyfriend. George has already overstayed his welcome in her family’s claustrophobic apartment. He brags about his puffed-up consulting job, ogles Asian waitresses while dining out, and acts condescending toward Ji-won and her sister as if he deserves all of Umma’s fawning adoration. No, George doesn’t deserve anything from her family. Ji-won will make sure of that.
For no matter how many victims accumulate around her campus or how many people she must deceive and manipulate, Ji-won’s hunger and her rage deserve to be sated.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Rating: 4.5 out of 5.
REVIEW
THEMES: HORROR, DARK, TENSE, FAST-PACED.
The Eyes Are The Best Part is a story that follows Ji-Won as she experiences the trials and tribulations of what it is to be a Korean woman growing up in a western country (America). After her mother gets a new boyfriend, she starts to notice the striking blue in his eyes. It slowly becomes an obsession, that leads to something far more sinister.
This is my favourite horror so far – I am someone who likes horror books that have a purpose, and this one delivered.
Protagonist (in my eyes) Ji-won is driven to rage due to the racial fetishization and performative feminism created by men.
Kim touches on subjects that are typically overlooked and brushed off – she came for blood, and I loved it. Was it a bit unrealistic… yes but it was a very real scenario many women can relate to, and boy was it satisfying to read.
I would definitely recommend this book to anyone, but I think women would love it – especially women of an Asian background as it touches on the fetishization of Asian women.
And it’s her first book, how incredible.
Click link below for Storygraph overview, which includes general rating, summary (same as above) and other reviews.
Before the nightmares began, Yeong-hye and her husband lived an ordinary, controlled life. But the dreams–invasive images of blood and brutality–torture her, driving Yeong-hye to purge her mind and renounce eating meat altogether. It’s a small act of independence, but it interrupts her marriage and sets into motion an increasingly grotesque chain of events at home. As her husband, her brother-in-law and sister each fight to reassert their control, Yeong-hye obsessively defends the choice that’s become sacred to her. Soon their attempts turn desperate, subjecting first her mind, and then her body, to ever more intrusive and perverse violations, sending Yeong-hye spiraling into a dangerous, bizarre estrangement, not only from those closest to her, but also from herself.
⭐⭐⭐
Rating: 3 out of 5.
REVIEW
THEMES: DARK, SAD, TENSE, FAST-PACED.
One of the first horror/psychological fictions I have read, and it was an experience.
It is interesting reading a book where the main character does not speak (barely). Whilst the book is about a woman named Yeong-hye, it is actually told from the perspective of the people around her.
Kang was able to find good middle ground for the ‘horror’ element, I am someone who does not like – what I like to call it – mania horror, where you do not know what is real and what is not. Kang was able to leave some aspects to the imagination but not enough to leave you utterly confused.
The storyline built up steadily to an interesting climax and the character POV switch was intriguing and refreshing.
It is a good horror; however I have read better – It would not be the first horror book I would recommend but I would not dissuade someone from reading this.
Fair warning: it is very gory and there is sexual violence, if this is something that upsets you should not read this book!
Click link below for Storygraph overview, which includes general rating, summary (same as above) and other reviews.
The Book Slump 