The Book Slump

Tag: Review

  • Welcome to the Hyunam-Dong Bookshop

    Welcome to the Hyunam-Dong Bookshop

    By Hwang Bo-Reum

    SPOILER-FREE

    Released 2022, 301 pages.

    There was only one thing on her mind.

    ‘I must start a bookshop.’

    Yeongju did everything she was supposed to, go to university, marry a decent man, get a respectable job. Then it all fell apart. Burned out, Yeongju abandons her old life, quits her high-flying career, and follows her dream. She opens a bookshop.

    In a quaint neighbourhood in Seoul, surrounded by books, Yeongju and her customers take refuge. From the lonely barista to the unhappily married coffee roaster, and the writer who sees something special in Yeongju – they all have disappointments in their past. The Hyunam-dong Bookshop becomes the place where they all learn how to truly live.

    Rating: 4.5 out of 5.

    REVIEW

    THEMES: FANTASY, HISTORICAL, HUMOROUS, TENSE, MEDIUM-PACED.

    This is a story that explores the perspectives of a range of characters and their unique problems. Throughout, they find that the least likely of ventures can lead them exactly where they need to be, and all of them have one thing in common: the Hyunam-Dong Bookshop.

    At first, I did not think much of this story. It was not that I did not enjoy the sentiment of it, but it felt like another one of those books with a similar plot. However, over time I noticed I was often applying it to my own life.

    The plot is subtle but beautiful. Each character’s life revolves around the bookshop, where, essentially, they ‘find themselves’, whether through someone they meet or a book they read. Like What You Are Looking For Is In The Library, the main character, Yeongju, acts as a book therapist – helping people by recommending a book that correlates to their situation.

    Whilst the characters are not overly flavourful – it doesn’t make the story dull; it actually helps the plotline shine. Each character experiences their own set of issues – though the aim is not to solve them but to help the characters find peace in their own lives with small changes.

    This is a truly relaxing book that I recommend to literally anyone. It is short and sweet. Though, it would particularly interest readers who enjoy books such as The Full Moon Coffee Shop, Letters from the Ginza Shinodo Stationary Shop, etc.

    Click link below for Storygraph overview, which includes general rating, summary (same as above) and other reviews.

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  • Snowflower and the Secret Fan

    Snowflower and the Secret Fan

    By Lisa See

    SPOILER-FREE

    Released 2005, 269 Pages.

    Lily is haunted by memories–of who she once was, and of a person, long gone, who defined her existence. She has nothing but time now, as she recounts the tale of Snow Flower, and asks the gods for forgiveness.

    In nineteenth-century China, when wives and daughters were foot-bound and lived in almost total seclusion, the women in one remote Hunan county developed their own secret code for communication: nu shu (“women’s writing”). Some girls were paired with laotongs, “old sames,” in emotional matches that lasted throughout their lives. They painted letters on fans, embroidered messages on handkerchiefs, and composed stories, thereby reaching out of their isolation to share their hopes, dreams, and accomplishments.

    With the arrival of a silk fan on which Snow Flower has composed for Lily a poem of introduction in nu shu, their friendship is sealed and they become “old sames” at the tender age of seven. As the years pass, through famine and rebellion, they reflect upon their arranged marriages, loneliness, and the joys and tragedies of motherhood. The two find solace, developing a bond that keeps their spirits alive. But when a misunderstanding arises, their lifelong friendship suddenly threatens to tear apart.

    Rating: 4.5 out of 5.

    REVIEW

    THEMES: HISTORICAL, EMOTIONAL, TENSE, SAD, MEDIUM-PACED.

    Snowflower and the Secret Fan follows Lily as she must participate in the rituals that mark the beginning of womanhood. Luckily, she has her Laotong – sister for life, or old same – to endure by her side. Though, as they grow together – and apart – Lily starts to uncover the secrets kept from her in childhood.

    Thankfully, this is a beautiful story – because I have three other Lisa See books on the shelf and chucking them all would have been rather inconvenient.

    The plot is interesting, emotional and insightful. I also found it quietly captivating. Like Pachinko, it is not full of big reveals and cliffhangers, but it still captures you and keeps you intrigued.

    Reading the expectations of girls and women from this period was arresting, especially from a modern, Western perspective. The descriptions of the practices they have to endure is intense and graphic but also informative – it really puts the reader in their shoes (pun-intended).

    The characters feel authentic to the time – though I have not studied the mannerisms of Chinese women in the Nineteenth century. They are subtle, strong and unflappable. I also enjoyed the exploration of some of the more private, intimate moments the characters experience.

    All in all, I really enjoyed reading this book and would say the storytelling and struggle is akin to Pachinko. I would recommend this to anyone who loves sister stories, historical fiction or Chinese fiction.

    Warning: This book does contain domestic violence.

    Click link below for Storygraph overview, which includes general rating, summary (same as above) and other reviews.

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  • Bunny

    Bunny

    By Mona Awad

    SPOILER-FREE

    Released 2019, 305 pages.

    Samantha Heather Mackey couldn’t be more of an outsider in her small, highly selective MFA program at New England’s Warren University. A scholarship student who prefers the company of her dark imagination to that of most people, she is utterly repelled by the rest of her fiction writing cohort–a clique of unbearably twee rich girls who call each other “Bunny,” and seem to move and speak as one. 

    But everything changes when Samantha receives an invitation to the Bunnies’ fabled “Smut Salon,” and finds herself inexplicably drawn to their front door–ditching her only friend, Ava, in the process. As Samantha plunges deeper and deeper into the Bunnies’ sinister yet saccharine world, beginning to take part in the ritualistic off-campus “Workshop” where they conjure their monstrous creations, the edges of reality begin to blur. Soon, her friendships with Ava and the Bunnies will be brought into deadly collision. 

    Rating: 1.5 out of 5.

    REVIEW

    THEMES: HORROR, THRILLER, TENSE, MEDIUM-PACED.

    Samantha Heather Mackey – a student in a competitive MFA programme – has to deal with four peculiar women in her class, who affectionately call each other ‘bunny’. Despite frequently expressing her dislike for the bunnies, she cannot hide her pleasure when she is invited to one of their exclusive hangouts. As someone with few friends, she decides to go. Though, they are everything and nothing like she imagined – it is interesting how one night can push someone so far down the rabbit hole.

    Bunny is a novel which I remember in vivid detail – so I can confidently share that it is a book that leaves an impression.

    The characters are interesting, though a little cliche (loner who wants to fit in, nonconformist emo/alternative best friend, and a clique of ‘mean’ girls). However, Awad uses the plot of the story to distract from the unoriginal character dynamics – in saying that, with such an intense story, having simpler structures may be better suited. Otherwise, it could become over-the-top and confusing.

    Awad has a descriptive writing style and knows how to keep her audience captivated – I read this a while ago and still virtually remember everything that happens, which is rare, as I normally only remember snippets. Everything was so colourful and prominent; it really felt like I was Samantha.

    The reason I have given such a low rating is because it is not the type of horror I enjoy – if Awad wrote a horror/thriller in the sub-genre I prefer, I have no doubt I would love it. [I have written my unfiltered opinions on the Spoiler Review, if you wish to read more specifics.]

    This book reminds me of Boy Parts by Eliza Clark (which I also was not a big fan of), so if you enjoyed that, then definitely give Bunny a try.

    Click link below for Storygraph overview, which includes general rating, summary (same as above) and other reviews.

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  • Perfume

    Perfume

    By Patrick Süskind

    SPOILER-FREE

    Released 1985, 263 pages.

    Born in sweaty, fetid eighteenth-century Paris, Grenouille is distinctive even in infancy. He has the finest nose in Paris and no personal odour. Süskind develops this idea into a tale of murder controlled by a loathing of humanity. 

    Rating: 4 out of 5.

    REVIEW

    THEMES: CLASSIC, DARK, HISTORICAL, HORROR, MEDIUM-PACED

    Since infancy Grenouille has had one notable quality, he has no personal odour – but ironically, the best nose in Paris and can distinguish a smell off a few inhales.

    Grenouille goes through life as an unremarkable man, that nobody notices. Though, this works to his advantage because one day, he smells something so incredible that he becomes obsessed.

    I have been trying to get into more classics this year, and Perfume has decisively good reviews – which I concur, as it is in my top three (for classics).

    The story centres around Grenouille and is set-in eighteenth-century Paris, which is described as a crowded, foul-smelling city. It starts off on bleak circumstances, setting the story up on a miserable note, which makes sense – but is misleading. It was not nearly as grim as anticipated, because the writing style effectively distracts from the more sinister elements of the story.

    The concept of Perfume is unique and something I have not encountered before, or since for that matter.

    Süskind has a way of making his readers question their own morality – because whilst the subject matter is perverse, having it written from the antagonists’ perspective changes the whole perception of the story. I found myself dismissing Grenouilles sinister hobby, because of his frank, almost innocent outlook.

    It makes you wonder whether a horror is only effective if told from the perspective of the ‘victim’ – since, in turn, that makes the reader the victim too.

    I would recommend this to any horror readers, especially if you are looking to get into the classics.

    You can also find this reviewed on ‘Books to cure your Reading Slump’.

    Click link below for Storygraph overview, which includes general rating, summary (same as above) and other reviews.

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  • The Sailor Who Fell from Grace with the Sea

    The Sailor Who Fell from Grace with the Sea

    By Yukio Mishima

    SPOILERS

    Released 1963, 181 pages,

    A band of thirteen-year-old boys reject the stupidity of the adult world. They decide it is 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 idealise the man at first, but it is not long before they conclude that he is, in fact, soft and romantic. They regard this disillusionment as an act of betrayal on his part – and the retribution is deliberate and horrifying.

    Rating: 4 out of 5.

    REVIEW

    THEMES: DARK, DISTURBING, CLASSIC, MEDIUM-PACED.

    Warning; animal abuse, incestuous behaviours and gore.

    The Sailor Who Fell from Grace with the Sea follows a single mother and her son, Noboru. The dynamic between the two is complex and unconventional – which only becomes more bizarre once his mother meets Ryuji, an experienced sailor. Noboru and his friends start to develop a set of expectations on how people should behave, and unfortunately Ryuji is not meeting his criteria.

    This is such a strange book, it makes you wonder what the author experienced to even think to write it. It is not a ‘horror’, per say, but at times reads like one.

    The characters are interesting. Noboru and his friends are the epitome of childish arrogance, with their self-assured dogmatic views. It perfectly captures that time of youth when you think you know everything and it makes me cringe. However, their emphasis on male behaviours was an unexpected surprise. They set such rigid standards for how men should perform in society, and if they don’t act accordingly, they consider it unheroic- which is not what I would have anticipated from a group of young boys.

    His mother brings some much-needed normality to the book, nicely evening out all the absurdity. I found it interesting that she is the only main character who remains nameless. The boyfriend of the mother, Ryuji, is my favourite character. It is clear that he is simply making the best out of a strange situation and is a kind person. Though, his lenient response to Noboru spying on his mother was disturbing – though, what is more horrifying is the fact that Noboru wanted to be punished.

    The plot is intense and confronting – a child spying on his mother through a peephole, mercilessly beating a cat and murdering his mother’s boyfriend. Somehow, I felt nowhere near as bleak as I have with other books, that are far less severe.

    Overall, I enjoyed the book, despite the disturbing content. I would recommend to horror readers – or someone who has an interest in books that feature peculiar family dynamics.

    Click link below for Storygraph overview, which includes general rating, summary (same as above) and other reviews.

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  • The Sailor Who Fell from Grace with the Sea

    The Sailor Who Fell from Grace with the Sea

    By Yukio Mishima

    SPOILER-FREE

    Released 1963, 181 pages,

    A band of thirteen-year-old boys reject the stupidity of the adult world. They decide it is 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 idealise the man at first, but it is not long before they conclude that he is, in fact, soft and romantic. They regard this disillusionment as an act of betrayal on his part – and the retribution is deliberate and horrifying.

    Rating: 4 out of 5.

    REVIEW

    THEMES: DARK, DISTURBING, CLASSIC, MEDIUM-PACED.

    Warning; animal abuse and incestuous behaviours, gore.

    The Sailor Who Fell from Grace with the Sea follows a single mother, Fusako, and her son, Noboru. The dynamic between the two is complex and unconventional – which only becomes more bizarre once his mother meets Ryuji, an experienced sailor. Noboru and his friends start to develop a set of expectations on how people should behave, and unfortunately Ryuji is not meeting his criteria.

    This is such a strange book, it makes you wonder what the author experienced to even think to write it. It is not a ‘horror’, per say, but at times reads like one.

    The characters are interesting. Noboru and his friends are the epitome of childish arrogance, with their self-assured dogmatic views. It perfectly captures that time of youth when you think you know everything and it makes me cringe.

    His mother, Fusako brings some much-needed normality to the book, nicely evening out all the absurdity. The boyfriend of the Fusako, Ryuji, is my favourite character. Whilst at times his choices are, questionable – overall you can tell he is trying his best to make do with the situation at hand.

    The plot is intense and confronting, there are so many incidents that leave you feeling violated. Though, despite it all, I felt nowhere near as bleak as I have with other books, that are far less severe.

    Overall, I enjoyed the book, despite the disturbing content. I would recommend to horror readers – or someone who has an interest in books that feature peculiar family dynamics.

    Click link below for Storygraph overview, which includes general rating, summary (same as above) and other reviews.

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  • Lessons In Chemistry

    Lessons In Chemistry

    By Bonnie Garmus

    SPOILER-FREE

    Released 2022, 400 pages.

    Lessons In Chemistry is a historical fiction set in the early 60’s, following a hard-working Chemist, Elizabeth Zott. Working in a male-dominated field Zott must navigate her way through the complexities of the patriarchy.

    One day, she meets Calvin Evans, renowned Chemist, known for his reserved and curt manner. The two fall in-love, bonding over their serious love for Chemistry and the shared conception that they are abrasive and obsessive.

    Though, life does not always go to plan. Zott, left in a precarious situation must make ends meet, by hosting her very own television show – Supper at Six. However, her methods are unorthodox and views untraditional – which despite her growing fanbase – not everyone likes.

    Rating: 4.5 out of 5.

    REVIEW

    THEMES: HISTORICAL, HUMOROUS, INSPIRING, MEDIUM-PACED.

    Lessons In Chemistry is a book I wouldn’t have normally chosen myself, which is becoming a running theme in my reading curriculum. And, yet again, I am proven wrong with the age-old expression ‘never judge a book by its cover’.

    At first, I was sceptical. The idea of a woman in the 60’s working in a male-dominated field is interesting, but the addition of romance feels reductive. I know relationships are a fact of life, but it is rarely a focal point when it is a male main character, especially in books of this nature. Though I still argue that the romance is unnecessary, it is written in a nuanced fashion that does not remove from the plot.

    I adore Zott, she is an admirable character with a dry sense of humour. The way she handles confrontations is inspiring. I love her reactions – or lack thereof -, how she causes men to abandon reason for emotion, whilst she remains composed, providing pragmatic responses.

    The plot throughout is captivating and entertaining. Garmus is able to find an appropriate balance of humorous, light moments and emotional, reflective moments.

    After reading the book, I was excited to watch the television adaption. Unfortunately, the adaption took a lot of creative liberties which takes away from the original story. Events/agendas are added, which, whilst important, feel awkward and misplaced. They change the nature of various characters in order to – I assume – make the show more palatable (which defeats the purpose, in my opinion). Therefore, if you choose to watch the show, take this to mind.

    I would recommend this book, especially if you like historical fiction. But, like always, anyone should give it a read.

    Click link below for Storygraph overview, which includes general rating, summary (same as above) and other reviews.

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  • The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn

    The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn

    By Mark Twain

    SPOILER-FREE

    Released 1884, 327 pages.

    A nineteenth-century boy from a Mississippi River town recounts his adventures as he travels down the river with a runaway slave, encountering a family involved in a feud, two scoundrels pretending to be royalty, and Tom Sawyer’s aunt who mistakes him for Tom.

    Rating: 0.5 out of 5.

    REVIEW

    THEMES: ADVENTUREOUS, HISTORICAL, CLASSIC, MEDIUM-PACED.

    The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn tells the story of a young boy who flees his hometown to escape his abusive father. Along the way, he meets both old and new friends and embarks on an adventure — but it doesn’t come without risks. To stay out of trouble, Huck must get creative and think on his feet.

    If you love The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, I strongly advise you click off this review.

    I try to give all books the benefit of the doubt and look at them from different perspectives, but this was truly one of the dullest books I have ever read.

    Each character felt like a mildly altered version of the last — there was no individualism; they all just blended into one. Finn was so mediocre, I felt like I was reading from the perspective of a wet piece of bread. He added nothing to the book. And why did he say “wigwam” so much?

    Whilst there is a vague plot, all the “adventures” (a huge stretch, if you ask me) amount to nothing. The best way to describe it is listening to someone else’s dream — which is often an excruciating experience.

    I don’t doubt there are elements of the book that are appealing, but I stubbornly refuse to analyse — or waste — any more time on it than I already have.

    This was a very negative review, and I apologise if you liked the book — but I really struggled with it, and believe me, I tried so hard to find the silver lining.

    If you couldn’t tell, I would not recommend this book. But again, you may love what I hate. At the very least, do not start with it if you’re trying to get into classics.

    Click link below for Storygraph overview, which includes general rating, summary (same as above) and other reviews.

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  • Bride

    Bride

    By Ali Hazelwood

    SPOILER-FREE

    Released 2024, 399 pages.

    Misery Lark, the only daughter of the most powerful Vampyre councilman of the Southwest, is an outcast—again. Her days of living in anonymity among the Humans are over: she has been called upon to uphold a historic peacekeeping alliance between the Vampyres and their mortal enemies, the Weres, and she sees little choice but to surrender herself in the exchange—again… 

    Weres are ruthless and unpredictable, and their Alpha, Lowe Moreland, is no exception. He rules his pack with absolute authority, but not without justice. And, unlike the Vampyre Council, not without feeling. It’s clear from the way he tracks Misery’s every movement that he doesn’t trust her. If only he knew how right he was….

    Because Misery has her own reasons to agree to this marriage of convenience, reasons that have nothing to do with politics or alliances, and everything to do with the only thing she’s ever cared about. And she is willing to do whatever it takes to get back what’s hers, even if it means a life alone in Were territory…alone with the wolf.

    Rating: 4.5 out of 5.

    REVIEW

    THEMES: FANTASY, ROMANCE, DARK, FUNNY, ADVENTUROUS, MEDIUM-PACED.

    Getting into the Halloween spirit, I thought it would be fitting to review a werewolf-vampire fantasy. It is also topical, considering book two of the ‘series’, Mate, was recently released.

    What I love about Bride is that Hazelwood has established her voice in her writing; she is humorous, witty and down to earth.

    I found myself relating to Misery, as she would make humorous remarks that would echo my thoughts and feelings. This connection made the story even more engaging.

    Whilst I have read plenty of fantasy books with interesting main characters – Hazelwood has a way of channelling herself into her characters, granting them their uniqueness – which is a rare talent. Her interviews and her general online presence, proves this to be true, in my opinion.

    The plot is interesting – arguably a bit unoriginal – but Hazelwood is able to build-off the familiar concept and make it her own. There was an appropriate level of drama in the books, I did not feel overwhelmed or bombarded – which can happen (sometimes) in standalone novels.

    Fair warning, there are certainly some aspects of the book, that may force you to take a moment and stare at the wall. Hazelwood has a reputation for her sultry writing and unusual… tastes.

    I recommend this book to anyone looking for a light, enjoyable read — especially Romance/Fantasy readers or those wanting a gateway into contemporary romance. Since Hazelwood predominantly writes in that genre, Bride is a fun crossover with a familiar voice.

    Click link below for Storygraph overview, which includes general rating, summary (same as above) and other reviews.

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  • The Rook

    The Rook

    By Daniel O’Malley

    SPOILER-FREE

    Released 2012, 496 pages.

    “The body you are wearing used to be mine.” So begins the letter Myfanwy Thomas is holding when she awakes in a London park surrounded by bodies all wearing latex gloves. With no recollection of who she is, Myfanwy must follow the instructions her former self left behind to discover her identity and track down the agents who want to destroy her.

    She soon learns that she is a Rook, a high-ranking member of a secret organization called the Chequy that battles the many supernatural forces at work in Britain. She also discovers that she possesses a rare, potentially deadly supernatural ability of her own.

    In her quest to uncover which member of the Chequy betrayed her and why, Myfanwy encounters a person with four bodies, an aristocratic woman who can enter her dreams, a secret training facility where children are transformed into deadly fighters, and a conspiracy more vast than she ever could have imagined.

    Rating: 5 out of 5.

    REVIEW

    THEMES: SCI-FI, FANTASY, HUMOROUS, MYSTERY, MEDIUM-PACED.

    Funnily enough, I wouldn’t have picked this book for myself, it was a gift, which I (initially) begrudgingly read. Immediately I was engrossed. Ironically, I had judged a book by its cover and have never been so happy to be wrong.

    When I adore a book, it can be difficult to identify all the reasons why. Partly because my reasons are backed by emotion and partly because I sometimes struggle to pin them down – but I’ll try my best.

    O’Malley’s writing is sensational. The premise of the story is genius, following along as the protagonist figures out who she is and what happened to her was a captivating experience.

    Whilst the story is complex, where readers have to learn new terms, supernatural abilities and characters – O’Malley explains everything in a simple yet concise manner, dropping clues and justifications along the way.

    The characters are clearly well thought out, each of them has a unique ability/personality that unfolds as you read. A lot of creativity and planning must go into making these characters and I am really glad it shines through in the writing.

    Not that the bare minimum deserves praise, but Myfawny is written in a respectful way. She has realistic complexities, and I thoroughly enjoyed her dry persona and humorous observations.

    I do not just recommend but beg you give this a go, I look forward to completing the series… especially since the Royal Gambit (Book four) was released this year.

    Click link below for Storygraph overview, which includes general rating, summary (same as above) and other reviews.

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