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3.79 AVERAGE
3.79 AVERAGE
emotional
inspiring
reflective
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This book explores the healing power of friendship and community.
This book has just enough nuggets of wisdom to keep me reading, but overall, I didn't really like this book. It's hard to determine if the poor writing is a failing of the author or the translator.. I think I'm inclined to think it's the translator.. but even the repetitiveness and juvenile though processes of the characters can't be attributed to a shortcoming by the translator.. I also think the "cozy" genre simply isn't for me, and i should stop trying to force it on myself.
Continuing my adventure into cozy Korean books, this is one that drew me in for the cover alone. Something about it is so calming and relaxing and this book also was a soothing read with just enough plot to keep it going, a relaxing atmosphere, and likable characters. 30 year old Jungmin is having a rough time, fed up with her job and her life she quits it all and holes herself up in an apartment tucked into the quaint Chestnut Burr Village. Eventually she stumbles upon the neighborhood pottery studio and quickly falls in love with the calming effects of pottery and the friends she finds there along the way.
This book is so cozy and sweet! It can be a bit slow at times but it is all a lesson in taking time and waiting for the end result as it builds up. I loved the attention to pottery and the art of turning clay into both art and utilitarian objects, and all the characters you meet through the story. It feels like there are so many other stories embedded in this one--if the author ever wanted to write those other stories I would love to read them! More importantly, I appreciated that the author took the time and this story to address plenty of things that happen to us all in life: career burnout, academic stress, familial stress, unhappy relationships, childhood trauma, depression, and mental health in general. Reading this story feels like a nice way to explore a new world while also thinking more about these difficult subjects.
This book is so cozy and sweet! It can be a bit slow at times but it is all a lesson in taking time and waiting for the end result as it builds up. I loved the attention to pottery and the art of turning clay into both art and utilitarian objects, and all the characters you meet through the story. It feels like there are so many other stories embedded in this one--if the author ever wanted to write those other stories I would love to read them! More importantly, I appreciated that the author took the time and this story to address plenty of things that happen to us all in life: career burnout, academic stress, familial stress, unhappy relationships, childhood trauma, depression, and mental health in general. Reading this story feels like a nice way to explore a new world while also thinking more about these difficult subjects.
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
relaxing
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
slow-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
inspiring
relaxing
medium-paced
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Like a cozy blanket 💖
I really enjoyed this novel about healing, and moving on/starting fresh. I think my favorite parts are all set within Soyo studio. I love the descriptions surrounding Jungmin learning the craft of pottery. As she learns and the seasons change, she also learns more about herself, and her relationships with friends and family. There is so much growth contained within these pages. I find it very rewarding to read books by authors from other cultures, I feel as though I'm not just enjoying it, and gaining pleasure from the novel, but also gaining insight, and maybe even learning a few things along the way.
4.5 stars rounded up!
Thank you Algonquin Books and Netgalley for and advanced digital review copy of this wonderful novel!
4.5 stars rounded up!
Thank you Algonquin Books and Netgalley for and advanced digital review copy of this wonderful novel!
medium-paced