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asreadbycatarina's reviews
128 reviews
Dear Dolly: On Love, Life and Friendship, Collected wisdom from her Sunday Times Style Column by Dolly Alderton
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
medium-paced
4.0
Mini-review: More and more, I am convinced that Dolly Alderton could perfectly be my therapist. She's the best agony aunt, especially with all her Normal People references. Loved it!
Crying in H Mart by Michelle Zauner
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
sad
tense
medium-paced
5.0
2023 Reading #13 | Spring (& AAPI Heritage Month) Reads
(Did I finish this book, or did this book finish me?)
_______
Mini-review: did I just finish this book, or did this book just finish me? Reading Crying in H Mart was a whole experience: having been both in Michelle’s and, more recently, Chongmi’s shoes, this book had a whole lot of triggers for me. I was always on the verge of crying, but the flood works only really came at the very end. I had to take many breaks while reading to clear my head, and sometimes I even felt like I was dissociating, having some sort of out-of-body experience… yet I persevered. And I am so glad I did. Hands down, one of the best reads of this year!
_______
Looking for an extraordinary memoir delving into questions of identity, loss and nostalgia? Look no further, Michelle Zauner has got your back! Crying in H Mart was an absolute powerhouse, captivating me from the very beginning with Zauner’s seamless storytelling. Her ability to perfectly convey her emotions in a way you could (almost) feel them resonated with me on a deeper level.
Zauner starts her narrative by reflecting on her childhood and the constant struggle to find her place in the world. Navigating between Korean and American cultures, she grapples with a burning desire to belong and the societal pressures that come with it. The glimpses we get from her visits to Seoul lead one to realise how disconnected she feels — and it is truly amazing to see how it all starts to shift when she loses her mother and embarks on a soul-searching journey through her Korean heritage. Traditional Korean food is the catalyst, leading Michelle to immerse herself in H Mart (a Korean grocery store) and find a meaningful way to honour her mother.
Among its many memorable moments, Crying in H Mart’s most impactful parts were the ones concerning Zauner’s raw and brutal accounts of how it is to see a loved one battling cancer. Having dealt with this awful disease on both sides of the spectrum, I can only say this book meant a lot to me. I felt seen in more ways than one, both as a caretaker and patient. The pain, the apathy and the agony she described are very, very real. At times, it was so profoundly triggering that I had to take a step back and take a breather before I could keep going. Even if, in the end, I was lucky to have never personally experienced such a loss, I am grateful to have read this. It gave me the opportunity to confront my own conceptions of death and grief. Needless to say, it will always make me feel deeply and personally connected to Michelle.
This book serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of cherishing and appreciating our loved ones — especially our parents/parental figures — while they are still with us. It emphasises the urgency to express our love, gratitude and respect towards them. The void their absence will leave might be unbearable, but not having reminded them of how much you love(d) them can be overpowering. That is why this memoir goes beyond the boundaries of a typical mother-daughter story: it is a hauntingly beautiful portrayal of the fragility of life. It left me on the verge of tears SO MANY TIMES, devastated but wanting to read more, feeling the inevitability of what I was being told yet not wanting to believe it. In the last stretch of the book, the flood works came in full force — and, obviously, I had to call my mom afterwards.
Now, whether she knows it or not, Michelle Zauner and I are friends for life. I will read anything she puts out. Her wisdom, her humour, her writing — nothing is short of remarkable with her. Every new page made me feel a connection, making this book an emotional journey like no other. I am immensely grateful to Zauner for sharing her story with the world. It is truly a masterpiece, solidifying Zauner’s talent as a writer and a musician as a force to be reckoned with.
[Read between 3 May 2023 - 12 June 2023. | Review written on 24 June 2023. || I am also on Bookstagram and Goodreads as @asreadbycatarina!]
(Did I finish this book, or did this book finish me?)
_______
Mini-review: did I just finish this book, or did this book just finish me? Reading Crying in H Mart was a whole experience: having been both in Michelle’s and, more recently, Chongmi’s shoes, this book had a whole lot of triggers for me. I was always on the verge of crying, but the flood works only really came at the very end. I had to take many breaks while reading to clear my head, and sometimes I even felt like I was dissociating, having some sort of out-of-body experience… yet I persevered. And I am so glad I did. Hands down, one of the best reads of this year!
_______
Looking for an extraordinary memoir delving into questions of identity, loss and nostalgia? Look no further, Michelle Zauner has got your back! Crying in H Mart was an absolute powerhouse, captivating me from the very beginning with Zauner’s seamless storytelling. Her ability to perfectly convey her emotions in a way you could (almost) feel them resonated with me on a deeper level.
Zauner starts her narrative by reflecting on her childhood and the constant struggle to find her place in the world. Navigating between Korean and American cultures, she grapples with a burning desire to belong and the societal pressures that come with it. The glimpses we get from her visits to Seoul lead one to realise how disconnected she feels — and it is truly amazing to see how it all starts to shift when she loses her mother and embarks on a soul-searching journey through her Korean heritage. Traditional Korean food is the catalyst, leading Michelle to immerse herself in H Mart (a Korean grocery store) and find a meaningful way to honour her mother.
Among its many memorable moments, Crying in H Mart’s most impactful parts were the ones concerning Zauner’s raw and brutal accounts of how it is to see a loved one battling cancer. Having dealt with this awful disease on both sides of the spectrum, I can only say this book meant a lot to me. I felt seen in more ways than one, both as a caretaker and patient. The pain, the apathy and the agony she described are very, very real. At times, it was so profoundly triggering that I had to take a step back and take a breather before I could keep going. Even if, in the end, I was lucky to have never personally experienced such a loss, I am grateful to have read this. It gave me the opportunity to confront my own conceptions of death and grief. Needless to say, it will always make me feel deeply and personally connected to Michelle.
This book serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of cherishing and appreciating our loved ones — especially our parents/parental figures — while they are still with us. It emphasises the urgency to express our love, gratitude and respect towards them. The void their absence will leave might be unbearable, but not having reminded them of how much you love(d) them can be overpowering. That is why this memoir goes beyond the boundaries of a typical mother-daughter story: it is a hauntingly beautiful portrayal of the fragility of life. It left me on the verge of tears SO MANY TIMES, devastated but wanting to read more, feeling the inevitability of what I was being told yet not wanting to believe it. In the last stretch of the book, the flood works came in full force — and, obviously, I had to call my mom afterwards.
Now, whether she knows it or not, Michelle Zauner and I are friends for life. I will read anything she puts out. Her wisdom, her humour, her writing — nothing is short of remarkable with her. Every new page made me feel a connection, making this book an emotional journey like no other. I am immensely grateful to Zauner for sharing her story with the world. It is truly a masterpiece, solidifying Zauner’s talent as a writer and a musician as a force to be reckoned with.
[Read between 3 May 2023 - 12 June 2023. | Review written on 24 June 2023. || I am also on Bookstagram and Goodreads as @asreadbycatarina!]
Crying in H Mart by Michelle Zauner
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
sad
tense
medium-paced
5.0
2023 Reading #13 | Spring (& AAPI Heritage Month) Reads
(Did I finish this book, or did this book finish me?)
_______
Mini-review: did I just finish this book, or did this book just finish me? Reading Crying in H Mart was a whole experience: having been both in Michelle’s and, more recently, Chongmi’s shoes, this book had a whole lot of triggers for me. I was always on the verge of crying, but the flood works only really came at the very end. I had to take many breaks while reading to clear my head, and sometimes I even felt like I was dissociating, having some sort of out-of-body experience… yet I persevered. And I am so glad I did. Hands down, one of the best reads of this year!
_______
Looking for an extraordinary memoir delving into questions of identity, loss and nostalgia? Look no further, Michelle Zauner has got your back! Crying in H Mart was an absolute powerhouse, captivating me from the very beginning with Zauner’s seamless storytelling. Her ability to perfectly convey her emotions in a way you could (almost) feel them resonated with me on a deeper level.
Zauner starts her narrative by reflecting on her childhood and the constant struggle to find her place in the world. Navigating between Korean and American cultures, she grapples with a burning desire to belong and the societal pressures that come with it. The glimpses we get from her visits to Seoul lead one to realise how disconnected she feels — and it is truly amazing to see how it all starts to shift when she loses her mother and embarks on a soul-searching journey through her Korean heritage. Traditional Korean food is the catalyst, leading Michelle to immerse herself in H Mart (a Korean grocery store) and find a meaningful way to honour her mother.
Among its many memorable moments, Crying in H Mart’s most impactful parts were the ones concerning Zauner’s raw and brutal accounts of how it is to see a loved one battling cancer. Having dealt with this awful disease on both sides of the spectrum, I can only say this book meant a lot to me. I felt seen in more ways than one, both as a caretaker and patient. The pain, the apathy and the agony she described are very, very real. At times, it was so profoundly triggering that I had to take a step back and take a breather before I could keep going. Even if, in the end, I was lucky to have never personally experienced such a loss, I am grateful to have read this. It gave me the opportunity to confront my own conceptions of death and grief. Needless to say, it will always make me feel deeply and personally connected to Michelle.
This book serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of cherishing and appreciating our loved ones — especially our parents/parental figures — while they are still with us. It emphasises the urgency to express our love, gratitude and respect towards them. The void their absence will leave might be unbearable, but not having reminded them of how much you love(d) them can be overpowering. That is why this memoir goes beyond the boundaries of a typical mother-daughter story: it is a hauntingly beautiful portrayal of the fragility of life. It left me on the verge of tears SO MANY TIMES, devastated but wanting to read more, feeling the inevitability of what I was being told yet not wanting to believe it. In the last stretch of the book, the flood works came in full force — and, obviously, I had to call my mom afterwards.
Now, whether she knows it or not, Michelle Zauner and I are friends for life. I will read anything she puts out. Her wisdom, her humour, her writing — nothing is short of remarkable with her. Every new page made me feel a connection, making this book an emotional journey like no other. I am immensely grateful to Zauner for sharing her story with the world. It is truly a masterpiece, solidifying Zauner’s talent as a writer and a musician as a force to be reckoned with.
[Read between 3 May 2023 - 12 June 2023. | Review written on 24 June 2023. || I am also on Bookstagram and Goodreads as @asreadbycatarina!]
(Did I finish this book, or did this book finish me?)
_______
Mini-review: did I just finish this book, or did this book just finish me? Reading Crying in H Mart was a whole experience: having been both in Michelle’s and, more recently, Chongmi’s shoes, this book had a whole lot of triggers for me. I was always on the verge of crying, but the flood works only really came at the very end. I had to take many breaks while reading to clear my head, and sometimes I even felt like I was dissociating, having some sort of out-of-body experience… yet I persevered. And I am so glad I did. Hands down, one of the best reads of this year!
_______
Looking for an extraordinary memoir delving into questions of identity, loss and nostalgia? Look no further, Michelle Zauner has got your back! Crying in H Mart was an absolute powerhouse, captivating me from the very beginning with Zauner’s seamless storytelling. Her ability to perfectly convey her emotions in a way you could (almost) feel them resonated with me on a deeper level.
Zauner starts her narrative by reflecting on her childhood and the constant struggle to find her place in the world. Navigating between Korean and American cultures, she grapples with a burning desire to belong and the societal pressures that come with it. The glimpses we get from her visits to Seoul lead one to realise how disconnected she feels — and it is truly amazing to see how it all starts to shift when she loses her mother and embarks on a soul-searching journey through her Korean heritage. Traditional Korean food is the catalyst, leading Michelle to immerse herself in H Mart (a Korean grocery store) and find a meaningful way to honour her mother.
Among its many memorable moments, Crying in H Mart’s most impactful parts were the ones concerning Zauner’s raw and brutal accounts of how it is to see a loved one battling cancer. Having dealt with this awful disease on both sides of the spectrum, I can only say this book meant a lot to me. I felt seen in more ways than one, both as a caretaker and patient. The pain, the apathy and the agony she described are very, very real. At times, it was so profoundly triggering that I had to take a step back and take a breather before I could keep going. Even if, in the end, I was lucky to have never personally experienced such a loss, I am grateful to have read this. It gave me the opportunity to confront my own conceptions of death and grief. Needless to say, it will always make me feel deeply and personally connected to Michelle.
This book serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of cherishing and appreciating our loved ones — especially our parents/parental figures — while they are still with us. It emphasises the urgency to express our love, gratitude and respect towards them. The void their absence will leave might be unbearable, but not having reminded them of how much you love(d) them can be overpowering. That is why this memoir goes beyond the boundaries of a typical mother-daughter story: it is a hauntingly beautiful portrayal of the fragility of life. It left me on the verge of tears SO MANY TIMES, devastated but wanting to read more, feeling the inevitability of what I was being told yet not wanting to believe it. In the last stretch of the book, the flood works came in full force — and, obviously, I had to call my mom afterwards.
Now, whether she knows it or not, Michelle Zauner and I are friends for life. I will read anything she puts out. Her wisdom, her humour, her writing — nothing is short of remarkable with her. Every new page made me feel a connection, making this book an emotional journey like no other. I am immensely grateful to Zauner for sharing her story with the world. It is truly a masterpiece, solidifying Zauner’s talent as a writer and a musician as a force to be reckoned with.
[Read between 3 May 2023 - 12 June 2023. | Review written on 24 June 2023. || I am also on Bookstagram and Goodreads as @asreadbycatarina!]
Severance by Ling Ma
adventurous
challenging
dark
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
2023 Reading #14 | Spring (& AAPI Heritage Month) Reads
(When life imitates art.)
_______
Mini-review: Well, I found a new favourite dystopia! This book is SO good it took me out of a reading slump. Taking a jab at our capitalistic workaholic society, it is the perfect critique of the modern world. Plus: it is impressive how the unfolding of the COVID-19 pandemic seems to be an exact enactment of certain parts of this 2018 book. If you are still struggling with what has been happening in our world since 2020, I would leave it for later. (I am not, but I still had to pause my reading several times because the similarities made me uncomfortable.) The ending was kind of dull and rushed but rather than that, it is nothing short of perfect!
_______
Wow, wow and wow again.
Get ready to be blown away by Ling Ma’s Severance. This brilliant literary fiction dystopia subtly and metaphorically defies notions of capitalism, work and humanity, all against the backdrop of a chilling pandemic… Relatable much? Eerily enough, published in 2018, this book mirrors in detail our own collective experience during the COVID-19 outbreak.
At the heart of the narrative lies the enigmatic Shen Fever, a strange and mysterious illness that spreads rapidly across the globe. Originating in China, it is caused by microscopic fungal spores lingering in the air, pushing its victims into a zombie-like state, unconsciously repeating mundane tasks until they eventually die.
Against all odds, our somewhat unloveable protagonist, Candace Chen, seems to be immune to the Fever and we get to closely follow her tumultuous journey, both before and after the pandemic’s outbreak. She often grappled with her personal opinions on the state of the world, especially on the fevered, and witnessed first-hand how the city of New York transformed as the pandemic progressed. While most of the world rapidly succumbed to the Fever, Candace kept on working in an empty office. In true millennial fashion, she kept worrying about her performance in a doomed world. There was always a looming sense that the apocalypse is near — when it was, in fact, already there. Eventually, she woke up to reality and miraculously found her way to a group of survivors in a quest to find their own promised land.
Candace’s story is one of (immigrant) family dynamics, being a millennial in a capitalistic world obsessed with work, and ultimately survival. In a patchworked timeline, it explores the influence nostalgia and memory can have on a quarter-life existential crisis — or, in this particular case, in an apocalyptic world. Candace can be annoying sometimes, but her authenticity and relatability make it impossible to not empathise with and root for her.
Reading this book back in 2020, during the height of the pandemic, when I first bought it, seemed like a daunting thing to do. Even the thought of reading it was too triggering at times. But now, with some distance from that alternative reality, I can say it was strangely comforting. Ling Ma brilliantly portrayed our society’s predictability in the face of adversity, with very realistic characters, reactions and situations that hit close to home. Her satirical and dark humour, which I would have once so vehemently despised out of fear, provided me with a paradoxical solace, offering a fresh perspective on my own anxieties. Nevertheless, I would still recommend you to think about your triggers before reading it.
Even though I initially did not like the ending and even considered it dull, I ended up having a revelation about it. Candance led Bob into fully succumbing to nostalgia and becoming fevered by telling him stories of the past and asking him how he felt about being back in a place that reminded him of his childhood. However, in the process, she inadvertently lead herself down the Fever path: her mom suddenly appeared to her in visions (when it clearly did not happen before), talking to her coherently, advising her on what to do… This was probably the beginning of the Fever for her. And what other reason could she have to disregard the low gas warning sign, keep going until the car stopped and then just keep walking? She then began living in Jonathan’s own memories of Chicago… and the rest is history.
In conclusion, Severance is an unforgettable book, a true testament to Ma’s skilful storytelling and thought-provoking ability. Her exploration of societal themes, coupled with the unsettling familiarity of the pandemic backdrop, creates an immersive reading experience — one that will stay with you long after you finished it.
[Read between 24 May 2023 - 27 May 2023. | Review written on 18 June 2023. || I am also on Bookstagram and Goodreads as @asreadbycatarina!]
(When life imitates art.)
_______
Mini-review: Well, I found a new favourite dystopia! This book is SO good it took me out of a reading slump. Taking a jab at our capitalistic workaholic society, it is the perfect critique of the modern world. Plus: it is impressive how the unfolding of the COVID-19 pandemic seems to be an exact enactment of certain parts of this 2018 book. If you are still struggling with what has been happening in our world since 2020, I would leave it for later. (I am not, but I still had to pause my reading several times because the similarities made me uncomfortable.) The ending was kind of dull and rushed but rather than that, it is nothing short of perfect!
_______
Wow, wow and wow again.
Get ready to be blown away by Ling Ma’s Severance. This brilliant literary fiction dystopia subtly and metaphorically defies notions of capitalism, work and humanity, all against the backdrop of a chilling pandemic… Relatable much? Eerily enough, published in 2018, this book mirrors in detail our own collective experience during the COVID-19 outbreak.
At the heart of the narrative lies the enigmatic Shen Fever, a strange and mysterious illness that spreads rapidly across the globe. Originating in China, it is caused by microscopic fungal spores lingering in the air, pushing its victims into a zombie-like state, unconsciously repeating mundane tasks until they eventually die.
Against all odds, our somewhat unloveable protagonist, Candace Chen, seems to be immune to the Fever and we get to closely follow her tumultuous journey, both before and after the pandemic’s outbreak. She often grappled with her personal opinions on the state of the world, especially on the fevered, and witnessed first-hand how the city of New York transformed as the pandemic progressed. While most of the world rapidly succumbed to the Fever, Candace kept on working in an empty office. In true millennial fashion, she kept worrying about her performance in a doomed world. There was always a looming sense that the apocalypse is near — when it was, in fact, already there. Eventually, she woke up to reality and miraculously found her way to a group of survivors in a quest to find their own promised land.
Candace’s story is one of (immigrant) family dynamics, being a millennial in a capitalistic world obsessed with work, and ultimately survival. In a patchworked timeline, it explores the influence nostalgia and memory can have on a quarter-life existential crisis — or, in this particular case, in an apocalyptic world. Candace can be annoying sometimes, but her authenticity and relatability make it impossible to not empathise with and root for her.
Reading this book back in 2020, during the height of the pandemic, when I first bought it, seemed like a daunting thing to do. Even the thought of reading it was too triggering at times. But now, with some distance from that alternative reality, I can say it was strangely comforting. Ling Ma brilliantly portrayed our society’s predictability in the face of adversity, with very realistic characters, reactions and situations that hit close to home. Her satirical and dark humour, which I would have once so vehemently despised out of fear, provided me with a paradoxical solace, offering a fresh perspective on my own anxieties. Nevertheless, I would still recommend you to think about your triggers before reading it.
Even though I initially did not like the ending and even considered it dull, I ended up having a revelation about it. Candance led Bob into fully succumbing to nostalgia and becoming fevered by telling him stories of the past and asking him how he felt about being back in a place that reminded him of his childhood. However, in the process, she inadvertently lead herself down the Fever path: her mom suddenly appeared to her in visions (when it clearly did not happen before), talking to her coherently, advising her on what to do… This was probably the beginning of the Fever for her. And what other reason could she have to disregard the low gas warning sign, keep going until the car stopped and then just keep walking? She then began living in Jonathan’s own memories of Chicago… and the rest is history.
In conclusion, Severance is an unforgettable book, a true testament to Ma’s skilful storytelling and thought-provoking ability. Her exploration of societal themes, coupled with the unsettling familiarity of the pandemic backdrop, creates an immersive reading experience — one that will stay with you long after you finished it.
[Read between 24 May 2023 - 27 May 2023. | Review written on 18 June 2023. || I am also on Bookstagram and Goodreads as @asreadbycatarina!]
Severance by Ling Ma
adventurous
challenging
dark
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
2023 Reading #14 | Spring (& AAPI Heritage Month) Reads
(When life imitates art.)
_______
Mini-review: Well, I found a new favourite dystopia! This book is SO good it took me out of a reading slump. Taking a jab at our capitalistic workaholic society, it is the perfect critique of the modern world. Plus: it is impressive how the unfolding of the COVID-19 pandemic seems to be an exact enactment of certain parts of this 2018 book. If you are still struggling with what has been happening in our world since 2020, I would leave it for later. (I am not, but I still had to pause my reading several times because the similarities made me uncomfortable.) The ending was kind of dull and rushed but rather than that, it is nothing short of perfect!
_______
Wow, wow and wow again.
Get ready to be blown away by Ling Ma’s Severance. This brilliant literary fiction dystopia subtly and metaphorically defies notions of capitalism, work and humanity, all against the backdrop of a chilling pandemic… Relatable much? Eerily enough, published in 2018, this book mirrors in detail our own collective experience during the COVID-19 outbreak.
At the heart of the narrative lies the enigmatic Shen Fever, a strange and mysterious illness that spreads rapidly across the globe. Originating in China, it is caused by microscopic fungal spores lingering in the air, pushing its victims into a zombie-like state, unconsciously repeating mundane tasks until they eventually die.
Against all odds, our somewhat unloveable protagonist, Candace Chen, seems to be immune to the Fever and we get to closely follow her tumultuous journey, both before and after the pandemic’s outbreak. She often grappled with her personal opinions on the state of the world, especially on the fevered, and witnessed first-hand how the city of New York transformed as the pandemic progressed. While most of the world rapidly succumbed to the Fever, Candace kept on working in an empty office. In true millennial fashion, she kept worrying about her performance in a doomed world. There was always a looming sense that the apocalypse is near — when it was, in fact, already there. Eventually, she woke up to reality and miraculously found her way to a group of survivors in a quest to find their own promised land.
Candace’s story is one of (immigrant) family dynamics, being a millennial in a capitalistic world obsessed with work, and ultimately survival. In a patchworked timeline, it explores the influence nostalgia and memory can have on a quarter-life existential crisis — or, in this particular case, in an apocalyptic world. Candace can be annoying sometimes, but her authenticity and relatability make it impossible to not empathise with and root for her.
Reading this book back in 2020, during the height of the pandemic, when I first bought it, seemed like a daunting thing to do. Even the thought of reading it was too triggering at times. But now, with some distance from that alternative reality, I can say it was strangely comforting. Ling Ma brilliantly portrayed our society’s predictability in the face of adversity, with very realistic characters, reactions and situations that hit close to home. Her satirical and dark humour, which I would have once so vehemently despised out of fear, provided me with a paradoxical solace, offering a fresh perspective on my own anxieties. Nevertheless, I would still recommend you to think about your triggers before reading it.
Even though I initially did not like the ending and even considered it dull, I ended up having a revelation about it. Candance led Bob into fully succumbing to nostalgia and becoming fevered by telling him stories of the past and asking him how he felt about being back in a place that reminded him of his childhood. However, in the process, she inadvertently lead herself down the Fever path: her mom suddenly appeared to her in visions (when it clearly did not happen before), talking to her coherently, advising her on what to do… This was probably the beginning of the Fever for her. And what other reason could she have to disregard the low gas warning sign, keep going until the car stopped and then just keep walking? She then began living in Jonathan’s own memories of Chicago… and the rest is history.
In conclusion, Severance is an unforgettable book, a true testament to Ma’s skilful storytelling and thought-provoking ability. Her exploration of societal themes, coupled with the unsettling familiarity of the pandemic backdrop, creates an immersive reading experience — one that will stay with you long after you finished it.
[Read between 24 May 2023 - 27 May 2023. | Review written on 18 June 2023. || I am also on Bookstagram and Goodreads as @asreadbycatarina!]
(When life imitates art.)
_______
Mini-review: Well, I found a new favourite dystopia! This book is SO good it took me out of a reading slump. Taking a jab at our capitalistic workaholic society, it is the perfect critique of the modern world. Plus: it is impressive how the unfolding of the COVID-19 pandemic seems to be an exact enactment of certain parts of this 2018 book. If you are still struggling with what has been happening in our world since 2020, I would leave it for later. (I am not, but I still had to pause my reading several times because the similarities made me uncomfortable.) The ending was kind of dull and rushed but rather than that, it is nothing short of perfect!
_______
Wow, wow and wow again.
Get ready to be blown away by Ling Ma’s Severance. This brilliant literary fiction dystopia subtly and metaphorically defies notions of capitalism, work and humanity, all against the backdrop of a chilling pandemic… Relatable much? Eerily enough, published in 2018, this book mirrors in detail our own collective experience during the COVID-19 outbreak.
At the heart of the narrative lies the enigmatic Shen Fever, a strange and mysterious illness that spreads rapidly across the globe. Originating in China, it is caused by microscopic fungal spores lingering in the air, pushing its victims into a zombie-like state, unconsciously repeating mundane tasks until they eventually die.
Against all odds, our somewhat unloveable protagonist, Candace Chen, seems to be immune to the Fever and we get to closely follow her tumultuous journey, both before and after the pandemic’s outbreak. She often grappled with her personal opinions on the state of the world, especially on the fevered, and witnessed first-hand how the city of New York transformed as the pandemic progressed. While most of the world rapidly succumbed to the Fever, Candace kept on working in an empty office. In true millennial fashion, she kept worrying about her performance in a doomed world. There was always a looming sense that the apocalypse is near — when it was, in fact, already there. Eventually, she woke up to reality and miraculously found her way to a group of survivors in a quest to find their own promised land.
Candace’s story is one of (immigrant) family dynamics, being a millennial in a capitalistic world obsessed with work, and ultimately survival. In a patchworked timeline, it explores the influence nostalgia and memory can have on a quarter-life existential crisis — or, in this particular case, in an apocalyptic world. Candace can be annoying sometimes, but her authenticity and relatability make it impossible to not empathise with and root for her.
Reading this book back in 2020, during the height of the pandemic, when I first bought it, seemed like a daunting thing to do. Even the thought of reading it was too triggering at times. But now, with some distance from that alternative reality, I can say it was strangely comforting. Ling Ma brilliantly portrayed our society’s predictability in the face of adversity, with very realistic characters, reactions and situations that hit close to home. Her satirical and dark humour, which I would have once so vehemently despised out of fear, provided me with a paradoxical solace, offering a fresh perspective on my own anxieties. Nevertheless, I would still recommend you to think about your triggers before reading it.
Even though I initially did not like the ending and even considered it dull, I ended up having a revelation about it. Candance led Bob into fully succumbing to nostalgia and becoming fevered by telling him stories of the past and asking him how he felt about being back in a place that reminded him of his childhood. However, in the process, she inadvertently lead herself down the Fever path: her mom suddenly appeared to her in visions (when it clearly did not happen before), talking to her coherently, advising her on what to do… This was probably the beginning of the Fever for her. And what other reason could she have to disregard the low gas warning sign, keep going until the car stopped and then just keep walking? She then began living in Jonathan’s own memories of Chicago… and the rest is history.
In conclusion, Severance is an unforgettable book, a true testament to Ma’s skilful storytelling and thought-provoking ability. Her exploration of societal themes, coupled with the unsettling familiarity of the pandemic backdrop, creates an immersive reading experience — one that will stay with you long after you finished it.
[Read between 24 May 2023 - 27 May 2023. | Review written on 18 June 2023. || I am also on Bookstagram and Goodreads as @asreadbycatarina!]
The Education of an Idealist: A Memoir by Samantha Power
adventurous
hopeful
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
slow-paced
5.0
2023 Reading #0 (9/9) | Spring Reads
(Badass activist women and mothers make the world go round.)
_______
Mini-review: Next time someone asks me about who I look up to the most professionally, I will automatically and instantly redirect them to this book! Samantha's power (saw what I did there?) not to take herself too seriously while also navigating life side by side with some of our modern history's most important moments left me in awe. Inspiring yet lighthearted, this book brought me hope.
_______
A few years ago, when I was researching Sérgio Vieira de Mello's life for a university paper, I first heard about Samantha Power. Her profile instantly intrigued me, and her fearlessness struck me right away. A former activist turned diplomat? Her story seemed right up my alley — and, needless to say, I was not disappointed.
In The Education of an Idealist, we find an engaging and relatable story of a powerhouse that does not take herself too seriously. This book, an honest and refreshing glimpse into her personal and professional life (without trying to make herself sound like the hero of an epic saga!), is unlike any of the political memoirs I have read before. In a very frank and straightforward writing style, Power tells us things exactly how they are — and you cannot expect anything less from her.
It is difficult not to get immersed in her story from the get-go. An Irish immigrant from Dublin, both a Yale and a Harvard alumna, a fearless activist and journalist and a passionate diplomat, Power is impossible to define. She is a force of nature, and her story often blends with our world's modern history, from the genocides in former Yugoslavia and various African and Middle Eastern nations to the Syrian civil war and the Russian annexation of Crimea. By reading her book, we are in for a lesson in geopolitics, international diplomacy, modern American politics… and ideology. In a refreshingly paradoxical way, Samantha can be very realistic about her own idealism and critical of her very human flaws, pushing her political persona to slowly transform before our eyes.
This book is a tender reflection on a female trailblazer's path in politics and diplomacy and how she became a key player on the international stage. Power's incredible career development and struggles seamlessly combine with her thoughts on family, romantic love and motherhood. And friendship is undoubtedly not forgotten: we also get a glimpse into her friendships with several international relations and politics heavy hitters — including Barack Obama. Portrayed as a very curious man, brimming with ideas to change the United States and the world, Obama is charming, charismatic and likes to surround himself with some of America's greatest minds. Juxtaposing with his cool, calm and collected persona, we find Samantha, a self-proclaimed nerd whose passion for equality must serve as an example to us all.
It is a 10/10 for all my female-identifying politics and international relations aficionados! This book brought me so much hope — not only for the world but also for my own career — that I cannot recommend it enough!
Also: if you have the opportunity, listen to the audiobook. There is something very special about hearing a person narrating their own life story — and Power's is undoubtedly one you should not miss.
[Read between 17 December 2022 - 7 May 2023. | Review written on 12 May 2023. || I am also on Bookstagram and Goodreads as @asreadbycatarina!]
(Badass activist women and mothers make the world go round.)
_______
Mini-review: Next time someone asks me about who I look up to the most professionally, I will automatically and instantly redirect them to this book! Samantha's power (saw what I did there?) not to take herself too seriously while also navigating life side by side with some of our modern history's most important moments left me in awe. Inspiring yet lighthearted, this book brought me hope.
_______
A few years ago, when I was researching Sérgio Vieira de Mello's life for a university paper, I first heard about Samantha Power. Her profile instantly intrigued me, and her fearlessness struck me right away. A former activist turned diplomat? Her story seemed right up my alley — and, needless to say, I was not disappointed.
In The Education of an Idealist, we find an engaging and relatable story of a powerhouse that does not take herself too seriously. This book, an honest and refreshing glimpse into her personal and professional life (without trying to make herself sound like the hero of an epic saga!), is unlike any of the political memoirs I have read before. In a very frank and straightforward writing style, Power tells us things exactly how they are — and you cannot expect anything less from her.
It is difficult not to get immersed in her story from the get-go. An Irish immigrant from Dublin, both a Yale and a Harvard alumna, a fearless activist and journalist and a passionate diplomat, Power is impossible to define. She is a force of nature, and her story often blends with our world's modern history, from the genocides in former Yugoslavia and various African and Middle Eastern nations to the Syrian civil war and the Russian annexation of Crimea. By reading her book, we are in for a lesson in geopolitics, international diplomacy, modern American politics… and ideology. In a refreshingly paradoxical way, Samantha can be very realistic about her own idealism and critical of her very human flaws, pushing her political persona to slowly transform before our eyes.
This book is a tender reflection on a female trailblazer's path in politics and diplomacy and how she became a key player on the international stage. Power's incredible career development and struggles seamlessly combine with her thoughts on family, romantic love and motherhood. And friendship is undoubtedly not forgotten: we also get a glimpse into her friendships with several international relations and politics heavy hitters — including Barack Obama. Portrayed as a very curious man, brimming with ideas to change the United States and the world, Obama is charming, charismatic and likes to surround himself with some of America's greatest minds. Juxtaposing with his cool, calm and collected persona, we find Samantha, a self-proclaimed nerd whose passion for equality must serve as an example to us all.
It is a 10/10 for all my female-identifying politics and international relations aficionados! This book brought me so much hope — not only for the world but also for my own career — that I cannot recommend it enough!
Also: if you have the opportunity, listen to the audiobook. There is something very special about hearing a person narrating their own life story — and Power's is undoubtedly one you should not miss.
[Read between 17 December 2022 - 7 May 2023. | Review written on 12 May 2023. || I am also on Bookstagram and Goodreads as @asreadbycatarina!]
The Memory Police by Yōko Ogawa
adventurous
challenging
dark
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
2023 Reading #0 (5/9) | Winter Reads
(The fragility of freedom.)
_______
Mini-review: for the time it took to pick up, and for me to follow through with reading it, this was pretty good! After a few years, I was finally reminded of why I used to love dystopias so much.
_______
As mundane objects start vanishing one by one on a small island, its citizens also begin to lose all their memories. With them, the whole of society slowly seems to erase itself, little by little, every new disappearance causing more of a stir than the previous one. This is the premise of The Memory Police: Yoko Ogawa, an eerie dystopian novel that explores notions of freedom and oppression, mortality and remembrance.
Those who do not and cannot forget are taken away by the Memory Police — and the only way to avoid it is to go into hiding. This is where the story takes us: our unnamed main character, a young female writer, decides to hide her editor, R, in a secret room. R still remembers many things, as the protagonist’s mother once did. The fear of losing another important person in her life seems unbearable, and R readily accepts his fate. Alongside a gentle and hardworking old man, the main character navigates what is left of her world and of the people she loves.
Even though the plot was very original, I think it lacked depth sometimes. The main character’s luck was too good to be true — she escaped far too many times for it to become a believable thing! — and the ending was pretty unsatisfactory, in my humble opinion. It was vague and somewhat boring, definitely not what I was expecting for a book with such hype around it. Regardless, it was a great reminder of why dystopias were once my favourite genre and why I deeply miss reading them more. Also: it is impossible not to draw a parallel between this book and what happened during World War II and the Holocaust: the secret room screams Anne Frank to me!
Ultimately, this book confronts us with the fragility of freedom, how it can so easily be taken away from us, and of memories. Memories have the power to keep us alive — that is what makes this book both so horrific and emotional at the same time. It is definitely a slow burn (it took me some time to get on with it!), but the suspense and the existential questions keep the reader going.
P.S.: Reading this book was a saga in itself: I started on paperback, moved on to ebook, and pretty much finished it on audiobook!
[Read between 2 April 2022 - 13 February 2023. | Review written on 13 February 2023. || I am also on Bookstagram and Goodreads as @asreadbycatarina!]
(The fragility of freedom.)
_______
Mini-review: for the time it took to pick up, and for me to follow through with reading it, this was pretty good! After a few years, I was finally reminded of why I used to love dystopias so much.
_______
As mundane objects start vanishing one by one on a small island, its citizens also begin to lose all their memories. With them, the whole of society slowly seems to erase itself, little by little, every new disappearance causing more of a stir than the previous one. This is the premise of The Memory Police: Yoko Ogawa, an eerie dystopian novel that explores notions of freedom and oppression, mortality and remembrance.
Those who do not and cannot forget are taken away by the Memory Police — and the only way to avoid it is to go into hiding. This is where the story takes us: our unnamed main character, a young female writer, decides to hide her editor, R, in a secret room. R still remembers many things, as the protagonist’s mother once did. The fear of losing another important person in her life seems unbearable, and R readily accepts his fate. Alongside a gentle and hardworking old man, the main character navigates what is left of her world and of the people she loves.
Even though the plot was very original, I think it lacked depth sometimes. The main character’s luck was too good to be true — she escaped far too many times for it to become a believable thing! — and the ending was pretty unsatisfactory, in my humble opinion. It was vague and somewhat boring, definitely not what I was expecting for a book with such hype around it. Regardless, it was a great reminder of why dystopias were once my favourite genre and why I deeply miss reading them more. Also: it is impossible not to draw a parallel between this book and what happened during World War II and the Holocaust: the secret room screams Anne Frank to me!
Ultimately, this book confronts us with the fragility of freedom, how it can so easily be taken away from us, and of memories. Memories have the power to keep us alive — that is what makes this book both so horrific and emotional at the same time. It is definitely a slow burn (it took me some time to get on with it!), but the suspense and the existential questions keep the reader going.
P.S.: Reading this book was a saga in itself: I started on paperback, moved on to ebook, and pretty much finished it on audiobook!
[Read between 2 April 2022 - 13 February 2023. | Review written on 13 February 2023. || I am also on Bookstagram and Goodreads as @asreadbycatarina!]
The Education of an Idealist by Samantha Power
adventurous
hopeful
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
slow-paced
5.0
2023 Reading #0 (9/9) | Spring Reads
(Badass activist women and mothers make the world go round.)
_______
Mini-review: Next time someone asks me about who I look up to the most professionally, I will automatically and instantly redirect them to this book! Samantha's power (saw what I did there?) not to take herself too seriously while also navigating life side by side with some of our modern history's most important moments left me in awe. Inspiring yet lighthearted, this book brought me hope.
_______
A few years ago, when I was researching Sérgio Vieira de Mello's life for a university paper, I first heard about Samantha Power. Her profile instantly intrigued me, and her fearlessness struck me right away. A former activist turned diplomat? Her story seemed right up my alley — and, needless to say, I was not disappointed.
In The Education of an Idealist, we find an engaging and relatable story of a powerhouse that does not take herself too seriously. This book, an honest and refreshing glimpse into her personal and professional life (without trying to make herself sound like the hero of an epic saga!), is unlike any of the political memoirs I have read before. In a very frank and straightforward writing style, Power tells us things exactly how they are — and you cannot expect anything less from her.
It is difficult not to get immersed in her story from the get-go. An Irish immigrant from Dublin, both a Yale and a Harvard alumna, a fearless activist and journalist and a passionate diplomat, Power is impossible to define. She is a force of nature, and her story often blends with our world's modern history, from the genocides in former Yugoslavia and various African and Middle Eastern nations to the Syrian civil war and the Russian annexation of Crimea. By reading her book, we are in for a lesson in geopolitics, international diplomacy, modern American politics… and ideology. In a refreshingly paradoxical way, Samantha can be very realistic about her own idealism and critical of her very human flaws, pushing her political persona to slowly transform before our eyes.
This book is a tender reflection on a female trailblazer's path in politics and diplomacy and how she became a key player on the international stage. Power's incredible career development and struggles seamlessly combine with her thoughts on family, romantic love and motherhood. And friendship is undoubtedly not forgotten: we also get a glimpse into her friendships with several international relations and politics heavy hitters — including Barack Obama. Portrayed as a very curious man, brimming with ideas to change the United States and the world, Obama is charming, charismatic and likes to surround himself with some of America's greatest minds. Juxtaposing with his cool, calm and collected persona, we find Samantha, a self-proclaimed nerd whose passion for equality must serve as an example to us all.
It is a 10/10 for all my female-identifying politics and international relations aficionados! This book brought me so much hope — not only for the world but also for my own career — that I cannot recommend it enough!
Also: if you have the opportunity, listen to the audiobook. There is something very special about hearing a person narrating their own life story — and Power's is undoubtedly one you should not miss.
[Read between 17 December 2022 - 7 May 2023. | Review written on 12 May 2023. || I am also on Bookstagram and Goodreads as @asreadbycatarina!]
(Badass activist women and mothers make the world go round.)
_______
Mini-review: Next time someone asks me about who I look up to the most professionally, I will automatically and instantly redirect them to this book! Samantha's power (saw what I did there?) not to take herself too seriously while also navigating life side by side with some of our modern history's most important moments left me in awe. Inspiring yet lighthearted, this book brought me hope.
_______
A few years ago, when I was researching Sérgio Vieira de Mello's life for a university paper, I first heard about Samantha Power. Her profile instantly intrigued me, and her fearlessness struck me right away. A former activist turned diplomat? Her story seemed right up my alley — and, needless to say, I was not disappointed.
In The Education of an Idealist, we find an engaging and relatable story of a powerhouse that does not take herself too seriously. This book, an honest and refreshing glimpse into her personal and professional life (without trying to make herself sound like the hero of an epic saga!), is unlike any of the political memoirs I have read before. In a very frank and straightforward writing style, Power tells us things exactly how they are — and you cannot expect anything less from her.
It is difficult not to get immersed in her story from the get-go. An Irish immigrant from Dublin, both a Yale and a Harvard alumna, a fearless activist and journalist and a passionate diplomat, Power is impossible to define. She is a force of nature, and her story often blends with our world's modern history, from the genocides in former Yugoslavia and various African and Middle Eastern nations to the Syrian civil war and the Russian annexation of Crimea. By reading her book, we are in for a lesson in geopolitics, international diplomacy, modern American politics… and ideology. In a refreshingly paradoxical way, Samantha can be very realistic about her own idealism and critical of her very human flaws, pushing her political persona to slowly transform before our eyes.
This book is a tender reflection on a female trailblazer's path in politics and diplomacy and how she became a key player on the international stage. Power's incredible career development and struggles seamlessly combine with her thoughts on family, romantic love and motherhood. And friendship is undoubtedly not forgotten: we also get a glimpse into her friendships with several international relations and politics heavy hitters — including Barack Obama. Portrayed as a very curious man, brimming with ideas to change the United States and the world, Obama is charming, charismatic and likes to surround himself with some of America's greatest minds. Juxtaposing with his cool, calm and collected persona, we find Samantha, a self-proclaimed nerd whose passion for equality must serve as an example to us all.
It is a 10/10 for all my female-identifying politics and international relations aficionados! This book brought me so much hope — not only for the world but also for my own career — that I cannot recommend it enough!
Also: if you have the opportunity, listen to the audiobook. There is something very special about hearing a person narrating their own life story — and Power's is undoubtedly one you should not miss.
[Read between 17 December 2022 - 7 May 2023. | Review written on 12 May 2023. || I am also on Bookstagram and Goodreads as @asreadbycatarina!]
Persepolis: The Story of a Childhood and The Story of a Return by Marjane Satrapi
adventurous
challenging
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
fast-paced
5.0
Mini-review: I LOVED PERSEPOLIS! How can such an important read feel so fresh and sometimes even "light"? You can surely ask Marjane Satrapi: she will tell you how! I love how her story perfectly intertwines with that of modern Iran — and this is SO important. An instant fav that has for sure changed my views on Middle Eastern politics (and Western interference).
Zikora by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
challenging
reflective
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Mini-review: never have I read a short story that felt so deep and poignant as this one! (Single) motherhood and pregnancy are two very hot topics in the modern world — and Adichie perfectly captures the reason(s) why in this super meaningful story. A true ode to strong immigrant women. Plus: you also get to learn a bit about Nigerian culture!