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bookedupandbusy's reviews
152 reviews
Kim Jiyoung, Born 1982 by Cho Nam-joo
3.0
3.5
A fiction book, but it felt quite non-fiction at times with the footnotes and statistics and the detailing of the ways of life, culture and upbringing in South Korea.
Damn, this book did hit a nerve. It is filled with sexism and it made me angry at the treatment of women and the way women were expected to behave in South Korea
A fiction book, but it felt quite non-fiction at times with the footnotes and statistics and the detailing of the ways of life, culture and upbringing in South Korea.
Damn, this book did hit a nerve. It is filled with sexism and it made me angry at the treatment of women and the way women were expected to behave in South Korea
Yellowface by R.F. Kuang
4.0
When Athena dies in a freak accident, June steals her unpublished manuscript and publishes it as her own under the ambiguous name Juniper Song.
This book is brilliant, it’s witty, humorous, and addictive! The writing is bold and straight to the point. I was laughing at things I should have not have been laughing at, and cringing at awkward moments and this is the beauty of satire. It is also written in first person so I was able to feel close to June’s thoughts. This author is a talented writer!
The book takes us through the publishing process from initial idea to publication. I love how the author highlighted the importance of diverse and own voices and the need for sensitivity readers in fiction. Anyone can read this book but I do think it is niche and will truely satisfy writers, book bloggers/avid readers and those working in publishing.
Let me tell you about June, I LOVE an unreliable narrator but in short, she is a jealous, calculating racist thief who manages to publish a book she did not write. The book focuses on stories from a Chinese war. It ANGERED me that June did not see the importance of race/culture whilst writing, it was not until she had to promote the book that she realised she was stepping on toes. This is a clear portrayal of racism and privilege in the publishing industry.
The book is heavy on social media presence and the realities of online bullying and cancel culture. The constant narratives on how June was feeling and her anxiety at being caught became repetitive after a while, but apart from that this is a concerning story, yet a thrilling and witty read.
This book is brilliant, it’s witty, humorous, and addictive! The writing is bold and straight to the point. I was laughing at things I should have not have been laughing at, and cringing at awkward moments and this is the beauty of satire. It is also written in first person so I was able to feel close to June’s thoughts. This author is a talented writer!
The book takes us through the publishing process from initial idea to publication. I love how the author highlighted the importance of diverse and own voices and the need for sensitivity readers in fiction. Anyone can read this book but I do think it is niche and will truely satisfy writers, book bloggers/avid readers and those working in publishing.
Let me tell you about June, I LOVE an unreliable narrator but in short, she is a jealous, calculating racist thief who manages to publish a book she did not write. The book focuses on stories from a Chinese war. It ANGERED me that June did not see the importance of race/culture whilst writing, it was not until she had to promote the book that she realised she was stepping on toes. This is a clear portrayal of racism and privilege in the publishing industry.
The book is heavy on social media presence and the realities of online bullying and cancel culture. The constant narratives on how June was feeling and her anxiety at being caught became repetitive after a while, but apart from that this is a concerning story, yet a thrilling and witty read.
56 Days by Catherine Ryan Howard
4.0
Ciara and Oliver meet in a supermarket queue in Dublin and start dating the same week COVID-19 reaches Irish shores. When lockdown threatens to keep them apart, Oliver suggests they move in together. Ciara sees a unique opportunity for a relationship to flourish without the scrutiny of family and friends. Oliver sees a chance to hide who and what he really is.
Even though I am not too fond of reading books that include CO VID, it wasn’t heavy and was just a backdrop to the story and a great insight into how virus regulations were managed in Ireland.
I enjoyed my reading experience with this one. The first half felt like a mysterious romance novel that quickly turned very dark. The crimes that took place could quite easily be compared to real life cases! The thriller and suspense aspect was there all the way through and I did not see the plot twists coming. It was very sad and had me in my emotions!
The banter between the police officers was very funny and fast paced and I have never read a book that mentioned Tesco as much as this one did!
Not as fast paced as some of the thrillers I usually read and I did find the timeline hard to keep up with (the 56 days before the murder) especially because certain events were repeated but from the viewpoint of different characters, which felt quite repetitive
Even though I am not too fond of reading books that include CO VID, it wasn’t heavy and was just a backdrop to the story and a great insight into how virus regulations were managed in Ireland.
I enjoyed my reading experience with this one. The first half felt like a mysterious romance novel that quickly turned very dark. The crimes that took place could quite easily be compared to real life cases! The thriller and suspense aspect was there all the way through and I did not see the plot twists coming. It was very sad and had me in my emotions!
The banter between the police officers was very funny and fast paced and I have never read a book that mentioned Tesco as much as this one did!
Not as fast paced as some of the thrillers I usually read and I did find the timeline hard to keep up with (the 56 days before the murder) especially because certain events were repeated but from the viewpoint of different characters, which felt quite repetitive
The List by Yomi Adegoke
4.0
Set in London, Ola Olajide, a high-profile feminist journalist is marrying the love of her life in one month's time. She and her fiance Michael are the 'couple goals' of their social networks and seem to have it all. That is, until one morning when they both wake up to the same message: 'Oh my god, have you seen The List?'
The story prompts the question: Would you stand by someone you love, even though they have been accused of something you stand against? This was the challenge feminist Ola faced when her fiancé was being accused of assault on The List; a list featuring alleged abusive men. I have read so many stories from the victim’s point of view, that reading from the point of view of the accused, gave a different and very interesting perspective on the scenario.
This story is messy and filled with rumours and drama. There are many themes explored: feminism, sexual assault, online bullying, abuse, relationship trust issues, just to name a few. As sensitive as the topics are, this was such an intriguing read, I read the first 100 pages in a day as it was additive, the suspense was killing me and I just had to know if The List was true, but there is also a VERY DARK side to the story, it’s topical and highlights the dangers of social media, cancel culture and generally not knowing who is behind the screens.
I found both Michael & Ola to be super annoying characters (I love flawed characters
The story prompts the question: Would you stand by someone you love, even though they have been accused of something you stand against? This was the challenge feminist Ola faced when her fiancé was being accused of assault on The List; a list featuring alleged abusive men. I have read so many stories from the victim’s point of view, that reading from the point of view of the accused, gave a different and very interesting perspective on the scenario.
This story is messy and filled with rumours and drama. There are many themes explored: feminism, sexual assault, online bullying, abuse, relationship trust issues, just to name a few. As sensitive as the topics are, this was such an intriguing read, I read the first 100 pages in a day as it was additive, the suspense was killing me and I just had to know if The List was true, but there is also a VERY DARK side to the story, it’s topical and highlights the dangers of social media, cancel culture and generally not knowing who is behind the screens.
I found both Michael & Ola to be super annoying characters (I love flawed characters
Small Worlds by Caleb Azumah Nelson
4.0
4.5
This is a coming of age story that explores love, grief, black history, food, music, and a troubled father-son relationship. The story does not feel rushed and moves at a moderate and warm pace. The writing is lyrical and soft and the narratives are infused with music and food. From Craig David to Lauren Hill to Frank Ocean, nostalgia lives in this book.
We follow the main character Stephen, from London, right from his school prom, through to uni and work life, whilst he navigates relationships, friendships and his family dynamics. The author really knows how to write black love that is awkward love that is tense around the edges. Stephen’s encounters with his love interest Del, were exactly this!
The title of the book makes an early and frequent appearance, which I loved. I fully understood the different meanings of ‘Small Worlds’ especially when it came to loneliness and community, which are major themes throughout the story. A few phrases were constantly repeated throughout and began to feel like the chorus to the story, which I also loved.
The level of detail when Stephen goes to Ghana to visit the Cape Coast Castle was the icing on the cake for me. Black history and engaging with one’s roots felt full circle.
This is a coming of age story that explores love, grief, black history, food, music, and a troubled father-son relationship. The story does not feel rushed and moves at a moderate and warm pace. The writing is lyrical and soft and the narratives are infused with music and food. From Craig David to Lauren Hill to Frank Ocean, nostalgia lives in this book.
We follow the main character Stephen, from London, right from his school prom, through to uni and work life, whilst he navigates relationships, friendships and his family dynamics. The author really knows how to write black love that is awkward love that is tense around the edges. Stephen’s encounters with his love interest Del, were exactly this!
The title of the book makes an early and frequent appearance, which I loved. I fully understood the different meanings of ‘Small Worlds’ especially when it came to loneliness and community, which are major themes throughout the story. A few phrases were constantly repeated throughout and began to feel like the chorus to the story, which I also loved.
The level of detail when Stephen goes to Ghana to visit the Cape Coast Castle was the icing on the cake for me. Black history and engaging with one’s roots felt full circle.
Wandering Souls by Cecile Pin
4.0
Initially set in Vietnam, we follow Anh and her two brothers Minh & Thanh as they flee Vietnam at young age, to travel by boat to America in hope that their parents and four other siblings will arrive shortly thereafter. They end up in Britain and we follow them through refugee camps and resettlement centres.
The story goes straight in with the tragedy and the challenges immigrants experience to make it to America by sea, which are both heartbreaking and eye opening. The author does a superb job in detailing the sibling dynamics and the new responsibilities which Anh faces in becoming a motherly figure to her younger brothers.
I loved how the author incorporated true historical events into the story, a great reminder of how real these incidences can be.
The first half of the story felt very traumatic, however the second half was filled with hope and progression as we see the siblings settle into life in the UK.
The second half felt frustrating at times. The author touched on very important themes but the narratives felt incomplete and left many unanswered questions. I wanted to know how Anh felt as a Vietnamese woman in her relationships. I wanted to know if her brother was involved in any illegal activity as incited. It would have been great to know in depth the feelings of those who remained in Vietnam and how they truly felt about those who fled.
Apart from that this is a great debut and I will definitely read more from this author.
The story goes straight in with the tragedy and the challenges immigrants experience to make it to America by sea, which are both heartbreaking and eye opening. The author does a superb job in detailing the sibling dynamics and the new responsibilities which Anh faces in becoming a motherly figure to her younger brothers.
I loved how the author incorporated true historical events into the story, a great reminder of how real these incidences can be.
The first half of the story felt very traumatic, however the second half was filled with hope and progression as we see the siblings settle into life in the UK.
The second half felt frustrating at times. The author touched on very important themes but the narratives felt incomplete and left many unanswered questions. I wanted to know how Anh felt as a Vietnamese woman in her relationships. I wanted to know if her brother was involved in any illegal activity as incited. It would have been great to know in depth the feelings of those who remained in Vietnam and how they truly felt about those who fled.
Apart from that this is a great debut and I will definitely read more from this author.
Tomorrow I Become a Woman by Aiwanose Odafen
5.0
It’s the 70s in Nigeria and Uju marries a ‘popular’ pastor. The story is heavily character driven as the author takes us through Uju & her husband’s marital journey. I was anxious for Uju, fearful of her life under her abusive husband, whilst feeling warm and excited about her communications with her love interest, Akin.
I recently heard a quote: ‘’Daughters are raised and sons are loved’’. This quote resonates with this story when comparing the expectations of Uju, as a woman, compared to her brothers.
Uju’s mother angered me. She was mentally and emotionally abusive and disregarded her daughter’s mental health in fear of shame and wanting her daughter to be a ‘proper’ wife.
To know this story was inspired by true stories will never sit right with me…
As heartbreaking as the story and the theme of domestic abuse is, the writing is very engaging and the very last page left a big smile on my face. This book is SPECTACULAR and gets all the stars from me please read it.
I recently heard a quote: ‘’Daughters are raised and sons are loved’’. This quote resonates with this story when comparing the expectations of Uju, as a woman, compared to her brothers.
Uju’s mother angered me. She was mentally and emotionally abusive and disregarded her daughter’s mental health in fear of shame and wanting her daughter to be a ‘proper’ wife.
To know this story was inspired by true stories will never sit right with me…
As heartbreaking as the story and the theme of domestic abuse is, the writing is very engaging and the very last page left a big smile on my face. This book is SPECTACULAR and gets all the stars from me please read it.
Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier
5.0
‘’Last night I dreamt I went to Manderley again’’ - probably the most famous opening line of any literary book.
What a brilliant book! This classic masterpiece was written in 1938 but it is still so readable. It is a psychological thriller about a young woman who becomes obsessed with her husband's first wife.
Here is what I loved the most:
⭐️ The author made a dead character the main character. She is non-existent but everyone either loves her or is obsessed with her.
⭐️ The nameless narrator - I liked that she was nameless, it added to the fact that she was living in her husband’s ex-wife’s shadow. She is also a naive and timid character. I do have my own theories about what her name is.
What a brilliant book! This classic masterpiece was written in 1938 but it is still so readable. It is a psychological thriller about a young woman who becomes obsessed with her husband's first wife.
Here is what I loved the most:
⭐️ The author made a dead character the main character. She is non-existent but everyone either loves her or is obsessed with her.
⭐️ The nameless narrator - I liked that she was nameless, it added to the fact that she was living in her husband’s ex-wife’s shadow. She is also a naive and timid character. I do have my own theories about what her name is.
My Husband by Maud Ventura
3.0
3.75
Translated from French to English, this is a quick and fun, yet dark (satire) book about a woman who is obsessed with her husband. The story is filled with toxic personality traits. She is jealous, paranoid, narsassitic and psychotic. The writing is straight to the point and executed in a way that the author gives so much power to the protagonist. Her name is also not mentioned in the main story.
The protagonist reminded me of June from Yellowface. There is always a sense of entitlement and cockiness and also Amy from Gone Girl because she is just pre-calculating and her actions are questionable!
If you find characters who only talk and think about themselves selfish, irritating and hard to to deal with, then this book is not for you. It reads like a monologue, she just constantly speaks about herself, her thoughts out loud and there is hardly any dialogue. I loved how obsessive, conniving and competitive she is in her marriage. The traps set and the punishments issued for bad behaviour.
She is very particular and plans everything, even small details such as how she will look when her husband arrives home, drinking wine or tea and/or reading a book to look intellectual, to try and seduce him. She is so toxic that she became annoyed with her own children taking her husband’s attention!
As crazy as this woman is, I am sure we can all relate to at least one of her actions in the book! The final chapter was the icing on the cake for me
Translated from French to English, this is a quick and fun, yet dark (satire) book about a woman who is obsessed with her husband. The story is filled with toxic personality traits. She is jealous, paranoid, narsassitic and psychotic. The writing is straight to the point and executed in a way that the author gives so much power to the protagonist. Her name is also not mentioned in the main story.
The protagonist reminded me of June from Yellowface. There is always a sense of entitlement and cockiness and also Amy from Gone Girl because she is just pre-calculating and her actions are questionable!
If you find characters who only talk and think about themselves selfish, irritating and hard to to deal with, then this book is not for you. It reads like a monologue, she just constantly speaks about herself, her thoughts out loud and there is hardly any dialogue. I loved how obsessive, conniving and competitive she is in her marriage. The traps set and the punishments issued for bad behaviour.
She is very particular and plans everything, even small details such as how she will look when her husband arrives home, drinking wine or tea and/or reading a book to look intellectual, to try and seduce him. She is so toxic that she became annoyed with her own children taking her husband’s attention!
As crazy as this woman is, I am sure we can all relate to at least one of her actions in the book! The final chapter was the icing on the cake for me
Like a Mule Bringing Ice Cream to the Sun by Sarah Ladipo Manyika
3.0
3.75
This novella is a short and fun story about Morayo Da Silva, a 75 year old Nigerian woman living in San Fransisco.
Morayo is the oldest protagonist I have read in fiction and I absolutely loved her. She is feisty and independent and knows how to hold her own. We learn about her youth and how she navigated love, relationships and friendships. One day she has a fall and ends up in assisted living. I found her friends and love interests very engaging and would have loved more chapters with their points on view.
The author tackled the theme of ageing, dementia and independence in a brilliant way. Even though Morayo was becoming weaker, there was so much strength and inspiration in her life stories.
Morayo’s love for books was beautiful! I understood how she felt towards those who did not protect and have a care for her books. I also loved the references of African culture, literature and art and Morayo’s love for Nigeria.
I am unsure of the relevance of the title of the book, however I found out that the title is the last line of a poem called ‘Donkey On’ by Mary Ruefle. I think the author could have written a full novel on this protagonist.
This novella is a short and fun story about Morayo Da Silva, a 75 year old Nigerian woman living in San Fransisco.
Morayo is the oldest protagonist I have read in fiction and I absolutely loved her. She is feisty and independent and knows how to hold her own. We learn about her youth and how she navigated love, relationships and friendships. One day she has a fall and ends up in assisted living. I found her friends and love interests very engaging and would have loved more chapters with their points on view.
The author tackled the theme of ageing, dementia and independence in a brilliant way. Even though Morayo was becoming weaker, there was so much strength and inspiration in her life stories.
Morayo’s love for books was beautiful! I understood how she felt towards those who did not protect and have a care for her books. I also loved the references of African culture, literature and art and Morayo’s love for Nigeria.
I am unsure of the relevance of the title of the book, however I found out that the title is the last line of a poem called ‘Donkey On’ by Mary Ruefle. I think the author could have written a full novel on this protagonist.