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htoomanybooks's reviews
170 reviews
People Who Talk to Stuffed Animals Are Nice: Stories by Ao Omae
reflective
slow-paced
4.0
This book consists of 4 short stories and all of them are meaningful—not in a traditional sense but how modern people struggle with modern issues individually.
The book envelopes an important feminist message that how “normal” people react on “normal” social standards and rules for gender, friendship and relationship; how “desensitization” is considered “normal” in society.
mini reviews below for each story in the book [may contain spoilers]
જ⁀➴₊⊹
୨୧ Realizing Fun Things Through Water
— Modern people’s decision on not wanting marriage while being with someone who does. I learn that people get afraid to hurt someone so they choose to be dishonest.
୨୧ People Who Talk to Stuffed Animals Are Nice
— A guy who is sensitive and feminine enough to fit in with girls but eccentric for boys. He is uncomfortable with sexist jokes that most guys make which considered to be “normal”. He wants a lover just because but underneath he just wants a safe person regardless of sex of a friend. All he wants is someone who cares as much as he does of people, who is disgusted by terrible news as much as he is and who talks to stuffed animals in the same way he does.
୨୧ Bath Towel Visuals
— A girl who doesn’t want to laugh her brother’s jokes anymore but wants to pretend like a ghost by putting a towel over her head.
୨୧ Hello, Thank You, Everything’s Fine
— A family who lives on a precipitous cliff and the house is filled with eerie atmosphere. A little girl has concerns with her brother because all he does is “communicating” when using his laptop. One day, he was eaten by the tapes to be transported where his non-existent friends exist.
Sweet Bean Paste by Durian Sukegawa
emotional
hopeful
4.5
This book is positively heartwarming but also undeniably important as well. The old woman (but I see as a grandma) had Hansen’s disease aka Leprosy when she was young. As a result, her fingers were out of shape, crooked and half of her face was kind of deformed.
The story unfolds how she wanted to work so badly at this Dorayaki shop despite her appearance. However, a young man who ran the shop with his complicated past and uncertain future was not willing to accept her but he was gradually impressed and convinced because of her impeccable skill in making the filling with red bean.
The story showcases their journey together, the friendship they forged, and the lessons they learned from each other.
This book is a testament to the human spirit, resilience, and the power of friendship. It shows how people from different parts of earth has their own struggles and pain, but still can find solace and understanding in each other. It's a touching story that reflects on the true meaning of beauty and how society often overlooks the beauty of inner souls for the physical appearance.
What You Are Looking For Is in the Library by Michiko Aoyama
hopeful
lighthearted
4.5
"What You Are Looking for is in the Library" - Michiko Aayoma, translated by Alison Watts
You know how you crave a pie or dumplings all of a sudden when get a whiff of it while passing some place or just from standing on the balcony.
When you get an inspo on a whim by coming across something on Pinterest or when you want to pick up a certain book just because the review was convincing enough.
This book envelopes this significant message that everything we have encountered and everyone we have crossed paths are never an accident but rather meant to be. Tiny things we forget to notice can influence a huge way in our daily lives. People we’re not even that close with can change our lives in a blink.
Sometimes it’s just one conversation. Sometimes it’s just one book.
The story includes five main characters whose lives were being sucky, filled with disappointments, FOMO, struggles and burdens. However, the universe creates ways for them to visit a library in their ward so they could meet the star— the librarian. Even though, the book mainly unfolds the stories of them, but it’s also about supporting characters. Without them, there won’t be new chapters in their lives.
This book reminds me that life is short and the world is even smaller. We are all connected to each other. And books are there to unite each differing world, therefore libraries exist. And librarians are god-sent angels.
I always love when books I’m reading mention other books and it’s also about people reading and having hobbies which bring them joy. Sometimes life is really simple yet when it has become unbearable, we can always take shelter in books.
This book gave me hope when I had none and still in search. This book really said, “Take my hand…and you will be okay.”
The Cat Who Couldn't Be Bothered by Jack Kurland
lighthearted
fast-paced
4.0
This is the first book I read in 2024 and what a lovely and comforting way to start this year. It's super short (only 40 pages) but I have so much adoration for this little cat who don't want to participate anything that his friends do. Because he just wants to do nothing.
This book gives me a whole new perspective on how we should normalize on not doing anything and not having any "interesting" plans especially on special holidays. Particularly, this time of year when everyone is setting resolutions and life-changing bucket lists, I feel like it's okay if we're not setting any goals at this moment right now.
Why? Because I am that cat in human body.
Also, as a side note, I just love it when he corrects his real name when his friends were calling the wrong one the whole time without knowing it. Personally, it's a big step for some people and reading about it makes me smile.
This book gives me a whole new perspective on how we should normalize on not doing anything and not having any "interesting" plans especially on special holidays. Particularly, this time of year when everyone is setting resolutions and life-changing bucket lists, I feel like it's okay if we're not setting any goals at this moment right now.
Why? Because I am that cat in human body.
Also, as a side note, I just love it when he corrects his real name when his friends were calling the wrong one the whole time without knowing it. Personally, it's a big step for some people and reading about it makes me smile.