jvedjs's Reviews (175)

Cold Enough for Snow

4.5

emotional reflective relaxing slow-paced

Plot or Character Driven: Character

what a cozy and calm read. au’s writing is deeply introspective and moving… made me reflect about the vast difference and often the disconnect found in asian families, one i found relatable to my own. i also loved the details of the characters journey, my brain was brewing it up as scenes in a delicate, tender movie. i also enjoyed her writing about art. the writing was simple in nature but thought-provoking and reflective at the same time.

Five Tuesdays in Winter

Lily King

3.25

challenging dark emotional funny reflective sad tense slow-paced

Plot or Character Driven: N/A

Strong character development: No

Loveable characters: Complicated

Diverse cast of characters: No

Flaws of characters a main focus: Complicated

a slow, decent read. i felt like most stories fell short to me. they were all well-written, but many of the stories and characters were lacking something, like i had found myself wanting a bit more, unsatisfied. though i did enjoy “five tuesdays in winter,” “north sea”, “when in the dordogne” & “man at the door”. some of the themes and topics were quite heavy as well.

I Love You, Call Me Back: Poems

Sabrina Benaim

4.25

emotional inspiring reflective sad tense medium-paced

lovely collection of poems. honest, raw but tender in some ways. my favorite pieces were the ones read like spoken word, i can just imagine her rhythm and tempo while reading it. powerful.

Stay True

Hua Hsu

4.25

challenging emotional reflective sad tense medium-paced

hsu’s writing is deeply reflective, philosophical, nostalgic and beautiful altogether. i’ve found myself relating to the same lull and questioning state of who we are and what we will become that he often wrote about in this book. it felt like a gentle, quiet yearning for something greater—all to realize the greatness lies in the mundane and simple things in life. lovely tribute to his late friend, as well as an ode to all those trying to navigate that messy transition from being teenagers to adults.

Kitchen

Banana Yoshimoto

4.75

emotional hopeful inspiring reflective sad medium-paced

banana yoshimoto’s writing is like a warm, tender hug to my soul.

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