katonthejellicoe's reviews
162 reviews

Welcome to the Hyunam-dong Bookshop by Hwang Bo-Reum

informative inspiring lighthearted reflective relaxing sad medium-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

This was everything I expected it to be—and more. Hyunam-dong Bookshop became a comfort place in my head. The characters, albeit flawed and complex, felt like home. This book is a must for every book lover because, indeed, as the blurb says, "...a glorious love letter to books and reading."

Here's to my new favorite book.

Dila at Bandila: Ang Paghahanap sa Pambansang Panlasa ng Filipinas by Ige Ramos

informative inspiring lighthearted reflective medium-paced

4.0

Sa loob ng isandaang pahina, binusog ako ni Ige Ramos ng iba't-ibang pagkaing Filipino — hindi lamang ng sangkap at istilo ng pagluluto, kundi pati ang pinagmulan, kasaysayan, agrikultura, at kapookan ng mga ito. Tamang-tama ang timpla ng mga sanaysay. Balanse saking panlasa ang istruktura. Kumbaga sa Ingles, "cravings satisfied!"

The Solemn Lantern Maker: A Novel by Merlinda Bobis

dark emotional mysterious reflective sad tense slow-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? No

4.5

Elmer by Gerry Alanguilan

challenging dark reflective sad tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

On the surface, 'Elmer' is a story about how chickens became sentient beings. On its very core, this comic book is about prejudicial violence, animal cruelty, and ironically, human rights. The illustrations also perfectly fit the atmosphere and tone that the story was trying to achieve, albeit disorienting at times.

Never Lie by Freida McFadden

dark mysterious tense fast-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? Yes

what the heck

The Summer of Letting Go by Catherine Dellosa

emotional hopeful inspiring reflective sad medium-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

3.75

Veiled by Khiara Laurea

challenging mysterious reflective tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.75

Seek Ye Whore and Other Stories by Yvette Tan

dark mysterious reflective sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

The Inheritance of Orquídea Divina by Zoraida Córdova

dark mysterious reflective sad tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

Ascension by Eliza Victoria

dark mysterious sad tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0