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krystalgaia's reviews
28 reviews
My Grandmother Asked Me to Tell You She's Sorry by Fredrik Backman
adventurous
emotional
funny
sad
tense
slow-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
4.75
The Idiot by Elif Batuman
funny
informative
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
I don't know why I teared up right after finishing the book. It's not even supposed to be a sad story, but a reflection on the journey to adulthood- about first loves and the pressure to know who you are just because you turned 18.
I found the characters very lovable and to some extent relatable, especially Selin. There were a lot of great passages and I've dog-eared a LOT of pages!
Although I devoured this book in 2~3 days, I found it grueling to complete a chapter, as each chapter had about 80 pages, which made it difficult for me to remember where I stopped.
Anyway, overall -- I loved this!
I found the characters very lovable and to some extent relatable, especially Selin. There were a lot of great passages and I've dog-eared a LOT of pages!
Although I devoured this book in 2~3 days, I found it grueling to complete a chapter, as each chapter had about 80 pages, which made it difficult for me to remember where I stopped.
Anyway, overall -- I loved this!
What You Are Looking For Is in the Library by Michiko Aoyama
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
fast-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
4.0
Such a good, lighthearted book! This won't ruin your vacation and would leave you with a feeling that everything wkll be alright.
I like the overarching theme of moving forward with the things you love, and also loving yourself enough to move forward in the first place.
It has a bit of a slow start though but I recommend this book for when you're looking for easy-to-read anthologies!
I like the overarching theme of moving forward with the things you love, and also loving yourself enough to move forward in the first place.
It has a bit of a slow start though but I recommend this book for when you're looking for easy-to-read anthologies!
You've Reached Sam by Dustin Thao
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
I'm giving this book 3 stars just because the second to the last chapter made me tear up. Anyway, I think the concept is great, and I like stories with soft magic. I just think the delivery could've been better, especially with how monotonous the narration is.
The main character is flat; her decisions towards the end feel rushed and almost out of character, so the payoff isn't good. With how long this book is, the author should've spent more time steeping Julie's character, instead of randomly dropping pieces of information that won't be relevant later on.
This is Thao's debut novel, and there's a lot of room for improvement. I do hope he improves with his next story.
The main character is flat; her decisions towards the end feel rushed and almost out of character, so the payoff isn't good. With how long this book is, the author should've spent more time steeping Julie's character, instead of randomly dropping pieces of information that won't be relevant later on.
This is Thao's debut novel, and there's a lot of room for improvement. I do hope he improves with his next story.
A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman
funny
lighthearted
relaxing
sad
slow-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
5.0
A rollercoaster of emotions. Sometimes I would laugh at Ove's grumpiness and then immediately get silenced by his loneliness. I always knew this book was a tearjerker, but I only cried at two sentences. "Thanks, Grandpa." "More than 300 people came to his funeral."
Definitely better than the Netflix film.
Definitely better than the Netflix film.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Suicide attempt and Suicidal thoughts
Shoko's Smile by Choi Eunyoung
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
This book is a collection of stories about people drifting apart. While I generally enjoy this type of story, the author fell short in execution.
Would still like to read her future works tho!
Would still like to read her future works tho!
Tokyo Ueno Station by Yu Miri
informative
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.0
This novel has a problem with dialogue. Lots of info-dumping and most information are not necessary to the story. I expected a character study of Kazu, but there was nothing like it and I didn't root for him at all. There was just nothing going on.
Human Acts by Han Kang
dark
emotional
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
So heavy.. reminded me of the martial law period in my own country. This book is a very good exploration of the effects of dictatorship in a state, as well as the multiple perspectives of those who lost their loved ones in the fight for justice.
Sufficiently gory, did not overdo the depiction of trauma.
Sufficiently gory, did not overdo the depiction of trauma.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Gore, Gun violence, Police brutality, Sexual assault, War, Injury/Injury detail, Violence, Physical abuse, and Torture
Minor: Suicide
All the Lovers in the Night by Mieko Kawakami
emotional
reflective
sad
fast-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
4.75
This book made me feel lonely in familiar ways. Stunning writing, it was very tactile and I felt the story unravel on my palm. Some scenes dragged a bit, some dialogue were repetitive. But overall -- I enjoyed the story.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual assault and Rape
Convenience Store Woman by Sayaka Murata
funny
hopeful
reflective
sad
fast-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
5.0
Convenience Store Woman is a humorously deadpan yet serious tale of a simple woman with simple desires.
She is constantly challenged by societal norms in the shape of her family and friends, yet she also constantly challenges this notion.
The writing style reminds me of Hiromi Kawakami which I enjoy - albeit a bit repetitive.
But this was offset by the climax and the ending!!
Definitely recommend for those looking for a quick 5-star read.
She is constantly challenged by societal norms in the shape of her family and friends, yet she also constantly challenges this notion.
The writing style reminds me of Hiromi Kawakami which I enjoy - albeit a bit repetitive.
But this was offset by the climax and the ending!!
Definitely recommend for those looking for a quick 5-star read.