natalib's reviews
54 reviews

Murder in the Crooked House by Sōji Shimada

adventurous challenging funny lighthearted mysterious slow-paced

3.5

the second was so boring and confusing ,, literally like the people in that house but it picks up in the third act. i love eccentric characters. the mystery of the murder is so outrageous actually but not as outrageous as The Tokyo Zodiac Murders. but the outrageousness makes it all entertaining ! 

What My Mother and I Don't Talk About: Fifteen Writers Break the Silence by Michele Filgate

emotional reflective tense medium-paced

3.0

some great essays, some i find uninteresting. but the different kinds of relationships and what we don’t talk about our mothers were interesting to read about. some instances were relatable and it felt bittersweet to read :’)

Before Your Memory Fades by Toshikazu Kawaguchi

emotional funny hopeful lighthearted relaxing sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? N/A
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? N/A

3.75

an emotional read through and through :’) 

My Body by Emily Ratajkowski

emotional reflective tense medium-paced

4.0

Days at the Morisaki Bookshop by Satoshi Yagisawa

lighthearted reflective relaxing medium-paced

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

3.0

most japanese literature i’ve had the pleasure of reading have been mostly just vibes. this one - like the others - feels like any significant milestones in our lives goes by so quick. we’d process things and move on eventually. human relationships are so beautiful when it’s so simple. when understanding and communication comes easy. i love the relationships and dynamics portrayed in this book. but the pace is a bit draggy. i love the scenic texts. they feel so good for my imagination. would love to go Japan and explore  their secondhand bookstores now. 

Secrets of Divine Love: A Spiritual Journey into the Heart of Islam by A. Helwa
Did not finish book. Stopped at 29%.

uhhh inaccuracies and alot of people encouraged not to read soo

We Free the Stars by Hafsah Faizal

adventurous emotional funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted 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

5.0

The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger
Did not finish book. Stopped at 28%.

just not into it 

We Hunt the Flame by Hafsah Faizal

adventurous medium-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

4.0

The Storm of Echoes by Christelle Dabos

challenging tense slow-paced

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

1.0

More than half the time, I have absolutely no idea what went down in this book because the concepts are very abstract and I was even more confused at the plot twists thrown at me. At some point I wanted to dnf it. The pacing frustrated me the mOST because one moment it picks up and the next minute it’s a whole different story and I just ??? and DON’t even get me started on the ending 😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭 HUH 🤔 1 star from me I’m sorry because the only thing I love from this book are the relationship dynamics between all the characters. However, good thing about The Mirror Visitor series was the political conflicts. It was fun to read but I’m happy it’s over