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sebby_reads's reviews
242 reviews
A Ladder to the Sky by John Boyne
3.0
Maurice was an aspiring writer working at a hotel in Berlin. One night at the hotel bar, he met the award winning writer Erich who was there for literature festivals. And then Maurice became Erich‘s assistant and starters touring around Europe with him. Erich confided some of his past he never told anyone before and Maurice was eagerly intrigued. The tour ended and so was their friendship. But when Maurice’s debut novel came out, Erich’s life was in chaos for the book was based on his past secret. Maurice didn’t stop there. He continued to manipulate people close to him and steal other writers’ stories to adapt into his own. How far he was willing to go for the success was unimaginable.
With unexpected twist and turns, it was a joyful and scary rollercoaster ride to read this book. 3.5 out of 5 stars. I’ve read only two books by John Boyne, the Boy In The Striped Pyjamas and Stay Where You Are And Then Leave. Both are war related novels and I enjoyed reading both.
With unexpected twist and turns, it was a joyful and scary rollercoaster ride to read this book. 3.5 out of 5 stars. I’ve read only two books by John Boyne, the Boy In The Striped Pyjamas and Stay Where You Are And Then Leave. Both are war related novels and I enjoyed reading both.
Tell the Wolves I'm Home by Carol Rifka Brunt
3.0
Slow in the beginning and one third of the book but I pick up the pace afterwards. It may seem like just another coming of age story. However , the setting is different from other stories. The intelligent yet soft and misfit protagonist, June, struggled to fit in at school and at home. She and her sister grew apart and always busy parents were seldom there for them. Uncle Finn was the only person who truly understands her. He’s an artist and slightly famous for his works. He passed away recently and he painted a pictured June and her sister before his death. The story evolved after Finn’s funeral. His lover contact June for a chance to meet and tell her more stories about Finn she hasn’t known.
This is quite a good story to read although the writing is a little off sometimes. I skipped a few paragraphs sometimes as I wasn’t patient anymore not because I was eager to know. Simply because it was lengthy and verbose in some chapters. Nonetheless, it was a beautiful story and about being lost and invisible and misunderstood. The last few chapters were impeccable and affecting. 3 out of 5 stars.
This is quite a good story to read although the writing is a little off sometimes. I skipped a few paragraphs sometimes as I wasn’t patient anymore not because I was eager to know. Simply because it was lengthy and verbose in some chapters. Nonetheless, it was a beautiful story and about being lost and invisible and misunderstood. The last few chapters were impeccable and affecting. 3 out of 5 stars.
The President Is Missing by Bill Clinton, James Patterson
4.0
I admit I chose this book by its title. Very much interesting, both the title and the co-author of the book are. This is my first Patterson. I’ve seen so many of his books at the store but never tried before. And former US President, Bill Clinton, co-wrote this? I had to read this!!!
It’s about America under threat for a computer virus which wasn’t made to steal any data or corrupt the data but to wipe out the entire nation’s data and shut down the communication systems. The President sneaked out of the White House in disguise to meet with someone to negotiate the deal at a baseball game. And it all goes south from there. Not only to solve this cyberterrorism, he has to find a traitor in his administration who leaked the sensitive information.
Nowadays, we are doing almost everything systemised and we gotta agree that our day to day operations become rapidly advanced. At the same time, together with the advancement, we have become vulnerable. We are so reliant to the technology and communication system that we can’t process anything or we can’t possibly move forward without those digitally stored data and the connectivity to access them. That becomes our vulnerability.
The good political thriller based on modern technology is quite rare to find. I haven’t read a good political thriller since Dan Brown’s Digital Fortress. (It‘s still one of my favourites.) This book could be my second favourite political thriller. Coincidentally, I was in the midst of watching, Designated Survivor, a US political drama, on Netflix. I was picturing some characters from the series as some from the book. As mentioned in the back cover, Clinton’s insider secrets and Patterson’s storytelling genius make this the political thriller of the decade. 4 out of 5 stars.
It’s about America under threat for a computer virus which wasn’t made to steal any data or corrupt the data but to wipe out the entire nation’s data and shut down the communication systems. The President sneaked out of the White House in disguise to meet with someone to negotiate the deal at a baseball game. And it all goes south from there. Not only to solve this cyberterrorism, he has to find a traitor in his administration who leaked the sensitive information.
Nowadays, we are doing almost everything systemised and we gotta agree that our day to day operations become rapidly advanced. At the same time, together with the advancement, we have become vulnerable. We are so reliant to the technology and communication system that we can’t process anything or we can’t possibly move forward without those digitally stored data and the connectivity to access them. That becomes our vulnerability.
The good political thriller based on modern technology is quite rare to find. I haven’t read a good political thriller since Dan Brown’s Digital Fortress. (It‘s still one of my favourites.) This book could be my second favourite political thriller. Coincidentally, I was in the midst of watching, Designated Survivor, a US political drama, on Netflix. I was picturing some characters from the series as some from the book. As mentioned in the back cover, Clinton’s insider secrets and Patterson’s storytelling genius make this the political thriller of the decade. 4 out of 5 stars.
The Tattooist of Auschwitz by Heather Morris
3.0
Based on the true story of Lale Sokolov who was prisoner first in Auschwitz and later given the job of tattooing the prisoners. As the Tätowierer (tattooist), Lale was given more rations of food than others. He shared with his fellow prisoners and helped them in many ways.
One day, he fell in love with Gita, the girl waiting in line to be tattooed by him. With his wit and intelligence, he made ways to be with Gita and attempted to create a slight brief of heaven in the concentration camp. The story shared the fall of Hitler army and how they have survived the Holocaust.
I had quite a mixed feeling while I was reading the book. I have read about the horrid treatment in concentration camp, and how badly scarred the Holocaust survivors were. Compared to those, this is somewhat lightweighted and more romantic than necessary.
There’s no doubt about the hard labour and mistreatments received by Lale and other prisoners there. I do believe it was the most inhuman act we’ve seen in the history of mankind. But the way it was written was quite delicate compared to the intense and horrendous reality.
Perhaps the writer intended to showcase more about the tender love between Lale and Gita. Nevertheless, it shouldn’t lessen the horror of Holocaust. I have expected more from this book. 3 out of 5 stars.
One day, he fell in love with Gita, the girl waiting in line to be tattooed by him. With his wit and intelligence, he made ways to be with Gita and attempted to create a slight brief of heaven in the concentration camp. The story shared the fall of Hitler army and how they have survived the Holocaust.
I had quite a mixed feeling while I was reading the book. I have read about the horrid treatment in concentration camp, and how badly scarred the Holocaust survivors were. Compared to those, this is somewhat lightweighted and more romantic than necessary.
There’s no doubt about the hard labour and mistreatments received by Lale and other prisoners there. I do believe it was the most inhuman act we’ve seen in the history of mankind. But the way it was written was quite delicate compared to the intense and horrendous reality.
Perhaps the writer intended to showcase more about the tender love between Lale and Gita. Nevertheless, it shouldn’t lessen the horror of Holocaust. I have expected more from this book. 3 out of 5 stars.
Desire by Haruki Murakami
3.0
A collection of Murakami’s 5 short stories. A very thin book with merely over 100 pages, it was a fast yet enjoyable read. Although I had read 3 stories in this book, On seeing the 100% Perfect Girl One Beautiful April Morning, Birthday Girl, and Samsa in Love, I read them again hoping that I might have slight differences in my opinions toward these three.
The other two stories —the Second Bakery Attack and A folklore for My Generation: A Prehistory of Late-Stage Capitalism—are wonderful read, too. The Second Bakery Attack was quite a vague one but it seemed as natural as a Murakami’s novel. But for a Folklore of My Generation, it is a splendid one. It’s a perfectly balanced mixture of psychology and how one stands for his/her value in life with a dash of human nature sprinkled on top. I just love it.
The other two stories —the Second Bakery Attack and A folklore for My Generation: A Prehistory of Late-Stage Capitalism—are wonderful read, too. The Second Bakery Attack was quite a vague one but it seemed as natural as a Murakami’s novel. But for a Folklore of My Generation, it is a splendid one. It’s a perfectly balanced mixture of psychology and how one stands for his/her value in life with a dash of human nature sprinkled on top. I just love it.
A Gentleman in Moscow by Amor Towles
5.0
I guess it might be a bit early to say I’ve read the best book in 2019 but A Gentleman in Moscow ticks all the boxes. What a lovely story!! If I hadn’t been quite occupied with other tasks, I could have finished this book in 3 or 4 days.
Count Alexander Rostov was a Russian aristocrat and a regular at the Hotel Metropol in Moscow. He was sentenced to house arrest indefinitely at the Metropol (but in a smaller room with lesser luxury) following his conviction by a Bolshevik tribunal. From one of the hotel’s most prestigious guest to a member of the wait staff, the Count spent over 3 decades at the Metropol. The fascinating story of the Count started to evolve when he met a 9 year old girl who approached him at the piazza during his lunch. With each page I turned, I couldn’t wait to find out what Towles had penned for his future.
At the beginning, I find it a bit extravagantly elaborated about the Count’s character but then slowly I picked up the pace. It is supposed to be written this way so that the reader understood the lifestyle of the Count and could stand in his shoes. Insightful storytelling with compelling proses and heartfelt conversations by the protagonist and beautiful character curves, I just love this entire book despite my unfamiliarity with some Russian words and its history. I’ll give 4.5 out of 5.
Count Alexander Rostov was a Russian aristocrat and a regular at the Hotel Metropol in Moscow. He was sentenced to house arrest indefinitely at the Metropol (but in a smaller room with lesser luxury) following his conviction by a Bolshevik tribunal. From one of the hotel’s most prestigious guest to a member of the wait staff, the Count spent over 3 decades at the Metropol. The fascinating story of the Count started to evolve when he met a 9 year old girl who approached him at the piazza during his lunch. With each page I turned, I couldn’t wait to find out what Towles had penned for his future.
At the beginning, I find it a bit extravagantly elaborated about the Count’s character but then slowly I picked up the pace. It is supposed to be written this way so that the reader understood the lifestyle of the Count and could stand in his shoes. Insightful storytelling with compelling proses and heartfelt conversations by the protagonist and beautiful character curves, I just love this entire book despite my unfamiliarity with some Russian words and its history. I’ll give 4.5 out of 5.
Go: A Coming of Age Novel by Kazuki Kaneshiro
3.0
.: Book 6 of 2019 — Go by Kazuki Kaneshiro :.
Sometimes in life we made a wrong turn and it took us to some place we’ve never been to. It’s not the destination you chose but it’s quite alright to be there. This is how I happened to read this book. I was actually looking for Kazuo Ishiguro’s book but I mistakenly took this book. The slight resemblance in author’s first name might be the confusing factor, I guess.
It was actually not bad. A Korean student in A Japanese high school stayed tough to defend himself from the bullies. In the midst of adolescent and the identity crisis, he fell helplessly for a Japanese girl. He kept it as a secret for him being a Korean. At one night, he revealed voluntarily to her and the girl left him. Torn between self-discovery and prejudices of others, he had to choose who he wanted to become.
First time reading an Asian YA with a dash of romance and this is quite alright. It makes me want to read more coming of age stories from Asian literature. A little disappointed for the ending though cause it felt like it ended abruptly and not the way I want it to end. Not my usual cup of tea but I’d give 3 out of 5 stars.
Sometimes in life we made a wrong turn and it took us to some place we’ve never been to. It’s not the destination you chose but it’s quite alright to be there. This is how I happened to read this book. I was actually looking for Kazuo Ishiguro’s book but I mistakenly took this book. The slight resemblance in author’s first name might be the confusing factor, I guess.
It was actually not bad. A Korean student in A Japanese high school stayed tough to defend himself from the bullies. In the midst of adolescent and the identity crisis, he fell helplessly for a Japanese girl. He kept it as a secret for him being a Korean. At one night, he revealed voluntarily to her and the girl left him. Torn between self-discovery and prejudices of others, he had to choose who he wanted to become.
First time reading an Asian YA with a dash of romance and this is quite alright. It makes me want to read more coming of age stories from Asian literature. A little disappointed for the ending though cause it felt like it ended abruptly and not the way I want it to end. Not my usual cup of tea but I’d give 3 out of 5 stars.
A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman
4.0
What a lovely story with a mixture of sorrow, empathy and joy. It’s a story of an old grumpy man struggling to continue living in the same neighbourhood after the death of his beloved wife. His younger years were hard but he met his wife to be, it was the beginning of a life worth living for.
“People said Ove saw the world in black and white. But she was the color. All the color he had.”
The chapters took turns to showcase Ove past and present. The empathy and love I have for Ove grew stronger after finding out about his difficult younger years. It was fun to read his stubbornness in the present days, too. The first book to make me cry in 2019 while reading it. I thoroughly enjoyed it and I’d definitely recommend it to some of you. 4 out of 5 stars.
“People said Ove saw the world in black and white. But she was the color. All the color he had.”
The chapters took turns to showcase Ove past and present. The empathy and love I have for Ove grew stronger after finding out about his difficult younger years. It was fun to read his stubbornness in the present days, too. The first book to make me cry in 2019 while reading it. I thoroughly enjoyed it and I’d definitely recommend it to some of you. 4 out of 5 stars.
Tales of Accidental Genius by Simon Van Booy
3.0
I’ve read two of his books previously and love, love, love both immensely. The eloquence I found in his proses are mesmerising and the stories are fascinating. I purchased this collection of his short stories at #BigBadWolf sales a couple of weeks ago.
In this book, I love The Goldfish, A Slow and Deliberate Disappearance, and Infidelity amongst the seven short stories. Each short story has own unexpected turns of events and subtle twists await at the corner to brought me to pure joy or great sadness.
The longest and the last piece in the book, Golden Helper II: An Epic Fable of Wealth, Loneliness, and Cycling, was confusing to read at first for its a bit peculiar format but it was interesting read in fact. I love a few proses in this one, too.
In this book, I love The Goldfish, A Slow and Deliberate Disappearance, and Infidelity amongst the seven short stories. Each short story has own unexpected turns of events and subtle twists await at the corner to brought me to pure joy or great sadness.
The longest and the last piece in the book, Golden Helper II: An Epic Fable of Wealth, Loneliness, and Cycling, was confusing to read at first for its a bit peculiar format but it was interesting read in fact. I love a few proses in this one, too.
Little Fires Everywhere by Celeste Ng
3.0
It all began with the fire that burned down the Richardson house. In fact, the youngest Richardson daughter burned the house down. Their already perfect lifestyle, except the occasional outburst of the youngest daughter, got slight changes when Mrs. Richardson rented out their another house to a single mother and the daughter—Mia and Pearl. The secrets from Mia’s past and Mrs. Richardson’s ways of finding information as a journalist, Pearl in between her close friendship with the second Richardson son and her crush on the eldest son. The story intertwined with the town’s latest event of who should be the rightful parent(s) of the baby left at the fire station: her own mother who abandoned her first when things are tough but wanted to get the baby back when she could managed things in her life? Or the couple who are in process of adopting the kid? Chapter by chapter, the writer takes us to the beginning of everything with colourful narration by various characters.
What a book to start the new year. I’ve been hearing about all the raving reviews of this book but I just haven’t picked it up yet. My Instagram booknerds convinced me to read it for 2019 and I finally started reading it on the new year day. A little over 300 pages, it was a very enjoyable read with an interesting storytelling. I picked up quickly after first few pages of the book. 3.5 stars out of 5, I’d rate. I’m glad this will be adapted to mini series with Kerry Washington and Reese Witherspoon. Looking forward to watching it soon.
What a book to start the new year. I’ve been hearing about all the raving reviews of this book but I just haven’t picked it up yet. My Instagram booknerds convinced me to read it for 2019 and I finally started reading it on the new year day. A little over 300 pages, it was a very enjoyable read with an interesting storytelling. I picked up quickly after first few pages of the book. 3.5 stars out of 5, I’d rate. I’m glad this will be adapted to mini series with Kerry Washington and Reese Witherspoon. Looking forward to watching it soon.