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sleepylizard's reviews
89 reviews
The Book of Japanese Folklore: An Encyclopedia of the Spirits, Monsters, and Yokai of Japanese Myth: The Stories of the Mischievous Kappa, Trickster Kitsune, Horrendous Oni, and More by Thersa Matsuura
informative
medium-paced
5.0
Very informative book. It is quite literally an encyclopedia, with all the entries listed in alphabetical order. All the entries describe the yokai, give an example of a folk story they're in, and then give examples of how it's influenced modern pop culture.
Very interesting, the author narrates the audiobook herself and has a very soporific voice so it's a good audiobook for bedtime.
Very interesting, the author narrates the audiobook herself and has a very soporific voice so it's a good audiobook for bedtime.
Zachary Ying and the Dragon Emperor by Xiran Jay Zhao
adventurous
emotional
funny
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? Yes
4.25
I really liked the concept and the premise. The little tidbits about Chinese mythology and history can be a little forced into the narrative every now and again but they're still interesting to read about. Sums up the experience of 1st generation immigrants very well, and the overwhelming process of trying to reconnect to your culture despite being a stranger to it.
Bonus points for the main character being Muslim Hui Chinese and queer, drawing attention to the Chinese government's horrific treatment of Muslim Chinese people, and Miao Chinese rep.
Bonus points for the main character being Muslim Hui Chinese and queer, drawing attention to the Chinese government's horrific treatment of Muslim Chinese people, and Miao Chinese rep.
Azula in the Spirit Temple by Faith Erin Hicks
adventurous
dark
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
How to Train Your Dragon by Cressida Cowell
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
Babel by R.F. Kuang
adventurous
challenging
dark
inspiring
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.75
One of the best books I've ever read
I wish I could collate all my favourite quotes together but there'd be too many! What a fantastic book - I especially loved the chapters where Kuang goes deep into the etymology side of things. It's definitely a read for anyone who's a bit nerdy about languages and etymology but it's fun amentally a powerful political book.
The only criticism is that it takes so long for the characters of Letty, Victoire and Ramy to be built up, we only really get that satisfaction towards the second half of the book. But I'm sure that's done intentionally.
I wish I could collate all my favourite quotes together but there'd be too many! What a fantastic book - I especially loved the chapters where Kuang goes deep into the etymology side of things. It's definitely a read for anyone who's a bit nerdy about languages and etymology but it's fun amentally a powerful political book.
The only criticism is that it takes so long for the characters of Letty, Victoire and Ramy to be built up, we only really get that satisfaction towards the second half of the book. But I'm sure that's done intentionally.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Racial slurs, Racism, Sexism, Suicide
Moderate: Drug use, Gun violence, Misogyny, Torture, Violence, Police brutality, Murder, Colonisation, War, Classism
Minor: Alcoholism
Be Water, My Friend: The Teachings of Bruce Lee by Shannon Lee
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
4.0