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travelseatsreads's reviews
604 reviews
Butter by Asako Yuzuki
dark
emotional
funny
mysterious
reflective
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Described as a novel about food and murder based on a true crime story, I knew immediately, Butter was going to be a book I would devour. On starting the book I expected a fast paced Japanese true-crime style thriller with some food thrown in but what I got was a meandering lustrous story about hunger. Hunger for food, for knowledge, for connections and above all for acceptance.
While yes Butter is all about the food, it is also about so much more than just the food and it is this intricate folding of tantalising food descriptions with pervading commentary on women's weight and beauty standards in Japan which had me hooked. Yuzuki’s skill of blending such contrasting topics enables the reader to challenge their own thinking without feeling too much confrontation. Asako also beautifully depicts many intricacies of Japanese daily living, customs and culture that it’s easy to sink into Rika’s surrounding world.
Yuzuki also shines a mirror on people’s relationships with food, and even their lack thereof, examining connections to childhood, trauma and even individuals’ character and level of self-acceptance, posing many deeper questions. Is food a stand in for pleasure and fulfilment or a representation of it?
A masterpiece in contrast, it somehow felt warmingly comforting, yet clawingly putrid at times. I didn’t so much devour Butter, but indulgently nibbled away and savoured its many layers. Think more of a sumptuous 10 course tasting menu that is hard to forget rather than a punchy 2 course early bird and you’re close.
'What's wrong with coating barren, flavorless reality in oodles of melted butter and seasoning it with condiments and spices.'
Thanks to @4thestatebooks for a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
If you enjoyed this review come follow me on instagram @TravelsEatsReads for more
While yes Butter is all about the food, it is also about so much more than just the food and it is this intricate folding of tantalising food descriptions with pervading commentary on women's weight and beauty standards in Japan which had me hooked. Yuzuki’s skill of blending such contrasting topics enables the reader to challenge their own thinking without feeling too much confrontation. Asako also beautifully depicts many intricacies of Japanese daily living, customs and culture that it’s easy to sink into Rika’s surrounding world.
Yuzuki also shines a mirror on people’s relationships with food, and even their lack thereof, examining connections to childhood, trauma and even individuals’ character and level of self-acceptance, posing many deeper questions. Is food a stand in for pleasure and fulfilment or a representation of it?
A masterpiece in contrast, it somehow felt warmingly comforting, yet clawingly putrid at times. I didn’t so much devour Butter, but indulgently nibbled away and savoured its many layers. Think more of a sumptuous 10 course tasting menu that is hard to forget rather than a punchy 2 course early bird and you’re close.
'What's wrong with coating barren, flavorless reality in oodles of melted butter and seasoning it with condiments and spices.'
Thanks to @4thestatebooks for a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
If you enjoyed this review come follow me on instagram @TravelsEatsReads for more
Reality Check: Making the Best of the Situation - How I Overcame Addiction, Loss, and Prison by Mike The Situation Sorrentino
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Addiction, Alcohol, Drug abuse, and Drug use
Dancing at the Pity Party by Tyler Feder
emotional
reflective
slow-paced
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cancer, Death, Grief, and Death of parent
Spirit Level by Richy Craven
emotional
funny
lighthearted
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Spirit Level is the heartwarming yet hilarious debut novel from Richy Craven which follows our main character Danny and his best friend Nudge after they both experience a horrific drink-driving accident which leaves Danny traumatised and Nudge, well, dead yet somehow still around.
It’s a book that requires you to suspend belief a little, unless ghosts are already your thing, but when you do you are rewarded by a book that somehow gives you a warm cosy hug while also splits your sides from the constant laughs throughout.
I personally think if a book is a little on the far fetched side it needs some really good fleshed out characters and deeper themes to anchor it back to reality and Richy has mastered both of those within the story of Spirit Level. Each character has their own very distinct personality which jumps from the pages and there are a multitude of really meaty themes running throughout. I think it’s Richy’s ability to balance really tough topics such as men's mental health, death and sudden loss with cracking one liners that makes this the masterpiece that it is. It also helps that the book is bursting with Irishness, think silly county digs and a mountain of slang.
Now I’ll just have to try to start to forgive him for his Corkonian bullying tactics in time for his next book.
A must read for anyone looking for a funny easy read which has that little something extra.
Thanks to @gillhessltd and @eriubooks for sending me a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
If you enjoyed this review come follow me on instagram @TravelsEatsReads for more
It’s a book that requires you to suspend belief a little, unless ghosts are already your thing, but when you do you are rewarded by a book that somehow gives you a warm cosy hug while also splits your sides from the constant laughs throughout.
I personally think if a book is a little on the far fetched side it needs some really good fleshed out characters and deeper themes to anchor it back to reality and Richy has mastered both of those within the story of Spirit Level. Each character has their own very distinct personality which jumps from the pages and there are a multitude of really meaty themes running throughout. I think it’s Richy’s ability to balance really tough topics such as men's mental health, death and sudden loss with cracking one liners that makes this the masterpiece that it is. It also helps that the book is bursting with Irishness, think silly county digs and a mountain of slang.
Now I’ll just have to try to start to forgive him for his Corkonian bullying tactics in time for his next book.
A must read for anyone looking for a funny easy read which has that little something extra.
Thanks to @gillhessltd and @eriubooks for sending me a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
If you enjoyed this review come follow me on instagram @TravelsEatsReads for more
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Mental illness, Car accident, and Grief
Moderate: Cancer
I Feel Awful, Thanks by Lara Pickle
emotional
funny
informative
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
4.0
I Feel Awful , Thanks is a beautiful graphic novel which follows our protagonist Joana as she navigates a whole new set of challenges after moving to London. New job, new friends and an overbearing boss are just some of the things which begin to set Joana unraveling.
The book deals with the emotions we experience when things are new and stressful and demonstrates how it's completely normal to have a little overwhelmed meltdown moment every now and again. Through the use of the concept of training your dragons aka emotions, the book also gives some great self-care and self-regulation tips.
The graphics are beautiful and the switching from an occasionally muted palette to one which bursts with colour compliments the theme perfectly. Also, the addition of the magic yet realistic undertone adds a great sense of warmth and fun.
A gorgeous, fun yet helpful read for both adults and teens alike, which will have a little something to take away for everyone.
The book deals with the emotions we experience when things are new and stressful and demonstrates how it's completely normal to have a little overwhelmed meltdown moment every now and again. Through the use of the concept of training your dragons aka emotions, the book also gives some great self-care and self-regulation tips.
The graphics are beautiful and the switching from an occasionally muted palette to one which bursts with colour compliments the theme perfectly. Also, the addition of the magic yet realistic undertone adds a great sense of warmth and fun.
A gorgeous, fun yet helpful read for both adults and teens alike, which will have a little something to take away for everyone.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Mental illness
How He Gets Into Her Head: The Mind of the Male Intimate Abuser by Don Hennessy
dark
informative
slow-paced
4.0
Don Hennessey has spent decades working within the field of domestic violence, with it's victims and indeed it's perpetrators. His wealth of knowledge and experience has been condensed into this highly informative yet harrowing read.
Throughout the book Don details a mine of information about how DV starts, why victims are picked, the horrific implications (both psychological and physical) and how to engage with both victims and perpetrators alike.
Hennessey delves deep into the psyche of the male abuser, explores their many lacking moral underpinnings and shines a mirror on just how destructive, manipulative and damaging their behaviours are.
My only issue with the book was that the writing style itself felt clunky and repetitive. Unfortunately the layout of the book leads to a lot of repetition and discussion of the same concepts which may put some readers off.
A must read for all, especially front line workers. The problem of Domestic Violence is such a systemic one which is rampant throughout Ireland and this books makes a monumental attempt at beginning to tackle that.
Throughout the book Don details a mine of information about how DV starts, why victims are picked, the horrific implications (both psychological and physical) and how to engage with both victims and perpetrators alike.
Hennessey delves deep into the psyche of the male abuser, explores their many lacking moral underpinnings and shines a mirror on just how destructive, manipulative and damaging their behaviours are.
My only issue with the book was that the writing style itself felt clunky and repetitive. Unfortunately the layout of the book leads to a lot of repetition and discussion of the same concepts which may put some readers off.
A must read for all, especially front line workers. The problem of Domestic Violence is such a systemic one which is rampant throughout Ireland and this books makes a monumental attempt at beginning to tackle that.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Domestic abuse, Toxic relationship, Bullying, Violence, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Physical abuse, Gaslighting, Emotional abuse, Misogyny, and Rape
The Fire Starters by Jan Carson
adventurous
challenging
dark
medium-paced
This book was chosen for our Facebook group Book Of The Month with the idea of being something that pushes you out of your comfort zone, and it well and truly succeeded.
The Fire Starters is a book that looks at The Troubles in Northern Ireland from a whole new viewpoint with ribbons of magical realism plaited throughout.
There is so much going on in this book I fear there is no hope of me doing it any justice but there are a few elements which I absolutely adored. Firstly, the writing. It is just simply stunning. Normally I hate books that are overly descriptive or are flooded with imagery but The Fire Starters is full of beautiful and often brutal images and little nuggets that made me actually pause and put down the kindle for a minute. <blockquote>It is like a snapshot of the world’s end: masked children eating ice cream while the whole city glows hell red behind their backs.</blockquote>
I also was fascinated at the contrast between the two roles of Sam and Jonathon as fathers. Immediately once I started reading their stories it had me thinking of just how much of an effect the parenting someone experiences may or may not have an effect on their lives. In one way Sam appears to ignore and sweep the issues under the carpet, leaving his son up to his own devices whereas Jonathon goes completely and drastically overboard in his way of trying to help his daughter. It completely made me question which style was more helpful and which was more detrimental, but also did either father's parenting style even have an impact?
The chapters which looked at The Unfortunate Children were amazing. I personally felt that each of the children's "gifts" hinted at way of them protecting themselves/escaping or a way of setting themselves free from the their situations and surroundings. Chapters such as The Boy With Wheels For Feet and The Girl Who Occasionally Was a Boat especially jumped out in this way to me.
Finally, I loved how Carson looked at the mentality of those surrounding the events of The Tall Fires, especially how some were carrying out these tasks with a sense of duty to their history but without knowing or understanding why.
There is so much to unpick from this book, it really is one to savour and think about rather than fly through. I honestly will probably reread this and come back with some more thoughts.
Overall I just loved how Carson made me think laterally about the troubles, the sense of being trapped in your situation, the need to be free, the concept of protecting or hindering others and so much more.
The Fire Starters is a book that looks at The Troubles in Northern Ireland from a whole new viewpoint with ribbons of magical realism plaited throughout.
There is so much going on in this book I fear there is no hope of me doing it any justice but there are a few elements which I absolutely adored. Firstly, the writing. It is just simply stunning. Normally I hate books that are overly descriptive or are flooded with imagery but The Fire Starters is full of beautiful and often brutal images and little nuggets that made me actually pause and put down the kindle for a minute. <blockquote>It is like a snapshot of the world’s end: masked children eating ice cream while the whole city glows hell red behind their backs.</blockquote>
I also was fascinated at the contrast between the two roles of Sam and Jonathon as fathers. Immediately once I started reading their stories it had me thinking of just how much of an effect the parenting someone experiences may or may not have an effect on their lives. In one way Sam appears to ignore and sweep the issues under the carpet, leaving his son up to his own devices whereas Jonathon goes completely and drastically overboard in his way of trying to help his daughter. It completely made me question which style was more helpful and which was more detrimental, but also did either father's parenting style even have an impact?
The chapters which looked at The Unfortunate Children were amazing. I personally felt that each of the children's "gifts" hinted at way of them protecting themselves/escaping or a way of setting themselves free from the their situations and surroundings. Chapters such as The Boy With Wheels For Feet and The Girl Who Occasionally Was a Boat especially jumped out in this way to me.
Finally, I loved how Carson looked at the mentality of those surrounding the events of The Tall Fires, especially how some were carrying out these tasks with a sense of duty to their history but without knowing or understanding why.
There is so much to unpick from this book, it really is one to savour and think about rather than fly through. I honestly will probably reread this and come back with some more thoughts.
Overall I just loved how Carson made me think laterally about the troubles, the sense of being trapped in your situation, the need to be free, the concept of protecting or hindering others and so much more.
The Unfortunates by J.K. Chukwu
Did not finish book. Stopped at 18%.
Did not finish book. Stopped at 18%.
Too chaotic and just didn't find the main character likeable or interesting.