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wallflower_bookshelf's reviews
75 reviews
Record of a Night Too Brief by Hiromi Kawakami
3.5
3.5-3.75/5
The stories in this book are the weirdest I’ve ever read. It was like if Paprika (one of my favourite anime movies) was put to the max and then multiplied. Despite that, I found myself really enjoying the atmospheric absurdity of everything that happened. Usually translated fiction loses a lot of the atmosphere or fanciness in English, but I found myself utterly immersed in this book. I’ve been struggling to find meaning in each of the stories and I think that’s part of the fun. The confusion did sometimes become an obstacle to my concentration, though. I didn’t give it that high of a rating because even though I liked it, this isn’t something I’ll be thinking about for a long time but I think that’s what usually happens with short story collections (at least for me). Despite that, this was a very extraordinary reading experiences. The stories were incredibly unique and I’ve never read anything like it before.
The stories in this book are the weirdest I’ve ever read. It was like if Paprika (one of my favourite anime movies) was put to the max and then multiplied. Despite that, I found myself really enjoying the atmospheric absurdity of everything that happened. Usually translated fiction loses a lot of the atmosphere or fanciness in English, but I found myself utterly immersed in this book. I’ve been struggling to find meaning in each of the stories and I think that’s part of the fun. The confusion did sometimes become an obstacle to my concentration, though. I didn’t give it that high of a rating because even though I liked it, this isn’t something I’ll be thinking about for a long time but I think that’s what usually happens with short story collections (at least for me). Despite that, this was a very extraordinary reading experiences. The stories were incredibly unique and I’ve never read anything like it before.
Lord Arthur Savile's Crime by Oscar Wilde
3.75
I loved this! It was so funny and interesting to me, and the writing style was enjoyable. I got some great quotes out of this and found the main character, Lord Arthur, to be entertaining. Genuinely my favourite little black classic so far.
Little Women by Louisa May Alcott
4.0
It was such a lovely book that I could easily relax to. I felt like I was living with them and the characters were so likeable and different. The slice of life feel of it all was so wonderful to me after reading some books that were either dark or just plain bad. The morals that it teaches throughout the chapters, the friendship, the family, and everything was so pleasant and such a nice palette cleanser. The copy I have only had Little Women and not Good Wives, but I’m not sure if I’ll pick it up. I spoiled a lot of the second half for myself and I genuinely don’t think I can handle the sisters growing into adulthood and marrying off. I might watch the movie instead just so I don’t hurt my feelings because of my fear of growing up.
The Dallergut Dream Department Store by Miye Lee
2.75
Honestly, I think the whimsy and descriptions were lost in translation. It felt like I was being spoon-fed throughout the book and I just felt kind of bored. I did tear up a little though at the “Meeting With The Dead” dreams but I tear up at everything. I also liked the characters . They were all unique and the world around them was so fascinating. The dreams and setting was interesting to read about but I didn’t like the writing style as much as I hoped to. I might read the second book because I’m hoping to see more of maxim.
I might raise this to a 3/5 as I sit with my thoughts more.
I might raise this to a 3/5 as I sit with my thoughts more.
The Honey Locust by Jeffrey Round
slow-paced
3.25
The book was decently written. The characters all had their own flaws and I could empathize but also go against them. Each character had depth that I loved, and the writing showed the perspectives of each individual. The main character’s journey was interesting and moving to follow. The only reason why I rated it this way was because it was also kind of boring to me. I never felt like wanting to pick it up and it felt like a chore.
Preferential Treatment by Heather Guerre
3.5
I usually hate romance. I often can’t stand romance books or films, and I’m critical of it even as a subplot. I dislike it so much to the point I avoid many romantasies despite enjoying them. All my hatred for romance makes my hatred for smut even more severe. I find it corny, gross, and often extremely boring. This book defeated all my expectations. I was obsessed with the couple and the smut scenes were actually so fun to read. I’ve never been invested in a book this much before to the point I read it all in one NIGHT. The only reason it wasn’t higher is because despite having really good smut, a lot of the scenes that seemed like they would’ve been fun to read about were mentioned rather than shown. And why does the smut scene start in the middle of the deed?? I also didn’t like the politics. I usually enjoy that type of stuff but what was the point if in the end, Mikhail didn’t truly care about the lower class? It was only because of his love for Kate which would've been fine for other things but it made Kate seem so hypocritical. If he doesn’t change to show any compassion, what’s the point of having that element other than showing how submissive he is and pissing me off? There are other ways of showing his devotion without including politics that lead to nowhere and seem randomly placed.
The Navigating Fox by Christopher Rowe
4.0
This was such a whimsical and fun book. The characters were so charming, interesting, and enjoyable. The writing style was unique and I loved the world within the book. Lovely read!
The First Phone Call from Heaven by Mitch Albom
3.75
t was such a beautiful story. It showed grief and different perspectives on the events that started the everything which showed the complexities of different people and relationships. I LOVE Mitch Albom’s writing style, and I got so many amazing quotes out of this. The only reason I didn’t fully connect to this story is because I don’t practice the religion shown in the book and I’m not at all religious. Despite that, there were parts I connected with. It reminds me of the quote, “Grief is just love with no place to go.”