✨ "Everything worth doing is worth doing the Asian way – that is, with high accuracy."

The Good, the Bad, and the Aunties by Jesse Q. Sutanto was like hanging out with my favorite funny bunch again. It was a delightful conclusion to a beloved series that never fails to deliver laughter and excitement.

Picture this: Meddy and her hubby Nathan, fresh off their dreamy European honeymoon, end up in Jakarta for Chinese New Year celebrations with her wacky family. But instead of peaceful festivities, they land smack dab in the middle of a gangster showdown with names like Kristofer Kolumbes and Julia Child – talk about a wild ride!

Yeah, as a cozy mystery, this book may not offer a groundbreaking plot and is wild and kinda over-the-top, but who cares when you're laughing so hard you're crying? What sets this series apart is its perfect blend of absurdity and heart. The characters, though, they're the real stars. Meddy, with her determination and love for her family, Nathan being the sweetest guy ever, and those Aunties with their never-ending banter – they're all so relatable and lovable. The criminal aliases like Kristofer Kolumbes and Julia Child add a hilarious twist to the story. I appreciated the focus on Meddy throughout the book as it allowed her to show her own growth amidst the Aunties.

This is my third book by Sutanto this year, and her portrayal of Jakarta in all these books adds an extra layer of authenticity and charm to the story, making it feel like a love letter to its setting. Her descriptions of Jakarta make it feel like another character in the story.

But saying goodbye to this crew? It's tough and bittersweet! I'm not ready to bid farewell to Meddy and her Aunties. Saying goodbye feels like parting ways with characters from your favorite sitcom. However, this conclusion left me with a sense of closure. I can't wait to see what Sutanto cooks up next.

Thank you Berkley Publishing, and Netgalley for this e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.

If books were a warm hug, The Reading List by Sara Nisha Adams would be one of them. I first stumbled upon this book upon its release, but it was only recently, when I saw it recommended by Kajree on Instagram, that I was prompted to finally read it. To be honest, I certainly didn't think I would love it this much!

This debut is nothing out of the ordinary, to be honest. A book about books (a reading list specifically), predictable characters, family drama, and a simple plot. But, in its simplicity lies its charm! Its straightforwardness makes you get lost in its pages and feel closer to these characters.

Set in Wembley, London, the story revolves around Mukesh, a widower still grieving the loss of his wife, Naina. Mukesh, who is not a reader, wants to connect to his granddaughter in the way his wife used to and finds that that medium is books. This leads him to the Harrow Road Library, where he meets Aleisha, a young librarian dealing with her own family struggles. The book is not plot-heavy; rather, the narrative unfolds slowly, meandering through the everyday lives of the characters. The typical family drama of Mukesh and his daughters reminded me of almost every Asian household. Aleisha's story, on the other hand, is one of the internal struggles of caretakers of a sick family member and how it changes their relationships. This story is like a slice of life mirroring our experiences.

Adams has beautifully captured the healing and transformative power of books. It highlights the joy of reading and the ways in which stories can bring people together, offering comfort and hope in difficult times. Seeing Mukesh and Aleisha bonding over the books on a mysterious reading list was such a happy experience. There are a bunch of others too who found that reading list at various places, left behind by an unknown benefactor, but that list unknowingly brings together a diverse group of individuals, each finding comfort and healing in the stories they read. I am glad I have read two of the books mentioned in the list but I surely now want to read the rest :)

Another aspect Adams touches in the book is the importance of libraries as community institutions, and advocates for their preservation.

The Reading List is an uplifting read for sure and reminds us the importance of literature in our lives and the connections we can forge through storytelling. If you like books about books and heartwarming stories, or simply are a book lover, I am sure you will find something to resonate with in this novel.

P.S. In case you are interested in knowing what books are mentioned in the reading list in the book:
- The Time Traveler's Wife (not actually in the list but an important part of the story)
- To Kill a Mockingbird
- Rebecca
- The Kite Runner
- Life of Pi
- Pride and Prejudice
- Little Women
- Beloved
- A Suitable Boy