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Métis millennial Lucky St. James goes on a road trip with her grandma to help find the last magical spoon that will propel the underground witch network, VenCo, to a new beginning while a powerful & deadly witch hunter lurks in the dark.
VenCo is a fast-paced fantasy thriller filled with strong female characters, heartfelt grandma and granddaughter stories, and indigenous culture & wisdom. The ending is a bit predictable but doesn’t take away the experience of a fascinating story about witches and the power of sisterhood
VenCo is a fast-paced fantasy thriller filled with strong female characters, heartfelt grandma and granddaughter stories, and indigenous culture & wisdom. The ending is a bit predictable but doesn’t take away the experience of a fascinating story about witches and the power of sisterhood
After his release from prison for murdering his boyfriend in Berlin, Keith Chen returns to the rural Taiwanese village he grew up in, YongJing, even though he spent most of his youth running away from his traditional family. The youngest child of seven, Keith's parents are gone, his sisters are married/canceled/mad/dead, and his brother is MIA after being arrested for embezzlement. There's really nothing but ghosts in YongJing. And yet Kieth returns to peel back the layers of this desolate town, his family's secrets, and the truth behind his incarceration.
GHOST TOWN is a beautifully-crafted and compelling story with many layers. While the alternating POVs and various characters take some time to get used to, I was impressed by how each narrator, dead or alive, adds to a piece of the puzzle surrounding the mystery of Keith's family & relationships. This writing sacrifices the linearity of one character, but I adore the slice-of-life glimpses into each individual's regrets and sorrows.
GHOST TOWN also has a lot of interesting cultural aspects, especially when it comes to the traditions and beliefs about ghosts. Like when you enter a hotel room for the first time, you knock on the door so the spirits can leave first. These details remind me of all the little things I miss about Taiwan
GHOST TOWN is a beautifully-crafted and compelling story with many layers. While the alternating POVs and various characters take some time to get used to, I was impressed by how each narrator, dead or alive, adds to a piece of the puzzle surrounding the mystery of Keith's family & relationships. This writing sacrifices the linearity of one character, but I adore the slice-of-life glimpses into each individual's regrets and sorrows.
GHOST TOWN also has a lot of interesting cultural aspects, especially when it comes to the traditions and beliefs about ghosts. Like when you enter a hotel room for the first time, you knock on the door so the spirits can leave first. These details remind me of all the little things I miss about Taiwan
STONE is an intimate and courageous memoir detailing Hoja's life, from her care-free childhood celebrating Uyghur culture, her ascension to a well-known kid's TV show host, her exile in the US in reporting incarceration and reeducation of her people, to the overnight disappearance of all her 24 family members.
There's so much I love about this book I can write a whole thesis on it
There's so much I love about this book I can write a whole thesis on it
When death & separation hit the Tan family, and Yuxian moves in with her grandparents, she discovers her love of Chinese medicine. Yuxian observes her grandmother's practices as the few woman physicians in China and develops her skills as an aspiring doctor with her childhood friend training to become a midwife. But when Yuxian enters an arranged marriage and is expected to stay within the confines of the compound for the rest of her life as a wife & mother, Yuxian must figure out a new way to stay connected to her community and love for medicine while growing a new family.
LADY TAN is a mesmerizing novel that beautifully combines the captivating world of Chinese medicine, friendships that transcend societal barriers, and meticulous research that transports me to another time and place. See's attention to detail and thorough research shines through, immersing me in the intricacies of the ancient healing practice of Chinese Medicine.
As someone who took a required Chinese Medicine course in undergrad (and almost failed
LADY TAN is a mesmerizing novel that beautifully combines the captivating world of Chinese medicine, friendships that transcend societal barriers, and meticulous research that transports me to another time and place. See's attention to detail and thorough research shines through, immersing me in the intricacies of the ancient healing practice of Chinese Medicine.
As someone who took a required Chinese Medicine course in undergrad (and almost failed
Entering her sophomore year in college, Sahara feels like a failure. As she struggles with her grades, relationship, and body dysmorphia, her fellow Black classmates keep dying. Sahara negotiates with her "life partner"—her depression—for one more year before her inevitable death and finds hope & redemption when least expected.
UNFORTUNATE is a powerful novel that delves into the harrowing experiences of a black woman navigating academia, where systemic racism and the lack of support for marginalized students prevail. Chukwo fearlessly confronts heavy themes such as mental health struggles, microaggressions, and racism within academic institutions while seamlessly interweaving dark humor throughout the narrative.
I deeply appreciated how Chukwo fearlessly confronts the issue of disappearing black students, shedding light on the systemic barriers and prejudices that can drive individuals to the brink of despair. Sahar's journey through depression and her contemplation of suicide is heart-wrenching yet serves as a wake-up call to the pressing need for change within educational institutions.
I listened to UNFORTUNATES on audiobook, but I was so captivated by its depth that I purchased a physical copy for future rereads. The mixed media elements within the book further enhance the reading experience, and is something I missed on the audiobook. UNFORTUNATES is such an underhyped gem that it deserves more recognition.
UNFORTUNATES is a phenomenal story that adds layers and nuance to the dark academia genre, and tackles important topics of marginalized individuals attending historically oppressive institutions and the mental health burden these BIPOC students bear.
UNFORTUNATE is a powerful novel that delves into the harrowing experiences of a black woman navigating academia, where systemic racism and the lack of support for marginalized students prevail. Chukwo fearlessly confronts heavy themes such as mental health struggles, microaggressions, and racism within academic institutions while seamlessly interweaving dark humor throughout the narrative.
I deeply appreciated how Chukwo fearlessly confronts the issue of disappearing black students, shedding light on the systemic barriers and prejudices that can drive individuals to the brink of despair. Sahar's journey through depression and her contemplation of suicide is heart-wrenching yet serves as a wake-up call to the pressing need for change within educational institutions.
I listened to UNFORTUNATES on audiobook, but I was so captivated by its depth that I purchased a physical copy for future rereads. The mixed media elements within the book further enhance the reading experience, and is something I missed on the audiobook. UNFORTUNATES is such an underhyped gem that it deserves more recognition.
UNFORTUNATES is a phenomenal story that adds layers and nuance to the dark academia genre, and tackles important topics of marginalized individuals attending historically oppressive institutions and the mental health burden these BIPOC students bear.
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After a senseless attack in college, Cho Norie moves to Tokyo to start a new life. But even as she befriends her colleagues, she is forced to hide herself—her past, sexuality, and mental health. As her ghosts catch up to her, Norie must find the courage to go on and escape from her solo dance.
Alternating between Norie's time in Taiwan and Japan, SOLO DANCE is a coming-of-age story depicting the pain and trauma of a closeted queer woman attending Taiwanese schools and working in Japanese corporates.
Li frequently references NOTES OF A CROCODILE (Qiu Miaojin) throughout the text, and Norie's character development is closely related to Lazi's decisions in NOTES. As such, readers will benefit greatly from having read NOTES first to better understand Li's writing.
What separates SOLO DANCE from NOTES is its depiction of modern queer life and communities. I also love that SOLO DANCE includes Taiwanese/Japanese pop culture, even referring to a popular Taiwanese band, F.I.R., and their song The Thorn Birds ✨ While Taiwanese/Japanese classics often reference Eurocentric music and films, I adore the modern literature that doesn't rely on its proximity to whiteness to make its way to the US.
At its core, SOLO DANCE is an ode to life, living, and staying alive. It reminds me of the song 生きていたんだよな (Ikite Ita Nda Yo Na) by あいみょん (Aimyon)
Alternating between Norie's time in Taiwan and Japan, SOLO DANCE is a coming-of-age story depicting the pain and trauma of a closeted queer woman attending Taiwanese schools and working in Japanese corporates.
Li frequently references NOTES OF A CROCODILE (Qiu Miaojin) throughout the text, and Norie's character development is closely related to Lazi's decisions in NOTES. As such, readers will benefit greatly from having read NOTES first to better understand Li's writing.
What separates SOLO DANCE from NOTES is its depiction of modern queer life and communities. I also love that SOLO DANCE includes Taiwanese/Japanese pop culture, even referring to a popular Taiwanese band, F.I.R., and their song The Thorn Birds ✨ While Taiwanese/Japanese classics often reference Eurocentric music and films, I adore the modern literature that doesn't rely on its proximity to whiteness to make its way to the US.
At its core, SOLO DANCE is an ode to life, living, and staying alive. It reminds me of the song 生きていたんだよな (Ikite Ita Nda Yo Na) by あいみょん (Aimyon)
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The famous Orient Express train to Europe is stopped in its tracks by a snowdrift. By morning, millionaire Samuel Edward Ratchett is murdered and stabbed a dozen times. Isolated by the storm without any trails on the fresh snow, the murderer is undoubtedly a fellow passenger. Can Detective Hercule Poirot identify the killer before they strike again?
When I think of Agatha Christie, I'm reminded of some of my happiest childhood memories reading cleverly crafted whodunits that absolutely blow my mind. Rereading EXPRESS after so many years, I'm still so impressed by how Christie comes up with the most original locked room mysteries.
Even better is the gorgeous full-color illustrations by Al-Greene that bring the characters to life. And I can finally put a face to Poirot! This version matches my imagination/memory waaay better than Daniel Craig's rendition
When I think of Agatha Christie, I'm reminded of some of my happiest childhood memories reading cleverly crafted whodunits that absolutely blow my mind. Rereading EXPRESS after so many years, I'm still so impressed by how Christie comes up with the most original locked room mysteries.
Even better is the gorgeous full-color illustrations by Al-Greene that bring the characters to life. And I can finally put a face to Poirot! This version matches my imagination/memory waaay better than Daniel Craig's rendition
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After his studies in Europe, Crisóstomo Ibarra returns to the Philippines and meets the town's parish priest at a party. While Crisóstomo has grand ideas for the future of his country, he experiences hostilities and pushback from the Catholic Church. What ensues is a struggle between Asian resistance and European colonialism.
TÁNGERE, translated from Spanish into English, is a literary journey that took me through the intricacies of Philippine society under Spanish occupation. The translation is surprisingly modern despite its historical context and provides a vivid portrayal of the challenges faced by each character.
TÁNGERE delves deep into theology and Catholic Church structures, which left me perplexed since I don't know much about Christianity. A quick Google search helped me understand the significance of the Christianity-related elements, but it might be a stumbling block for readers unfamiliar with the cultural and historical context.
What makes TÁNGERE epic is its role in inspiring Philippine independence. The narrative, however, tends to meander into tangents, making it challenging to follow the main story. Personally, I found myself consulting the Wikipedia plot summary for clarification as I progressed through each chapter, ensuring a more comprehensive understanding.
Regardless of its stylistic shortcomings, TÁNGERE paints a vivid picture of the horror and injustices endured under the Spanish occupation, with a critical eye on the Church's role in exacerbating rather than alleviating the suffering of the people. The last 10% of the book is where the story truly grips me, offering relevance that extends beyond its historical setting and into contemporary issues.
Despite the initial challenges, I am grateful for the opportunity to read this Asian classic, as it provides valuable insights into the Philippines' history and the fight for independence. I'm so excited for the next Asian classics group read and the chance to explore more literary gems that broaden my understanding of different Asian cultures and histories.
TÁNGERE, translated from Spanish into English, is a literary journey that took me through the intricacies of Philippine society under Spanish occupation. The translation is surprisingly modern despite its historical context and provides a vivid portrayal of the challenges faced by each character.
TÁNGERE delves deep into theology and Catholic Church structures, which left me perplexed since I don't know much about Christianity. A quick Google search helped me understand the significance of the Christianity-related elements, but it might be a stumbling block for readers unfamiliar with the cultural and historical context.
What makes TÁNGERE epic is its role in inspiring Philippine independence. The narrative, however, tends to meander into tangents, making it challenging to follow the main story. Personally, I found myself consulting the Wikipedia plot summary for clarification as I progressed through each chapter, ensuring a more comprehensive understanding.
Regardless of its stylistic shortcomings, TÁNGERE paints a vivid picture of the horror and injustices endured under the Spanish occupation, with a critical eye on the Church's role in exacerbating rather than alleviating the suffering of the people. The last 10% of the book is where the story truly grips me, offering relevance that extends beyond its historical setting and into contemporary issues.
Despite the initial challenges, I am grateful for the opportunity to read this Asian classic, as it provides valuable insights into the Philippines' history and the fight for independence. I'm so excited for the next Asian classics group read and the chance to explore more literary gems that broaden my understanding of different Asian cultures and histories.
In this collection of interviews mainly focused on KILLING COMRADE, Kawakami invites the readers to peer into Murakami's writing process and philosophies. There's nothing more joyful than reading two of my fav authors talk about writing. There are so many interesting conversations, from how Murakami comes up with ideas, his belief that novels should be "kind", his refusal to explain his stories, to his seemingly apolitical stories, I relished every moment of these interviews.