Very slim volume with good impact. 

Rereading for the first time since college. Raise the Red Lantern is honestly my favourite of the stories. Lotus is really unlikable, but is placed in such a situation that is designed to bring out the worst in all the women.

Ending with a new young concubine joining the household gives one such a sinking feeling.

The other two novellas take place in the same village, following different families. Nineteen Thirty Four Escapees had such good lines that left me thinking about how I am connected to, as Su Tong put it, "the chain of humanity".

Loved learning about the women author's Jane Austen loved (or loathed in one case). I loved the descriptions of how the books felt in the author's hands as well. Really approachable and left me with lots of thinking to do. Plus a lengthened TBR.

There is something so enthralling and magical about the way Murakami writes. And then he writes a woman/girl that completely distracts me from the narrative.

Why does the 36 main character have an extended convo with a 13 year old about her boobs??? Why does he do this???

Picked this up on a whim and had to stop myself several times from crying. An interesting set up with some beautiful moments.

I really liked the ending line being "you coming?" So layered with meaning!

Some really good sci-fi happening here. Won't give a rating, because I did enjoy some stories over others. Still a solid collection that introduced me to new authors to look out for!

Honestly made my heart pound at several points. A sneaking, creeping horror followed me across the pages. Love it!

I connected with Sasha in several weird ways, even though we are very different people. A very odd book that I am not sure I enjoyed, but do feel like it will stick with me in odd moments for a long time.

Still loved the dragons and enjoyed Isabella's characters. I will say that this being based on a Victorian England person in a "our world with dragons" situation lead to issues with the African coded cultures/characters. I am not sure how much research/pulling from real world stuff that the author did, but I do think she fell short in the depictions here. The political situation felt a little confusing and made the plot of all the borders/countries a little hard to follow. I am hoping that there the next book is better.

Cute and sweet. Loved imagining the outfits Likotsi and Fabiola are wearing! Honestly wanted more time for them and don't think I am the biggest fan of instalove.