to be read
Farewell to the Coffee Shop of Kabul - Deborah Rodriguez
This book got me thinking about the privilege which I have to live my life free of persecution and instability. Often a guilt lingers in me that wonders why I am able to live freely and safely while entire populations are displaced, unsure if they'll see the next day. The 24 hours which a person in a war-torn country experiences is in stark contrast to my own, and it makes me ill to think that I live my days often ignorant of the pain and suffering which others go through.
My own problems are insignificant in comparison to the perpetual threat of rape, torture, persecution and death, and this book was a timely reminder of that.
Look Back - Tatsuki Fujimoto
Single volume manga is so underated, honestly. Even though you may not be able to read more about the characters you've met, I hate the feeling of wanting to continue reading, but not having the next volume readily available. Having just one volume means that I can access the entire story now, and come back to it whenever I want.
This manga explored childhood envy, an artist's purpose, regret and guilt, and human ego. Fujino's re-imagination of the tragic events that played out could be taken at face value - her contemplating the possibilities - but there were certain elements that showed how Fujino's envy of her childhood friend still permeates her regret. She's still as proud as ever when Kyomoto praises her in the alternate timeline, and even imagines Kyomoto being accused of plagiarising an artist's work (this is the crux of it for me, because Fujino spent a sizable amount of her childhood being jealous of Kyomoto's more detailed illustrations and trying to outdo her competition. Accusing Kyomoto of being disingenous in her subconscious would obviously be the easiest way to soothe her need to be the best).
All That's Left Unsaid - Tracey Lien
If Funny Ethnics was like looking into the mirror, All That's Left Unsaid is like looking into my *soul*. One of the minor characters (10 year old Lulu Woo) had red clown lips (dermatitis) from licking them too much and oh my god did that take me back to being a child because I too licked my lips too much and had sore, red, cracked lips for at least a month. I loved Minnie's remarks, Denny's pure innocence, and related to Ky's impatient, rule-following personality a lot. Most of the characters in the book were interconnected, which I found amusing in its' truth - because I swear to god everyone knows each other in my tight-knit fob community...
This book was a soothing (in the familiarity of POC experiences, not the nature of the plot) portrayal of being Vietnamese in Australia, and the implications which this has in the midst of the Cabramatta heroin trade and epidemic during the 90s and 00s. Prejudice is heightened, distrust plagues the community, and systemic flaws let vulnerable populations slip through the cracks, only to be reprimanded by white politicians because all immigrants are incapable of assimilating into proper society, apparently.
Breakfast With My Two-Tailed Cat, Vol. 2
NII MAKES ME SO HAPPYYYY (the two-tailed nekomata in question, who I really cannot fathom being a nekomata because he is not cruel nor devious in the slightest). I started from Volume 2 so I didn't get much backstory (Volume 1 was already checked out :c), but I'm reserving the first volume quick smart! I giggled and swooned so hard at the adorable and wholesome stories UGH since this is a new series, Volume 3 will be coming out some time in 2025. I cannot possibly wait that long without something to keep me going LOL. I neeed to find more manga to read. This is a sign for me to get an AnimePlanet account to hunt for more hehe.
Dust Child - Nguyễn Phan Quế Mai
I devoured this book in a week, reading it during any spare time I had. I must admit that it was the plot and drama that kept me engaged rather than the characters. This, combined with the vivid historical and dramatic descriptions of life in Việt Nam spanning the war to today, made it read like a biographical film.
I already had an inkling of what was to come in the story, but there were definitely plot points that I didn't see coming. Honestly, I felt that some of the said plot points were a bit underdeveloped and coincidental for convenience. Inevitably, it felt reminscent of "Miss Saigon" and "Madama Butterfly" with the whole "oriental girl falls in love with an American GI" story. I didn't cry while reading this, but I am left with a sense of emptiness for the events that unfolded and the scars that remain on the characters' lives.
quotes
"Once Phong's tears had dried and everything became quiet, he learned the weight and depth of sorrow. He understood the true meaning of loneliness; it ate at his core the way termites ground away at their meager furniture."
"During his years with Sister Nhã, he'd realised that plants and nature always offered him comfort, and were in fact kinder than most people."
"He wasn't sure, but he yearned for a partner with whom he could share his love for reading. For him, a conversation about books represented the most intimate discourse. It revealed a person's values, beliefs, fears, and hopes. Experiencing the same books enabled people to travel on similar journeys and brought them closer together."
"Back at the apartment, she sat staring at her stomach. She realised that her involvement with Dan, just like his country's involvement in Việt Nam, was a mistake. Both caused irreparable damage, leaving the Vietnamese to clean up the mess."
“She had tried to live an honest life, but the war had given her no choice."
“When you depart from your first anchor - your mother's womb - you will be pulled away by unexpected currents. If you can fill your boat with enough hope, enough self-belief, enough compassion, and enough curiosity, you will be ready to weather the storms of life.”
Flying Witch, Vol. 1
Picked up this manga on a whim at my local library and it's so cute and funny. I love the Harbinger so much HAHA. I don't know, I always love it when traditionally scary characters are represented with a charming personality. I'm not usually one for fantasy in manga, but it's incorporated in such a way in this slice of life that I like (low fantasy ftw).
quotes
Makoto: I wonder if it's okay to eat [snow]?
Makoto: Oh, so my things arrived.
Kei: Yeah...they did, but isn't this...a lot?
*Shows mountains of boxes*
Makoto: Not at all. It's just right for a girl.
Kei: This is...your real mother.
Chinatsu: Mommy!
Makoto: Ack! I'm not your mom!
Kei: Sheesh...it's just like I always say: "Don't be a slave to common sense."
Nao: YOU NEVER SAID THAT! QUIT TRYING TO BE COOL.
Makoto: This mandrake is for you! A token of our friendship!
*Kei in visible discomfort*
Kei: My parents tell me not to worry about [taking over the family business], that I should do what I like.
Makoto: Really? You've been blessed with such nice parents.
*As Makoto chases the pheasant*
Kei: She's tilling the soil.
*When Chito does the same thing*
Makoto: Ah hahaha! Chito, you silly thing. You're just going back and forth!
*When Makoto got home by herself without getting lost*
Makoto: I have to write it down in my diary, so I don't forget this happy moment!!"
*Proceeds to get lost again*
Makoto: Things like eggplants, cucumbers, tomatoes, corn, kabocha, okra, bell peppers, goya melons, zucchini, Chinese chives...I guess? Oh, and I'd like to grow some herbs, too.
Hirayasumi, Vol. 1
I think it's been a year and a half since I last read manga...safe to say it's been a hot minute. But! Oh my god. I already know that I'm a SoL whore in animanga, books, and shows, but I just discovered the sub-genre of iyashikei, or healing slice of life. Highly sensitive beans such as I appreciate this very much. I also loved the art style. Honestly, a major reason why I can't get into animanga is because of the overly sexualised illustration styles and depictions of women, but so far so good.
I also want to read Yotsuba&!, the original Midnight Diner manga (Shin'ya Shokudō), and Chi's Sweet Home. I'll definitely be on the lookout for other wholesome manga series (with minimal romance please!) ^-^
Darling - India Knight
To Uncle Matthew, Davey, and dearest Jassy, thank you for being the most lovable characters I have met this year. This book felt like being invited to a cosy family dinner and feeling immediately at home. I also just love the Radletts for their hatred of modern minimalist house decor (!!). The ending, though. Not expected. Nor necessary. My heart was broken, but I still loved the book with my entire being.
quotes
The point is, I am not what Davey would call a social creature. I mean, I know lots of people, but I don't really like any of them enough. I like them for an hour, or maybe for lunch, but then I get bored...companionable boredom. I think that's when you can be completely happy. I don't actually know anyone like that who I'm not related to. - Linda Radlett
Bontings, to us, were the absolute apogee of greatness and lovability, the sorts of people you wished you could carry about in your pocket and place on your bedside table at night. - Frances (Franny) Logan
Despite my criminally dull early life, I will be fascinating when I talk. - Jassy Radlett
I Love You So Mochi - Sarah Kuhn
As much as Kimi acts like your stock-standard YA protagonist, the journey which she embarks on romantically and personally was sweet and endearing to read. The descriptions of the food! Places! Emotions! And Akira is the perfect book boyfriend, much to the despair of my perpetual singlehood.
The Art of Frugal Hedonism - Annie Raser-Rowland, Adam Grubb
I absolutely adore this style of charming, humorous writing. This is probably my lifestyle bible in all honesty. Frugality runs in my veins and it was immensely comforting to know that there are other humans ditching the ideas of happiness we've been force-fed for the simpler pleasures of life.
Radio Silence - Alice Oseman
Frances, Frances, Frances. I need to create a page of every book character who I relate to because my GOD my need for academic validation was well-represented through her. And a page for lovable characters. *Cough* Aled Last *cough*.
Funny Ethnics - Shirley Le
Growing up as an ethnic minority myself, Le's depiction of growing up Asian in Australia could pass as my own childhood memories.
Convenience Store Woman - Sayaka Murata
For better or for worse, this was the book that changed my writing style permanently - even beyond the creative realm. The deadpan narration coupled with needless yet vital descriptions and astute worldly observations was my introduction to translated literature. Keiko felt like looking into the mirror, as uncomfortable as that was. The decision she made at the end of the book reaffirmed that I must follow my own path in life - this book is a reminder of that.
Anne of Green Gables: A Graphic Novel - Mariah Marsden, Brenna Thummler
Thummler's illustrations are beautiful. If I could, I would take every page and stick them on my walls. This was released after the first season of Anne with an E was released, and the fact that she resembles Amybeth McNulty so much solidifies my love for this comic.
Totto-Chan: The Little Girl at the Window - Tetsuko Kuroyanagi
I was today years old when I learnt that there was a Totto-Chan anime feature film released in 2023 (I'm going fucking insane!!@#). This book was beyond gorgeous. I'll admit that it took me a while to get into it, but I devoured it after making it through the first few pages, in love with the childlike whimsy and naïvety.
Six Crimson Cranes - Elizabeth Lim
Cat's Eye - Margaret Atwood
Oh, Margaret, I love you. Growing up has never felt more vividly painful. I liked this more than the Handmaid's Tale to be honest. I remember when my high school English teacher saw me reading this. I think it was the first time I felt like a literature snob.
Pachinko - Min Jin Lee
It was insane how absorbed I was with this book. Possibly my favourite of all time. I had borrowed this book on a one week loan (due to its popularity) and was devastated when I had to return it halfway through. It was certainly a fight to get my hot little hands on it again.
At Dusk - Hwang Sok-yong
This read like a hearty swig of melancholia. This was my gateway drug into other works by Hwang.
Familiar Things - Hwang Sok-yong
RAHH I LOVE THIS BOOK. Authorial commentary on those left behind by economic mobility but wrapped up in a little magical realism (ft. dokkaebi)? Hell yeah!
Princess Bari - Hwang Sok-yong
I swear, the books I read by Hwang just get better each time. We follow Bari, a North Korean girl fleeing from famine during the 1990s, throughout her journey spanning China and the United Kingdom. THE IMAGERY! Gorgeous.
Sweet Bean Paste - Durian Sukegawa
Okay, this is the best piece of translated Japanese literature I've read thus far. I think I cried. In terms of quotes, you best believe I'm highlighting the entire fucking book.
“People’s lives never stay the same colour forever. There are times when the colour of life changes completely.”
The Life-Changing Manga of Tidying Up - Marie Kondo
I bought this initially when I was going through my minimalism phase back in 2020/21(?). I loved seeing Chiaki's lifestyle transformation and newfound optimism for her life. That kind of thing always makes me happy.
Love and Gelato - Jenna Evans Welch
The Netflix adaptation did NAWT do this justice. But yes, take me to Tuscan countryside. Now.
Kisses and Croissants - Anne-Sophie Jouhanneau
I too, would love to be taken around Paris by a stranger, but that is not how our world runs!
Kiss and Spell - Suzanne Selfors
I love Ever After High with every fibre of my being. And I loved being able to follow the lives of more minor characters in the series against the landscape of the Fairy Tale World.
Next Top Villain - Suzanne Selfors
