Witch Hat Atelier, Vol. 3

The moment when Coco reversed the signs on the spell to bring the crushed plant material in the apothecary back to its original state to help Tartah was so cool and heartwarming :D

Witch Hat Atelier, Vol. 2

Tetia is so cute and Agott's backstory makes a lot of sense. I got introduced to Olruggio, and I can't wait to see more Qifrey x Olruggio interactions. The food excerpt is just like Dunmeshi (I will never shut up about it). I hope there are more food scenes! I know there's the Witch Hat Atelier Kitchen spinoff too eeee

Brush buddies are too cute, and carapace yams loook very intriguing. It reminded me of my weird obsession with plants and vegetables, so I'll be planning a fieldnotes page on it.

Lonely Castle in the Mirror - Mizuki Tsujimura

Holy fuck. I started bawling in the last 1/3 of the book. I loved all the kids to bits, but Masamune was my favourite (he gives off Chilchuck energy). I'd say the main pitfall of this book is the writing style, how the exposition is just given to you straight, a tell not show situation. I predicted a fair amount of the plot twists in the book too. BUT there were also a handful of plot points I did NOT see coming :D

Oddly enough, I appreciated this predictability, as it allowed for the story to be really well connected and tied together. Below are some raw thoughts I had when reading:

How We Disappeared - Jing-Jing Lee

Set in Singapore during the Japanese Occupation in WW2, we learn of the lives of comfort women on the island and the lasting repercussions of war trauma on families and individuals generations after surrender. Though I was aware of comfort women in Korea, I did not know that the same horrors extended across the opposite end of the continent, during a time which my own grandmother would have been the same age.

Despite the heavy subject matter, I'm glad that I made this my first read of 2025. The story was compelling, and the narratives flowed well. I also enjoyed learning of the cultural references that are unique to Singapore. Reading this made me think of the current silent generation, and the histories that each of them carry, both as a burden, and a symbol of grit and survival.

Witch Hat Atelier, Vol. 1

I snatched up a free copy of the first volume on Google Books and took it as a sign that I had to read it LOL. It was one of the top manga series that were suggested for those who enjoyed Dungeon Meshi, along with Frieren, so the two were on my priority list to check out.

I should've known I would've loved it, given that Flying Witch is also another manga I love. The artwork is stunning beyond measure, and I already know I'm gonna love the characters to bits.

The Wedding Party - Lin Xinwu

I'd say the only downside to this book is that it was highly descriptive and hard to read at times, as well as the extremely character driven story. The interconnectedness of all the inhabitants of the sìhéyuàn and how their lives have been shaped by the Cultural Revolution is how I'd summarise this story. It felt like an analysis of personalities and an intricate observation of the people and reasons behind what they do and how they are.

Wandering Souls - Cecile Pin

I was initally very confused about the multiple narratives - especially our nameless philosopher/writer, but it suddenly hit me who was narrating and it all made sense (I flicked back and re-read the segments LOL). I ended up appreciating it a lot by the end, as well as the satisfying slices of happiness our protagonist is afforded. The dialogue on the "correct" way to grieve, and the performative nature of expressing your grief to others was extremely interesting. I also appreciated the discourse surrounding the 2019 lorry deaths in Essex and Thatcher's refugee policies.

I find myself reading the same Asian immigrant diaspora stories over and over again. Perhaps it is an attempt to reconcile my own identity.

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).

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.

Flying Witch, Vol. 2

Not saying I don't love this manga anymore, but I take back what I said about low fantasy > high fantasy (I'm writing this review post Witch Hat Atelier and Dungeon Meshi). It's honestly so fascinating to see how magic differs in different manga universes...

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).

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.

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, which I loved and detested at the same time. I think Kimi's grandparents were the best part though. Especially her grandad. Fun read overall :)

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*.

Whenever I blog, I feel like Aled with his secret Universe City podcast LOL. I loved the exploration of asexuality and the rejection of university as the de facto first step into adulthood.

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.

Cat's Eye - Margaret Atwood

I love you Margaret Atwood. Growing up has never felt more vividly painful. I liked this more than the Handmaid's Tale to be honest. A large portion of this book was brutal and bleak, but I felt deeply for Elaine's childhood experiences. Toronto is like her Pandora's box, full of harsh memories.

Pachinko - Min Jin Lee

I hate that the final third of the book dropped off for me. The first two-thirds were so engaging. I loved Issak, Sunja, Noa, Mozasu and Kyunghee the most, and their lives in Japan was my favourite section of the book.

The contrast in lives between Noa and Mozasu from their upbringing was extremely intriguing too.

At Dusk - Hwang Sok-yong

Despite being quite the depressing read, I found it to be very introspective regarding environmental and societal change, memories, and growing out of/surviving poverty.

Although the plot was minimal in my opinion, I liked this because it was very much like a love letter to the cities we once knew, the hometowns that were gentrified for economic re-development, and the memories lost in the process of destruction.

Familiar Things - Hwang Sok-yong

Magical realism in the form of dokkaebi (goblins) characterises this book as we follow Bugeye, a boy recently displaced with his mother to Flower Island, a landfill site used for government re-education programs. Past the undesirable nature of his reality, Bugeye escapes to worlds both imaginary and tangible to escape the unrelenting and apathetic society who has disposed of those like him.

Princess Bari - Hwang Sok-yong

Reading of Bari's life in North Korea before the famine was beautiful and lusciously written. The many perils which she faces from China to London are characteristic of the immigrant journey story, but the magical realism was a nice addition.

Sweet Bean Paste - Durian Sukegawa

This is my favourite translated Japanese book thus far. In terms of quotes, you best believe I'm highlighting the entire fucking book. Aside from the emotional beauty of this book, I appreciated the opportunity to learn about the Japanese sanatoriums for leprosy patients, and the social prejudices that haunted the lives of the afflicted.

“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.

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. Books about food are my FAVOURITE. Therefore, any book with Ginger Breadhouse is going to be held close to my heart. All the sweets and pastries, accompanied with witchcraft!

Ginger's unrequited crush on Hopper in this book too. My girly shouldn't be done like this :(

Next Top Villain - Suzanne Selfors

Oh Duchess Swan, you cunning, conniving, spiteful queen (endearingly). She's the EAH equivalent of Raquelle and I find her so funny in the show. But this book revealed a more empathetic lens towards Duchess, and the fear that she holds about her future.

I loved reading of Duchess' quests to foil everyone's plans, and the cute little redemption arc at the end :)

A Semi-Charming Kind of Life - Suzanne Selfors

Darling and Dexter's sibling relationship is TOO CUTE. Darling Charming is such a badass too. I too want to seize my life and have the desire to boldly declare who I am to the world, but is yet aware of the consequences of doing so.