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Showing posts with the label literary fiction

Worst Books of the Year (So Far!)

These are all the books I gave either 3 stars or less and all the DNFs. The only 3 star book:  Juliet Takes a Breath graphic novel by Gabby Rivera and Celia Moscote All the DNFs:  Deep as the Sky Red as the Sea by Rita Chang-Eppig Days at the Torunka Cafe by Satoshi Yagisawa Shokugeki no Sanji by Yuro Tsukuda Beach Read by Emily Henry Yerba Buena by Nina LaCour  Always a Catch Volume 5 by Mayo Momoyo Fall in Love You False Angels Volume 4 by Coco Uzuki The Island Book 1 by Gordon Korman A Condition Called Love Volume 1 by Megumi Morino A House of Tailors by Patricia Reilly Giff Saffy's Angel by Hilary McKay The Tropic of Serpents by Marie Brennan Brigands and Breadknifes by Travis Baldree Sorceline Volume 1 by Sylvia Douye Jane and Dan at the End of the World by Colleen Oakley The Queer Girl is Going to Be Okay by Dale Walls Kim Jiyoung Born 1982 by Cho Nam-Ju The Scapegoat by Daphne du Maurier All Systems Red by Martha Wells Sheeta's Little Big World Volume 3 by Yuk...

Favorite Adult Fiction Books

  So if you've been on my blog long enough you know I mostly read middle grade and YA, but I do still like some adult fiction! Here is a list of adult fiction books I have read so far and loved. Romance  Close Enough to Touch by Colleen Oakley The Invisible Husband of Frick Island by Colleen Oakley  Funny Story by Emily Henry  Book Lovers by Emily Henry People We Meet on Vacation by Emily Henry Chef's Kiss by Garrett Melendez She Loves to Cook series by Sakaoumi Yuzaki    Literary Fiction  Sweet Bean Paste by Durian Sukegawa We'll Prescribe You a Cat by Syou Ishida  Morisaki Bookshop duology by Satoshi Yagisawa  The Vanishing Half by Britt Bennett  I Want to be a Wall trilogy by Honami Shirono    Fantasy  Legends and Lattes (and the prequel Bookshops and Bonedust) by Travis Baldree  Daughter of the Moon Goddess by Sue Lynn Tan Lonely Castle in the Mirror by Mizuki Tsujimura The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern The Sta...

Cake-Flavored Book Tag

  I have no idea who originally made this tag. I just saw this over at zeezeewithbooks.wordpress.com and thought it looked fun!  Feel free to do this tag, too!  1. Chocolate Cake: A dark book you absolutely love I'm gonna go with a more recent favorite! Nightbooks and the sequel Gravebooks by JA White. It's a great middle grade horror duology!  2. Vanilla Cake: A light read.  I got two! A Sign of Affection and Yotsuba&! are two lighthearted manga series. 3.  Red Velvet: A book that gave you mixed emotions Definitely the Kyoshi duology of the Avatar: The Last Airbender novels. The story itself overall wasn't too bad--I just found the books hard to get through because I didn't like the author's writing style!  4. Cheesecake: A book you would recommend to anyone. Confessions from the Group Chat by Jodi Meadows. It's about a middle school girl who deals with a toxic group of friends but eventually finds better friends. I think we've all been though so...

Sailor Moon Book Tag!

  This tag was originally created by Alexa Loves Books on YouTube. The original video can be watched here .  I tagged some people over on Instagram. But anyone is free to do this tag! I do not own Sailor Moon. It is owned by Naoko Takeuchi.   1. Sailor Moon: A book that makes you hungry.  Several! I am a huge foodie so I read a lot of books centered around food. Two that come to mind are A Banh Mi for Two by Trinity Nguyen and  The Princess and the Grilled Cheese Sandwich  by Deya Muniz.  2. Sailor Mercury: A book that features science and technology. Two that come to mind are both by Margaret Peterson Haddix: Double Identity and Turnabout .  3. Sailor Venus: A book that makes you want to play video games. Bye Forever I Guess by Jodi Meadows.    4. Sailor Mars: A book inspired by mythology and folklore. Where the Mountain Meets the Moon by Grace Lin. 5. Sailor Jupiter: A book that gives you strong feelings I got several, but a re...

December Wrap Up

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Yes, I am just reposting what I posted over on Instagram, but I think this makes the post more fun to look at.   

A-Z TBR Challenge

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I saw this was being done over on Instagram, and I wanted to join in! As usual, I don't know when I will get around to any of these books. 

November Wrap Up!

  I read a total of 11 books and I DNF 2. Links to reviews if applicable. 5 star books: How to Talk to Your Succulent by Zoe Perisco Almost American Girl by Robin Ha Spells for Lost Things by Jenna Evans Welch Dinosaurs at the Dinner Party by Edward Dolnick More Days at the Morisaki Bookshop by Satoshi Yagisawa In the Name of the Mermaid Princess Volume 7 by  Yoshino Fumikawa and Miya Tashiro Always a Catch! Volume 1 by  Mayo Momoyo and Kaki Nagato Fall in Love, You False Angels Volume 2 by Coco Uzuki    4.5 star books: Fall in Love, You False Angels Volume 1 by Coco Uzuki Always a Catch! Volume 2 by Mayo Momoyo Kaki Nagato   The only 2-star book:   Firefly Wedding Volume 1 by  Oreco Tachibana   The two books I DNF: Mimosa by Archie Bongiovanni girlmode by Magdalene Visaggio

What I Read and DNF'd the Last 4 Months

  Well, it's a long list so instead of dividing it up by month, I will divide it up by ratings. The 5 stars books  Witch Hat Atelier Volume 13 by Kamome Shirahama Call the Name of the Night Volume 5 by Tama Mitsuboshi Gigi Shin Live From Manhattan by Lyla Lee A Song for You and I by Kay O'Neill The Magic Fish by Trung Le Nguyen Tiny Dancer by Siena Siegel Somali and the Forest Spirit Volumes 2 and 3 by Yako Gureishi Our Not So Lonely Planet Volumes 5 and 6 by Mone Sorai Wings of Starlight by Alison Shaft Lavender Clouds by Bex Ollerton The Fragrant Flower Blooms with Dignity Volumes 7 and 8 by Saki Mikami A Sign of Affection Volume 11 by Suu Morishita The Nighthouse Keeper by Lora Senf Ashes of the Academy by Faith Erin Hicks  In the Name of the Mermaid Princess Volumes 2 and 4 by Yoshino Fumikawa Eden of Witches Volume 2 by Yumeji Silverborn: The Mystery of Morrigan Crow by Jessica Townsend One Piece Heroines Volume 1 by Eichiro Oda The Savior's Book Cafe Story in Anothe...

Days at the Morisaki Bookshop Review

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This book is a part of the 12 books 12 friends challenge, and was recommended to me by @yosoy_shin on Instagram.   Days at the Morisaki Bookshop by Satoshi Yagasawa is a literary fiction book originally published in Japanese. It follows 25 year old Takako, who quit her job after she finds her coworker/boyfriend cheating on her. She ends up settling in with her uncle Satoru above his used bookstore. While staying there, she enters a new world full of books, book lovers, coffee, and learning things about her uncle that she never knew.  In the second half of the story, Takako also ends up rekindling her relationship with her aunt Momoko, Satoru's ex-wife. Satoru himself ends up rekindling his relationship with her, too, much to his reluctance. Takako finds out why Momoko left Satoru several years earlier.  It's such a short book, but it really packed an emotional punch! I love reading books liked these, especially if they are set in and around a bookstore. I gave this book...

We'll Prescribe You a Cat

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  The second literary fiction book I've read that was originally published in Japanese! The first one I read was Sweet Bean Paste by Durian Sukegawa back in 2023. You can read that review here . We'll Prescribe You a Cat by Syou Ishida is one of those books where each chapter is its own story. They all follow the same formula: a person has a problem. They find themselves going to this mysterious psychiatric clinic where they get to keep a cat for about a week to help them with their problem. The problem is resolved, in an unusual way. The person found themselves very attached to their cat and end up keeping the cat.  It's a very heartwarming book, and it has great conversations about mental health! The book also has an overarching mystery with the clinic itself because it's so unusual. The last two chapters do answer some questions about the mysterious cat clinic, but a lot of it is still pretty open-ended and up for your interpretation. I won't get into it here b...

12 Books 12 Friends Progress Report

  I have been reading books that were recommended to me by some of you and some people in my personal life.  Thanks to all of you who recommended me something! Here's what I've gotten around to so far: 1. The Creepy Cat manga series by Cotton Valent --Really loved all four books! I gave each of them 4 stars . 2. Greenglass House by Kate Milford --Really cool book! I gave it 4 stars . 3. Don't Sleep There are Snakes by Daniel Everett --Unfortunately I DNF this one. I didn't like the author's writing style. 4. Better Living Through Birding by Christian Cooper --I am going to read this one soon! 5. The Starless Sea by Erin Morgenstern --I will also be reading this soon! 6. The Savior's Book Café in Another World by Kyouka Izumi --Still need to read it, too. 7. Ophelia After All by Racquel Marie --Unfortunately I DNF this one. I just didn't vibe with the story. But I do want to try the author's other books! 8. Donuts Under a Crescent Moon by Shio Usui --Al...

Happy Pride Month 2025!

  Every year I read and recommend so many books with queer representation in them! Here are some more books that I love and I hope you love, too: 1. Unfamiliar duology by Haley Newsome 2. Bianca Torre is Afraid of Everything by Justine Winans 3. The Witch Boy Trilogy by Molly Ostertag 4. Everything Leads to You by Nina LaCour 5. The Princess and the Grilled Cheese Sandwich by Deya Muniz 6. Monk and Robot duology by Becky Chambers  7. Dos and Donuts of Love by Adiba Jaigirdar 8. The Moth Keeper by Kay O'Neill 9. The Baker and the Bard by Fern Haught 10. Felix Ever After by Kacen Callendar 11. Hani and Ishu's Guide to Fake Dating by Adiba Jaigirdar 12. Aquicorn Cove by Kay O'Neill 13. The Vanishing Half by Britt Bennett 14. Witch Hat Atelier series by Kamome Shirahama 15.  Pride and Prejudice and Pittsburgh by Rachael Lippincott 16. I Wish You All the Best by Mason Deaver 17. Princess Princess Ever After by Kay O'Neill 18. Stars in their Eyes by Jessica Walton 19. Speak U...

Books with Food as a Theme

Are you a huge foodie like me? Then you might like these books! What's your favorite book with food as a central theme?   1.The Dos and Donuts of Love by Adiba Jaigirdar 2. Legends and Lattes by Travis Baldree 3. Chef's Kiss by Jarrett Melendez 4. The Baker and the Bard by Fern Haught 5. Fake Dates and Mooncakes by Sher Lee 6. The Princess and the Grilled Cheese Sandwich by Deya Muniz 7. Cake Pop Crush by Suzanne Nelson 8.  The Cupcake Diaries series by Coco Simon 9.  Sweet Bean Paste by Durian Sukegawa 10. Turtle Bread by Kim Joy 11. Basil and Oregano by Melissa Caprigione 12. Batter Royale by Leisl Adams  13. A Banh Mi for Two by Trinity Ngyuen (honorable mention) 14. Kitchen Princess manga series by Natsumi Ando (honorable mention)

February Wrap Up!

  I read a total of 12 books and I DNF 7 . Reviews are linked when applicable.   The following books got 5 stars from me: 1.  Amari and the Night Brothers by BB Alston . Full review here . 2. Basil and Oregano by Melissa Caprigione . Full review here . 3. Moment of Truth by Kasie West . Full review here . 4. Hotel Balzaar by Kate DiCamillo . Full review here . 5. Witch Hat Kitchen Volume 4 by Kamome Shirahama 6. The Fragrant Flower Blooms with Dignity Volumes 4 and 5 by Saki Mikami 7. Neighborhood Story Volumes 1 and 2 by Ai Yazawa . Full review here .   The following books got 4.5 stars: 1. I Hope this Doesn't Find You by Ann Liang . Full review here . 2. A Sign of Affection Volume 8 by Suu Morishita .   This book got 4 stars: Greenglass House by Kate Milford . Full review here .   The following books I DNF because I thought the story was bad/didn't enjoy them: 1. When the Sea Turned to Silver by Grace Lin 2. Hang the Moon by Jeannette Walls 3. Don't...

Worst Books of the Year+All the Books I DNF (2024)

  There weren't many books that I gave a low rating, but there are waaaay more books that I DNF (did not finish). I guess you can consider this an unpopular opinions post. Luckily tomorrow I will post the best books of the year which includes new favorites! Worst Books (all 2 stars): 1. Love and Gelato by Jenna Evans Welch 2. To All the Boys I Loved Before by Jenny Han 3. Magic for Marigold by LM Montgomery I decided this year to split the DNF list into 3 categories. From books I thought were boring,  books I thought were bad, and nonfiction books that were actually pretty interesting, but made their points very early on and could've been shortened down.  Here are the books I DNF because I found them boring/couldn't get into them: 1. Heartstopper Volume 5 by Alice Oseman 2. To The Lighthouse by Virginia Woolf 3. Treasure Island by Robert Louis Stevenson 4. Falling in Love Montage by Ciara Smyth 5. Little Women by Louisa May Alcott 6. Rickety Stitch Volume 1 by Ben Costa a...

Popular Books I Don't Like Part 1

😬 Time to ruffle some feathers! This is a new series where I just briefly talk about some random books I didn't like. Let's see if you can relate. Note: These are not books I've read this year. This is just a list of some  books I've read in my life so far that I didn't like or even despised (so 2 star and 1 star books). I also read all of them in their entirety, so no DNFs on here, either. This will be the case for all the books in this series of posts. 1. Brave New World by Aldous Huxley. 1 star. Summary from Goodreads here . I found this book to be chock-full of pure mean-spirited, misogynistic, ableist garbage!  2. 1984 by George Orwell. 1 star. Summary from Goodreads here . Same reasoning as Brave New World.  3. Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck. 1 star.  S ummary from Goodreads here . Same reasoning as Brave New World and 1984.  4. The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald. 2 stars. Summary from Goodreads here . The book's premise seemed interesting but th...

54321 Challenge

I hope I am not too late to this book tag! I actually did this same one way back in 2022 a little after I started my page (you can view that year's edition here ) I saw @spacey_ghost over on Instagram do this back in June of this year, and it rekindled my interest to do it again.  Here are my answers for this year! As usual, anyone is free to do this tag. The questions are a bit different this time. 1. 5 books I love:  Anne of Green Gables by LM Montgomery Just Ella by Margaret Peterson Haddix Kisses and Croissants by Anne-Sophie Johanneau The Sun is Also a Star by Nicola Yoon Close Enough to Touch by Colleen Oakley 2. 4 books on my TBR: Tales from Earthsea by Ursula K Le Guin Ella Minnow Pea by Mark Dunn We Have Always Lived in the Castle by Shirley Jackson A Psalm for the Wild Built by Becky Chambers 3. 3 books I recommend: Running out of Time by Margaret Peterson Haddix Serafina and the Black Cloak by Robert Beatty Nevermoor: The Trials of Morrigan Crow by Jessica Townsen...

Midyear Freakout Tag 2024

  Here are my answers for this year's Midyear Freakout Tag! I do these every end of July.  Let me know what you think! 1. Best book of the year so far? If You Still Recognize Me by Cynthia So 2. Best sequel(s) you read so far? Serafina and the Twisted Staff, and Serafina and the Splintered Heart, both by Robert Beatty 3. New releases you haven't read yet but want to. Funny Story by Emily Henry 4. Most anticipated releases for the 2nd half of the year. Silverborn, The Mystery of Morrigan Crow by Jessica Townsend  Sylvia Doe and the 100 Year Flood by Robert Beatty My Salty Mary by Cynthia Hand, Brodi Ashton, and Jodi Meadows 5. Biggest disappointments of the year. Ellie Engle Saves Herself by Leah Johnson Little Women by Louisa May Alcott Heartstopper Volume 5 by Alice Oseman 6. Biggest Surprise of the Year Bianca Torre is Afraid of Everything by Justine Pucella Winans 7. Favorite new author. Robert Beatty! 8. Some new favorite character(s). I got several: Ermengarde in A L...

January Wrap Up

  I read a total of 13 books this month! Most were graphic novels and manga. And sequels.  I hope your month went well, too! As usual, links to full reviews if applicable. 1. One Piece Volumes 16, 17, 18 by Eichiro Oda. I gave the first one 4.5 stars, and the next two 5 stars. 2. The Vanishing Half by Britt Bennett. A literary historical fiction book about family, race, and generational trauma. 4 stars. 3. A Little Princess by Frances Hodgson Burnett. Classic children's book about a girl who faces the loveliness as well as the difficulties of an all-girls boarding school, and other surprises. 4 stars. 4. Hollowpox: The Hunt for Morrigan Crow by Jessica Townsend. Book 3 of the Morrigan Crow series. This time Morrigan must face a new threat that is affect all of the Wunimals of Nevermoor, as well as learning new things about herself. 4 stars. 5. Avatar: The Last Airbender: The Rift Parts 1, 2, and 3 by Gene Yang. I gave the first one 5 stars, the second one 4 stars, and the l...

The Vanishing Half Review

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(Pic was found on Google Images) The Vanishing Half by Brit Bennett is an adult historical fiction literary novel about the Vignes twins--Desiree and Stella, and their families. The Vignes family is black and they are light-skinned black people. They lived in a town called Mallard, in Lousiana, which was a town with mostly light skinned people. As they were growing up, the sisters were inseparable. Life wasn't always easy, but they had each other. But when they moved to New Orleans to get jobs, Stella decided to pass as a white woman in order to get a job as a secretary. Then she fell in love with her boss, a white man named Blake, and they moved to Los Angeles and had a daughter named Kennedy. Stella decided to lie about her true heritage and family.  The other sister, Desiree, got in a relationship with a black man named Sam, and had a daughter with him named Jude. Desiree got a divorce from Sam because he treated her poorly, and so she and Jude moved back to Mallard to care for...