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bethniamh's reviews
211 reviews
The Korean Book of Happiness: Joy, Resilience and the Art of Giving by Barbara J. ZITWER
3.0
Many thanks to Octopus Publishing and NetGalley for a digital ARC in exchange for a review.
Barbara J. Zitner has done a lot to raise the profile of Korean literature in the English-speaking world, and for that alone she has my admiration. This book caught my eye for that reason and because I lived in Korea for 4 years, and was interested to see how my experiences would be reflected in this book. Obviously, this book focuses on the good things about Korea (of which there are many), brushing over the bad (as exists everywhere). I would have liked to have seen more Hangeul in the text, perhaps to accompany the clumsy romanisations of Korean words; the Korean alphabet in itself is fascinating in its history, and I'm somewhat surprised this wasn't even alluded to in the book.
There were, however, a few sentences or passages which stood out to me as not being particularly accurate, based on my own lived experience in the country. Early on, Zitwer mentions that "most Koreans do not speak English, or any other language for that matter". English language instruction is a core part of Korean schooling, with children beginning learning English in school from Grade 3 and many students going to after-school English hagwons, or academies. My job for 4 years in Korea was as an elementary school English teacher. Additionally, whenever I went anywhere within the country, people there would be very willing to try out the English they knew, whether fluent or just a few words; I never worried about making myself understood or communicating with people, even in my early days in the country when my Korean was particularly limited. This sentence is odd and does a disservice to the people in Korea.
When talking about shopping in Seoul, Zitwer makes the puzzling claim that "Korean women only wear flat shoes - I have never seen them in high heels". To illustrate how untrue this is, I once saw a woman hiking up Geumosan in stilettos.
In the concluding chapter, Zitner seems to imply that "splashing ourselves everywhere on social media" is solely a Western habit, and that Koreans are different. This is clearly inaccurate; you wouldn't have had to have been in Korea longer than a day to observe that this is definitely not the case. Alternatively, search for the hashtags #카페스타그램 or #셀카 on Instagram.
This isn't an academic text, but nor does it claim to be. This was an enjoyable and quick, if occasionally frustrating, read. I'm sure it will find an audience of casual tourists who will find much to take away from this.
Barbara J. Zitner has done a lot to raise the profile of Korean literature in the English-speaking world, and for that alone she has my admiration. This book caught my eye for that reason and because I lived in Korea for 4 years, and was interested to see how my experiences would be reflected in this book. Obviously, this book focuses on the good things about Korea (of which there are many), brushing over the bad (as exists everywhere). I would have liked to have seen more Hangeul in the text, perhaps to accompany the clumsy romanisations of Korean words; the Korean alphabet in itself is fascinating in its history, and I'm somewhat surprised this wasn't even alluded to in the book.
There were, however, a few sentences or passages which stood out to me as not being particularly accurate, based on my own lived experience in the country. Early on, Zitwer mentions that "most Koreans do not speak English, or any other language for that matter". English language instruction is a core part of Korean schooling, with children beginning learning English in school from Grade 3 and many students going to after-school English hagwons, or academies. My job for 4 years in Korea was as an elementary school English teacher. Additionally, whenever I went anywhere within the country, people there would be very willing to try out the English they knew, whether fluent or just a few words; I never worried about making myself understood or communicating with people, even in my early days in the country when my Korean was particularly limited. This sentence is odd and does a disservice to the people in Korea.
When talking about shopping in Seoul, Zitwer makes the puzzling claim that "Korean women only wear flat shoes - I have never seen them in high heels". To illustrate how untrue this is, I once saw a woman hiking up Geumosan in stilettos.
In the concluding chapter, Zitner seems to imply that "splashing ourselves everywhere on social media" is solely a Western habit, and that Koreans are different. This is clearly inaccurate; you wouldn't have had to have been in Korea longer than a day to observe that this is definitely not the case. Alternatively, search for the hashtags #카페스타그램 or #셀카 on Instagram.
This isn't an academic text, but nor does it claim to be. This was an enjoyable and quick, if occasionally frustrating, read. I'm sure it will find an audience of casual tourists who will find much to take away from this.
The Eyes Are the Best Part by Monika Kim
3.75
Many thanks to NetGalley and Brazen for a digital ARC in exchange for a review.
I raced through this book in a single afternoon. Ji-won is an likeable but increasingly unhinged and messy narrator, and I found myself sympathising and rooting for her in her murderous pursuit of her mother's boyfriend, despite the collateral damage that built up along the way. Ji-won's activities made me feel a little nauseous at times, and I'm not sure I'll be able to enjoy hard-boiled eggs and cherry tomatoes in the same way for quite some time.
My only criticism is that the ending felt very rushed and implausible; I'm not sure a certain outcome could have been achieved without alarms alerting staff as to what was happening, and the way things panned out for Ji-won was a little too neat, as she hadn't exhibited such a calculated mindset previously. Things were left hanging unnecessarily at the last minute with Ji-won's decision as to what to do about her father. However, this doesn't overshadow how much I enjoyed the rest of the story.
I raced through this book in a single afternoon. Ji-won is an likeable but increasingly unhinged and messy narrator, and I found myself sympathising and rooting for her in her murderous pursuit of her mother's boyfriend, despite the collateral damage that built up along the way. Ji-won's activities made me feel a little nauseous at times, and I'm not sure I'll be able to enjoy hard-boiled eggs and cherry tomatoes in the same way for quite some time.
My only criticism is that the ending felt very rushed and implausible; I'm not sure a certain outcome could have been achieved without alarms alerting staff as to what was happening, and the way things panned out for Ji-won was a little too neat, as she hadn't exhibited such a calculated mindset previously. Things were left hanging unnecessarily at the last minute with Ji-won's decision as to what to do about her father. However, this doesn't overshadow how much I enjoyed the rest of the story.
Taylor Blake Is a Legend by Laura Jane Williams
Many thanks to Bloomsbury and the School Library Association for a physical ARC of this book in exchange for a review.
This book is the first in a projected series featuring Year 9 student Taylor Blake. Taylor is desperate for her first kiss, and sees the upcoming French exchange visitors as the perfect way to make this happen. However, other candidates complicate her plans, and she has to take care not to neglect her friendships along the way.
This book is the first in a projected series featuring Year 9 student Taylor Blake. Taylor is desperate for her first kiss, and sees the upcoming French exchange visitors as the perfect way to make this happen. However, other candidates complicate her plans, and she has to take care not to neglect her friendships along the way.
It seems that the author was aiming this book at a teenage audience; however, this book felt more geared towards years 7 and 8, and would likely be regarded as too young by older readers. Despite the characters talking about feminism in a positive light, certain lines did detract from this overall message, such as the main character encouraging her teacher to “mark [his] territory” in regards to a female teacher. However, the LGBTQ+ representation was positive, with both same-sex relationships and trans characters featuring. Taylor's slightly unconventional family set-up is also an interesting inclusion; not many YA books feature this so matter-of-factly.
Us in the Before and After by Jenny Valentine
4.0
Many thanks to Simon & Schuster and the School Library Association for sending me a physical ARC in exchange for a review.
This is a sad but beautiful read, centred around the enduring friendship between two teenage girls and taking in themes such as family and first love. We know from the beginning that something terrible has happened to forever alter the friendship between Elk and Mab, but it takes some time for this mystery to be unravelled, culminating in a reveal which took me completely by surprise. Elk and Mab are both very believably written teenagers, and their friendship and its ups and downs will be recognisable to readers of all ages. This is suitable for teenage readers; there is no explicit material and the writing is very sensitively done, but the main themes of the book are emotionally heavy and there are some references to underage drinking. Be aware that this book may also be triggering to readers who have experienced family bereavement.
This is a sad but beautiful read, centred around the enduring friendship between two teenage girls and taking in themes such as family and first love. We know from the beginning that something terrible has happened to forever alter the friendship between Elk and Mab, but it takes some time for this mystery to be unravelled, culminating in a reveal which took me completely by surprise. Elk and Mab are both very believably written teenagers, and their friendship and its ups and downs will be recognisable to readers of all ages. This is suitable for teenage readers; there is no explicit material and the writing is very sensitively done, but the main themes of the book are emotionally heavy and there are some references to underage drinking. Be aware that this book may also be triggering to readers who have experienced family bereavement.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Grief
Moderate: Death, Blood, Dementia, Car accident, and Sexual harassment
Minor: Alcohol
Hard Copy by Fien Veldman
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
3.0
Many thanks to Head of Zeus and NetGalley for a digital ARC of this book in exchange for a review.
There seems to have been a glut of books about women choosing to live in defiance of social norms in recent years, and this unfortunately isn't a particularly memorable entry in this subgenre. While it did remind me at times of Convenience Store Woman, it lacked a lot of its warmth and wit and the main character was not nearly as sympathetic. I would have preferred for the story to have leaned more into the surreal, which I expected given that one of the central themes is the relationship between a woman and her printer. Additionally, while effort seemed to have been made to remove all references to a specific place, it would have given the story a bit more of an anchor had there been more explicit references to the city and culture (I can only assume, based on vague descriptions and the author's nationality, that the story takes place in Amsterdam). It was, however, well-written and very readable, although how much of that is down to the translation is hard to say.
There seems to have been a glut of books about women choosing to live in defiance of social norms in recent years, and this unfortunately isn't a particularly memorable entry in this subgenre. While it did remind me at times of Convenience Store Woman, it lacked a lot of its warmth and wit and the main character was not nearly as sympathetic. I would have preferred for the story to have leaned more into the surreal, which I expected given that one of the central themes is the relationship between a woman and her printer. Additionally, while effort seemed to have been made to remove all references to a specific place, it would have given the story a bit more of an anchor had there been more explicit references to the city and culture (I can only assume, based on vague descriptions and the author's nationality, that the story takes place in Amsterdam). It was, however, well-written and very readable, although how much of that is down to the translation is hard to say.
Boy Parts by Eliza Clark
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
This was uneven but showed a lot of the promise that was realised more fully in Penance, which I read first. The last 100ish pages were very reminiscent of American Psycho, although lacking a lot of its humour (much like Irina). Definitely one to check trigger warnings for before reading; I have a fairly strong stomach but parts of this book definitely made me feel a bit off.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body horror, Physical abuse, Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Torture, Blood, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Adult/minor relationship, Animal cruelty, Animal death, Drug abuse, Drug use, and Alcohol