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goldenelegy's reviews
131 reviews
Motherhood by Kanae Minato
dark
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
at first i was struggling to continue reading this book, but im glad i managed to finish it! this book deals with such important topics that makes you reflect about it as well. in portraying the mother-daughter dynamics, the author provides the point of view of both the mother and the daughter. the mother in this story confuses her role as a daughter and as a mother. she still seeks validation and love from her mother, and she would be jealous of what her own daughter has and she couldn't accept it when her daughter doesn't live up to her expectations. but then her daughter also seeks her love but she cannot show her love as her mother and it breaks my heart.
there's a whole discussion regarding motherhood that i found interesting, a question whether motherliness is an inherited trait or something that is affected by the environment, and if it is related to the patriarchal culture that force women to have this trait.
it's also heartbreaking and infuriating to see her in-laws overworks her and blames her for everything. her husband does not even side her.he even cheats. such a cruel world for the mother and her daughter.
it's something that not everyone can read but still worth to read. i haven't read any of minato kanae's books before this, but im interested to read more!
there's a whole discussion regarding motherhood that i found interesting, a question whether motherliness is an inherited trait or something that is affected by the environment, and if it is related to the patriarchal culture that force women to have this trait.
it's also heartbreaking and infuriating to see her in-laws overworks her and blames her for everything. her husband does not even side her.
it's something that not everyone can read but still worth to read. i haven't read any of minato kanae's books before this, but im interested to read more!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Suicide and Suicide attempt
Moderate: Miscarriage, Misogyny, Death of parent, and Abandonment
A Crane Among Wolves by June Hur
my only complain probably is that the plot twist wasn't that shocking. but it wasn't that much of a problem. overall, i enjoyed this book, SO MUCH actually i couldn't stop myself reading it especially near the end. so if you're looking for a romance-historical fiction with enemies-to-lovers and found family trope, try this book!!
p.s. prepare yourself for chapter 42 :)))
adventurous
challenging
emotional
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
when the author said this book reads like a historical k-drama, well i guess she was right! this book tells about iseul, a girl in a mission to seek her sister, set in the joseon era around the ruling of king yeongsan. this book describes his cruelty and it was based on the history. it looks like it takes a lot of research just for this book.
the romance in this book was what got me the most. the MC went from trying-to-kill-each-other enemies to i'll-protect-you-even-if-it-costs-my-life lovers, making it interesting, honestly. but aside the romance, this book has such a heartwarming portrayal of sisterhood and friendship. it also deals with grief, how grief could make you so afraid to love anyone ever again. These quotes below was the ones that shattered my heart the most.
the romance in this book was what got me the most. the MC went from trying-to-kill-each-other enemies to i'll-protect-you-even-if-it-costs-my-life lovers, making it interesting, honestly. but aside the romance, this book has such a heartwarming portrayal of sisterhood and friendship. it also deals with grief, how grief could make you so afraid to love anyone ever again. These quotes below was the ones that shattered my heart the most.
I did love my sister. The same way I had loved my parents, the same love that had left me bedridden with grief and depression, the love that left me haunted and sleepless many nights still.
More than ever, now, I was afraid of this love for her, afraid of the intolerable agony that came with loving anyone at all.
my only complain probably is that the plot twist wasn't that shocking. but it wasn't that much of a problem. overall, i enjoyed this book, SO MUCH actually i couldn't stop myself reading it especially near the end. so if you're looking for a romance-historical fiction with enemies-to-lovers and found family trope, try this book!!
p.s. prepare yourself for chapter 42 :)))
Content Warnings
Moderate: Rape, Sexism, Sexual violence, Slavery, Torture, Violence, Grief, and Murder
Minor: Suicide
We are All Equally Far from Love by Adania Shibli, Paul Starkey, عدنية شبلي
dark
emotional
sad
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? N/A
3.5
Such a unique, poetic, and depressing read. This is a short story collection that tells about the ugly part of human relationships, mostly about romantic relationship and family. It's such a bitter fact that love isn't always all about joy. It could be hardship or even loneliness. It could be hatred. Adania Shibli portrays all of them in such a poetic way, and this became the reason why I finished this book and didn't give it less than 3.5 stars despite some struggles i faced while reading this. I wish I could read and understand the Arabic version because there are some parts that was omitted in the English version. Some parts left me confused, but well, maybe that's on me who's not able to understand the depth of the story.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Rape, Suicidal thoughts, and Grief
A Magical Girl Retires by Park Seolyeon
adventurous
challenging
dark
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.5
To my surprise, this is not like any other fantasy book I've ever read. Well, maybe when we hear "magical girl" we expect it to be a superhero story but this is not exactly like that. In fact, magical girls are originally powerless, then to balance the power and justice in the world, they gain different superpowers. They activate that power after going through a traumatic event.
The main character is a 29 year old woman who's in a credit card debt and that leads her to depression. Before committing suicide, she is approached by a woman in a white dress, who is a clairvoyant magical girl named Ah Roa. She tells her she is meant to be a magical girl and should join her on a mission. All the magical girls gather to defeat a climate change.
I thought this is going to be a dark and heavy fantasy but actually it's a bit silly and not that complicated?? This novella touches on the subject of feminism and climate change issue, which is interesting while still contains some humor. There's also a hint of sapphic romance!! The thing is, because it's short, the MC and Roa's chemistry wasn't explored that much and the conflict wasn't that tense. But then I find the twist and the execution brilliant.The MC's power is she can wish for anything she wants but there's a price she must pay. It goes back to the power-and-justice-balance concept in this story. In order to gain something, one must lose something. It is said in the translator's note, "Magical girls exist because justice does not exist." In real life, people who do injustice acts don't get consequences, but in this story, the amount of power and justice are balanced so that those are distributed equally. I'm just ... how did the author come up with this story?? Another interesting thing is that the MC's name wasn't mentioned throughout the book (or maybe I missed it??) and her magical girl name wasn't mentioned either. I wonder if there's a particular reason for that.
If anyone's looking for a non-complicated, easy-to-understand fantasy; a book where there's no male characters taking part in the story; a unique book bringing up important issue in a unique way, then this is for you!! ;)
The main character is a 29 year old woman who's in a credit card debt and that leads her to depression. Before committing suicide, she is approached by a woman in a white dress, who is a clairvoyant magical girl named Ah Roa. She tells her she is meant to be a magical girl and should join her on a mission. All the magical girls gather to defeat a climate change.
I thought this is going to be a dark and heavy fantasy but actually it's a bit silly and not that complicated?? This novella touches on the subject of feminism and climate change issue, which is interesting while still contains some humor. There's also a hint of sapphic romance!! The thing is, because it's short, the MC and Roa's chemistry wasn't explored that much and the conflict wasn't that tense. But then I find the twist and the execution brilliant.
If anyone's looking for a non-complicated, easy-to-understand fantasy; a book where there's no male characters taking part in the story; a unique book bringing up important issue in a unique way, then this is for you!! ;)
Content Warnings
Graphic: Suicidal thoughts and Suicide attempt
Minor: Violence and Death of parent
Mel, Melatiku by Ken Terate
dark
emotional
hopeful
informative
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
3.5
Setelah sebelumnya aku udah pernah baca novel Ken Terate yang judulnya Minoel dan terkesan oleh penulisannya, aku jadi tertarik baca buku ini. Isu yang diangkat sama, hubungan toksik dalam pacaran, dan tokohnya sama-sama remaja. Kali ini, Ken Terate menggambarkan sebuah hubungan yang berujung terjadinya revenge porn.
At first ngeliat penggambaran tokoh Axel, mantan Mel yang toksik ini udah kelihatan banget red flag-nya. Bahkan, aku kelewat kesel karena typing chat dia yang amburadul itu. Sahabatnya Mel, Tantri, udah ngingetin akan hal ini, tapi aku bisa ngerti sih, seorang cowok kayak gitu bisa sangat menipu. Bener, selama pacaran kelihatan sikap manipulatifnya dia. Kurasa kurang lebih mirip kayak sifatnya si Akang dari novel Minoel. Sama-sama suka ngasih silent treatment, terus self-victimizing biar ceweknya ngerasa kasihan sama dia, lalu ngancem kalo mau diputusin. Tapi bedanya kalau di novel ini, Mel nggak takut untuk stand up for herself ketika dia ngerasa diperlakukan nggak baik. Dia akhirnya bener-bener cut-off hubungannya.
Novel ini nggak cuma menggambarkan hubungan remaja, tapi juga hubungan si tokoh dengan keluarganya. Orang tua mel peduli banget sama dia, tapi Mel dan adiknya justru merasa tertekan dan terbebani oleh ekspektasi mereka. Mereka jadi nggak bebas melakukan apa yang mereka pengen lakukan.
Lagi-lagi, Ken Terate berhasil menggambarkan isu-isu penting yang terjadi di sekitar kita. Dinamika psikologis tokoh kurasa cukup relatable sama apa yang biasa dialami remaja menurut tugas perkembangan. Tapi menurutku gaya penulisannya di bawah ekspektasiku setelah baca Minoel :( Alur pascakonflik juga kurang tertata. Still, novel ini cocok dan penting untuk dibaca audiens remaja.
At first ngeliat penggambaran tokoh Axel, mantan Mel yang toksik ini udah kelihatan banget red flag-nya. Bahkan, aku kelewat kesel karena typing chat dia yang amburadul itu. Sahabatnya Mel, Tantri, udah ngingetin akan hal ini, tapi aku bisa ngerti sih, seorang cowok kayak gitu bisa sangat menipu. Bener, selama pacaran kelihatan sikap manipulatifnya dia. Kurasa kurang lebih mirip kayak sifatnya si Akang dari novel Minoel. Sama-sama suka ngasih silent treatment, terus self-victimizing biar ceweknya ngerasa kasihan sama dia, lalu ngancem kalo mau diputusin. Tapi bedanya kalau di novel ini, Mel nggak takut untuk stand up for herself ketika dia ngerasa diperlakukan nggak baik. Dia akhirnya bener-bener cut-off hubungannya.
Novel ini nggak cuma menggambarkan hubungan remaja, tapi juga hubungan si tokoh dengan keluarganya. Orang tua mel peduli banget sama dia, tapi Mel dan adiknya justru merasa tertekan dan terbebani oleh ekspektasi mereka. Mereka jadi nggak bebas melakukan apa yang mereka pengen lakukan.
Lagi-lagi, Ken Terate berhasil menggambarkan isu-isu penting yang terjadi di sekitar kita. Dinamika psikologis tokoh kurasa cukup relatable sama apa yang biasa dialami remaja menurut tugas perkembangan. Tapi menurutku gaya penulisannya di bawah ekspektasiku setelah baca Minoel :( Alur pascakonflik juga kurang tertata. Still, novel ini cocok dan penting untuk dibaca audiens remaja.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Toxic relationship and Sexual harassment
Moderate: Bullying and Physical abuse
Minor: Death of parent
Daisy by Ayu Rianna
challenging
dark
hopeful
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I did not expect that plot twist, wow!
Oke, jadi buku ini adalah kisah romansa antara Daisy, seorang seniman makrame, dan Liam, seorang dokter hewan, yang keduanya sedang berusaha melepas masa lalu yang kelam. Daisy dengan hubungan toksik bersama mantan pacarnya, dan Liam dengan orang tuanya yang terlalu mengekang dan mendiktenya. Awal pertemuan mereka lucu deh, haha. Tapi dari situ mereka jadi sering interaksi dan makan bareng. Obrolan mereka renyah banget, apalagi kalo lewat chat.
Ceritanya cukup singkat, bisa dibaca sekali duduk. Konflik yang dibawa heavy tapi cukup padat. Bahasa yang digunakan juga simpel, jadi ga terkesan berat bacanya. Memang, dialognya terasa seperti terjemahan karena ya tokohnya ngobrol pakai bahasa Inggris :D Tapi untukku yang lebih suka baca narasi yang lebih deskriptif, diksi yang dipakai di sini terasa kurang membuatku merasa, wah!
Still, overall bukunya page-turning, sih.
Oke, jadi buku ini adalah kisah romansa antara Daisy, seorang seniman makrame, dan Liam, seorang dokter hewan, yang keduanya sedang berusaha melepas masa lalu yang kelam. Daisy dengan hubungan toksik bersama mantan pacarnya, dan Liam dengan orang tuanya yang terlalu mengekang dan mendiktenya. Awal pertemuan mereka lucu deh, haha. Tapi dari situ mereka jadi sering interaksi dan makan bareng. Obrolan mereka renyah banget, apalagi kalo lewat chat.
Ceritanya cukup singkat, bisa dibaca sekali duduk. Konflik yang dibawa heavy tapi cukup padat. Bahasa yang digunakan juga simpel, jadi ga terkesan berat bacanya. Memang, dialognya terasa seperti terjemahan karena ya tokohnya ngobrol pakai bahasa Inggris :D Tapi untukku yang lebih suka baca narasi yang lebih deskriptif, diksi yang dipakai di sini terasa kurang membuatku merasa, wah!
Still, overall bukunya page-turning, sih.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Physical abuse, Sexual violence, Toxic relationship, Stalking, and Sexual harassment
Moderate: Animal death and Blood
Dear Wendy by Ann Zhao
funny
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.0
im so excited because WOW finally another aroace book!! it's a story set in a wellesley college (i just learned this college actually exist irl wow) about two aroace students navigating their friendships—and the dear wanda-wendy accounts they're managing. if you're looking for aroace books or YA that doesn't center around romance, this is it!!
as an ace person i relate so much to so many things in this book i almost highlight the entire book. what i find the most reassuring is when sophie tells jo that it's okay to question a lot about your asexuality and/or aromanticity. i do also relate to the struggle of making and keeping friends. the fear of being trapped in a one-sided friendship, being left-out, friendship breakups, i feel like these happen a lot but not talked about enough.
i really like dear wendy's answers to the questions she gets. they're so well-structured. dear wanda though, is such a balance with their unserious answers. but then when the two starts arguing, i just don't feel the enemies tension (in entirely platonic way, don't get me wrong). i like it better when they stop the fight (of course??)
overall, this is an enjoyable read, though it's not something that i would give five stars. still, i love the humor and the relatable portrayal <3
as an ace person i relate so much to so many things in this book i almost highlight the entire book. what i find the most reassuring is when sophie tells jo that it's okay to question a lot about your asexuality and/or aromanticity. i do also relate to the struggle of making and keeping friends. the fear of being trapped in a one-sided friendship, being left-out, friendship breakups, i feel like these happen a lot but not talked about enough.
i really like dear wendy's answers to the questions she gets. they're so well-structured. dear wanda though, is such a balance with their unserious answers. but then when the two starts arguing, i just don't feel the enemies tension (in entirely platonic way, don't get me wrong). i like it better when they stop the fight (of course??)
overall, this is an enjoyable read, though it's not something that i would give five stars. still, i love the humor and the relatable portrayal <3
Content Warnings
Graphic: Acephobia/Arophobia
Moderate: Homophobia
Minor: Toxic relationship
Maya's Laws of Love by Alina Khawaja
emotional
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
3.5
I'm currently not in the mood to write a long review but this is overall a page-turning book, if you're looking for a light romance then this is the one. but some stuffs made me uncomfortable like when they kiss each other knowing she already has a fiancé. okay she doesn't truly love her fiancé but still .... another thing is don't expect this to be a halal romance since the characters are muslims. there are in fact some kisses and a lot of physical touch between non-mahram.
The Case We Met by Flazia
challenging
funny
informative
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
This book is a proof that halal romance still can make you blush, giggle, and feel those butterflies. I finished this yesterday, took me about 3 days. At first I was afraid it would take me a while to finish this, but well! I liked it too much.
This story follows an attorney, Redita, and an anesthesiologist, Natan, who meets in a malpractice case, just like what the title says. Long short story, they've known each other since high school but only started to actually know about each other after the case. So because they're both practicing muslims, they set boundaries such as no skinship and no being in the same room without other people around. BUT the way they care about each other, bicker with each other (funnily), and become shy around each other is why they're SO CUTE. ALSO there are times when they get in the same bus and one of them clarify, "Jangan salah paham," or dont misunderstand, and then the other answers, "Saya nggak salah paham tuh," or I didn't misunderstand (as they don't want the other to get the wrong idea, like to assume that they're intentionally getting in the same bus to see each other LOL). It's funnier in Indonesian i promise. And then afterthey marry each other, they become 1000x CUTER.
Even though the story is centered around law and medical fields, I find it really enjoyable. The author added both humors and some medical explanations, making them balanced. The story flows smoothly even though the timeline alternately jumps forward and backward. I would say this book's seru abis in Indonesian. I highly recommend this to my fellow Indonesian who loves a light metropop romance.
This story follows an attorney, Redita, and an anesthesiologist, Natan, who meets in a malpractice case, just like what the title says. Long short story, they've known each other since high school but only started to actually know about each other after the case. So because they're both practicing muslims, they set boundaries such as no skinship and no being in the same room without other people around. BUT the way they care about each other, bicker with each other (funnily), and become shy around each other is why they're SO CUTE. ALSO there are times when they get in the same bus and one of them clarify, "Jangan salah paham," or dont misunderstand, and then the other answers, "Saya nggak salah paham tuh," or I didn't misunderstand (as they don't want the other to get the wrong idea, like to assume that they're intentionally getting in the same bus to see each other LOL). It's funnier in Indonesian i promise. And then after
Even though the story is centered around law and medical fields, I find it really enjoyable. The author added both humors and some medical explanations, making them balanced. The story flows smoothly even though the timeline alternately jumps forward and backward. I would say this book's seru abis in Indonesian. I highly recommend this to my fellow Indonesian who loves a light metropop romance.
I Hope This Doesn't Find You by Ann Liang
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
I think I can say that this is the best enemies-to-lovers romance I've ever read. Everything feels so right at its own pace. Nothing is too rushed. Like the continuing arguments even after they started to understand each other. And the growing romance is just SO CUTE. WHEN JULIUS DECIDED TO RUN A RACE FOR SADIE BECAUSE SHE ALMOST FAINTED. WHEN SADIE DEFENDED JULIUS IN FRONT OF HIS BROTHER. AND THEN THEIR CONFESSIONS WITH EACH OTHER.
Also, kudos to Ann Liang for creating relatable female main characters <3 Of course it's not Sadie's academic achievement that is relatable to me, but more like her traits and her personal thoughts. I had to pause for a bit to cry because of how much I feel seen. I wouldn't say this is a light read because of this. BUT if you're looking for a page-turning YA romance book that makes you blush, giggle, and scream, try reading this book!
Also, kudos to Ann Liang for creating relatable female main characters <3 Of course it's not Sadie's academic achievement that is relatable to me, but more like her traits and her personal thoughts. I had to pause for a bit to cry because of how much I feel seen. I wouldn't say this is a light read because of this. BUT if you're looking for a page-turning YA romance book that makes you blush, giggle, and scream, try reading this book!