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krystalgaia's reviews
32 reviews
Tokyo Ueno Station by Yu Miri
informative
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.0
This novel has a problem with dialogue. Lots of info-dumping and most information are not necessary to the story. I expected a character study of Kazu, but there was nothing like it and I didn't root for him at all. There was just nothing going on.
Human Acts by Han Kang
dark
emotional
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
So heavy.. reminded me of the martial law period in my own country. This book is a very good exploration of the effects of dictatorship in a state, as well as the multiple perspectives of those who lost their loved ones in the fight for justice.
Sufficiently gory, did not overdo the depiction of trauma.
Sufficiently gory, did not overdo the depiction of trauma.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Gore, Gun violence, Physical abuse, Sexual assault, Torture, Violence, Police brutality, War, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Suicide
All the Lovers in the Night by Mieko Kawakami
emotional
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
This book made me feel lonely in familiar ways. Stunning writing, it was very tactile and I felt the story unravel on my palm. Some scenes dragged a bit, some dialogue were repetitive. But overall -- I enjoyed the story.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Rape and Sexual assault
Convenience Store Woman by Sayaka Murata
funny
hopeful
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Convenience Store Woman is a humorously deadpan yet serious tale of a simple woman with simple desires.
She is constantly challenged by societal norms in the shape of her family and friends, yet she also constantly challenges this notion.
The writing style reminds me of Hiromi Kawakami which I enjoy - albeit a bit repetitive.
But this was offset by the climax and the ending!!
Definitely recommend for those looking for a quick 5-star read.
She is constantly challenged by societal norms in the shape of her family and friends, yet she also constantly challenges this notion.
The writing style reminds me of Hiromi Kawakami which I enjoy - albeit a bit repetitive.
But this was offset by the climax and the ending!!
Definitely recommend for those looking for a quick 5-star read.
Before We Say Goodbye by Toshikazu Kawaguchi
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
I have read the first book in this series, and I must say -- Toshikazu Kawaguchi's writing has improved leagues better! This book is more novel-like than the first book which I appreciate, and made me root for the characters.
The stories in this collection are also more heartbreaking than the first one, even though it didn't make me cry. My favorite though is The Daughter, and I really like fictional stories rooted in real-life disasters.
Overall, I'm giving this book 3.75 stars.
Excited to read more from Kawaguchi!
The stories in this collection are also more heartbreaking than the first one, even though it didn't make me cry. My favorite though is The Daughter, and I really like fictional stories rooted in real-life disasters.
Overall, I'm giving this book 3.75 stars.
Excited to read more from Kawaguchi!
Strange Weather in Tokyo by Hiromi Kawakami
funny
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Strange Weather in Tokyo is a heartwarming novel about love despite a generational gap, loss, and the cycle of love to loss.
I found the writing style to be simple yet sparkling with carefully chosen words. The characters are likeable so much that I wanted to be a part of their circle.
It's an easy read which has a slow build-up, but it's worth every second in the end. Beautifully heartbreaking.
I found the writing style to be simple yet sparkling with carefully chosen words. The characters are likeable so much that I wanted to be a part of their circle.
It's an easy read which has a slow build-up, but it's worth every second in the end. Beautifully heartbreaking.
Colorless Tsukuru Tazaki and His Years of Pilgrimage by Haruki Murakami
dark
mysterious
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Norwegian Wood meets magical realism. The worldbuilding is top-notch (expected nothing less), yet it lacks the character studies that I always enjoy in his novels. Not his best work in my opinion, but not that bad in itself.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, Suicide attempt, and Toxic friendship
The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller
adventurous
challenging
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I'm at a loss for words. So beautiful and lyrical! The story spans a decade of Patroclus and Achilles' lives and brilliantly encapsulates the sacrifices love requires from you.
A masterpiece! Can't wait for Miller's retelling of Persephone!
A masterpiece! Can't wait for Miller's retelling of Persephone!
The Nakano Thrift Shop by Hiromi Kawakami
funny
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Permanent Record by Mary H.K. Choi
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
First, the blurb doesn’t do this book justice! I know blurbs are usually written by the marketing team, so I’m not going to include the blurb in my review (I never did for other books anyway). Just wanted to point that out because the romance in this novel is just, I dare say, a subplot. The story focuses more on Pablo’s coming-of-age journey and, although Lee is the biggest catalyst in his life, she’s not the only one. I honestly almost did not pick up this book because of the blurb, but I’m so happy I gave this a chance anyway!
That said, I thoroughly enjoyed this book! Think Norwegian Wood funnier, way way WAY more lighthearted, and also incredibly quiet. I read this as a character study of Pablo and by extension every person he’s meant to represent. Choi hit the nail in the head in showing us what it means to be lost in your early twenties and that sometimes, even adults don’t know where they’re headed, and that “life isn’t a destination” but an accumulation of regular events that teach us how to live.
The writing style is easily digestible, and its wordiness fits Pablo’s overthinking tendencies. This is also very detailed and Choi has done a great job building the world for non-New Yorker readers.
The plot was a little slow in the beginning because I expected them to meet right away on the first chapter (again, it was marketed as a romance book), but it slowly dawned on me that this is not about Pablo and Lee. It’s about Pablo with Lee. And I loved how everything led to the climax! It’s so believable and Choi’s specificity paid off.
Overall, five stars!
That said, I thoroughly enjoyed this book! Think Norwegian Wood funnier, way way WAY more lighthearted, and also incredibly quiet. I read this as a character study of Pablo and by extension every person he’s meant to represent. Choi hit the nail in the head in showing us what it means to be lost in your early twenties and that sometimes, even adults don’t know where they’re headed, and that “life isn’t a destination” but an accumulation of regular events that teach us how to live.
The writing style is easily digestible, and its wordiness fits Pablo’s overthinking tendencies. This is also very detailed and Choi has done a great job building the world for non-New Yorker readers.
The plot was a little slow in the beginning because I expected them to meet right away on the first chapter (again, it was marketed as a romance book), but it slowly dawned on me that this is not about Pablo and Lee. It’s about Pablo with Lee. And I loved how everything led to the climax! It’s so believable and Choi’s specificity paid off.
Overall, five stars!