saoreads's reviews
135 reviews

Before We Say Goodbye by Toshikazu Kawaguchi

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emotional hopeful inspiring reflective sad 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

I think it's amazing how, even after four books, the tone and the aspect of storytelling remain strong. It still makes me tear up. The moral lesson, I guess, at the end of it, wasn't about the plot but about different scenarios playing out within rigid and set rules. It's giving out huge lessons to readers when it comes to our relationships with people. The characters are lucky to have the chance to meet loved ones from the past again. Ever since book 1, this has been the theme, and it's deeply ingrained - subtle, but screaming that thought to me: instead of living with guilt and regrets, cherish your relationships. Although I wonder how long it takes before that reality hits, when that in itself is the truth.
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Freshwater by Akwaeke Emezi

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dark sad tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.5

Much deeper than the surface, it touched on identity, mental health, and emotions. The extremes had mostly been carved out of reflections on relationships with other people. The vileness of others and the vileness within. It is a strange book with strange perceptions. But for one to account for, there wasn't much guidance to spare. There's a sense of rawness that offers no gentleness in words or in deeds. It cuts through corners straightforwardly, which causes panic. More or less, it provided insights into life without God, and the life surrounding it is a pity.
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Days at the Morisaki Bookshop by Satoshi Yagisawa

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adventurous challenging emotional funny inspiring lighthearted reflective sad tense 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

4.5

It was heartwarming and had a slice-of-life moment. It touched on the gullible instances and betrayals at first, which led the character to go find a sort of escape. It showed the need for a change of environment. To allow yourself to take a breather when burned out. To get in touch with a community you'll learn to love. The character stayed true to their personality and allowed autonomy, which was, in its truest form, humane. 
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If Cats Disappeared from the World by Genki Kawamura

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adventurous challenging dark emotional funny informative inspiring reflective sad tense 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

As you reach the end of this book, a lingering tear comes to your eyes, and it tugs at your heartstrings. We often find ourselves living mindlessly without meaning, yet we continue to chase something that eludes us. In the process, we face failure, regrets, and a seemingly endless cycle of remorse. Despite this, it isn't all bad because death is inevitable. However, the beauty lies in how the character perceives their journey, even though the end is predetermined.
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Home Game by Odette Stone

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adventurous dark emotional tense 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

2.5

Never wanted to finish a book just for the sake of completing it, mainly because too much time was spent on it to realize how cringe-worthy it is—the type of cringe that will make you avoid romance novels for a while. It's funny at this point. Additionally, there wasn't much hockey involved, which was a letdown.
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Flame in the Mist by Renée Ahdieh

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Did not finish book. Stopped at 21%.
Unnecessary wording, POVs, and world-building are hard to grasp. Had to put it down.
Trick Mirror: Reflections on Self-Delusion by Jia Tolentino

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Did not finish book. Stopped at 58%.
The book started off exceptionally well, and I initially believed I would enjoy it thoroughly. However, I discovered that my interest was mainly captured by the first half of the story. The latter parts, while intriguing, didn't resonate with my preferences as much. Skimming through these sections proved futile and ultimately felt like a waste of time.
The Undercover Economist by Tim Harford

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Did not finish book. Stopped at 46%.
It took significantly longer than expected for me to complete the book. While the initial parts were quite engaging, as the story progressed, I found it increasingly difficult to connect with the content. Ultimately, it felt like a waste of time, as my comprehension diminished, and the experience left me feeling disconnected.
The Graham Effect by Elle Kennedy

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emotional funny reflective tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

Evidently, I'm not a huge fan of foul language, but it leaves an impression and has some compelling qualities. The sexual tension and romance portrayed align with liberal perspectives, which can be perceived as common and cliché. However, the plot provides sufficient background for the main characters, making it easy to root for them. There were surprising twists, and it's great that the focus was on the evolution of the characters' personalities and behaviors, rather than solely the romantic aspects. Although I'm not knowledgeable about hockey, it appears to be well-represented in the narrative.
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The Red Palace by June Hur

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adventurous challenging dark emotional hopeful inspiring mysterious reflective sad tense 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

5.0

If you're familiar with historical K-dramas and enjoy them, this one is a treat. It introduces a seemingly ordinary, low-ranked character of a palace nurse who pursues the truth for someone she has no blood ties with. The character development is solid, providing a humane touch to her reactions and quick wit. The story teaches us that serving justice doesn't necessarily have to involve vengeance, and the plot addresses revenge through the central event of a massacre. How the protagonist responds to these situations, combined with elements of mystery and romance, makes for a delightful read. This fast-paced narrative can truly take your breath away. I've discovered a new author whose works I'll continue to enjoy in genres I truly love.
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