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vivthebookworm's reviews
89 reviews
Foster by Claire Keegan
4.0
This honest to god felt like a short film. I could imagine the events so clearly in my head, the lighting, the subtle acting cause god, the implications in the text beg for it. I would watch this in a heartbeat if someone decides to adapt this. For such a short book, it's amazing how much it packed a punch, especially the ending. I'm really happy I listened to this audiobook and I feel that it was just the right length for the story to make an impact on me.
If Cats Disappeared from the World by Genki Kawamura
5.0
In polar opposite to my previous read whose purpose was to make me laugh, this one made me cry and contemplate my very existence. I went unto this book thinking it would be a light book. And it us, both in how shirt the book is and its tone at times. But the subject matter at hand made me feel reflective over the meaning if life and appreciating the little things that make life meaningful. I admit that at first, the book almost felt silly. But as I kept reading, I couldn't stop thinking about what would I do in his position. I couldn't help but empathize over the main character's loss over their own life and their loved ones. All the regrets he had before his time was up. His relationships with other characters were solid, heartfelt, and illuminating. He called himself boring, but he just felt so very human for me. Flawed and only now realizing what he has to lose as the end came neigh. Overall, I'm glad I read this book at this exact moment in my life where I've been pondering and, admittedly, grieving for the loss of a loved one. It soothed my soul and I feel both lighter and heavier with my thoughts.
Book Lovers by Emily Henry
5.0
I devoured this book so fast and enjoyed every minute of it. I also got a stomach ache, both from the sweetness and how utterly hilarious this book turned out to be. This broke my reading slump and that alone would've been enough to make me feel grateful I read this. I was having a really hard time these past few days and this book brightened my day and made me laugh when I felt like it wasn't possible. So thank you, Emily Henry, for cheering me up and giving me a reason to smile.
Exit Strategy by Martha Wells
5.0
This is the first book I read in 2023 and I'm so glad I picked this up. I have had a really long reading slump over the past, what, 6 months? Yet it's at the very end of February that I finished a book in one day. Typical and very on brand of me. The book itself was so much fun!! I had missed the world of Murderbot and the dry humorous tone of our protagonist. There were times I laughed out loud when listening to this book, I forgot how charming and hilariously relatable Murderbot was. And I love the return of old characters and how affected Murderbot was from what happened in the last book. It's also refreshing to read a book where nobody was being stupid and if they were, it was because they were understandably human, much to Murderbot's irritation lol. Overall, as an ending to the novella formating of this series and Murderbot left to figure out his next move, this book was an absolute delight and I'm so happy to have read this book. Definitely recommend this book and series to those who want to get back into reading!
Crying in H Mart by Michelle Zauner
5.0
As a Korean-American, I related to this book on a level I didn't expect. This is a book I found at a time I need to read it. I was hit so hard with the sentiment that the loss of one's mother is the loss of an entire culture. I understood that deeply and this book, not going to lie, has made me dread the day I would lose my own mother. I'm so glad I read this book; it comforts me that someone out there feels exactly like I do about my Korean mother. This has ignited my curiosity about this author/artist and I'm thankful I decided to pick this up.
Reflection by Elizabeth Lim
5.0
I genuinely had such a fun time reading this, absolutely brought me out of my reading slump! All the characters were in character and explored more in-depth, the plot was engaging and fun, and I was grinning my way through this book. This was such an unexpected surprise and I'm so glad I read this book. I definitely will check out the author's other books too because I'm curious about what they can do with original fiction. Totally recommend and if I ever get into another slump, I may just pick up another book from this series!
Escape from Spiderhead by George Saunders
5.0
This was a reread for me and even though it's been years, the story was memorable. I remember really liking this short story and after rereading it, that opinion still holds. It has such an interesting concept and I definitely recommend this to anyone new to short stories.