Satoko and Nada, Vol. 1 by Yupechika

A really cute manga about two college roommates, one from Japan and one from Saudi Arabia. It is inclusive and genuine. I really enjoy it and am going to read the rest.

Read February 28-March 1, 2022.

Love Lies and Spies by Cindy Anstey

This was cute. An author testimonial on the back said it’s better than Georgette Heyer. As a Heyer regency novel fan, I think overall it’s as good. I read at least 1/3 of this book while in extreme pain waiting in the ER so it was a great distraction. When I read it more closely to the end after I came home, I found it was okay but not great. I think it’s a bit too long and while I didn’t find issue with the characters, I also found that they lacked some depth. Heyer was not always great at that either but I don’t think this book was better. I did like this better than Bridgerton though.

Read March 5-8, 2022.

Kim Jiyoung, Born 1982 by Choi

Wow. This is a South Korean feminist novel. The content was somewhat enraging at the times. Translation was a bit odd for a couple of reasons that are revealed in the twist ending. I am still not sure if the translator did the right thing. A thought provoking novel.

Read March 10-14, 2022.

The Love Hypothesis by Ali Hazelwood

Please see review here.

Kitchen by Banana Yoshimoto

Over the years, I’ve read and liked many novels by Japanese authors. I did notice that these are all predominantly men (Murakami, Ishiguro, Higashino). I began to look for more works by female Japanese authors. I stumbled upon this two novella anthology published in the early 90s. Both stories deal with death, grief, and loneliness. The first story “Kitchen” has an almost enchanting and relatable protagonist. I really liked both stories and the translation. Simply written and very lovely.

Read March 14-16, 2022.

Satoko and Nada, Vol. 2 by Yupechika

My continuation of this lovely manga series. I immediately requested Vol 3 and 4. So wholesome.

Read March 20, 2022.

Dreamworlds of Shamanism and Tibetan Buddhism: The Third Place by Angela Sumegi

This is an academic work. I am doing a personal project researching dreams and henceforth there may be dream books in my lists.

Read March 29, 2022.