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Friday Reading Log 001
May. 7th, 2021 07:49 pmRecently Finished
Convenience Store Woman by Sayaka Murata
This novella made me crave those Japanese 7-Eleven karikari triple consomme snacks and those perfectly-sized tuna/chicken teriyaki/ham/egg sandwiches so badly that I almost cried. Anyways, our protagonist is Keiko, a woman in her mid-30s who practically worships the convenience store she works at because it's the only place with rules and standards that she actually understands. I was worried about the ending at first but was pleasantly surprised by the message it conveyed, that it's completely possible to live an independent, fulfilling, and happy life without following the norms, conventions, and timelines that society imposes. Will absolutely be picking up more from this author.
Dial A for Aunties by Jesse Q. Sutanto
One of the cutest covers I've seen, but unfortunately the interior was a mess. I enjoyed the relationship between Meddy and her mom and aunts, as well as the celebration of Chinese-Indonesian culture, but that's about it. Everything wrapped up far too neatly and easily, and the love interest also fell flat. Like sure, sometimes it's nice to read about a guy who doesn't carry around heavy emotional baggage and is completely, unconditionally in love with the girl, but their relationship was just too vanilla for my tastes. The absurd plot progression would've worked better as a movie, so even though I won't be picking up the sequel, I'll definitely keep an eye out for Netflix movie casting news.
Currently Reading
The Devil Comes Courting by Courtney Milan
I freaking loved The Duke Who Didn't so the moment I found out Courtney Milan was writing another book featuring an Asian female protagonist, I added it to my TBR so fast. This is only my second historical romance book ever and I'm definitely savoring it. The reality is that this is a super whitewashed genre, so props to Milan for writing POC as the main characters and love interests. Only about 10% in, but the premise intrigues me and I have high hopes.
The Shadow of Kyoshi by F.C. Yee
I respect characters who choose to remain kind even when the world throws shit at them, but I also respect characters who decide to say fuck it and go apeshit. So yes, I am declaring myself a Yun apologist.
In all seriousness, F.C. Yee's is one of my favorite authors; I enjoy his writing style and humor a lot. Part of me wishes I'd picked this up last year when my A:TLA rewatch and the first book (The Rise of Kyoshi) were still fresh in my mind. Some names escape me but I remember the major plot points. Kyoshi and Rangi's relationship is still adorbs (do people still use that word? lmao).
Ninefox Gambit by Yoon Ha Lee
Almost DNF'd at 5% because my brain was not computing. Lee just hurls you into the middle of a conflict with all these names, factions, and terminology (something about herons? eels??) and there isn't a glossary or character list in sight. However, once I got about 40 pages in, I realized that it's actually not that complicated! Essentially six factions (with their own unique quirks and rivalries) are trying to contain a "calendrical rot" (think a rebellion against mathematical truth) before it messes up their military weapons, their way of life, the laws of physics, etc etc. Simple, right? :D
When the Tiger Came Down the Mountain by Nghi Vo
28% into this novella. Gah, I just love being back in the Singing Hills world. Nghi Vo's writing and storytelling style are impeccable as always. A sapphic romance between a tiger and a scholar? I can't wait to continue.
Ace: What Asexuality Reveals About Desire, Society, and the Meaning of Sex by Angela Chen
Wow, I've barely made a dent yet (about 7% in), yet I'm already feeling so validated. I always appreciate a nonfiction book that can tell a good story while being educational, and so far Angela Chen's writing is on point. Seriously, someone stop me before I highlight every single passage.
~
I'm trying this thing where I read multiple books at once because even though I want to read, my attention span is just not having it. Here's hoping that switching between books throughout the day will help. Next week is my week off, so my goal is to knock out the whole list!
Convenience Store Woman by Sayaka Murata
This novella made me crave those Japanese 7-Eleven karikari triple consomme snacks and those perfectly-sized tuna/chicken teriyaki/ham/egg sandwiches so badly that I almost cried. Anyways, our protagonist is Keiko, a woman in her mid-30s who practically worships the convenience store she works at because it's the only place with rules and standards that she actually understands. I was worried about the ending at first but was pleasantly surprised by the message it conveyed, that it's completely possible to live an independent, fulfilling, and happy life without following the norms, conventions, and timelines that society imposes. Will absolutely be picking up more from this author.
Dial A for Aunties by Jesse Q. Sutanto
One of the cutest covers I've seen, but unfortunately the interior was a mess. I enjoyed the relationship between Meddy and her mom and aunts, as well as the celebration of Chinese-Indonesian culture, but that's about it. Everything wrapped up far too neatly and easily, and the love interest also fell flat. Like sure, sometimes it's nice to read about a guy who doesn't carry around heavy emotional baggage and is completely, unconditionally in love with the girl, but their relationship was just too vanilla for my tastes. The absurd plot progression would've worked better as a movie, so even though I won't be picking up the sequel, I'll definitely keep an eye out for Netflix movie casting news.
Currently Reading
The Devil Comes Courting by Courtney Milan
I freaking loved The Duke Who Didn't so the moment I found out Courtney Milan was writing another book featuring an Asian female protagonist, I added it to my TBR so fast. This is only my second historical romance book ever and I'm definitely savoring it. The reality is that this is a super whitewashed genre, so props to Milan for writing POC as the main characters and love interests. Only about 10% in, but the premise intrigues me and I have high hopes.
The Shadow of Kyoshi by F.C. Yee
I respect characters who choose to remain kind even when the world throws shit at them, but I also respect characters who decide to say fuck it and go apeshit. So yes, I am declaring myself a Yun apologist.
In all seriousness, F.C. Yee's is one of my favorite authors; I enjoy his writing style and humor a lot. Part of me wishes I'd picked this up last year when my A:TLA rewatch and the first book (The Rise of Kyoshi) were still fresh in my mind. Some names escape me but I remember the major plot points. Kyoshi and Rangi's relationship is still adorbs (do people still use that word? lmao).
Ninefox Gambit by Yoon Ha Lee
Almost DNF'd at 5% because my brain was not computing. Lee just hurls you into the middle of a conflict with all these names, factions, and terminology (something about herons? eels??) and there isn't a glossary or character list in sight. However, once I got about 40 pages in, I realized that it's actually not that complicated! Essentially six factions (with their own unique quirks and rivalries) are trying to contain a "calendrical rot" (think a rebellion against mathematical truth) before it messes up their military weapons, their way of life, the laws of physics, etc etc. Simple, right? :D
When the Tiger Came Down the Mountain by Nghi Vo
28% into this novella. Gah, I just love being back in the Singing Hills world. Nghi Vo's writing and storytelling style are impeccable as always. A sapphic romance between a tiger and a scholar? I can't wait to continue.
Ace: What Asexuality Reveals About Desire, Society, and the Meaning of Sex by Angela Chen
Wow, I've barely made a dent yet (about 7% in), yet I'm already feeling so validated. I always appreciate a nonfiction book that can tell a good story while being educational, and so far Angela Chen's writing is on point. Seriously, someone stop me before I highlight every single passage.
~
I'm trying this thing where I read multiple books at once because even though I want to read, my attention span is just not having it. Here's hoping that switching between books throughout the day will help. Next week is my week off, so my goal is to knock out the whole list!
