Drama-Lovers Book Club

 sarabelles:

Is there a specific genre you're looking for? If not, the first one that comes to mind for me is Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo, one of the best and most enjoyable books I've read ever! I plan on rereading it this year because I miss it so much!

No specific genre but something calm and peaceful would be good too on the other hand i'v heard a lot about six of crows, going to give it a try soon 

 justanotherrey:

I'm thinking of Sky Blues, it's pretty underrated but one of things that I loved about the book was that it had a strong found-family theme going on, the gang's friendship was too cute. It was such an easy read

I have a feeling this is exactlky what i need ill read it soon

 sarabelles:

The Housekeeper and the Professor by Yoko Ogawa.

Another shorter book (slightly longer than my last read) but one I've been meaning to read for a while, I also own a physical copy, and I'm trying to read from more diverse authors (this novel is translated from Japanese). The translation was wonderfully executed where I didn't feel distant from the writing or characters, and the story was very heartwarming and different. Just a super quick summary, this book is about a housekeeper hired to take care of an ex-professor of mathematics who, due to an accident, only retains present-day memories for a duration of 80 minutes. He remembers everything from before the accident, though. Imagine coming to work every day and having to reintroduce yourself. This was just... different from most books I've read and just beautiful. (4/5)

I really enjoyed this one too!
And loved its movie adaptation as well :)

 sarabelles:

I was not aware it was adapted into a movie, I'll definitely have to look that up! I'm glad you enjoyed both.

One of the most successful movie adaptations I've watched:
https://mydramalist.com/3925-the-professors-beloved-equation

Thank you for the recommendation of Haruki Murakami's book, What I Talk About When I Talk About Running. I have read other books by Murakami: Norwegian Wood, Kafka on the Shore,.... 

His memoir was so normal and refreshing. (What was I expecting from someone who wrote 1Q84?)  I almost want to become a runner now but I've adapted his stance towards running to my habit of daily walking.  Overall, a good read. 

I also just finished Shadow Life by Hiromi Goto - a fun graphic novel about a feisty mom who's not ready to be put away in an old folks home nor ready for death to find her.  It's a quick read. 

The other memoir I finished is Crying in H Mart by Michelle Zauner. This was a difficult book to read as much of it is focused on her mom's dying. But it's an interesting look at the author's upbringing as the daughter of a Korean immigrant and her white father in a rural community in Oregon. She sprinkles Korean words throughout her text and that's fun when I can recognize many of the words. Food and eating is a predominate element of the her story.  Overall, I'd recommend this book. 

Hehe everyone has such pretty formatting this time around! I don't think I'll be able to finish a book this month sadly. We'll have to see how I do in February.

Hello, friends. I've actually managed to finish a book over New year's break (hooray!) and thought I'd come here to celebrate. Unfortunately I am now back in work/study mode, so it might take months for the next one.

The book was :

The Memory Police, by Yoko Ogawa, which many of you seem to have read. I unexpectedly liked it although I consider myself an action/plot-centered person and this was anything but that. It was the use of language and bleak environment that did it for me, I think.

January wrap-up

I read a lot this month. I was in a drama slump this month, so all that time was put into books. Overall, a pleasant reading month, have found a couple of favorites that would like to revisit and reread.

	The Sky Blues - Robbie Couch Bingeable, engaging and wholesome with lovable secondary characters and minor twists that made me giddy. Impeccable diversity, found-family and friendship centered. 4/5
People We Meet On Vacation - Emily Henry Spectacular writing, three dimensional leads, character arc, sizzling chemistry, fun banter and friendship. Friends to lovers done right! 4/5 (I'd probably give it a 5 if I reread)
	Ace of Spades - Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé An excellent thriller that resolutely tackled various themes like institutional racism, white supremacy and lgbtq+ representation. Both the protagonists had solid characterizations and were compelling to read about. 4.5/5
The Housekeeper and the Professor - Yōko Ogawa An utterly beautiful novel about the mundane experience of creating bonds with the people you never expect to. There's a lot of maths and the application of it towards nature and everyday life. 4.25/5
	The Odds of Loving Grover Cleveland - Rebekah Crane This was awful. The mental health rep was earnestly offensive and I despised the characters. 1/5
Kim Jiyoung, Born 1982 - Cho Nam Joo Alluring and thought-provoking. Feminism, discrimination, gender inequality. Brutal, heartrending and hard-hitting. It caused a big uproar about sexism in South Korea. 4.25/5
	Reminders of Him - Colleen Hoover Why did I read this? I was just getting on the hype train since this was the hottest release of this month. Do I regret reading it? YES. 2/5
Icebreaker - A.L. Graziadei It has every theme that you can think of. Enemies to lovers, a rivalry between two hockey players fighting for the no1 draft spot. One of the best mental health reps I've ever read! 4/5