Sometimes stepping back is moving forward.
One of Us Is Dead by Jeneva Rose
4 stars
I’ll describe this book as: Desperate Housewives meets Big Little Lies.
It was an overall engaging story. The ending is what made me give the book 4 stars – I correctly guessed who died, but I was surprised about who the murderer was.
These two weeks have been a rollercoaster of emotions. I haven’t experienced this level of anxiety before. Gratefully, I’ve found that radical acceptance is the answer — and my stress levels have dropped significantly.
Trust by Hernan Diaz
4 stars
The ending of the book was brilliant and the highlight. It completely overturned all the assumptions we had about the characters.
Trust had an intriguing structure — the first part recounts the book Bonds, the second is the memoir My Life written in response to Bonds, and the final section explores the process of writing My Life.
I found the ending of Bonds to be heart wrenching, and I was taken by surprise when I learned more about the characters as the book progressed.
This week, I got some disappointing news. What is a life but a series of unexpected events? I’m still figuring out what my next steps are; however, I’m beginning by prioritising staying hopeful.
The Dark Forest (Remembrance of Earth’s Past #2) by Liu Cixin
4 stars
I won’t share too much to avoid spoiling the book. This book was super technical to say the least. I’m committed to completing the series primarily because of the plot.
Luo Ji is a very interesting character, and it was engaging watching him come to terms with being a Wallfacer.
This weekend flew by really fast. However, I spent a significant amount of it reading, making for a great weekend.
Here’s my reading highlight:
Homeseeking by Karissa Chen
5 stars
I’m very grateful I picked up this book. It beautifully blends literary and historical fiction into a love story that spans sixty years. The narrative offers a nuanced perspective on the Chinese diaspora, reflected not only through the use of Chinese languages—Shanghainese, Cantonese, Putonghua—and English, but also through the different names of the characters, depending on their locations, and offers a deep reflection on the meaning of home.
I appreciated the dual perspective and how the timelines merged between both main characters—Haiwen’s chapters moving backwards in time and Suchi’s moving forward.
Life is better with a good book. I’ve been in limbo for a while and could really use a fantasy series to feel bold and inspired.
The List by Yomi Adegoke
4 stars
This book has been on my TBR for a while now. At first, I felt a bit apprehensive because I was concerned about the quality of the writing, especially given the sensitive nature of the topic. Ola’s fiancé has been accused of harassment in an anonymously published list that has gone live on Twitter. As a feminist journalist who covers sexual harassment in the media, should she immediately think that the man she’s going to marry is guilty, or should she trust his promise that he has been falsely accused?
The author’s perspective highlights the severity of the issue at hand. It was crafted with a great deal of empathy; with a wedding approaching, we felt the urgency of discovering the truth. Through the perspective of Michael, Ola’s fiancé, the story became even more nuanced. Overall, it was a compelling read and a haunting reminder of the trauma survivors endure while seeking justice.
This week on the internet, the saying that what’s done in the dark will always come to light came to life.
Here’s my reading highlight:
Love Lettering by Kate Clayborn
3 stars
I decided to try a new author, especially since many writers I enjoy have praised her other books.
The plot was intriguing, with secret codes hidden in handwritten notes and a past customer returning to uncover the truth. I also appreciated the twist toward the end. The character development was strong—we saw different facets of each character and genuine growth throughout the story.
This weekend flew by, yet felt like a drag.
Here’s my reading highlight:
The Family You Make (Sunrise Cove #1) by Jill Shalvis
4 stars
It was like watching a good Hallmark movie. The characters were interesting, robust and realistic. I enjoyed the innocence of Playton; what an adorable little girl! The writing was also excellent, featuring a strong plot and tension.
This weekend was pretty relaxing – I tried a new workout class and baked focaccia bread.
Here’s my reading highlight:
Great Big Beautiful Life by Emily Henry
4 stars
The beginning reminded me of The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo.
I enjoyed its commentary on journalism, how there are many sides to a story and what it means to tell the truth.
This week was full of events and gatherings with coworkers. I am still recovering from all the socialising, but it was fun connecting with folks.
Here’s my reading highlight:
Passing by Nella Larsen
3 stars
I read the movie adaptation turned book version. The beginning was a bit slow, but it got much interesting from the middle onwards.
The notion of three Black women: one who actively pretends to be white despite the risks, one who’s white passing but has chosen to remain within the African American community and a third who married a white man who fully acknowledges her racial identity, should have been explored further. The book is overall a great thought starter on the topics of race, femininity, jealousy, and friendship.
It’s a whole new month!
There’s the common phrase that half the battle is not losing hope. Hope is far and wide these days – the fight is brutal.
Here’s my reading highlight:
Drunken Fireworks by Stephen King
3 stars
I wonder why and in what headspace this book was written. It’s supposed to be humour and mystery, and the characters who committed the crime were ridiculous. However, I didn’t appreciate the dialogue around race, though.
poetryandproze 