mikkisreads

[mikkisreads]

Before the Coffee gets Cold - Toshikazu Kawaguchi

Absolutely adored this book; the way that Kawaguchi intertwines each story and gracefully introduces the reader into the lives of the characters is gorgeous!! Felt like I was sitting in one of the booths witnessing everything unfold. Although most people probably wouldn't think the same, immediately after finishing this felt like it very much fell under the 'found family' category. One of my favourite parts of this book was how, rather than using time travel to change a situation or alter reality, each character instead experiences a change in their perspective and a newfound appreciation for their personal relationships and approach to life. A great reminder of how one's outlook on a situation influences their life, especially when feeling doubtful, hopeless, or out of control. Overall very sweet book that both made me cry and smile and felt like a hug from the universe :)

[mikkisreads]

im currently reading my year of rest and relaxation by ottessa mosfegh, and im definitely enjoying it so far! but i do have to say that the narrator grits my nerves for some reason (i can imagine theyre supposed to a little?). like i sympathize with her (and tbh would probalby do the exact same shit,, i need a year to sleep) but somehow also catch myself feeling super annoyed idk! not by anything specific though. not sure if this is relatable or not???

[mikkisreads]

books that made me cry :<

im a sucker for any type of tearjerker, so i thought id share some of my favourites (although most of these are super common recs i still wanted to include them because they're hyped up for a reason!)

-a little life by hanya yagihara

a fiction tracing the lives and relationships of four young men who met in college; super emotional and potentially triggering book however the found family and writing is gorgeous. some argue it's trauma porn but i had a different impression (PLEASE GOOGLE TRIGGER WARNINGS FIRST). ive never felt so attached to a group of characters before, it felt like i really knew them and was witnessing a friend go through such difficult things. there will be many times you need to put this book down and pause but totally worth the massive amount of pages.

-when breath becomes air by paul kalanithi

a nonficiton written by a doctor who is diagnosed with brain cancer while finishing his residency. full of insight and overall a very touching read. i read it in one sitting and sobbed! the end includes a foreward written by his wife that i loved as well. the two of them are so vulnerable and honest in this book, and im grateful kalanithi put his last days and soul into this book that left such such a massive impact on me.

-the perks of being a wallflower by stephen chbosky

a short fiction novel, written in letter form, about a boy named Charlie's high school experience. Feels like a personal message to the reader, and is a coming-of-age classic imo. (mentions of mental health, sexual assault, + suicide.) loved the main character and was definitely a comfort book for me growing up

-a million little pieces by james frey

a semi-nonfiction detailing a young man's struggles with addiction and his experience receiving treatment. i liked the narration and found the story engaging and powerful.

-sold by patricia mccormick

a fiction about a girl sold by her father into the sex trade. simply written yet captivating and dark. (check trigger warnings; SA) absolutely recommend this!

-anne frank remembered by miep gies

nonfiction about one of the family members who helped hide anne frank and her family during world war II. hearing firsthand accounts of such devastating historical events made me bawl.

-of mice and men by john steinback

a fiction (and a classic) about the friendship between two working men set in the great depression. the ending broke my heart is all ill say ;(

-lullabies for little criminals by heather o'niel

a fiction novel about a girl being raised by her young addict father and the loss of her innocence. (check trigger warnings; substance use, grooming)

-on earth we're briefly gorgeous by ocean vuong

a fiction novel that wonderfully utilizes vuong's poetry skills and narration, where the story is told as if the reader is the main character's mother (although she cannot read), and follows both his Vietnamese heritage and it's influence on his present day experiences/relationships and his complex family relationships; touches on intersectionality (LBGT+ rep!) (does include some sex scenes that i was not expecting and ended up reading them sheepishly on the bus. oopsies)