thebookkolektiv

[thebookkolektiv]

Just closed a thrilling chapter with the Thursday Murder Club series, and my TBR is already calling my name! Up next: diving into Yellowface by RF Kuang and Olga Dies Dreaming by Xochitl Gonzalez. Ready to explore new worlds and unravel fresh mysteries—what’s on your reading list?

[thebookkolektiv]

The Wolf of Wall Street by Jordan Belfort — Book Review

As I read The Wolf of Wall Street, one recurring question kept flashing through my mind: what would I do if I had the same jaw-dropping wealth as Jordan Belfort? How could I possibly spend that kind of money? I imagine I’d indulge in simpler pleasures—buying more books, expanding my vinyl collection, maybe traveling to Switzerland, though for reasons far less dubious than opening a bank account for laundering. And sure, I’d probably splurge on the occasional fancy dinner, but at $20,000 a plate, I’d expect nothing less than a divine culinary experience.

It’s hard to wrap my mind around the life Belfort describes. It’s a life so absurdly excessive that it seems almost too outrageous to be true. Half of his story is wildly hilarious, filled with the kind of antics that could only come from someone with more money than sense. The other half is just pure insanity, where the boundaries of excess are stretched beyond comprehension. From lavish parties to drug-fueled escapades, his world is an unrelenting carousel of excess and absurdity.

But as entertaining as some of the chaos is, the last few chapters were a real slog for me. By the end, Belfort’s increasingly reckless behavior, driven largely by his crippling drug addiction, becomes harder to stomach. It’s not just the drugs that make his actions so frustrating—it’s the choices that led him there. The casual, conscious decisions to chase power and wealth at the expense of everything else. What becomes clear in his story is that nothing corrupts quite like money and power. They warp our sense of right and wrong, often so subtly that we don’t even notice until we’re lost in the moral abyss.

I like to think that, given the same opportunities and mountains of cash, I’d make better decisions—use the wealth to help those around me, to make the world a little brighter. But honestly, who’s to say? None of us truly knows how we’d react when faced with such intoxicating levels of power and excess. And besides, when your fortune is built on fraud and deception, it kind of negates the idea of “good intentions” anyway.

What I do respect, however, is Belfort’s willingness to tell his story with brutal honesty. It takes a certain amount of courage to lay bare your own addiction, your worst impulses, and the sheer madness of it all. His account offers an unflinching glimpse into the life of the obscenely rich, a life filled with unimaginable highs and equally devastating lows. It’s a cautionary tale, and if nothing else, it proves that wealth and power, without restraint or integrity, can lead you to the edge of your own destruction.

[thebookkolektiv]

March was a wild ride through worlds both familiar and fantastical. 🪷🐉☕️🦊

Every book in this March wrap-up left its own mark. Here’s to the countless worlds we get to visit between the pages—on to more adventures in April! 📚

[thebookkolektiv]

Before We Forget Kindness by Toshikazu Kawaguchi — Book Review

As the fifth book in the series, Before We Forget Kindness continues to serve up the same comforting blend of nostalgia and gentle magic that has defined its predecessors. Despite the familiar, sometimes repetitive themes, I was pleasantly surprised by the fresh nuances woven throughout this installment. While the narratives remain predictably heartwarming and, yes, even cliché at times, there’s a subtle newness that adds a welcome twist to the familiar formula.

Toshikazu Kawaguchi clearly knows exactly what he wants his readers to feel, and he delivers those emotions with remarkable consistency. The book may tread well-worn paths, softening the blows of expected turns with a tender touch that still resonates deeply. In a series where comfort is paramount, Before We Forget Kindness manages to both honor its established tone and introduce slight variations that keep the experience engaging.

If you’re a fan of the series and appreciate its soothing, familiar cadence, this book offers just enough novelty to make you smile while reaffirming the gentle magic of revisiting cherished memories.

[thebookkolektiv]

My tbr’s…

[thebookkolektiv]

Before We Say Goodbye by Toshikazu Kawaguchi — Book Review

As the fourth installment in the series, Before We Say Goodbye finds itself comfortably nestled in the familiar cadence of its predecessors. For longtime readers, it remains a heartwarming escape—perfect for savoring with a cup of coffee or tea—but there's a growing sense that the magic is fading. The book offers an easy, fast read with the same comforting premise: a mystical café where patrons can revisit the past. However, by now, the recurring themes and predictable tropes are starting to feel a bit worn out.

The strength of Kawaguchi's storytelling lies in his ability to craft deeply relatable characters. Each tale, whether it's about a husband wishing to convey a final message to his comatose wife or a woman grappling with the guilt of not being present at her pet's passing, is imbued with emotional depth and poignancy. The café's unique time-traveling premise continues to serve as a fascinating backdrop for these personal journeys.

However, while Kawaguchi’s gentle storytelling still manages to evoke warmth and nostalgia, I found myself longing for something fresh—an unexpected twist or a new reason to return to the café. The narrative, although never dull, treads the same well-worn paths, and the comfort of familiarity has begun to overshadow the sense of wonder that once made each visit to this magical space so captivating.

Before We Say Goodbye is a comforting read for fans of the series, offering familiar warmth and introspection. It may not break new ground, but it delivers the heartfelt moments that readers have come to expect from Kawaguchi. For those who have journeyed with the series thus far, this installment provides a gentle reminder of the beauty found in fleeting moments and the enduring connections that define our lives.

[thebookkolektiv]

📚✨ JOIN THE BOOK KOLEKTIV! ✨📚

Calling all book lovers! ❤️‍🔥 The Book Kolektiv is launching an online book club — and you're invited! 💬 Thoughtful discussions 📖 Monthly reads 🌙 A cozy, judgment-free space for bookworms

📲 Join us on Telegram and be part of the Kolektiv! Let’s read, share, and vibe together. ❤️

👉 Join Here:

👉 Drop a 📚 in the comments if you’re in!

[thebookkolektiv]

Before Your Memory Fades by Toshikazu Kawaguchi — Book Review

Before Your Memory Fades offers an emotional journey that, at its best, tugs at the heartstrings—but at its worst, it feels weighed down by over-sentimentality and familiar tropes. The dialogue often leans heavily into melodrama, and some of the sentence structures come off as awkward—possibly due to translation issues—that can interrupt the flow of the narrative.

While the book strives to deliver gut-punch moments, these emotional beats sometimes fall a bit flat, feeling more clichéd than groundbreaking. By this point in the series, certain outcomes have become predictable, which can diminish the impact of what should be powerful revelations.

On a positive note, there are creative twists and unexpected turns that inject a fresh energy into the stories, offering some welcome variation amid the well-trodden themes. Even if the endings tend to align with established patterns, these narrative bends provide enough intrigue to keep the reader engaged.

Overall, Before Your Memory Fades is a mixed bag: its heartfelt intentions are clear, but execution sometimes leaves you longing for a more original and polished delivery.

[thebookkolektiv]

Tales from the Café by Toshikazu Kawaguchi — Book Review

Tales in the Café is like stepping back into that warm, comforting coffee shop where magic lingers in every corner. The book continues the gentle, nostalgic vibe of its predecessor, offering a series of stories that, while treading familiar themes of grief, loss, and the bittersweet yearning for what might have been, manage to evoke a sincere sense of comfort and solace. The narratives feel intentionally cliche—designed to stir emotions and transport you back to moments of quiet reflection—yet they are written with such care that they never feel trite.

What makes this installment even more engaging is the return of beloved characters from the first book. Their reappearances ground the stories, making it easier to connect with the unfolding tales. Once I accepted that this work was originally a play, I found myself appreciating the deliberate theatricality of its execution. Yes, the repetitive exploration of themes like seeking closure and the longing to rewrite the past can sometimes feel a bit exhausting, but it’s also a reminder of the timeless nature of these human desires.

In the end, Tales in the Café remains a beautifully comforting read—one that envelops you in its magical ambiance, even if it sometimes leans on well-worn tropes. I’m still eagerly looking forward to the next chapter in this series.

[thebookkolektiv]

A Fine Balance by Rohinton Mistry — Book Review

Rohinton Mistry’s A Fine Balance is a masterful blend of heartbreak and humanity—a novel that grips you with its poignancy and refuses to let go. The moment I turned the final page, I felt an overwhelming urge to return to the beginning, to relive the raw and vivid journey it took me on.

At its heart, the story revolves around four seemingly ordinary individuals—Dina, Ishvar, Om, and Maneck—each navigating the unrelenting trials of life. Their paths cross amidst the chaos of 1970s India, where political corruption, caste oppression, and poverty cast long shadows over every aspect of existence. Despite their different backgrounds, they form an unlikely bond, each clinging to hope in a world that seems determined to strip it away.

What makes this novel truly unforgettable is its unflinching portrayal of life’s injustices, particularly for those at society’s margins. The stark reality of poverty, with its ability to smother dreams before they even take shape, resonates deeply in every chapter. Mistry doesn’t sugarcoat the hardships; instead, he lays them bare, making the moments of resilience and connection all the more powerful.

Yet, for all its weight, the novel is far from bleak. Mistry infuses his narrative with humor and tenderness, offering brief but vital respites from the crushing despair. These lighter moments make the characters feel achingly real—people you root for, cry with, and mourn for as if they were your own friends.

The prose is deceptively simple but laced with insight, making it nearly impossible to put down. Before you know it, you’ve reached the final pages, and your heart is left raw and vulnerable. It’s a book that lingers long after you’ve finished, urging you to reflect on the persistence of inequality and the quiet strength of the human spirit.

A Fine Balance is not just a novel; it’s an experience—a poignant reminder of life’s fragility and the enduring power of hope and connection. It’s one of those rare books that leaves you both heartbroken and deeply grateful for having read it.

[thebookkolektiv]

📖 PEEK-A-BOOK, I SEE YOU 📖

When your tote bag from @totefairie becomes a portal to two wildly different worlds:

🐉 Onyx Storm: Dragons, battles, and adrenaline so sharp it could cut glass.

☕ Before the Coffee Gets Cold: Quiet cafés, time travel, and feelings that hit like a tidal wave.

Current mood: Equally ready to ride a dragon and sob into my latte. 📚✨

Question for the bookish hive mind:

Do you prefer your reads fire-breathing intense or quietly soul-crushing? …or both at once? (No judgment here.) 🔥💔

Tagging @totefairie because this bag deserves all the hype. ✨

[thebookkolektiv]

Before the Coffee Gets Cold by Toshikazu Kawaguchi — Book Review

Tales in the Café is like stepping back into that warm, comforting coffee shop where magic lingers in every corner. The book continues the gentle, nostalgic vibe of its predecessor, offering a series of stories that, while treading familiar themes of grief, loss, and the bittersweet yearning for what might have been, manage to evoke a sincere sense of comfort and solace. The narratives feel intentionally cliche—designed to stir emotions and transport you back to moments of quiet reflection—yet they are written with such care that they never feel trite.

What makes this installment even more engaging is the return of beloved characters from the first book. Their reappearances ground the stories, making it easier to connect with the unfolding tales. Once I accepted that this work was originally a play, I found myself appreciating the deliberate theatricality of its execution. Yes, the repetitive exploration of themes like seeking closure and the longing to rewrite the past can sometimes feel a bit exhausting, but it’s also a reminder of the timeless nature of these human desires.

In the end, Tales in the Café remains a beautifully comforting read—one that envelops you in its magical ambiance, even if it sometimes leans on well-worn tropes. I’m still eagerly looking forward to the next chapter in this series.

[thebookkolektiv]

📚 WHEN YOUR BOOK HAUL LOOKS LIKE A LIBRARY 📚

Just casually leaving the National Book Store Warehouse Sale like…

✨ 23 hardcovers ✨

✨ 1 trusty paperback ✨

✨ A heart (and tote bag) full of serotonin ✨

Proof that book sales are my love language. 💌

Now, to explain to my shelves that yes, we do need 12 new fantasy novels…

Tag a fellow book dragon who’d understand the struggle (and the glory).🔥

P.S. Regrets? None. Only plot twists and happy endings ahead.

[thebookkolektiv]

🔥 EMPYREAN SERIES HANGOVER 🔥

Just devoured Fourth Wing, Iron Flame, and Onyx Storm… and now I’m a DRAGON-SHAPED WRECK. Rebecca Yarros, why must you leave us dangling like this?! 🐉💔  

With two books left and no release dates in sight (sobs), I need your help:  

👉 What should I binge next to fill this Tairn-shaped void?

✨ Fantasy with spicy tension?  

✨ Battles that leave me breathless?  

✨ Found family chaos?  

Drop your recs below! 

Bonus points if it’s a series—I need a long-term distraction. 📚⏳  

P.S. If you say “reread them again,” I might cry. (But also… maybe.)

[thebookkolektiv]

Onyx Storm by Rebecca Yarros — Book Review

Onyx Storm, the third installment in the series, ramps up the intensity and delivers a more action-packed adventure than its predecessors. The narrative bursts with side quests and whimsical escapades that add a playful yet thrilling edge to the story, while the world-building remains nothing short of superb. The magic-infused setting teems with vibrant detail, and the battle scenes are so vividly crafted that you can almost feel the adrenaline and chaos of the fight unfolding right before your eyes.

However, even as the story surges forward with electrifying energy, the portrayal of the main character, Violet, continues to hold the series back. Despite her evident flaws—which are meant to make her relatable—her inner monologue and decision-making often veer into territory that makes her hard to fully embrace. The delicate balance between vulnerability and unlikability seems to tip too far on the latter, and with most of the narrative unfolding through her perspective, it becomes even more challenging to overlook this shortcoming.

That said, Onyx Storm is a thrilling ride that leaves you eager for more. Its high-stakes battles, enchanting world, and spirited side adventures ensure that even if Violet doesn’t win you over entirely, the series as a whole is an adventure you won’t want to miss. I’m already looking forward to the next installment, hopeful that the strengths of this magical universe will continue to grow—and perhaps even refine—its flawed heroine.

[thebookkolektiv]

🕵️♀️🚨 CALLING ALL AMATEUR SLEUTHS! 🚨☕️

Just acquired the FULL Thursday Murder Club series, and I’m ready to trade my sanity for cold cases, cryptic clues, and retirees with sharper instincts than MI5.

Four books. One retirement village. Endless murderous mischief.

✅ Elizabeth’s scheming? Iconic.

✅ Joyce’s diary entries? Pure chaos.

✅ Ron and Ibrahim’s banter? Perfection.

I’m diving into Coopers Chase like…

☕️ Tea: Brewed.

🔍 Magnifying glass: Polished.

🕶️ Moral ambiguity: Fully embraced.

Question for the squad:

👉 Any tips for surviving this series without becoming a suspect IRL?

👉 And which character will steal my heart first? (No spoilers—just vibes.)

[thebookkolektiv]

Iron Flame by Rebecca Yarros — Book Review

Rebecca Yarros’s Iron Flame is a wildfire of a sequel—blistering battles, molten tension, and a world that crackles with danger. This book doesn’t just raise the stakes; it sets them ablaze.

The strength of this series remains Yarros’s mastery of high-octane action. Battle scenes roar to life with cinematic ferocity: dragons swoop and scorch, magic crackles like live wire, and every clash of steel feels visceral. The pacing is relentless, a relentless drumbeat of chaos that leaves you breathless. If Fourth Wing was the spark, Iron Flame is the inferno.

Violet Sorrengail continues to be a paradox—a heroine both fragile and fierce. Her resilience in the face of impossible odds is admirable, but her choices occasionally feel like sparks flying too close to gunpowder. There’s a rawness to her humanity—the doubt, the desperation—that makes her relatable, even when her decisions make you want to scream into a pillow. Paired with Xaden’s smoldering intensity, their dynamic is a tempest of loyalty, secrets, and magnetic friction.

Yet, for all its fire, Iron Flame falters slightly in the shadows. The dragons—those magnificent, ancient beasts—sometimes feel tethered to human whims, their legendary autonomy dimmed by plot convenience. And while Yarros’s refusal to slaughter characters à la GRRM may comfort some, it risks cushioning the story’s edges, muting the gut-punch stakes this world deserves.

Still, this book is a triumph of world-building. The lore deepens, revealing veins of political intrigue and ancient magic that thrum beneath every chapter. New alliances form, old betrayals fester, and the line between hero and villain blurs into smoke.

Iron Flame shines with dragons that steal every scene—as they should—while its battles are rendered so vividly that you can almost taste the ash in the air. The romance in the book teeters on the knife’s edge between ruin and redemption, adding an emotional depth that resonates with the reader. However, the story sometimes stumbles with character choices that test credulity and a safety net that ultimately softens the weight of consequences. Overall, Iron Flame is like a storm in a bottle—chaotic, dazzling, and impossible to look away from. It may not be flawless, but it burns bright enough to leave a lasting mark. If you crave fantasy that thrills like a runaway train and don’t mind clinging to the edge of your seat, even if it means a few bruises along the way, this is the book for you.