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[timelyreading]

Lemon

Author: Kwon Yeo-Sun

a haunting and deeply introspective novel that explores the complexities of love, loss, and memory. The story is centered around a woman named Miso, who has recently lost her husband and is struggling to come to terms with her grief.

The narrative is beautifully written, with Kwon's prose imbuing each sentence with a sense of poeticism and emotion. The novel is structured around a series of letters that Miso writes to her late husband, which serve as a vehicle for her to explore her thoughts and feelings.

The exploration of grief and loss in "Lemon" is particularly poignant, as Kwon delves into the depths of Miso's despair and the ways in which it affects her relationships with others. The novel also delves into the nature of memory and its role in shaping our perceptions of ourselves and our loved ones.

The use of the titular lemon as a symbol of Miso's grief is particularly effective, as it serves as a constant reminder of what has been lost and the fragility of life. Kwon's exploration of this theme is both tender and insightful, and adds a layer of depth and complexity to the novel.

Overall, "Lemon" is a beautifully written and deeply moving novel that is sure to resonate with readers who have experienced loss and grief. Kwon's exploration of these themes is both tender and insightful, and her prose is a joy to read.

[timelyreading]

Lonely Castle in the Mirror

Author: Mizuki Tsujimura

a captivating and emotionally resonant novel that explores the lives of a group of teenagers who are struggling with loneliness and isolation.

The story is centered around a mysterious castle that appears in a mirror, which is said to grant any wish made by those who enter it. A group of six students who are dealing with various personal struggles, including bullying, family issues, and academic pressure, are drawn to the castle and decide to make a wish.

The narrative is beautifully written, with Tsujimura's prose painting a vivid picture of the inner lives of her characters. The novel is a powerful exploration of the complex emotions of adolescence, including the fear of the unknown, the desire for connection, and the struggle to find one's place in the world.

The use of the castle and its magical properties as a metaphor for the characters' emotional journeys is particularly effective, as it allows Tsujimura to explore complex themes such as grief, identity, and acceptance in a way that is both accessible and relatable.

Overall, "Lonely Castle in the Mirror" is a poignant and beautifully crafted novel that is sure to resonate with readers of all ages. Its themes of loneliness and the search for connection are universal, and its message of hope and resilience in the face of adversity is both timely and timeless.

[timelyreading]

If Cats Disappeared from the World

Author: Genki Kawamura

"If Cats Disappeared From The World" by Genki Kawamura is a poignant and thought-provoking novel that explores the meaning of life and the importance of human connection. The story follows a young postman who learns that he has a terminal illness and only has a few days left to live.

The postman is approached by the devil, who offers to extend his life by one day in exchange for the disappearance of something from the world. The postman decides to accept the devil's offer and begins to make a series of bargains, each one resulting in the disappearance of something from the world.

The central question of the novel is what is truly valuable in life, and the postman's journey leads him to confront this question head-on. As the world begins to lose things, he realizes the importance of human relationships and the impact that even small gestures of kindness can have.

The novel is beautifully written, with a gentle and contemplative tone that draws the reader in. Kawamura's prose is simple yet elegant, and he expertly crafts the postman's journey to be both emotionally resonant and intellectually stimulating.

Overall, "If Cats Disappeared From The World" is a moving and thought-provoking novel that is sure to touch the hearts of its readers. It is a must-read for anyone who has ever contemplated the meaning of life and the value of human connection.

[timelyreading]

After Dark

Author: Haruki Murakami

a unique and atmospheric novel that captures the essence of Tokyo's bustling nightlife. The story follows a group of characters over the course of a single night, each with their own personal struggles and desires.

The narrative is written in Murakami's signature style, with vivid descriptions of the city and introspective reflections on the human condition. The dialogue between characters is sparse but impactful, and the author expertly weaves together multiple storylines to create a cohesive and compelling whole.

One of the most interesting aspects of "After Dark" is the way in which it blurs the line between reality and fantasy. The novel contains surreal elements, such as a mysterious woman who appears in a sleeping girl's dreams and a TV screen that seems to have a life of its own. These dreamlike sequences add to the overall feeling of disorientation and mystery that pervades the novel.

Despite its brevity, "After Dark" is a thought-provoking and deeply engaging read that showcases Murakami's literary prowess. It is a must-read for fans of the author's work, as well as anyone interested in exploring the complexities of the human experience in a modern urban setting.

[timelyreading]

The Ones Who Walk Away From Omelas

Author: Ursula K. Le Guin

The Ones Who Walk Away from Omelas is an allegory that reflects the tragedy that befalls to each of us from every now and then. Either we are the child imprisoned in the city's basement who must suffer in order to preserve Omelas's Uptopian world, or we are the people who choose to walk away from this paradise, do nothing, and accept the fate of this child, since if you save this child, Omelas will be destroyed.

It’s clear that Omelas is a metaphor for our world, in which dwellers always turn a blind eye or do nothing even when they’ve seen something wrong just to protect themselves.

My rating: ★★★★★

[timelyreading]

Human Acts

Author: Han Kang

Not only this book is politically expository but philosophically awakening as well.

As this book unveils the tragedy that was Gwangju Uprising in the late 1980, readers will most likely to have emotional attachment to the characters as the narrator tells how they interrelatedly dealt with such horror by presenting them from one’s own point of view. Morever, philosophically awakening it is to witness such events that make us realize the fundamental cruelty within us and the possibility of us to do it upon other people.

Thus, this book will leave readers the question, “What is humanity? What do we have to do to keep humanity as one thing and not another?”

My rating: ★★★★★

[timelyreading]

Never Never

Author: James Patterson

It's thrilling and unpredictable. Because there are characters here that you might believe are suspects but aren't, you'll find yourself connecting dots until the very end. However, I enjoyed reading this, particularly the part regarding Harry's brother's case, which I was more curious about.

My rating: ★★★☆☆

[timelyreading]

I Who Have Never Known Men

Author: Jacqueline Harpman

A haunting and powerful novel that explores the themes of confinement, freedom, and the search for identity. The story follows the life of a young woman who has spent her entire life imprisoned in a cell with other women, their captors and purpose unknown.

As the young woman begins to unravel the mystery of their captivity and the world beyond their cell, she is forced to confront the brutal reality of their situation and the harsh truths about humanity's capacity for cruelty.

Harpman's writing is poetic and dreamlike, capturing the surreal and otherworldly atmosphere of the young woman's confinement. The characters are nuanced and complex, with their own fears, desires, and motivations.

"I Who Have Never Known Men" is a provocative and deeply philosophical novel that challenges the reader's assumptions about identity, freedom, and the nature of human existence. It is a must-read for anyone seeking a thought-provoking and emotionally resonant story that will leave a lasting impression.

[timelyreading]

Heaven

Author: Mieko Kawakami

A powerful and visceral novel that explores the themes of bullying, violence, and gender identity. The story follows the life of a young boy named Eyes, who is relentlessly bullied by his classmates for his feminine appearance and non-conformity to traditional gender roles.

As Eyes navigates the challenges of growing up in a society that values conformity and suppresses individuality, he finds solace in the unlikely friendship of a classmate named Kojima. Kojima is also an outcast, and the two form a deep emotional bond as they navigate the complexities of adolescence and their own identities.

Kawakami's writing is raw and unflinching, capturing the brutality and emotional toll of bullying with a visceral intensity. The characters are complex and fully realized, with their own unique struggles and motivations.

"Heaven" is a deeply affecting and thought-provoking novel that challenges the reader's assumptions about gender, identity, and the social pressures that shape our lives. It is a must-read for anyone seeking a powerful and emotionally resonant story that will stay with them long after the final page.

[timelyreading]

Strange Weather in Tokyo

Author: Hiromi Kawakami

A captivating and meditative novel that celebrates the beauty and mystery of human connection. It is a must-read for anyone seeking a quiet and introspective story that will leave them feeling both comforted and inspired.

[timelyreading]

Convenience Store Woman

Author: Sayaka Murata

A novel that explores the themes of societal pressure, conformity, and identity. The story follows the life of Keiko Furukura, a 36-year-old woman who has been working at a convenience store for 18 years and feels content with her life.

Despite the pressure from her family and society to conform to traditional expectations, Keiko finds comfort and purpose in her routine job at the convenience store. As she navigates the challenges of adult life, including romantic relationships and the expectations of her family and colleagues, Keiko begins to question her own identity and sense of self.

Murata's writing is spare and precise, capturing the monotony and routine of Keiko's life with a quiet intensity. The character of Keiko is complex and multidimensional, challenging the reader's assumptions about what it means to be a "successful" and "happy" member of society.

"Convenience Store Woman" is a compelling and thought-provoking novel that offers a unique perspective on the pressures and expectations of modern society. It is a must-read for anyone seeking a fresh and insightful take on the complexities of human identity and the role of conformity in our lives.

[timelyreading]

Before the Coffee Gets Cold

Author: Toshikazu Kawaguchi

A heartwarming and introspective novel that explores the power of time and human connection. The story is set in a small Tokyo café where customers have the unique opportunity to travel back in time and revisit moments in their past.

The novel is divided into four interconnected stories, each focusing on a different customer's journey into the past. As they revisit their memories, they are forced to confront the regrets and missed opportunities that have shaped their lives. Along the way, they also discover the importance of forgiveness, empathy, and human connection in overcoming the challenges of life.

Kawaguchi's writing is both evocative and understated, capturing the emotions and nuances of each character's journey with subtlety and grace. The café setting adds a cozy and intimate atmosphere to the story, and the characters are all relatable and sympathetic, each with their own unique struggles and aspirations.

"Before the Coffee Gets Cold" is a beautifully written and poignant novel that will make you reflect on the fragility of time and the importance of cherishing every moment. It is a must-read for anyone seeking a heartfelt and introspective story that will leave a lasting impression.

[timelyreading]

It Ends With Us

Author: Colleen Hoover

A powerful and emotional contemporary novel that explores the complex themes of love, loss, and domestic violence. The story follows the life of Lily Bloom, a young woman who falls in love with a charming and successful neurosurgeon named Ryle Kincaid. Despite their undeniable chemistry, Lily is hesitant to pursue a relationship with Ryle due to her traumatic past experiences with an abusive father.

As Lily and Ryle's relationship progresses, their love is tested by a series of challenges and revelations that force Lily to confront the painful realities of her past and the difficult choices she must make to protect herself and those she loves.

Hoover's writing is gripping and emotional, weaving together the present-day narrative with poignant flashbacks that offer insight into Lily's past trauma. The characters are well-developed and multidimensional, each with their own unique struggles and flaws.

"It Ends With Us" is a thought-provoking and impactful read that sheds light on the often-overlooked issue of domestic violence and the complexities of abusive relationships. It is a must-read for anyone seeking a powerful and meaningful contemporary novel that will stay with them long after the final page.

[timelyreading]

Down and Across

Author: Arvin Ahmadi

If you're someone who's trying to sort out your life, you'll be able to relate to the protagonist's quest for independence and purpose while also being reminded that things don't always go as planned. This book reassures readers that it's okay to not know how things will turn out, and that it's also okay to alter your mind or make other options even if you think you've already figured everything out.

My rating: ★★★★☆

[timelyreading]

The Girl On The Train

Author: Paula Hawkins

Full of infidelities. However, you would have a great time reading this book. If you enjoyed Gone Girl, you might enjoy this one as well.

My rating: ★★★★☆

[timelyreading]

Never Let Me Go

Author: Kazuo Ishiguro

Ishiguro's work has a dreamlike, enigmatic air to it, similar to Murakami's. Something beautiful and tense, lyrical and tragic all at once. Nonetheless, I must affirm that this literary work had a profound impact on me.

My rating: ★★★☆☆

[timelyreading]

Falling Into Place

Author: Amy Zhang

If this book has taught me anything, it is that you should never give in to demands from individuals who live in stereotyped cultures, because your actions will always come back to haunt you.

My rating: ★★★★☆