In my last review of “Please Look After Mom,” I lamented being stuck in a reading slump. However, in February, I finally managed to break the spell and rediscover my enjoyment of reading. This month, I decided to embrace brevity by opting for a roundup of both books and mangas instead of my usual individual reviews. Among my reads are some re-reads and some entirely new discoveries. So, without further ado, here’s everything I delved into in February and March.
Re-read category:
Flowers for Algernon - Daniel Keyes.
It follows the journal entries of the main character, Charlie, who is developmentally disabled. Through his writings, we experience his daily life, work, relationships, and aspirations. However, Charlie’s life takes a dramatic turn when he is selected for an experimental surgical procedure aimed at increasing his intelligence. The success of this procedure has already been demonstrated in a white mouse named Algernon, who exhibits remarkable cognitive improvements.
As we follow Charlie’s journey, we witness his transformation from struggling with basic tasks to possessing a genius-level intellect. This transformation not only alters Charlie’s life but also reshapes his worldview and fundamental relationships.
While this book forces us, the readers to confront to questions about ethics of scientific experiments. It is at it's core about loneliness and isolation.
Honestly, i have never felt as sad reading a book as i felt going through Charlies' journey. It was profoundly disheartening when he realized that whatever relationships he had before the procudure, where not what they seemed at the time. Recommend!
Kokoro - Natsume Soseki
In Kokoro we follow as this university students seeks mentorship from this man who he calls sensei. Sensei is a man of few words, chrouded in mistery and secrets, until the very last (famous) chapter where we learn everything that makes sensei who he is.
Kokoro at it's heart (pun intended), is a story about grappling with guilt and loneliness as the time changes.
As i'm writing this, i realized my re-read list is all about loneliness through different lenses, which is fitting as i'm feeling quite lonely at the moment.
Now onto the new reads!
New reads category:
The Rachel Incident - Caroline O'Donoghue
Rachel loves many things, including: books, her new best friend, James and her married professor, Dr. Fred Byrne.
After struggling to finish Rosemary's baby (i'm sorry) this was the fun, messy book i needed to pick myself up.
The Rachel Incident, like many other coming of age stories, fellows a twenty something Irish student as she learns to navigate her relationship with herself, friendships, familial relationships, and romentic relationships. It was both heartwarming and chaotic. This is what i imagined Conversations with Friends to be like (yes, i'm still salty about that book).
For this book, i really think it's better experienced with as little information as one could.
The Hike - Drew Magary
I found this gem at the suggest me a book subreddit. I also advice to not read a synopsis, it is a better reading experience with no information. But if i were to give you one here it is; our main character goes for a walk around the hotel as he waits for his business meeting, and things quickly gets weird. That's it, that's all you will need to know about this multi-genre book. It has fantasy, adventure, and a dash of dark comedy.
Reading The Hike felt like a fever dream in the best way possible. Whenever i thought i guessed where things were going, the story changed direction. Recommend!
Bastard — Carnby Kim
Bastard is a thriller webtoon series written by Carnby Kim and illustrated by Youngchan Hwang.
The story begins with Jin Seon, a high school boy, and his tutor preparing to resume their study session. However, during a bathroom break, Jin grabs a sledgehammer as one normaly does, and then procudes to murder her, as one normaly does. This shocking event sets the stage for an unexpected turn of events.
As the narrative unfolds, the biggest plot twist emerges in chapter four, completely altering the trajectory of the story. From that point forward, readers find themselves unexpectedly rooting for Jin Seon, despite his initial actions.
Currently reading:
Omniscient Reader - Sing Shong
I'm convinced the author is a genuis. We have our main guy Kim Dokja, who for the past decade, Dokja has been the sole reader of a web novel called “Three Ways To Survive The Apocalypse.” Despite its lack of popularity beyond the initial chapters, Dokja remains dedicated to it.
Suddenly, inexplicable events begin to unfold in reality following the release of the web novel’s final chapter. While everyone else is in a panic, Dokja notices striking parallels between these events and the plot of the novel. Initially hesitant to accept the absurdity of the situation, his doubts fade as he encounters individuals who are unmistakably the characters from the novel.
That's when he comes to two conclusions: 1- the world is ending, 2- he is the only one with a cheat code.
A work of art, definetly recommend. You can find it as manhwa and a novel.
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