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anastasia_sherman's reviews
88 reviews
Tokyo Express by Seichō Matsumoto
mysterious
slow-paced
2.75
Slow and contemplative, but intricate and intriguing, all built around the time tables of trains' arrival and departures. Quite brilliant, but not actually memorable.
"Looking back now, I see that, from start to finish, this case was only ever a matter of train and plane timetables. The answers all lay buried within them."
"Looking back now, I see that, from start to finish, this case was only ever a matter of train and plane timetables. The answers all lay buried within them."
We'll Prescribe You a Cat by Syou Ishida
emotional
inspiring
lighthearted
slow-paced
3.5
"But to speak from the cat's perspective, it's only humans who become attached. Cats, though small in stature, have their own worlds. From the moment they step into a new world, they're already looking toward the future. No matter how tough that world is."
A warm fuzzy blanket of cats for your soul, reading five interconnected stories about different people who healed with the help of cats.
There's a bit of magical realism here, which makes it more interesting.
A warm fuzzy blanket of cats for your soul, reading five interconnected stories about different people who healed with the help of cats.
There's a bit of magical realism here, which makes it more interesting.
Strange Pictures by Uketsu
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
What started as short stories that is related to pictures drawn by people in different situations turns out to be a large puzzle that comes full as a circle.
This book has a combination of everything; mystery, suspense, trauma, horror, and brutal honesty.
The narrative was captivating, and I was desperate to reach the end to see the entire picture, and by the end of the book, I'm left speechless.
Just wow!
The best way to enjoy this experience, is to just go in blindly and start reading. Trust me.
This book has a combination of everything; mystery, suspense, trauma, horror, and brutal honesty.
The narrative was captivating, and I was desperate to reach the end to see the entire picture, and by the end of the book, I'm left speechless.
Just wow!
The best way to enjoy this experience, is to just go in blindly and start reading. Trust me.
The Miracles of the Namiya General Store by Keigo Higashino
hopeful
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Sometimes miracles happen not because of grand gestures, but because of small acts of kindness.
Every story may seem unrelated, but each and every story, in the past, present and future is weaved together by "uncanny coincidence", or we could say the strings of fate.
The gist of this book is that the intertwining tapestry of human connection transcends even time, and how every word / action from us has an influence on other peoples' lives without us knowing its magnitude.
Usually, time travel / time loop stories always end up messy with plot holes, but I can't seem to find one here. Keigo Higashino had done this slice of life sci-fi with the concept of non-linear time in such a brilliant way that my jaw was on the floor when I'm done with the last page.
This is a wonderful and cozy read if you want some advice on life (in general) that may or may not hit the marks in your own life, with a sprinkle of sci-fi that makes this a masterpiece.
Every story may seem unrelated, but each and every story, in the past, present and future is weaved together by "uncanny coincidence", or we could say the strings of fate.
The gist of this book is that the intertwining tapestry of human connection transcends even time, and how every word / action from us has an influence on other peoples' lives without us knowing its magnitude.
Usually, time travel / time loop stories always end up messy with plot holes, but I can't seem to find one here. Keigo Higashino had done this slice of life sci-fi with the concept of non-linear time in such a brilliant way that my jaw was on the floor when I'm done with the last page.
This is a wonderful and cozy read if you want some advice on life (in general) that may or may not hit the marks in your own life, with a sprinkle of sci-fi that makes this a masterpiece.
The Devotion of Suspect X by Keigo Higashino
challenging
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
5.0
Sometimes, all you had to do was exist in order to be someone's savior.
Multi faceted and unassuming crime thriller, with a staggering plot twist.
I AM MIND BLOWN!
Just read the synopsis, and go in blind, definitely don't read the spoilers, and see if you can guess where the investigation takes you.
Multi faceted and unassuming crime thriller, with a staggering plot twist.
I AM MIND BLOWN!
Just read the synopsis, and go in blind, definitely don't read the spoilers, and see if you can guess where the investigation takes you.
铜钱龛世 Copper Coins by 木苏里
adventurous
funny
hopeful
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
They walked neither slowly nor hastily, their robes swishing lightly back and forth as they strode, carefree, down the winding mountain path. And thus they walked, sometimes stopping, sometimes straying, through the months and years, through the rest of their lives.
-Slow burn romance, because the plot drives the story, there isn't much room for the romance, but there is some sweetness (and banter) slipped in here and there, just be patient.
-found family (half paralysed dragon, amnesiac monk, ghost, an old stone mason, and a partially blind soothsayer)
-there are life to the side characters, and even the side side characters. They are not flat and boring, and you'll find yourself being fond of them
-cheeky yet loveable main character (the dragon)
-serious, "cold" and aloof ML, but yet so relenting (and caring) to the MC (the monk)
-solving one small mystery to the next, for the final big reveal that answers all
-finally a happy ending. Yes, happy ending for all, including the side characters, and the side side characters.
I cannot thank the author and the translator enough for giving me the chance to read this. Give Copper Coins a chance, I promise you would not regret it.
If everyday were like this, that would be nice.
Loquats and light rain, and peace on earth.
And that, is the perfect ending. 🍊📿🐉
-Slow burn romance, because the plot drives the story, there isn't much room for the romance, but there is some sweetness (and banter) slipped in here and there, just be patient.
-found family (half paralysed dragon, amnesiac monk, ghost, an old stone mason, and a partially blind soothsayer)
-there are life to the side characters, and even the side side characters. They are not flat and boring, and you'll find yourself being fond of them
-cheeky yet loveable main character (the dragon)
-serious, "cold" and aloof ML, but yet so relenting (and caring) to the MC (the monk)
-solving one small mystery to the next, for the final big reveal that answers all
I cannot thank the author and the translator enough for giving me the chance to read this. Give Copper Coins a chance, I promise you would not regret it.
If everyday were like this, that would be nice.
Loquats and light rain, and peace on earth.
And that, is the perfect ending. 🍊📿🐉
She and Her Cat: Stories by Makoto Shinkai, Naruki Nagakawa
emotional
hopeful
medium-paced
5.0
"What greater gift than the love of a cat?"
-Charles Dickens-
Yeah so my eyes became a little moist (in a wholesome kinda way) reading this, and I for one truly believe that cats are guardian angels sent to us. (Or guardian demons, well you know, for the cats that are chaotic but nevertheless lovable).
"I recalled that rainy day when I’d rescued Chobi—or so I’d arrogantly believed at the time. Actually, I was the one who’d been rescued."
-Charles Dickens-
Yeah so my eyes became a little moist (in a wholesome kinda way) reading this, and I for one truly believe that cats are guardian angels sent to us. (Or guardian demons, well you know, for the cats that are chaotic but nevertheless lovable).
"I recalled that rainy day when I’d rescued Chobi—or so I’d arrogantly believed at the time. Actually, I was the one who’d been rescued."
The Salt Grows Heavy by Cassandra Khaw
dark
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
The Little Mermaid, but make it body horror, gory, crunchy and bloody with a sprinkle of romance.
I love the premise of the story, albeit it's a little bit too short, I wanted more, but at the same time I was glad this ended quickly.
It feels as if the author used every word available in the thesaurus that made reading a little dense but at the same time beguiling when you see the words woven together in a prose so lyrical and lavish.
"That I want to die here, mired in the cold. That I want to race them to Death's carriage, exceeding their pace but only just, never going so far as to be unable to turn and corset their fingers in mine. That eternity is a worthless bauble without their conversation. That I would follow them into the demise of the universe where every heaven and each hell is shuttered, and there is nothing of us but motings of wan light, and there is no bodily apparatus with which to express affection, no recourse save to glow weakly in worship until at last, such things are swallowed too by the dark.
That I would love them even then."
I love the premise of the story, albeit it's a little bit too short, I wanted more, but at the same time I was glad this ended quickly.
It feels as if the author used every word available in the thesaurus that made reading a little dense but at the same time beguiling when you see the words woven together in a prose so lyrical and lavish.
"That I want to die here, mired in the cold. That I want to race them to Death's carriage, exceeding their pace but only just, never going so far as to be unable to turn and corset their fingers in mine. That eternity is a worthless bauble without their conversation. That I would follow them into the demise of the universe where every heaven and each hell is shuttered, and there is nothing of us but motings of wan light, and there is no bodily apparatus with which to express affection, no recourse save to glow weakly in worship until at last, such things are swallowed too by the dark.
That I would love them even then."
White Nights by Fyodor Dostoevsky
emotional
sad
fast-paced
5.0
First Night
From early morning I had been oppressed by a strange despondency. It suddenly seemed to me that I was lonely, that everyone was forsaking me and going away from me.
Second Night
Let me tell you that in these corners live strange people - dreamers.
The dreamer - if you want an exact definition - is not a a human being, but a creature of an intermediate sort. For the most part he settles in some inaccessible corner, as though hiding from the light of day;..
Third Night
But how fine joy and happiness makes anyone! How brimming over with love the heart is!
Fourth Night
My God, a whole moment of happiness! Is that too little for the whole of a man's life?
Alienation, loneliness, longing for companionship and unrequited love.
Okay Mr. Dostoevsky, thanks for the excellent short novella, but I'm gonna go cry now, brb.
From early morning I had been oppressed by a strange despondency. It suddenly seemed to me that I was lonely, that everyone was forsaking me and going away from me.
Second Night
Let me tell you that in these corners live strange people - dreamers.
The dreamer - if you want an exact definition - is not a a human being, but a creature of an intermediate sort. For the most part he settles in some inaccessible corner, as though hiding from the light of day;..
Third Night
But how fine joy and happiness makes anyone! How brimming over with love the heart is!
Fourth Night
My God, a whole moment of happiness! Is that too little for the whole of a man's life?
Alienation, loneliness, longing for companionship and unrequited love.
Okay Mr. Dostoevsky, thanks for the excellent short novella, but I'm gonna go cry now, brb.
Frankenstein: The 1818 Text by Mary Shelley
dark
emotional
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
"Listen to me, Frankenstein. You accuse me of murder; and yet you would, with a satisfied conscience, destroy your own creature. Oh, praise the eternal justice of man!"
I can finally be part of the group of people that says "Frankenstein is the scientist, not the "monster".
AND VICTOR FRANKENSTEIN IS A COLOSSAL PIECE OF SHIT.
More than half of the book is:
- him saying "oh woe befell me, for I am wretched"
- falling ill non stop for weeks and months at the slightest inconvenience (which is caused by himself of course)
- playing the victim of misery
- procrastinate in dealing with the problem
Conclusion: I hate Victor Frankenstein.
Oh what about the Creature? I LOVE him.
He's smart, he self taught himself to read, and speak, he's resilient, and he definitely deserved much more than this cruel and prejudiced world had to offer.
I would gladly be his friend.
I can finally be part of the group of people that says "Frankenstein is the scientist, not the "monster".
AND VICTOR FRANKENSTEIN IS A COLOSSAL PIECE OF SHIT.
More than half of the book is:
- him saying "oh woe befell me, for I am wretched"
- falling ill non stop for weeks and months at the slightest inconvenience (which is caused by himself of course)
- playing the victim of misery
- procrastinate in dealing with the problem
Conclusion: I hate Victor Frankenstein.
Oh what about the Creature? I LOVE him.
He's smart, he self taught himself to read, and speak, he's resilient, and he definitely deserved much more than this cruel and prejudiced world had to offer.
I would gladly be his friend.