Trigger warning: Eating Disorders, Sexual Abuse, Mental Abuse
The title of Jennette McCurdy’s book, “I’m Glad My Mom Died,” is undeniably provocative and may initially strike readers as jarring or controversial. It serves as a deliberate and thought-provoking choice, capturing the author’s intention to challenge societal expectations and delve into the complexities of grief. It immediately sparks curiosity, encouraging readers to explore the book and discover the deeper meaning behind such a bold statement.
Within the pages of the memoir, McCurdy explains the nuanced emotions she experienced after her mother’s passing, including feelings that may seem contradictory or unconventional. By choosing this provocative title, McCurdy aims to confront the discomfort and taboo associated with expressing complicated emotions surrounding death and loss.
It is essential to recognize that the title does not represent a callous disregard for the author’s mother or a celebration of her death. Instead, it encapsulates McCurdy’s journey towards understanding and accepting her complex emotional landscape, as well as her desire to share her story in a way that challenges preconceived notions about grief and healing.
“I’m Glad My Mom Died” by Jennette McCurdy is a courageous and deeply personal memoir that takes readers on an emotional journey through the author’s experience of losing her mother and the subsequent healing process. Known for her roles in popular television shows and her openness about mental health struggles, McCurdy displays a remarkable vulnerability as she delves into the complexities of grief, self-discovery, and acceptance.
In this poignant and introspective account, McCurdy recounts her close relationship with her mother, exploring the depth of their bond and the profound impact her mother’s death had on her life. With raw honesty, the author does not shy away from the challenging and often taboo aspects of grieving, providing readers with an unfiltered look into her own emotions and the many unexpected hurdles that arise during the grieving process. Throughout the book, McCurdy weaves together distressing anecdotes, personal reflections, and heartfelt letters addressed to her late mother.
In addition to delving into the personal aspects of her own grief, McCurdy also explores broader themes of mental health, self-discovery, and the importance of seeking professional help when needed. She openly discusses her own battles with anxiety, depression, and eating disorders, offering a relatable and empathetic voice to those who may be facing similar struggles.
While “I’m Glad My Mom Died” is undoubtedly a heartbreaking read, it is ultimately a story of resilience, growth, and hope. McCurdy’s journey towards self-acceptance and her willingness to share her experiences provide solace and inspiration to readers who may be grappling with their own losses or mental health challenges.
In conclusion, “I’m Glad My Mom Died” is a compelling memoir that showcases Jennette McCurdy’s talent as a writer and her remarkable ability to share her deepest vulnerabilities. By sharing her personal journey, she invites readers to confront their own feelings of grief, providing a relatable and comforting space for healing and understanding. This book serves as a valuable resource for anyone navigating the complexities of loss, while also emphasizing the importance of mental health awareness and self-care.
The title of the book is “The Fault in Our Stars” by John Green. It’s a romance fiction novel. I chose this book because I’ve heard a lot of praises about it and a good friend recommended it to me. Also, the title was really catchy!
The Setting
The story is taking place in Indiana, and it begins when two teenagers meet each other at a support group for kids fighting cancer, in a church.
The Characters
Hazel Grace Lancaster : The main character of the book and also the narrator. A nearly normal teenager fighting lung cancer. When her mom thinks she’s fallen into depression because she keeps herself isolated, her doctor (Dr. Maria) and her mom force her to go to a support group. To me, Hazel seems like the kind of girl who would give you strict advice when you need it but also be the shoulder to cry on, again, when you need it. She can be brutally honest sometimes, but somehow she says it in a manner which doesn’t seem mean or condescending. She doesn’t suck up to anybody, not even her disease. She fights till the last moment and doesn’t succumb to her illness.
Augustus Waters : A dreamy, goofy teenage boy, who knows exactly how to use his charm on everyone. A kind of person, who would smile at you, even if you don’t know him. He is a selfless character as shown in the instances in the book. When he loves, he really loves. And I mean, really. He romanticizes the little things in life and lives his life to the fullest. From the book, I can guarantee he’s an Excellent partener, a great friend and a good stranger. Issac : Augustus’ best friend and Hazel’s only friend at the support group. He is fighting eye cancer, and soon would become blind. His cancer doesn’t seem to bother him as much as a betrayal/heartbreak does. He is a sarcastic, funny friend but also the one who loves Augustus the most (well, after Hazel).
Plot
Beginning: Hazel joins a support group with kids like her, who are fighting cancer. There, she meets Augustus looking at her and before they know it, they’re in his living room, watching a movie. They talk and turns out they both like reading, they recommended each other a book and after they’d read it, they would call each other again. After reading said books, they called and it was clear that they low-key felt head over heels for each other. Augustus had already confessed his loving feelings for Hazel.
Middle: Hazel’s favourite book, which she’d loved since she could remember and also had recommended it to Augustus (who, in turn, also loved it) didn’t really have an ending. And that killed Hazel, she really wanted to know about the characters and what happen to them at the end. So, they decided e-mailing the author of the book to see if they could get any replies. They did get a few, and he said that the end games of the characters could not be revealed to the public. So, Hazel and Augustus decided to go to Netherlands( at the author’s home) and meet him for themselves. As luck would have it, things didn’t quite go as planned. A few nights before their big trip, Hazel had to run to the ER and stayed in the ICU for a week. She had fluid filled in her lungs and she couldn’t breathe. Although, her doctors told her she could still make it. After reaching there, though, they found out that the author was a total doofus! He was an alcoholic and nothing could be expected of him. They were disappointed but they had a good, romantic date at a posh restaurant. After this, Hazel’s life seemed to come to an end. Cancer was back in Augustus’ body. He was dying.
Ending: As time went by, Augustus grew sicker and sicker, worse and worse. He asked Hazel and his best friend, Issac to write him an eulogy. The eulogy was quite emotional and all three of them couldn’t help breaking down into tears. When he actually passed away, Hazel gave the eulogy. She said, “He gave me an infinite number of memories within a limited number of days.” She found out from his parents that Augustus had written something for Hazel. She would later find out that it was a letter to the author of her favourite book, asking him to write an eulogy for Hazel.
Conclusion
This was a book so achingly beautiful that if it were possible, I would want to read it for the first time again. I would recommend this book to anyone who’s looking for a pure, true love story. I absolutely loved this story! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I was in a mood for Netflix & Chill, so I ended up watching two romcoms within 24 hours- Love, Guaranteed and Love Hard, out of which the latter was cuter and had me giggling. Also, the plot kinda revolved around online dating which was kinda relatable as I’ve also jumped on that bandwagon recently.
I joined an online dating app in July with zero hopes but to my surprise, I made quite a lot of genuine friends online. I also went on a few dates which were really nice. But the real problem comes after you’ve been on a few dates with the same person. Now what’s next? Are you gonna be seeing each oher romantically? Are you gonna treat this thing between the two of you as something casual or long-term? What if one of you gets really attached? Et cetera, et cetera…
For me, it was not that great of an experience because the people I really liked talking to, were either putting up in a different city or a different country altogether. Why does this happen to me?🙂 And the people who were in the same city as me, wanted to yake things on the next level only after the first date itself. Like why would you do that? Why can’t I find someone old school? Someone who is a hopeless romantic and won’t mind taking things slow? Someone who is genuinely looking for a long-term companionship..
Well, I had deleted the app after I ended up talking to so many people and making friends. It was exhausting. And also, yes I enjoyed making friends there but was that my priority? No. Absolutely not. I was looking for a romantic partner. Maybe I’ll download it again and jump on the swiping game in the near future, if I don’t get to meet the guys who are already living so faraway.
How have your online dating experiences been like? Any interesting stories to share?😂
At the beginning of the year, I went book shopping thrice and also became a library member at the British Council since I wanted to explore new genres and authors.
I am getting more into fiction and it only blows my mind every time I read a new story. It makes me wonder how authors are able to pen down such intricate and thought-provoking stories.
‘Loveless’ by Alice Oseman
There were a few authors whom I wanted to read this year, one of whom is Alice Oseman. I started with her novel ‘Loveless’ and oh my! I’m so glad I did! It is such a treat to oneself. After a long time, I read such a funny, honest and relatable story. I had heard a lot about asexuality and this book defined it in such a unique way that it instantly became one of my favorites this year.
Alice Oseman is also the reason why I was waiting eagerly for the Netflix series ‘Heartstopper’ which I finished watching the day it was released. And oh my gosh! I felt so many emotions, all at once, while watching the show. It literally made me feel butterflies in my stomach.
I binge-watched it during the night since I couldn’t stop gushing over the characters and their chemistry with each other. Also, I had an intense liking for the character, Jason, as he was so understanding, reliable, and a good friend to Georgia and Pip. Alice Oseman makes her characters so relatable and lovable. I’m a fan! So yes, Alice Oseman is now one writer whose all books I’m going to read ASAP!
‘Everything I Never Told You’ by Celeste Ng
The Lee family’s favorite child is dead and how. Celeste Ng’s writing is simple, moving, and keeps us on our toes. There were so many instances in the book where I felt so empty and sad. The book follows the Chinese-American Lee family and how they struggle with racism, death, and grief.
I have never read a novel of this kind and it touched upon diverse topics and how the Asian American family dealt with alienation, achievement, race, gender, family, and identity.
A major theme in Everything I Never Told You is Chinese immigrants. From James’ parents to James’ children, Ng never stops talking about the immigration issue. According to the novel, James’ parents are able to relocate to California because they adopt pseudonyms and pretend to be the son of a Chinese immigrant who arrived in America at a young age.
Most Chinese immigrants travel to California while Norwegian, Italian, and Russian immigrants move to Kansas, Nebraska, and Minnesota. Because these Chinese immigrants with pseudonyms are easily identified in Chinatown, they try to blend in with the crowd and avoid standing out.
The marriage of James and Marlyn is the central theme of the novel. No one thinks James marries a white girl since he is a Chinese American. Marlyn’s mother even tries to encourage her daughter not to marry James because their union is illegal in most Virginia villages in 1958. In the story, Ng also recounts a white man who marries a black lady in Virginia.
After four months of marriage, they are arrested. This couple fought for the legality of their marriage for four years, but after eight years, the court approved their marriage. Their relationship, on the other hand, will take a few more years to be recognized by their family. In Everything I Never Told You, Ng explores the difficulty of interracial marriage.
Lydia’s death is caused in part by the stress caused by her family’s environment and her parents’ unrealistic expectations. No child in Everything I Never Told You grew up in a healthy family. James grew up in a family where both of his parents lacked legal status in the United States, therefore their lives were filled with uncertainty.
Marlyn was born into a single-parent household, and her mother was a typical housewife who hoped Marlyn would grow up to be a woman like her. Marlyn had already left her husband and children with Lee’s family. Because their parents were preoccupied with Lydia, Nath and Hannah were never looked after by their parents, causing Lydia to be uncomfortable and stressed.
It can be an uncomfortable read during some points of the novel but the author’s writing is immaculate and thus, it is a must-read.
‘Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine’ by Gail Honeyman
This book is a heart-warming and well-written piece of fiction. This is again a book I cannot recommend enough. The unexpected ‘reveals’ in the story will make you sit on the edge of your seat. Some stories are meant to stay with you for the rest of your life and enrich your life.
Eleanor is a well-read and articulate woman. However, because she had lived alone her entire life, she was socially awkward. She’s true to herself, and because she doesn’t have a filter, she ends up blabbering about what’s on her mind. This puts her in an unusual spotlight and makes her a source of amusement among her employees.
Given the number of books about dementia, memory loss, and other mental health issues, it is surprising that it has taken profound loneliness this long to take center stage. I’m at a loss for words to describe this unputdownable story. It’s funny, sad, charming, and quite realistic in terms of her everyday behaviors as a girl.
Throughout the novel, Eleanor has a significant metamorphosis that benefits her and makes her a better person. You’ll empathize with her on various aspects of her personality, even if she feels untidy and destroyed.
‘The Bookseller of Kabul’ by Åsne Seierstad
The Bookseller of Kabul is a non-fiction book about a bookseller, Shah Muhammad Rais (whose name was altered to Sultan Khan), and his family in Kabul, Afghanistan, written by Norwegian journalist Asne Seierstad and released in Norwegian in 2002 and English in 2003.
There are numerous graphic descriptions of women being subjected to violence. In a park, a teenage girl meets a boy and they just sit. They seldom speak because she is so scared. Still, because she has been observed by a family member, this puts her in a lot of difficulties.
Her siblings and father battered her nearly to death before forcing her to marry. Another woman “commits” a similar “crime,” and her brothers, with her mother’s agreement, suffocate her after a severe beating, several days of isolation, and tremendous humiliation.
Sultan, the protagonist, who describes himself as a liberal and a man of literature, considers his wife as a “fuck-clean-cook” object. Also, as soon as she becomes too unattractive for him, Sultan, a 50-year-old man, gets himself a teenage wife, who is between 12–15 years old, which is disturbing.
‘Kabul Beauty School’ by Deborah Rodriguez
Deborah Rodriguez travelled to Afghanistan in 2001, shortly after the Taliban fell, as part of a group providing humanitarian relief to the war-torn country. She was enthusiastically sought out by Westerners in need of a nice haircut and Afghan women who have a long and proud heritage of having their own beauty salons once her occupation became known. As a result, an idea was born.
The line between teacher and student blurred quickly within the small haven of the beauty school, as these vibrant women shared their stories and their hearts with Rodriguez: the newlywed who faked her virginity on her wedding night, the twelve-year-old bride sold into marriage to pay her family’s debts, the Taliban member’s wife who pursued her training despite her husband’s opposition.
This vibrant memoir is full of dark humorous incidents, such as when a customer who had never seen a blow dryer mistook it for a pistol and bolted from the salon chair screaming.
‘The Silent Patient’ by Alex Michaelides
There’s something immensely fulfilling about reading a novel that allows you to form your own opinions about what happened while also transporting you on an unforgettable and twisted roller-coaster that shakes you to your core. You also wonder how far the author would go and admire them for pushing boundaries and avoiding well-worn roads.
I’ll be honest, I’m a little afraid of Alex Michaelides right now. I’m sure he’s a wonderful person, but it doesn’t change the fact that he has a mind that can give me or any other reader nightmares. He reminds you that the world is a safe place — it was designed to support communities — but that anyone can be triggered at any time and shatter your safe haven.
I can’t and won’t tell you anything about what happens in this novel except that the narrator, a psychotherapist, is attempting to persuade a disturbed patient at a psychiatric facility to open up about her history and the events that caused her to murder her husband. It’s completely messed up. Stay far, far away if you believe the world is made out of unicorns, rainbows, and sunshine. It will not only tease you, but it will also betray you.
‘Once Upon A Time In The East’ by Xiaolu Guo
When Xiaolu Guo is seven years old, she meets her parents for the first time. They are unfamiliar to her. Her parents give her to a childless peasant couple in the mountains when she is born. They leave Xiaolu with her illiterate grandparents in a fishing town on the East China Sea when she is two years old and malnourished on a diet of yam leaves.
Guo has finally found his voice. Once Upon a Time in the East is straightforward and honest. Her time in Beijing and London after arriving there in 2002 is also documented in the memoir. It is a fantastic memoir written by a remarkable woman. She discusses alienation and determination, grief and art, growing up and discovering herself, and everything in between.
I loved this book and I’m looking forward to reading more books by Xiaolu Guo. Also, I’ll be reading memoirs too more often. Let me know your favorite reads of 2022.
Now-a-days, I feel a sudden wave of sadness every now and then. I get so confused as to why I’m feeling a certain way. A lot questions pop up in my head. Why am I feeling so low? Why am I not happy at work or home? Why is there a constant feeling of fatigue? It’s like stuck alone in a distant beach all by yourself with nobody to check on you.
As I write this, I wonder what is it that would make me happy right now? Is it food? Friends? Family? A night out? An outstation trip? Shopping? But these are all temporary methods to make oneself happy. I can say for myself that I rely on food and shopping to make myself feel better but do these things satisfy me permanently? Nah! It’s the same vicious circle from the next day.
Maybe I’m not happy with the way things are at job. I am an ESL facilitator and I feel I’m not given much ownership of my classes. It makes me lose interest in school. I feel demotivated and there is no excitement (which should have been there, given the fact I love my students so much!). Teachers are considered robots here. We are expected to work 24/7/354 (at any time, all year round), which is just stupid.
I feel like I need to be happy with my own company before I can be happy with someone else completely. As much as I loved spending time alone with myself, I can’t get that “me-time” now alongwith my hectic job. Sometimes I think of quitting but that’s not a permanent solution also. I know these mood swings are just a phase in my life and I’ll surely be able to overcome it. But the thing is that sometimes I feel so lonely; I feel like there is nobody as reliable as I would someone to be right now, because I get so frustrated with my friends as well. There are so many reasons when I feel that I’m not being treated the way I deserve to and the way I treat them. There have been so many instance in the last two-three years that I have become distant and I do not expect anything out of anyone anymore.
Even people we like the most can drive us crazy, but at the end of the day, there’s no truer adage than “can’t live with ‘em, can’t live without ‘em.” I guess this is how we are wired to be. Thus, in oder to make myself sleep early to avoid overthinking, I usually play ASMR so that the tingles and the sensations make me asleep.🤭 It’s really effective and so much fun too. XD
I don’t usually pour my heart out here, but I guess I can treat this blog as my digital diary too. Because, I can!😂
This book triggered me but at the same time, made me reflect on my surroundings.
TW: Both the book and this review contain mentions of misogyny, sexism, sexual harassment, and abuse, and violence.
Kim Ji-young, Born 1982 came out in 2016. Months prior, a youthful lady was killed close to Gangnam metro station in Seoul in an assault. The killer affirmed in court that he had been disregarded by women a lot and couldn’t bear it any longer so committed the crime.
Although South Korea is financially one of the foremost progressed nations in Asia, it remains socially traditionalist. So much so that many female vocalists and performing artists who said they had read the book were assaulted and bullied online.
This book speaks about women who confront misogyny, sexism, separation, prohibition, and savagery in their lives, be it at their homes or work environments. It talks around certain issues like postpartum misery, families’ demand for boys instead of girls, income inequality between the two genders, treatment of ladies when they want to have a child, treatment of young ladies at school or workplaces.
In most nations counting India, the part of bearing children and staying at home to take care of them is considered of most extreme significance for women. Their role has been set at domestic by the patriarchal society.
They are not given the same opportunities and freedom as men and are in this way, considered the weaker sex. Such generalizations and standards are broken down by a few women each day but still, indeed nowadays there are numerous of us confronting such things.
This novel narrates the experience of Kim Ji-young, who has a loving and understanding mother, Oh Misook, who recognizes what it’s like to give up one’s aspirations for the benefit of the family, having done so herself.
Kim Ji-young was a strong supporter of her girls’ schooling, but when she married her lover, Jung Daehyun, things got worse when her in-laws started making comments about her not being pregnant soon enough.
There is an incident in the book where Daehyun asks her to stay at home for the sake of the child and give up her career since his job was more stable and brought in more money. Seeing her sigh, he says he would help her out, to which Ji-young replies:
Help out? What is it with you and “helping out”? You’re going to “help out” with chores. “Help out” with raising our baby. “Help out” with finding me a new job. Isn’t this your house, too?
This response was so required as individuals tend to think that it is common for women to do all of these things by themselves. Comments like “mumroach”, i.e., mum + cockroach are utilized for mothers “who need manners” in open spaces.
The security agent set up hidden cameras in the women’s toilets, and her male colleagues passed them around. Hyesu said she would never be able to trust a man again.
The above line from the book shows how episodes of sexual abuse take a toll on women’s mental wellbeing, which is additionally central to the story. Indeed nowadays, women are still denied some fundamental rights. This can be a must-read book to gain knowledge into what women have to confront in their day-to-day lives.
The story moreover depicts a couple of solid, candid women, but they are continually put down by society and colleagues from climbing up the ladder of victory.
The Korean motion picture with the same title, based on this book, starring the Goblin actor Gong Yoo, was released in 2019, a must-watch. The Korean dramatization (k-drama) called Something In The Rain, starring Son Ye-jin and Jung Hae-in, too depicts such taboos and is surely a must-watch to gain insights into Korean society.
You can check my mini review on the k-drama Something In The Rainhere.
Other similar books you must read:
1. The Vegetarian by Han Kang
Cover Courtesy of Amazon
This novel, too, is set in South Korea and narrates how the protagonist’s life changes when she decides to stop consuming meat after a bloody nightmare about human cruelty, which ultimately leads to damaging consequences in her personal life.
2. Convenience Store Woman by Sayaka Murata
Cover Courtesy of Amazon
This novel captures the life of a thirty-something woman working in a convenience store in Japan and how she tackles the pressure of finding a suitable husband for herself and conforming to the stereotypes laid by society.
3. Girl, Woman, Other by Bernardine Evaristo
Cover Courtesy of Amazon
This novel follows the lives and struggles of twelve different characters, mostly women, in the United Kingdom. It explores how race, sexuality, and gender affect the experiences of a woman.
4. Strange Weather In Tokyo by Hiromi Kawakami
Cover Courtesy of Amazon
This is a love story capturing the life of a girl who falls in love with her former high school Japanese teacher after they continue to see each other on and off at a bar. He still acts as her teacher and criticizes her when she does not remember what he talked about in class many years ago.
These novels are powerful narratives that will evoke emotions in you and will make you heartbroken. All the stories and characters are interconnected to the reality that they will make you root for them. I’m sure you will enjoy them as much as I did since they are so thought-provoking and will make you reflect on your perspective at the same time.
💕 When I first looked at this book online, I lnew I had to get it because of the title! I knew I’ll love it because it was written about a mom by her daughter. 💘And after reading it, I was so overwhelmed and had so many emotions. There were moments in this book when tears welled up in my eyes. :’)💘
💕 The story revolves around the author who tries to explain through this book what kind of a relationship she and her family had with her mother and how they eventually coped with her death after her mother succumbed to cancer. I felt it is so important to read this book as it lets you understand the different ways in which one can deal with pain and move forward in life.
💕 The author beautifully describes the kind of impact her mother had on her and also, we get to know about the Jewish culture in the book. I have so much to say about this book but I just want to let this be. I LOVED THIS BOOK SO MUCH. It really touched my heart! This will always be a special one for me.💜
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Dopehri by Pankaj Kapoor🌞
Genre: Fiction
Rating: 4🌟
🌞 Dopehri, the afternoon where you do not have a fresh start to the day but also you aren’t too tired from a full day’s work. The time when you are leisurely retaining a few possibilities. It is a short story about an old woman, Amma Bi, in her 60s who decided to take in a lodger out of her loneliness & her fear of someone lurking in her haveli at exact 3 PM.
🌞 Not many stories revolve around elderly women who live alone and what all they realise about themselves during that time. I really enjoyed this story as it had many humorous as well as touching moments.
🌞 Pankaj Kapur had done stage plays on this story before publishing it. The novella is around 100 pages and is a quick and heartwarming read. The dynamics among the protagonist and other characters are quite enjoyable.
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The Stationery Shop Of Tehran by Marjan Kamli 💕
💕Look at love How it tangles With the one fallen in love💕
Genre: Historical fiction, romance
Rating: 4🌟
QOTD: Which is your favourite historical fiction/non-fiction or romance novel?
💕 The story revolves around two Iranian individuals, Bahman and Roya, who have always been in love with each other but destiny had other plans for them.
💕 Bahman and Roya met in the Stationery shop & from there, their love for each other develops and the story showcases how the stationer, Mr. Fakhri helps the two individuals come closer to each other. But Bahman’s mother, Mrs. Aslan, is against this match. Slowly, we get to know about the past of Mrs. Aslan and Mr. Fakhri and many secrets are revealed.
💕 The story revolves around the politics taking place in Iran and the people’s take on democracy, communism and monarchy. Amidst the protests and coup, complex relationships are explored among the protagonists and their families. The story revolves around love, heartbreak, loss and what not. It is a heart warming yet emotional read.
💕 The story also highlights the patriarchy and misogyny that takes place and what topics are considered to be taboo. Roya and her sister, Zari also realise how America is different from their motherland, Iran when they move to America to study further. I plan to read more of Marjan Kamali’s books since this was my first read & I absolutely loved it.💘
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Birthday Girl by Haruki Murakami 🎂
Genre: fiction, short story
Rating: 3🌟
🎂 Before starting my first novel by #HarukiMurakami , I decided to read one of his short stories as recommended by @libroreview in her youtube video “Top 18 (more) books for beginners”.
🎂 The plot is rather basic where a girl, a waitress, who has now turned twenty is asked to deliver food in room 604 and there, an old man asks her what she wishes for on her birthday. What follows next is what Murakami is famous for- his intriguing storyline.
🎂 #BirthdayGirl might seem confusing by the end because the author has left it open to interpretation. Needless to say, I found it quite unique and thus, I’m excited to pick up Norwegian Wood finally after delaying it for so long.
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The Nine-Chambered Heart by Janice Pariat 🤍
Genre: Romance fiction, coming-of-age story
Rating: 3.5🌟
🤍 The book is a collection nine stories/ perspectives about the same unnamed woman through the eyes of eight men and one woman. So the book doesn’t share that particular woman’s perception or the place where she lives, instead the way how she is perceived is described beautifully throughout.
🤍 Some perceive her as fun while some perceive her as self-centred. The story is quite engaging and we get to know what kind of a relationship that woman had with all these nine characters. She eventually marries one of them and you’ll relate to her on quite a few levels as the stories are realistic.
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The Worst Daughter Ever by Aarti V Raman 🙇🏻♀️
Genre: romance, domestic fiction
Rating: 3🌟
🙇🏻♀️ I came across this book on Amazon and was intrigued by the title. So I decided to listen to it as an audiobook on @audible_in . The story is set in Kerala, India where the protagonist, Lasya aka LJ comes back home after the demise of her grandmother.
🙇🏻♀️ The plot is interestingly a mixture of family drama with romance, cousins’ love and rivalry, friendship and forgiveness.
🙇🏻♀️ The language used in the book is simple and fun. LJ’s fallout with her family two years ago, her acceptance of her mistakes, and her coming to terms with everyone’s situation are very well written.
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Midwinter Murder: Fireside Tales from the Queen of Mystery by Agatha Christie 🌚
Genre: Mystery, Christmas Story, Crime Fiction
Rating: 4🌟
🌚 Midwinter Murder is a collection of 12 seasonal short stories by Christie and features some of her most famous detectives – Hercule Poirot and Miss Marple. It also features two stories featuring Mr. Quinn and a solo Tommy and Tuppence adventure.
🌚 My favourite story has been The Chocolate Box where Poirot is successfully deceived and thus, he describes it as the “perfect murder”.
🌚 I am a huge Christie fan since the time I read her “Death Comes As The End” and I was hooked to her writing. I’ve also been following @maidensofmurder on Instagram as it is an Agatha Christie book club and if you are her fan, you should definitely check this page out!🙈
Have you read any of these books? What has been your favourite read in the month of January?☺️
How is your January going? We are about to enter into February soon & I’m here with my TBR for 2021! (Better late than never😂)
So I really want to read more of romance novels this year as I always avoid this genre (unintentionally).🙈 Last year, when I read The Hating Game by Sally Thorne, I stayed away from this genre because I just did not like this book. The constant hating games between the two protagonists did not engage me in their story and eventually, I DNFed it. But I also read Attachments and Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell which I really liked.
So if you have any good romance recommendation for me, do let me know.🌚
So the first book which I want to read in 2021 is The Ten Loves of Mr. Nishino by Hiromi Kawakami.
The blurb: Over the course of his life, Mr Nishino falls hopelessly in love again and again. One woman is a colleague, another a chance encounter; one is the girlfriend of a classmate, another the best friend of Nishino’s latest conquest.
The reason why I want to read this book except for the fact that it comes in the romance genre is that I have heard mixed reviews about it though I find the blurb interesting.
The next book I want to read is Norwegian Wood by Haruki Murakami. There are so many Murakami fans out there and I want to know why.😂🤭 What is it that excites them about Murakami books? I recently read his short story Birthday Girl and the ending was quite shocking. Hence, I finally want to read his books.
Next I want to read is an important LGBTQI book called Felix Ever After and I’ve heard so much about it that I can’t wait to read it and share my views here!
The blurb: Felix Love has never been in love – and, yes, he’s painfully aware of the irony. He desperately wants to know what it’s like and why it seems so easy for everyone but him to find someone.
I enjoy graphic novels so I’ve included Go With The Flow by Karen Schneemann and Lily Williams. I found the blurb and the reviews quite interesting and encouraging, so I had to pick this one up as well.
The blurb: High school students embark on a crash course of friendship, female empowerment, and women’s health issues in Lily Williams and Karen Schneemann’s graphic novel Go With the Flow. Good friends help you go with the flow.Best friends help you start a revolution.
Next is a memoir called Educated by Tara Westover which talks about her struggles to get an education as a child while living with a conservative family.
I also want to read books by Alice Oseman, Kristin Hannah, Talia Hibbert, Elizabeth Gilbert, Mitch Albom, Fredrik Backman, Kevin Kwan, Helen Hoang, Orhan Pamuk, Sophie Kinsella (though I have watched the movies based on her books), Chitra BanerjeeDivakaruni, Devdutt Pattnaik, Toshikazu Kawaguchi, Ayse Kulin, Roxane Gay and Danielle Steel.
These are some of the authors whose books I’ve been wanting to read for so long.
Do tell me about your TBR or which authors you haven’t yet read. If you’ve read any of the above mentioned books, do let me know about your suggestions.🌈
2020 was a stressful year and I’m relieved it has come to an end. I had a target of 50 books to read in 2020 but I was able to complete 57 books and I’m quite happy with it. So here are a few recommendations from what I read in the past year.
Autobiography:
How To Be A Bawse (also, a self-help book) by Lilly Singh 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Yes, My Accent Is Real by Kunal Nayyar 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me? By Mindy Kaling 🌟🌟🌟🌟
Mrs. Funnybones by Twinkle Khanna 🌟🌟🌟🌟
Classics:
Animal Farm by George Orwell 🌟🌟🌟🌟
Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen 🌟🌟🌟🌟
Feminism:
1. Dear Girl by Aija Mayrock(Poetry) 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 2. The Yellow Wallpaper by Charlotte Perkins Gilman(Short Story) 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Graphic novels:
Anya’s Ghost by Vera Brosgol 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Dancing At The Pity Party by Tyler Feder 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Maus by Art Spiegelman 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Ritu Weds Chandni by Ameya Narvankar (Children’s literature) 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Historical fiction:
The Bastard Of Istanbul by Elif Shafak 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
The Book Thief by Markus Zusak 🌟🌟🌟
The Boy In The Striped Pajamas by John Boyne 🌟🌟🌟🌟
Romance:
Attachments by Rainbow Rowell 🌟🌟🌟🌟
Thriller:
Death Comes As The End by Agatha Christie 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Other Fiction Books:
Poonachi or The Story Of A Black Goat by Perumal Murugan 🌟🌟🌟🌟
The Diary Of A Wimpy Kid- The Ugly Truth 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Wonder by R.J. Palacio (Children’s literature) 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
I was nominated for the Ideal Inspiration Blogger Award by Isha and the Mystery Blogger Award by acoupleofbees. They post amazing book reviews, and if you haven’t checked their blog yet, then you must go and check out their blog. Thank you guys for nominating me.
Ideal Inspiration Award
Thank you, Isha, for nominating me for this award!
Rules:
• Thank the person who has nominated you and provide a link back to his/her blog. • Answer their questions. • Nominate other bloggers and ask them 5 new questions. • Notify the nominees through their blog by visiting and commenting on their blog. • List the rules and display the “Ideal Inspiration Blogger Award” logo. • Provide the link of the Award creator of the Ideal Inspiration Blogger award as Rising Star from: https://idealinspiration.blog
Isha’s questions:
1. One superpower you wish you had right now.
I wish to be invisible whenever I want to.
2. Which book are you looking forward to reading the most in 2021?
I want to complete reading all of Agatha Christie’s books.
3. If you have a chance to save a character from dying, who would it be?
Bruno from the book The Boy In The Striped Pyjamas.
4. Three things you’re grateful for in 2020.
I’m thankful for everything especially my parents, our house and our comfort.🙏🌻
5. One inspiring quote you go back to.
If what you want happens, good. If it doesn’t happen, very good. Because then that means things are happening according to God’s way & he’ll do us good.
2. One book you DNF’d and don’t care about anymore?
3. Favourite genre in books?
4. If you could play any character from a book, which one would it be and why?
5. Biggest pet peeve?
The Mystery Book Blogger Award
Thank you, acoupleofbees , for nominating me for the Mystery Blogger award. I am so honored! This mother-in-law and daughter-in-law duo has such an amazing blog, so please check it out if you haven’t already.
The Rules: • Display the award logo on your blog. • Thank the blogger who nominated you and provide a link to their blog. • Mention Okoto Enigma, the creator of the award. • Tell your readers 3 things about yourself. • Answer 5 questions from the blogger who nominated you. • Nominate other bloggers. • Notify your nominees by leaving a comment on their blog. • Ask your nominees 5 questions of your choice, including 1 weird or funny question. • Share the link to your best post.
3 things about myself:
1. I’m a teacher. 2. I love to binge watch series especially K-dramas and Shinchan. 3. Fantasy books are not my cup of coffee.😂
5 Questions:
🌼 What is one book you still want to read before Christmas?
Dancing At The Pity Party by Tyler Feder.
🌼 What is one book on your Christmas list?
Felix Ever After & also Stay Gold.
🌼 What advice would you give to a new book blogger?
Just do your thing in your own way, pace and time and don’t compare your work with others’.
🌼 Puppies or kittens?
Puppies!🐩
🌼 What is your favorite Christmas movie?
There are so many! All time favourite being Home Alone and recently, I liked Princess Switch (both parts).
The Drenched Dreamer 