August 2023 Wrap-up

August went by at both a snail’s pace and faster than I thought. The reading slump was going here and there to an extreme extent. 

Suffice to say I’m excited for fall. I’m (fingers crossed) hoping to read a big classic I’ve had on my shelf for years… hint hint… something French. 

Loves:

The Memory Police by Yōko Ogawa

My first Ogawa and what a ride! I’m still thinking about the ending. Honestly I think the less you know going in, the better the reading experience. The atmosphere, the writing, and the characters glow amidst the slowly fading life around them. 

Hell’s Paradise (Vol. 10-13) by Yuji Kaku

Finished! Overall I really enjoyed this! The action, while intricate, was easy to follow, the characters felt developed, and the art is just gorgeous. This series isn’t too long either! 

Likes: 

Thousand Autumns by Meng Xi Shi 

I buddy read this with my sister this month. The world building and cast of characters felt complex and vast. The main character, Shen Qiao, is told over and over how weak he is. It was cathartic to see him prove them wrong despite it all. This first book really set the stage for the greater story. I’m not sold completely on the relationship between the main characters but we’ll see how the next one goes. 

Okays:

The Sirens of Titan by Kurt Vonnegut 

First, I just don’t think I’m the target for this book or the book isn’t a target for me. It reminded me of Ray Bradbury’s Something Wicked This Way Comes. There is so much that happens, so much plot, that it feels like you’re always going 100 mph. I recognize what this book was trying to say and appreciate how it went about it. Absurdism blended with critiques on people, society, and organized religion is hard to pull off in a sort of humorous, nihilistic approach. I appreciate what the book was doing and how it’s put together but just not tickling my fancy overall.