October & November 2023 Wrap-up
October was one big reading slump until right before I left for my trip. Picture me reading at all hours, trying to finish the Heaven Official’s Blessing series before realizing how many books are in the series. I failed to read the whole series but I brought the rest on the plane with me.
November was similarly plagued with a lack of reading. The only thing that saved me is that over Thanksgiving my sister brought some graphic novels home from her library. Two graphic novels I read apply to my Storygraph ‘Reads the World 2023’ challenge.
Loves:
When the Tiger Came Down the Mountain by Nghi Vo
While I liked the first book in this series (The Empress of Salt and Fortune), I didn’t love it. This book is the second in the series and I loved it. It examines storytelling and how it changes based on who tells it. This series always has something interesting to say and a creative way of doing it.
Heaven Official's Blessing (Vol. 1-4) by Mo Xiang Tong Xiu
This series has it all: political intrigue, encompassing romance, detailed world-building, and a large cast of characters. I tried to read this whole series before my trip thinking it was only 5 books long, only to find the others on my bookshelf. I continued to read book 5 on the plane before I got motion-sick.
Dounia and the Magic Seeds by Marya Zarif
Dounia and the Magic Seeds is a beautiful magical realism story of a girl escaping Syria with her family. I loved the art and story here. Dounia touched on serious subject manners in a digestible way for children.
New Masters by Shobo Coker
This graphic novel had so many twists and turns. It also packs so much into the story. Both the world-building and characters are excellently well done, but the action with the heist added to it. I’m going to check out other volumes of this.
Likes:
Nayra and the Djinn by Iasmin Omar Ata
The only reason this is in the ‘likes’ section was I felt like the end was a tad rushed. I would have loved to see the relationship between our main character, Nayra, and her friend, Rami, explored more. The book showcases beautiful, vibrant art and a look into Muslim traditions and holidays.
Grandmaster of Demonic Cultivation (Vol. 1-2) by Mo Xiang Tong Xiu
This is a reread and the next series my sister and I are book clubbing. We’re also about halfway through watching the Donghua. It’s so interesting to see the differences and details in each. I wasn’t sure if I should put this in the category above, but I can’t wait to read the rest.
Okays:
Writing and Being by Nadine Gordimer
Book of essays about Gordimer’s life in South Africa, other writers and their works, and discussion on her past writings. I didn’t find this a very accessible read. Something in her writing style didn’t click with me. The last essay in this book was the best.