I just ordered this beauty in anticipation of my trip to Japan this November! I love reading books set in locations I'm traveling to for a sneak peak into an alien culture. Any Japan related book recommendations are welcome :)

It did read a bit like fan fiction but that didn't stop me from enjoying it. There is an obvious lack of depth since it's not meant to be a novel. But it scores major nostalgia points and I'm overlooking all flaws for making me feeling like a kid again, waiting to get my hands on the latest HP.

Rainy afternoons and Balzac.
Ps never read Balzac before so I'm excited ^_^

With an interesting premise, the book failed to live up to its promise. It reminded me initially of My Name is Red because of the landscape and the multiple narratives but sadly, that's where the similarities ended. I never felt connected to any of the characters or drawn in by the storytelling. I wanted to love it but there wasn't enough to keep me riveted.

With an interesting premise, the book failed to live up to its promise. It reminded me initially of My Name is Red because of the landscape and the multiple narratives but sadly, that's where the similarities ended. I never felt connected to any of the characters or drawn in by the storytelling. I wanted to love it but there wasn't enough to keep me riveted.

"Wherever they might be they always remember that the past was a lie, that memory has no return, that every spring gone by could never be recovered, and that the wildest and most tenacious love was an ephemeral truth in the end." #24in48 #readathon

A book that is as lovely as its title. Dealing with the Japanese occupation of Malaya in WWII, it delves into the brutalities of war, survival, love and an enigmatic Japanese gardener. There writing is beautiful with a practised restraint.

Starting The Buried Giant with some trepidation. I'm a big Ishiguro fan but I've heard mixed reviews about this one *fingers crossed*

I stumbled upon this book before my trip to Bhutan last year and fell in love with a country and people before I even got there! The book is beautifully written and captures the magical essence of Bhutan coupled with author's unique insights on a foreign culture, far removed from her comfort zone.

At the outset, A Little Life is depressing-imagine the three worst things you can think of and it happening over and over again to one person. But at its heart it's a beautiful, almost poetic, and deeply unsettling book. Definitely worth straining your purse and spraining your wrist.

I just started reading this one so reserving judgment till I finish but how lovely is the cover! I know I shouldn't judge a book by its cover but I can't help myself ^_^