Handsome and reclusive Kohei has a hearing disability which doesn’t always garner the best attention on campus. He prefers to keep to himself rather tHandsome and reclusive Kohei has a hearing disability which doesn’t always garner the best attention on campus. He prefers to keep to himself rather than face people who either sympathize with him without knowing the extent of his impairment, or cruelly mock him, or use him to fulfil their own twisted versions of being a “good human being.”
But when loud and animated Taichi (literally) drops into his world and ravenously devours the contents of his bento box, Kohei finds an unexpected new friend. Taichi may come across as boisterous and thick-skinned but no one understands Kohei better than him. As the two form a close friendship and respect the roles that each plays in the other’s life, Taichi and Kohei soon start wondering if their bond can be something more than just friends.
This was such a beautifully narrated and skillfully drawn book. I always love the *opposites-attract* trope and watching chaotic Taichi stand up for the self-assured but restrained Kohei (which never came from a place of pity) was heartwarming to watch.
Subtle, thought-provoking and endearing.
Merged review:
Handsome and reclusive Kohei has a hearing disability which doesn’t always garner the best attention on campus. He prefers to keep to himself rather than face people who either sympathize with him without knowing the extent of his impairment, or cruelly mock him, or use him to fulfil their own twisted versions of being a “good human being.”
But when loud and animated Taichi (literally) drops into his world and ravenously devours the contents of his bento box, Kohei finds an unexpected new friend. Taichi may come across as boisterous and thick-skinned but no one understands Kohei better than him. As the two form a close friendship and respect the roles that each plays in the other’s life, Taichi and Kohei soon start wondering if their bond can be something more than just friends.
This was such a beautifully narrated and skillfully drawn book. I always love the *opposites-attract* trope and watching chaotic Taichi stand up for the self-assured but restrained Kohei (which never came from a place of pity) was heartwarming to watch.
The year is 2017, and as Takemichi Hanagaki, a go-nowhere adult watches the news in his shabby apartment, he learns that the city’s disreputably powerThe year is 2017, and as Takemichi Hanagaki, a go-nowhere adult watches the news in his shabby apartment, he learns that the city’s disreputably powerful Tokyo Manji Group’s latest conflict has led to civilian casualties. And one of the deceased is 26-year-old Hinata Tachibana. Takemichi is shocked because Hinata was his middle-school girlfriend back in the day. As he is coming to terms with all the things going south in his life, Takemichi has a near-death experience and is transported back to 2005 : his middle-school year.
Various events lead Takemichi to realize that this time-leap might just help him prevent Hinata’s death in the future. But to do so, he will have to make tectonic shifts in his delinquent, cowardly school persona and face all the demons head on.
Okay, I did not expect to like this book. Adult or middle-school Takemichi is not exactly a likeable character and the school bullying and bloody violence were unsavory to boot. But as you reluctantly plod on, the plot picks up. In Hinata’s loyal, brave and cheerful presence, we see Takemichi in a different light. Takemichi’s almost-suicidal bravery to change the course of time is painful but oddly heartwarming to watch. Powerful characters promise to pave or shake the way for future mayhem and I want to know if and how Takemichi will be successful.
The villains, even in their fledging state, are drawn with flair and simmering menace and have an undeniable presence as you know they will be the future kingpins who will wreak havoc in Tokyo and be the architects of Hinata’s fate.
Book 1 sets the stage effectively and I want to know what happens next.
Merged review:
The year is 2017, and as Takemichi Hanagaki, a go-nowhere adult watches the news in his shabby apartment, he learns that the city’s disreputably powerful Tokyo Manji Group’s latest conflict has led to civilian casualties. And one of the deceased is 26-year-old Hinata Tachibana. Takemichi is shocked because Hinata was his middle-school girlfriend back in the day. As he is coming to terms with all the things going south in his life, Takemichi has a near-death experience and is transported back to 2005 : his middle-school year.
Various events lead Takemichi to realize that this time-leap might just help him prevent Hinata’s death in the future. But to do so, he will have to make tectonic shifts in his delinquent, cowardly school persona and face all the demons head on.
Okay, I did not expect to like this book. Adult or middle-school Takemichi is not exactly a likeable character and the school bullying and bloody violence were unsavory to boot. But as you reluctantly plod on, the plot picks up. In Hinata’s loyal, brave and cheerful presence, we see Takemichi in a different light. Takemichi’s almost-suicidal bravery to change the course of time is painful but oddly heartwarming to watch. Powerful characters promise to pave or shake the way for future mayhem and I want to know if and how Takemichi will be successful.
The villains, even in their fledging state, are drawn with flair and simmering menace and have an undeniable presence as you know they will be the future kingpins who will wreak havoc in Tokyo and be the architects of Hinata’s fate.
Book 1 sets the stage effectively and I want to know what happens next....more
The friendship that bloomed between the hearing-impaired Kohei and the chaotic but truly affectionate Taichi took an uncertain turn when Kohei expressThe friendship that bloomed between the hearing-impaired Kohei and the chaotic but truly affectionate Taichi took an uncertain turn when Kohei expressed more than a passing interest in Taichi. While Taichi wasn’t averse to the idea, he doesn’t know how to deal with this new shift in their relationship.
Volume 2 takes a deeper and more incisive look into the world of the differently-abled and how their friends and families interact with them. As a new character with the same impairment as Kohei appears on the scene, the ever-confident Taichi finds his position in Kohei’s life being tested. And Kohei in turn, remains unsure about Taichi’s emotions.
Even as the two wrestle with suppressed feelings and misunderstandings, there is also a greater degree of maturity that underlines their interactions. Taichi continues to be an unexpected delight, and everyone who misjudges his chaotic nature are emotionally stunned as they get a glimpse into his kind heart and thoughtful nature.
I adore this series. It manages to wrap a sweet love story in layers of understanding, friendship, laughter, uncertainty, introspective monologues, and idealistic exchanges. Kohei and Taichi are blooming, sometimes together, sometimes in their new separate environments, and I am here to watch this story progress. ...more
“I am just one small writer working from the top of a fairly big hill. I write because I can express myself better with a pen than with my fal
“I am just one small writer working from the top of a fairly big hill. I write because I can express myself better with a pen than with my faltering tongue. I write because I love words and what you can do with them. I write because I love this planet and all that’s beautiful upon it, and because I want to record my impressions of it. I write because I was born to write.” - Ruskin Bond
And these lines perfectly describe this pert gem by the wonderful Ruskin Bond.
I picked up this book for 2 reasons : 1. Mr.Bond and his comforting, witty prose that transports you to the hills, valleys, small and forgotten pockets of India, the quirks and foibles of different characters will always be a balm for my senses. 2. On a dizzier note, the book is a bluish-purple hardbound beauty with purple-edged pages. Considering my love for BTS and their association with the color purple, this book had to find a place on my shelf.
And the book doesn’t disappoint. As one of India’s most loved writers enters his ninetieth year, he takes us back on his journey to becoming and being a perpetual writer. From the books that influenced him, to the fodder that he pick and processed from his old diaries, to his interactions with the stalwarts of the literary world (never ever told with the intention of name-dropping because this man is beyond such unnecessary embellishments), his cozier and also bizarre encounters with the people and animals around him, and finally to his beloved Pari Tibba (Fairy Hill) that he can gaze upon from his window…Mr.Bond delights in his quiet and unassuming way.
The town delinquent, Morio Kurokawa (who goes by the moniker Black Panther) has an intimidating aura, a knife-scar on his face that makes him look unaThe town delinquent, Morio Kurokawa (who goes by the moniker Black Panther) has an intimidating aura, a knife-scar on his face that makes him look unapproachable, and has never lost a fight. But he falls like the proverbial pack of cards after his encounter with the visually-impaired Yukiko Akaza. The Panther melts into a lovable golden retriever who wants to do everything he can to make the self-possessed Yukiko traverse through life with as few hinderances as possible. The startled Yukiko, in turn, ironically enough, sees the kind-hearted boy behind the façade of his menacing appearance.
This hilarious yet thought-provoking manga turned out to be such an excellent read! The interactions between the ever-blushing delinquent and the restrained but equally enchanted Yukiko make you smile with such fond affection. Add to that, the manga has a truly brilliant ensemble cast which includes Kurokawa’s gang-leader rival and the Bengal Tigress that is Yukiko’s elder sister. Nobody is as they seem, and unfurling the layers of every character just made my reader-heart brim with so much love for all of them.
The creator manages to explain the lives of differently-abled people and senior citizens, their struggles, their frustrations and their hopes without ever coming across as preachy or pedantic. And they also dwell upon the mind-set of the caretaker, which often gets quelled under the mantle of responsibility and humanity.
As for our gangster hero, I have unofficially adopted Kurokawa as my manga book-son, because this mad, chaotic, caring, hardworking, intuitive, golden-hearted lad would make any parent proud. The boy is the greenest of green flags, and his determination, unwavering loyalty, and those crippling blushing bouts make me want to protect his goodness with all my heart.
Has the monsoon finally arrived in Mumbai? I think it has, and after a dramatic night of thunder, lightning, and the welcome respite of a steady downpHas the monsoon finally arrived in Mumbai? I think it has, and after a dramatic night of thunder, lightning, and the welcome respite of a steady downpour, the quiet aftermath of this Monday morning is bathed in freshness.
And this beautiful, quiet, metaphorically cobweb-free dawn was the perfect setting to do justice to The Oxherd Boy. Through the intricate yet delicate strokes of the Chinese Gongbi painting technique, the author goes along with a young farmer boy, his family ox, and a rabbit found in the garden to give us a parable based on the three pillars of Chinese philosophy: Taoism, Buddhism, and Confucianism.
The life-lessons sparsely gracing each page on love, family, community, the power of imagination and creativity, the innate need to have a kind heart in a world that is steadily growing more cynical with each day, dealing with pain, heartbreak, uncertainty, loss and its aftermath, and the quiet solace of just lending a willing ear rather than unsolicited advice are nuggets of wisdom as old as time.
And yet, there is such a heartbreaking clarity in the wizened gaze of the smiling ox, the puckish charm of the can-do rabbit, and the philosophical observations of the solemn little boy, yet untouched by the ways of the world.
I am a fool for exquisite illustrations, and this book awash in soft brush strokes and exquisite detail, coupled with those little familiar gems that we need to hear every now and then, will have a permanent place in my home library.
On days when I can’t understand people and their motives, on days when I can’t fathom myself and my hopes, my expectations, and my disappointments, I will return to this book….stroll languorously through a rice field with the boy, the ox, and the rabbit. And make peace with my demons. ...more
This is Ruskin Bond at his genial grandfatherly best…doling out sage wisdom distilled over a long, chequered but undeniably successful life. Of courseThis is Ruskin Bond at his genial grandfatherly best…doling out sage wisdom distilled over a long, chequered but undeniably successful life. Of course, it all depends upon your definition of success.
He offers nothing new that a thousand other self-help gurus and life-coaches haven’t already spouted over time. But his wisdom is tempered by his love for simplicity and the quiet joys of a reclusive writer’s life. The importance of things like sunshine, a hearty breakfast, pursuing your talent with all the whim and vigor that it demands, accepting criticism and failures with resigned equanimity, being more receptive and kinder towards nature, learning how to balance solitude with the comfort of true friends, how to do everything (big and small) with love and tenacity…all that and much more are conveyed in Mr. Bond’s inimitable tongue-in-cheek style.
There is a lovely, hand-written letter attached at the end of the book. And I shall be preserving it in my journal for a long long time. ...more
When Rusty was in his twenties, he decided to leave the uncertainty of Dehra, and head off to the promising shores of England to find a publisher for When Rusty was in his twenties, he decided to leave the uncertainty of Dehra, and head off to the promising shores of England to find a publisher for his first novel. First in dour Jersey, and then in the glittering grasp of London, he eked out a clerical living by day and wrote away furiously into the night. But being ever so observant, he also took in the sights, sounds, quirks and eccentricities of the various characters who sauntered in and out of his life, adding humor, pathos, and sometimes, even an occasional pang of heartbreak.
After three years of adventures (including a run-in with the apparitions of Sherlock Holmes and Rudyard Kipling), the siren call of Dehra beckons, and Rusty returns to the familiarity of his trusted home. As expected, the charm of small-town India provides Rusty with enough fodder for his beloved typewriter. As he elaborates on the handful of nuts who pepper his bachelor’s existence, we also get a bitter-sweet novella when the train stops at quiet Shamli.
Ruskin Bond writes like the proverbial dream and to review his work seems like the heights of disrespect. He makes you laugh with his implicit barbs, sends a chill down your spine with unexpected spectres, causes a well of sadness as he paints the downfall of young heroes gone to ruin, has you smiling wistfully over the pangs of unrequited love, and chuckle delightedly over the quirks of a populace that is rich in drama and character.
This was a wonderful book to return to in my hometown and my respect for Mr. Bond's pen remains as staunch as always....more
Being aware of the comet’s impending arrival and its disastrous outcome for the rural town of Itomori, Taki starts setting his disaster-evasion plan iBeing aware of the comet’s impending arrival and its disastrous outcome for the rural town of Itomori, Taki starts setting his disaster-evasion plan into action. He wants to save the girl he has been swapping bodies with but never met, and all the people that he has inadvertently grown closer too, when he was in Mitsuha’s body.
Will the race against time, fate, and the unexplained magic work?
And will Taki and Mitsuha finally meet or be separated forever?
All this and much more are answered in Your Name 3, the concluding novel. The series had a wonderful premise and I was quite invested. However, I wished for more from the finale. Then again, keeping in mind, the ephemeral bond between the two body swappers, maybe this is exactly how it should have ended…a hint of a forever-after with no need to explore it further. ...more
Award-winning author Kunihiko Hidaka is found dead in his locked room, inside his locked house. The two people who discovered his body were his secondAward-winning author Kunihiko Hidaka is found dead in his locked room, inside his locked house. The two people who discovered his body were his second wife, Rei, and his best friend, fellow writer (with considerably lesser success) Osamu Nonoguchi. Both have iron-clad alibis, and Nonoguchi has kindly offered to give Police Detective Kyoichiro Kaga a detailed account of events leading up to the murder.
Soon the murderer is revealed, by his own admission. The motive is clear and even a confession has been rendered. But Kaga is still skeptical. What seems like an open and shut case will reveal more disturbing facets as Kaga steadily works on the case and unravels the tenuous bond between the supposed best friends. --- A common statement from readers of Keigo Higashino’s works is: "I should have read his books earlier". And I agree wholeheartedly. The man weaves plots into masterful, intricates webs that would put Aragog and his descendants to shame. His mysteries are not for the thrill-seekers or action junkies. Please do not expect tantalizing cliff-hangers. They are slow-burners to be savoured.
Higashino’s works are psychological mind-sifters that establish the murderers well in advance. What the detectives handling the cases and we as readers want to know is why, when the accused has been discovered so early on, there is still a sizeable chunk of the book left to be read. And that’s where Higashino’s true magic begins.
He understands how the human mind works, quite often leading to its own downfall. And he quietly strolls along with the reader as you watch the true motives unfold, alarmingly, before your eyes. The book has been aptly named and you are appalled but not really surprised how an emotion like malice brings a man to his knees.
A masterfully written mystery that made me shut the book, and order yet another Higashino creation. ...more
An introverted metalhead with social anxiety and his extroverted neighbor with buried insecurities come together in this gentle, exquisitely drawn ManAn introverted metalhead with social anxiety and his extroverted neighbor with buried insecurities come together in this gentle, exquisitely drawn Manga.
During a particularly harsh winter when it was snowing heavily, hapless undergraduate Sakaki Kento finds himself freezing to death just outside his shabby new apartment. Luckily, he is rescued by Soushi, his grim, seemingly-taciturn neighbor with a piercing death-glare.
Soushi rarely opens his mouth, and prefers to lose himself in the throbbing beats of heavy metal rather than make awkward conversations with people. He is not rude by any stretch of the imagination, but his long hair, black clothes, glaring eyes, and menacing air tend to give off a ‘stay-away’ warning…something that he has carefully cultivated after a series of bad interactions in his past.
But Kento with his sunshine personality forms an easy friendship with his new neighbor and they are soon sharing meals with a non-intrusive camaraderie.
As time passes, the two glaringly opposite personalities realize that they have feelings for each other. But both have immense chips on their shoulders, and neither has the guts to take the next step. --- I adored this manga. Soushi has been drawn so beautifully with his gently waving dark hair, sudden bouts of crippling shyness, and quiet demeanour. The man rocks a man-bun with such aplomb too. Reading about his backstory makes me want to hug the stuffing out of this sweet lad, and the much repeated “we must protect him at all costs” comment is something that I strongly agree with.
Although it was a quick read, the creator has managed to pack in emotions, humour, and informative snippets into oft-misunderstood metalhead culture.
An atmospheric, slow-burn romance with a lot of intuitive grace, I enjoyed this book....more
MinaLima is my official hero of January 2024. Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets was always a powerful read, but it has been adequately gilded byMinaLima is my official hero of January 2024. Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets was always a powerful read, but it has been adequately gilded by the studio’s illustrations, interactive pop-up elements, and their unerring ability to jolt the slumbering hearts of hibernating Potterheads.
Whether it is Harry’s disastrous first attempt at using Floo Powder, or the crotchety Whomping Willow unleashing its ire, or the Mandrake plant baby which you can actually pull out from its pot, or pompous Gilderoy Lockhart’s narcissism in full display all over his office room, or the painful Polyjuice Potion transformation, and most eerie of all, the legendary monster of Slytherin finally making its sinister appearance…..these and so many more interpretations left me starstruck.
And yet, this is but a handful of MinaLima’s contributions. The opulent, green hardbound book is teeming with enough memorable moments to leave a loyal returnee to Hogwarts feel like they have just been awarded a hundred points by Professor Dumbedore himself.
As always, I need not say anything about the story. It was, is, and will continue to remain a magnificently woven mystery. Even after all these years, the tension, drama, panic, hilarity, action, and Harry’s unflinching bravery remain intact. This, THIS, is what story telling (at its finest) is all about.
My bookish/Potterish/art-adoring heart is very very full and ever so grateful....more
The magic of discovering the Wizarding World for the very first time remains intact, and is greatly enhanced by MinaLima’s creative additions. I had cThe magic of discovering the Wizarding World for the very first time remains intact, and is greatly enhanced by MinaLima’s creative additions. I had convinced (not promised) myself that I would not succumb and crumble to the siren call of yet another version of Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone. But as wise Olaf once said “Some people are worth melting for” and I did just. I succumbed and I crumbled without a smidgen of regret. MinaLima’s stunning adaptation is a muted red, gold-foiled, embossed, hardbound beauty brimming with intricate illustrations, exciting pop-up elements, and intriguing details chasing the pages.
As an unofficial but certified Potterhead, how am I not supposed to be excited when the Hogwarts Letter is an actual crisp letter, rich in all the astonishing elements that must have made neglected little Potter feel like there is finally a welcoming world out there for him? Diagon Alley with all its enticing shops unfolds in a lovingly painted pop-up that you could spend a good hour poring over just to soak up everything. The Fat Lady’s tiny eyes move! And let’s not forget Quirrell’s turban that can be unraveled to reveal the monstrous creature within. There are loads of other such drawings and interactive additions that can entice a first-time reader, and also feel like returning to a refurbished but beloved home for the seasoned old timers like yours truly.
Madam Rowling’s writing needs no further adulation. Her flair, wit and empathy are intact. This book that first released in 1997, has aged gracefully, manages to stay relevant, makes you chuckle and sniffle in equal parts…and has your heart still brimming with proud affection when nervous, bullied Neville Longbottom gets an extra ten points from Dumbledore because..... it does indeed take a great deal of bravery to stand up to your friends....more
I could not have started 2024 with a better or more cherished read. While I have loved the world of Harry Potter in its entirety, it is the third bookI could not have started 2024 with a better or more cherished read. While I have loved the world of Harry Potter in its entirety, it is the third book that will forever have my heart. And when I came across this stunning new version, designed and illustrated to the rafters by MinaLima (the award-winning studio behind the graphic style of the Harry Potter films), I knew that yes….I did indeed….most certainly need yet another version of the third book in my life.
And boy, what a treat this was.
Filled with enchanting illustrations, chuckle-worthy design details chasing every other page and mesmerizing interactive pop-ups that left me sighing with appreciation, I rediscovered one of the best friendships in the wizarding world as Moony, Wormtail, Padfoot and Prongs united for one memorable night to deliver a climax for a story that captures your imagination from start to finish.
I have written innumerable reviews on every book of the Potter series, so this is just me being a Potterhead, returning to a favourite fictional world, swirling in the magic of Madam Rowling’s imagination, remaining in complete awe of her stellar ability to hold the reader in the palm of her hand, and being ever so thankful that some bright souls somewhere decided that we needed this lush, intricately drawn, painstakingly detailed version in our lives.
Thank you, Madam Rowling, for a story that taught me the value of true friendship, that made me laugh and well up in equal measure, and introduced two of my favourite fictional characters, Remus Lupin and Sirius Black. I think I have a very special spot in my heart for Black because he was the bookish embodiment of my dearest Uncle whose rakish charm, devil-may-care attitude, oodles of unaffected wit and wisdom, and kind heart spread his special brand of magic in this muggle’s life.
Thank you, MinaLima, for your devoted rendition of this adaptation, that made this sometimes-cynical adult feel like a hopeful child again. ...more
A quintessentially Children’s-Christmas-book about a farm in December, an earnest little boy who wants to help a lonely white cow, his sister who is dA quintessentially Children’s-Christmas-book about a farm in December, an earnest little boy who wants to help a lonely white cow, his sister who is drawn, despite herself into the true meaning of the season, and the much-needed element of a Christmas miracle to tie things up nicely with a metaphorical big red bow.
The intricate pencil illustrations lend an old-world charm to this lightening quick read and transport you back to simpler times. Reading this sparse but heartfelt book was my small moment of quiet contemplation in the aftermath of the hustle and bustle of Christmas Day. ...more
I am well and truly entrenched in the world of BL dramas and #taekook aspirations. Reading this fuzzy, hallmarky, Christmassy M-M romance was thereforI am well and truly entrenched in the world of BL dramas and #taekook aspirations. Reading this fuzzy, hallmarky, Christmassy M-M romance was therefore a no-brainer. All the characters were nuanced, brave, lovable and ridden with hidden insecurities and worries. Watching Miles and Trent finding their rocky way towards a happily-ever-after filled my heart with joy.
There’s something about this time of the year that softens my cynical soul and makes me gravitate towards mushy, cozy (albeit cliched) romances, and this cute and unexpectedly steamy read fitted the bill. ...more
A young man called Zeha wakes up from a coma to be informed that he was the only survivor of a grisly mass murder on Inwang Mountain. As the orphaned A young man called Zeha wakes up from a coma to be informed that he was the only survivor of a grisly mass murder on Inwang Mountain. As the orphaned loner delves further into the matter, he realizes that his past is intricately linked to the legend of the Beom : monstrous tiger-like beasts that are wreaking havoc in his (fictional) city of Sin-si, South Korea.
With the aid of an enigmatic deity called Haru, Zeha will hone his limited skills to battle the deadly Beom and will also, inevitably, be the catalyst that brings together the 7 different Beom-hunters, collectively known as CHAKHO.
There you go…a straightforward good v/s evil, action-fantasy story that explores the Korean legend of Dangun and entwines it with the lore of the ancient tiger hunters of the Josean Dynasty called the Chakogapsa.
What makes this book special for me? 7 Fates CHAKHO is a HYBE and Webtoon collaboration. To be more precise, it is a BTS webtoon and each of the 7 members have lent their individual personality traits to each of the 7 hunters. Vol.1 introduces us to impetuous and heroic Zeha (modelled after the youngest/ the maknae of the group, Jungkook) and the ethereal and mild-mannered deity and guardian of the gate between the Human and Beom world (you can detect the soft sweetness of Jimin a mile away). At the end of the book, we make our acquaintance with the cynical, street-smart crime expert Do-geon who has a traumatic past with the Beom involving his siblings (enter BTS’ solid and ever-reliable leader RM in his fictionalized gun-toting avatar).
I will be following the rest of the story on Webtoon but the lush purple-backed physical Vol.1 had to be acquired as a sign of my bookish affection for our 7 K-Pop sensations. The artwork is detailed and sweeping, the story is rife with an Avengers Assemble flavour, the characters follow the usual fantasy tropes but honestly, I would forgive all and everything because…this is BTS, in their nerdy, graphic novel glory. There is such a thing as fandom loyalty and with all the members finally away on their mandatory military enlistment, I will do my fangirling bit with all my heart. And hopefully, not miss their radiant, chaotic energy too much....more
The Gourmet Monthly magazine has an enigmatic, one-line advert: *Kamogawa Diner – Kamogawa Detective Agency – We Find Your Food*
With no clear directioThe Gourmet Monthly magazine has an enigmatic, one-line advert: *Kamogawa Diner – Kamogawa Detective Agency – We Find Your Food*
With no clear directions or online reviews, finding the Kamogawa Diner is a challenge. But its unique tail end message intrigues a few, and if they are willing to make the effort, they will be graciously directed by the editor or a friend to the drab, scruffily painted structure down a quiet backstreet of Kyoto. As the skeptical customer enters, he/she is suddenly enveloped in the warmth of a tasteful restaurant run by a father-daughter duo.
Former detective Nagare Kamogawa whips up extravagantly beautiful local meals for his customers but the main attraction is that his daughter Koishi runs a food detective agency: with just a few clues, Koishi and her father will help their customers reexperience a long-forgotten but indelibly embedded meal that they want to taste again.
Whether it a widower craving the Nabeyaki Udon made by his late wife or a kimono-clad septuagenarian wanting to taste the beef stew she had with her lost first love or the busy politician who wants to savor the mackerel sushi provided by the kind ryokan owner to him as a lonely latchkey kid, or several other lost souls who just want to reconnect with a happier time and experience the simple joy of renewing a sundered bond, the Kamogawa Diner delivers what it promises. --- The Japanese can write. And how.
With sparse prose, elegant descriptions, and an intuitive understanding of human nature, they weave a tale that goes nowhere and yet, hushes all the chaotic corners of your mind and heart. As a person who loves everything associated with the art of creating food, I was arrested by the clarity of this book that is a culinary homage to the indigenous cuisine of Japan, and a lesson on how to respect what you put forth on a table. The meals that Nagare creates are works of art and I am in awe as he explains the synergy and the reasons behind the various ingredients.
The book seems to be a no-fuss, Sunday read and just when I was lulled into a sense of comfort, up pops a line or a passage that has my eyes misty with unshed tears.
A quiet but powerful bestseller for a reason. ...more
On Isla Nublar, a fog-shrouded island off the west coast of Costa Rica, billionaire, and founder of bioengineering firm InGen, John Hammond, has decidOn Isla Nublar, a fog-shrouded island off the west coast of Costa Rica, billionaire, and founder of bioengineering firm InGen, John Hammond, has decided to play God. With startling progress in genetic engineering, ancient DNA, unlimited funds, the best men in the requisite fields and a bullheaded, megalomaniac approach, Hammond has helmed the cloning of extinct dinosaurs, and now intends to throw open the gates of his zoological theme park: JURASSIC PARK for the enjoyment of the general public.
The technology is infallible, the dinosaurs are engineered to be females to prevent unauthorized breeding, and the park will “obviously” be a resounding success.
Cue *tense instrumental music intensifies*
A series of strange animal attacks occur throughout Costa Rica and Hammond’s investors are skittish. A team of experts: Paleontologist Dr.Alan Grant, his paleobotanist graduate student Dr.Ellie Sattler, mathematician and chaos theorist Ian Malcom, and the investors’ lawyer Donald Gennaro find themselves invited to endorse the safety of Jurassic Park.
But a storm, a traitor and a series of unexpected glitches bring down the defenses of the park. Suddenly the carnivorous dinosaurs who were safely kept behind electrified fences find themselves having a free and bloodthirsty run of the park. It will now be up to a terrified group of adults and two young children to use their wits, guts and sheer dumb luck to escape unscathed from the intelligent predators.
The film Jurassic Park was an iconic part of our early years and honestly does not need an introduction or a review. Despite having watched the movie in the nineties, certain scenes are still bone-chillingly clear. But Mr. Spielberg kindly watered it down for us. This terse yet informative book is the raw, pulse-pounding, terrifying and alarmingly real deal. Jurassic Park was an extremely well-written cautionary sci-fi story that literally implores humans to STOP, for the love of all things holy and unfathomable, MESSING WITH NATURE. We are at the tail-end of 2023, but every word that a morphine-infused philosophical Malcolm ranted is still uncomfortably relevant. And eerily possible.
The book has aged remarkably well and master storyteller Crichton keeps you engaged till the thrilling end. ...more
Yeongju had achieved it all: a fine education, a job that she loved, and a partner who was the perfect foil for her ambitious personality. But then shYeongju had achieved it all: a fine education, a job that she loved, and a partner who was the perfect foil for her ambitious personality. But then she suddenly snapped and realized that she was dangerously burnt out. She took the difficult decision to shed everything and start anew, pursing a childhood dream: To open a bookshop.
As she sets up shop in a quaint residential area of Seoul, the independent store with its non-intrusive, welcoming vibe turns out to be an unexpected sanctuary. Whether it is Yeongju, Minchin, her newly appointed quiet barista, customers, friends or just lonely souls trying to make sense of their lives, Hyunam-Dong Bookshop becomes a place to contemplate, heal, grow, rediscover suppressed dreams and of course, soak in the written word.
If you are looking for a page-turner or a thriller or even a rom-com, this is not the book for you. The book moves at a languorous pace as it attempts to answers the tough questions of life, society and expectations. Just when I felt the author was being too idealistic, she wedged in a nugget of reality. While a lot of books of this genre tend to romanticize the “follow-your-heart” philosophy, Hwang Bo-reum pays almost grim and pedantic attention to the importance of having a steady income, sufficient financial resources, and a heavy dash of practicality to pursue your pipe-dreams. So, while she materializes her childhood fantasy of running a bookstore, she also gets down to the pros, cons, grindwork, uncertainties and pressures of running and growing an independent business.
In conclusion, this book is about chasing dreams, recalibrating them when required, remembering to fulfil your own expectations amidst family, peer and social pressure, healing your wounds (often self-inflicted), and learning to live and love again. Brew yourself a fine cup of coffee, find a cozy spot preferably bathed in natural light and imbibe this beautiful book in small doses. You will enjoy the experience. ...more
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