Book Wrap-up January 2024 to June 2024

I can say that 2024 has been a reading year for me—well, half of 2024. I think I have read more than in the past few years. Thanks for going back to book blogging and to my new Book Club Bookchikas who inspired me to open the books on my dusty bookshelf.

Book Warp-up January to June 2024

June

Book: The Idiot
Author: Elif Batuman
Rating: 3.5/5
Point of View:
For people like me who are curious about what Harvard College life looks like, then this is the book for you. The author is from Harvard, so I believe most of the details here are true. The story is about Selin a Turkish-American Harvard student and how she navigates her classes, friendships, complexities of college life, and her confusing first love. There is more to the story though from the ones I mentioned. Read the Book Review Here.

May

Book: Welcome to The Hyunam-Dong Bookshop
Author: Hwang Bo-Reum
Rating: 4.8/5
Point of View:
If there is a book on how to start a book café, then this would be THAT book. The story is full of relatable life tales and teachings that mirror our daily lives. There is a lot to think about: work-life balance, burnout, midlife crisis, marriage, love, passion, purpose in life, the definition of success, and to read a whole lot more, click here.

Book: Secrets of the Terra-Cotta Soldier
Authors: Ying Chang Compestine and Vinson Compestine
Rating: 3.8/5
Point of View :
One of the many reasons that pushed me to visit China was to see the Terra-Cotta Soldiers. What I love about the book is that it has all the elements that I love in a story – historical fiction with elements of fantasy and adventure. A light story of a boy trying to help his Terra-Cotta Soldier friend Shi save the tomb of China’s first emperor, Qin Shi Huang. This book will remain in my heart forever, as this is the book that accompanies me during the nightly wake at my aunt’s funeral.

March

Book: Before We Say Goodbye
Author: Toshikazu Kawaguchi
Rating: 4.5/5
Point of View:
Another list of intricate stories by Toshikazu Kawaguchi that never fails to make me cry. Often, we neglect what we currently have and are sorry for it in the future, and by then we cannot do anything about it. This book serves as a reminder to treasure every moment we have with our loved ones and to avoid regret in the future. Yes, we make mistakes, and as others do towards us, just be easy to forgive. Things happen for a reason, so learn to accept them.

Book: What You Are Looking for is in The Library
Author: Michiko Aoyama
Rating: 4/5
Point of View:
My biggest takeaway from this book is to accept change and never stop learning. This book is like a self-help book without bullet points on what to do. Instead, we are provided stories from ordinary people to look at and learn from. One of my favorite parts is learning about “parallel career”. Learn More about What You Are Looking for in The Library here.

February

Book: Days at the Morisaki Bookshop
Author: Satoshi Yagisawa
Rating: 4.8/5
Point of View:
Reading this book is like watching a feel-good movie; you keep smiling most of the time. The story deals with relationships and living your life on your terms. Coping with a breakup, fixing a marital relationship, living in the mountains to heal, and, of course, lots of books. Read the full Book Review Here.

Six Books for the last six months of 2024 is a huge win for my reading career hahaha. For the next six months, I aim to read 2 books per month, which I say is doable. I still can enjoy the book that I am reading without the pressure of finishing quickly.

Have you read any of the books mentioned above? I love to hear what you think!