Govind
Really memorable read. I really enjoyed the book but not as much as God of Small Things. As usual the writing is beautiful and her prose really sets the scene in our minds.
This book is set in the backdrop of the kashmir rebellion and in a way I can say it's like a non fiction written as a fiction.
I read this just after a trip to Delhi and the reading about the places there was a good experience. Like I was so excited when a specific landmark I saw was featured in the story, but meanwhile I also missed not being able to visit some of the other mentioned ones.
Overall I really recommend this book if you have read any books by Roy before. As a first book from her it's always God of Small Things for me.
A light and easy wholesome read. I read it as an e book but could have read way faster as a book.
Decided to read it due to the cover and it didn't disappointed.
It was just like I expected. Nothing too special but yeah still alright.
The book highlights what we love about looks and makes spot on observations. That was really enjoyable to read.
Plot wise I liked the first half more than the second. Also the sequel is finally available in the country, can't wait to buy and read it.
One of the weaker entires from Murakami. Read after the quake just before and loved it much more. Not much stores that stay with you. The one with the money and with the beatles were the only even rememberable. For others I had to check the index to see the names and remember the stories.
Still an alright read. Just 8 stories so not much time needed to read.
If you like Murakami, read this last if you want to read the better of his first or if like me and planning to read them later, do give it a try earlier, especially before going to his other short story collections.
A short and great read. Overall it's good but man one of them was so bad. Hated all of children can dance.
It could have been better, but he had to include weird sexualisation of the mother character.
Like I know some people can think like sexually about their mother, but did he had to write it down?
It was really uncomfortable to read the story and hard to relate to the author.
The trope of adult Japanese women being oblivious to sex and thier sex appeal/attraction is honestly tiring.
Who acts like a kid as an adult and what's with Japanese media liking this. I really don't get them.
Without that the story was alright as the parts about it were good.
And from the rest really loved honey pie. From the rest, super frog saves Tokyo was fun and landscape with flatiron was memorable.
Contains spoilers
This is one of my all time favorites. I am giving a 4 because I have a weird relationship with the book and it's not perfect.
Sometimes I remember the good parts then the bad. But still I all the parts are there in my heart. I can clearly visualise everything.
Stormtrooper, the walks with forests, the food and dates with midori.
The book has some weird stuff though. Like midori at the shrine at home.
Still I highly recommend it. This was my first Murakami and it has been a great journey since.
He made me remember how much fun I had reading as a kid and because of him I am able to enjoy reading like I used to.
It's just something when you find that one book and you just can't put it down. I was missing it and got to relive that feeling with this one. Can't wait to read more of Murakami.
Flew through all of them super fast. The artwork is fantastic, the jokes are hilarious, and the premise is really interesting. Reading about the artist and the backstory also enhanced the experience.
Reading this and then watching the movie later is a fantastic experience. I haven't seen any comic adapted this accurately before.
It's an easy recommendation from me. Super enjoyable and definitely worth the read.
Took the book from my college library. Was really enjoying it till I got to a chapter with the name rat in it. That made release it was part of the rat trilogy I have heard about. So I went back and read the previous ones.
They were alright. But this book is on an another level. Really loved reading it. I mostly read it at night so the magical realism parts really cool to read before sleeping. As someone else mentioned here, it's like peering into someone else's dreams.
Contains spoilers
One of the worst books I have ever read. It was alright at start but it was such a fast descent to trash. Like forgiving the abuse was bad enough but having a baby with the abuser and having to deal with him. God what a shitty novel.
I get it's inspired from the authors life but still doesn't make these things right.The abuser is based on the author's father, so obviously she will try to paint down the issue. But it's so unacceptable. The novel borderline romanticise abuse.
Like in real life you most would run and never look back. The novel shouldn't give message like being this forgiving, and breaking the cycle should have had removing the person from your life too.
One good thing the book did is it's making me appreciate other booktok books. I think that it could be so much worse.
Loved this one. A quick short read. The repetition of some elements from 1984 was jarring at first but I guess that's what they call Orwellian. So yeah, amazing allegory of class system and communism with the animals. Give it a read if you can.
I can't forget the final line that is posted as the commandment. “All animals are equal but some animals are more equal than others”.
The book is not that enjoyable for a first time read. The main character is a little insufferable.
Then after a while it grows on you and the reread is much more enjoyable. It's a weird type of humour. Took me some time to enjoy it.
If you are looking for a quick but possibly frustrating read. This book is alright.
Contains spoilers
It starts off strong then falls flat after getting to America. Like another reviewer said way too much description of everything. So many unnecessary passages.
It gets tiring after a while.I don't hate descriptions though.
Murakami and foods are something magical and you can just see the place in your head. Here though it's Idk boring after a while.
It was really predictable for me too after the 60% mark. I could see the ending scene form a mile.
Overall a just a good time read. It also has a movie adaptation. Have seen some scenes from it. Planning to watch it fully soon.
This is the first ever true crime Investigative journalism book I ever read and I had wasn't disappointed. I thought the book was going to be slow and dry but it wasn't.
I couldn't just put it down. And the book just shook me to the core. Never have ever gotten this angry reading a book. God the injustice the osages faced. I am happy that they are making a movie and giving this part of American history the focus it deserves.
The book is more relevant than ever in this age of smart things.
We can kind of allude to the current state of constant tracking, targeted ads and a feel of lack in privacy to how the characters are being watched in the novel.
The phrase "Big brother is watching you" has evolved from a mere reference to a haunting reminder of these times.
The novel slow in the start but catches on. It's a really immersive read with us feeling attentive and paying close attention to all the small details.
You feel as if something big is going to go down anytime. The author has done excellent job in conveying what the character might have felt.
There is this real eeriness of being watched that you can feel from reading the book.
Overall the novel is really good and it's one of those must read recommendations from me.
Some of the short stories were really good and some just alright. And didn't like one much at all (An independent organ). I didn't think too much of the book after just finishing but I kept coming back to some of the stories later on.
Reread scheherazade and drive my car after starting the drive by car movie.
Samsa in love was hilarious. Loved the blunt talk by the female character. The story was different from what I have read usually.
Overall I really enjoyed the book. I doubt definitely recommend it and it's a good first Murakami to try out.
The first story 'Drive My Car' has been adapted into an Oscar winning movie that I loved watching.
It's a great movie worth the watch. If you liked the book, definitely check the movie out also.
I read this years ago as a kid and was hooked. I remember reading all three books back-to-back.
Looking back now, the issues with the book are more apparent. The author's language is kind of verbose, and he uses complex words a lot, seemingly for the sake of it.
There are way too many side characters with no impact, and the story could be much more streamlined.
That said, I still like this book. I love the unique approach of explaining mythical aspects with science—that's something new.
The premise was new to me back then. The book is engaging and not boring at all, despite the flaws.
So, even though the first book ends inconclusively, it's worth a read if you're curious about Indian mythology-inspired fantasy.