Almond
Ratings159
Average rating4.1
A solid 4.5 stars. Might come back to review this later, but really enjoyed both the plot and the quality of the translation.
3.5 stars
“This is a story of a monster meeting another monster. One of the monsters is me.”
Almond is a book about Yunjae, a boy who cannot identify, express, or experience emotions due to a condition called Alexithymia, and Gon, a child in conflict with the law - both of whom are called “monsters” by those around them for different reasons.
Narrated in first person by Yunjae, the book starts off with a dark tone that immediately hooks you to the story, and progresses beautifully as Yunjae struggles to understand the complexities of human behaviour and emotions, and how to be “normal” or “ordinary” in a world that doesn't accept someone who is different.
Gon, on the other hand presents a stark contrast to Yunjae, as someone who is emotionally volatile, troubled, and greatly misunderstood by all around him. The budding friendship and conversations between the two are a treat to read.
Although, I absolutely love the concept, I'm conflicted whether I really like this book. Perhaps, the ending was a little too optimistic for my taste. “And I truly believe the heart can prevail over the brain” - um, no, sorry, it cannot. While I understand that the author was probably trying to show that human beings are capable of change and reformation, and that love can change everything, I think the whole point of neurodivergence affecting a person's ability to fit into the neurotypical society gets lost somewhere in all the emotional gushiness. I suppose perspective plays a role here.
All in all, still worth the read!
Simply a stunning book. Translated from Korean to English, the book manages to tell a completely different kind of coming-of-age story around friendship, love and emotions—unique to a boy who can't comprehend any feelings.
A gem I'm so glad to have discovered. A beautiful read.
Impressionante como fui capaz de ler esse livro em uma sentada apenas. Já tinha algumas avaliações positivas e recomendações de amigos, mas não imaginava que seria uma leitura tão fluida e divertida quanto realmente se mostrou.
Amêndoas conta a história de dois monstros e uma tragédia. A partir do ponto de vista de Yunjae, um garoto que nasceu com uma condição chamada “alexitimia” (ou a incapacidade de identificar e expressar sentimentos) nós conhecemos seu dia a dia, ultra protegido por sua mãe e avó, e sua dificuldade em criar relacionamentos frutíferos e profundos. Após um incidente, que mudará sua vida para sempre, observamos Yunjae se envolvendo em diversos dilemas e confusões.
O livro é rápido e divertido, apesar de ter passagens pesadas. O personagem é não intencionalmente engraçado e, apesar de sua dificuldade de expressar emoções, não é difícil aprender a gostar dele e mergulhar em sua história. Recomendo demais!
Now this was an ending i did NOT see coming
Loved everything about this book! Such a nice read
The first time I cried I was 27 years old so I have a real soft spot for coming-of-age stories about an emotionally challenged person trying their best to learn how to feel.
A very sweet and emotional coming of age story from the perspective of a kid who struggles to feel emotions. This book felt like a love letter to what makes us human and connects us. It was very sad and tragic, but also full of hope, moments of curiosity, and hope. A quick read that I will surely recommend to others. And short chapters!
not sure how to feel about this book but im not feeling anything negative or overwhelmingly positive hence the 3 stars... dora was useless to add in and those 2 have the biggest gay energy without actually being gay
Loved the gradual personal growth of Yunjae and then his bond with Gon, how both helped the other to realise their true self <3
I just loved this. “Neither you nor I nor anyone can ever know whether a story is happy or tragic.”
started reading without knowing the synopsis and i guess, i'm glad i did that because otherwise i might not have read this. it was an okay read, i suppose the fact that it received a somewhat happy ending made it a tad bit unrealistic. i hoped for something much darker, i was ready to bawl my eyes but nothing happened. not even a little tremble of the lower lip or a simple frown.
i'm probably just heartless.
As an autistic person this book made me feel very seen. Ik this isn't a story about autism but the experience is very similar and it especially hard to conform to a society in which you do not understand a single thing about.
I really enjoy books like this one, ones that help me step into the shoes of someone unlike me, and view the world from their perspective. This was quite an interesting read as it deals with emotions, where on one hand we have a character who feels nothing and another who feels everything. It's a short novel, the ending came all too soon for my liking (I'd have wanted some more deets) but as stated in the epilogue, “I do not know how this story will unfold”- this way, it stays closer to reality.
i don't think i “got” this book, but i don't think getting it was the point
the concept of seeing the world through a character who not only couldn't feel emotions but experienced an extremely traumatic event was captivating from the synopsis, and the execution did not disappoint. there was a moment or two where i felt like his character lapsed, but maybe that was just actual character development, and i had gotten too used to his emotionlessness.