Yoshi's May-June Reads (Spoiler Free)

With a lot going on- IB Exams, finals, and graduation- I admittedly didn't get through as many books as I would've liked, but here are some that I was able to go through, with my two cents on each:

*Edit: I was planning to write only a couple of sweet and short sentences for each book, but I couldn't help myself. Apologies.

1. Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury

4.5/5. Dystopian Fiction, 194 pages

Fahrenheit 451, the temperature at which books burn.

“The good writers touch life often. The mediocre ones run a quick hand over her. The bad ones rape her and leave her for the flies.”

This novel, funnily enough, is the reason why I know how to spell Fahrenheit. Guy Montag, a "fireman" in a dystopian American society in which books are banned, burns books for a living. (If you will, setting fire to things instead of putting fire out... sparks joy within him.) Yet, with an encounter with an intriguing young girl and an old professor, he begins to question the world around him. I felt as though this novel read me, and not the other way around- Montag's story grasped with fiery speed and didn't let go . Definitely a refreshing change from quite disturbing dystopias I've read this year. Montag undergoes a development in character that makes you truly question the way we are shaped by societal ethics, the extent of cultural degeneracy, and to whom we truly belong. Apparently, Bradbury wrote this while the McCarthy Era brought about worries of burning books, but this novel (somewhat ironically) still holds resonances in the media-centric society of today that steadily becomes disillusioned with language and literature. I've heard that there are editions with a match in the cover so you could, theoretically, actually burn the book, and I lowkey want one.

2. King of Scars (Nikolei Duology), by Leigh Bardugo

5/5. Young Adult/Fantasy, 527 pages

Very golden. Very Russian.

"One could plot violent espionage and still hope for dessert."

This one was on my to-read list or a long time, and I actually read the first chapter in a bookstore in late April, but unfortunately 1. Had exams soon and 2. I was traveling and couldn't fit it in my suitcase. This was the book I raced to the bookstore for the day after IB exams finished (accompanied by a very good friend- bookstore reviews coming soon!).

It may be quite difficult to read this without reading Leigh's other novels, the Shadow and Bone trilogy and Six of Crows duology, as the characters are shaped by their backstories. That being said, I do recommend the Six of Crows duology for those looking for a YA novel without the overused plot devices and unrealistic romance- it's one of my personal favorites.

King of Scars does not disappoint with multi-character perspectives that do not overwhelm and leave the reader craving for more. It's narrated primarily by Nina Zenik (a Grisha, kind of has magical powers), King Nikolai (a King of the strained kingdom of Ravka) and Zoya (Nikolai's right hand, basically); their distinct and (although sometimes morally questionable) relatable personalities connect you well to the characters. Although, slight disclaimer, I was a tiny bit disappointed with Zoya and Nikolai.... but we may see better development in the next book! Also, how can I forget the way Leigh presents grief/love vs. duty/honor in this novel- it was superb. Honestly her writing is a complete guilty pleasure of mine, but oh well.... if you're looking for an easily readable interlude between heavy reads/studying, this and the rest of the series is for you.

3. Atonement by Ian Mcewan

3.7/5, Historical Fiction?, Fiction, 351 Pages

The main character, Briony, spends her whole life trying to atone what she's done.

"Love which did not build a foundation on good sense was doomed. "

Set prior to and during World War II, this novel explores the destructiveness of a thirteen year-old Briony's actions on the lives of the people around her. Fair warning- this novel isn't one to read as a cheer-up, quite the opposite. The novel however has excellent character development, and presents the nature of guilt and stubbornness. This book is difficult in the fact that the main character is one that you cannot help but detest, and root instead for the secondary characters. It's thus quite an unique experience. The pessimistic perspective of this book conveyed saddening and painful messages, yet I couldn't help but disagree with it which led to a lot of frustration with this book. I can't say too much without giving the ending away, but all I can say is something a friend told me before I read this: It's sad.

Watched the movie as well (Cecilia is played beautifully by Keira Knightley!) and it was quite faithful to the book. Not to mention, the aesthetics were amazing.

4. A Walk to Remember by Nicholas Sparks

2.5/5, Romance, Fiction, Tragedy, 215 pages

Maybe I'm a bit too harsh on this one.

“There are moments when I wish I could roll back the clock and take all the sadness away, but I have the feeling that if I did, the joy would be gone as well.”

This was a book I got through in one night- relatively short, and easy to read- so it's a good one if you haven't read for a while or looking for some light reading. It follows Landon Carter, a senior in high school, who falls in love with the town Reverend's daughter, James Sullivan. I read this right after Atonement- and although Spark's novel is commended as something that "could make you laugh and cry", in honest terms it didn't reduce me to tears nor much laughter. Maybe this was just me, but the plot was predictable and the romance too unrealistic. I might've enjoyed this when I was younger (maybe when I was 13?), but I personally don't become too attached to novels that center heavily on just romance, and A Walk to Remember was exactly that. That being said, perhaps the pessimism from Atonement was still hovering over me. Watched the movie too in hopes that it might provide a better take on the story, but alas, it wasn't as faithful to the book (and hence annoyed me) and the casting was a bit disappointing.

Despite my meh experience, I know many people enjoy it- the narration is interesting, and the relationship dynamic is definitely not something I've seen a lot of, so if you're looking for a tragic story about teenage love and American high school life set in the 70s, this one is for you!

5. Tiger Hills by Sarita Mandanna

4.8/5. Romance, Fiction, Historical Fiction. 593 pages

My edition has bits of gold on the detailing (so pretty!!). I sorrowfully admit I do initially judge books by their covers.

"We drift through time, sometimes in shadow, sometimes blistering under the sun, laying ourselves open to the skies. Until, inevitably, we begin to heal, the lips of our wounds coming slowly together. We fill with light, with grace, capable once more of opening our hearts, of letting someone in."

Set a few decades before, during, and after both World Wars/Indian Independence Movement in Coorg (Northern India), Mandanna's writing did not disappoint in both linguistic aesthetics and literary excellence. It follows the story of Devi, a strong-willed and beloved daughter, and how her actions affect both her family and the men who love her (her childhood friend Devanna and the"tiger killer"). But it's more than just a romance- I think it explicates the role of memory once a bond (romantic, familial etc.) has disappeared/no longer possible really well. As well as presenting the rich and intriguing culture of Coorg, it also provides some insight into the lives of white missionaries living in India at the time and the coffee plantations of the region.

Mandanna uses absolutely breathtaking prose conveying beautiful landscapes and multidimensional, heartbreakingly human characters that you can neither fully love or despise, evoking sadness you can’t even really properly cry for. One thing I could say is that I felt Devanna's character remained stagnant for too much of the story... but for Mandanna's first novel, it's a masterpiece and definitely underrated. I wish there was a movie or tv show to accompany it (faithful to the novel's magic), but alas there is none.

6. Agnes Grey by Anne Brontë

3.5/5, Fiction, Classic, Romance?, 251 pages

Anne is probably the Brontë sister that I feel the most "pastor's daughter" vibes from.

"The end of Religion is not to teach us how to die, but how to live, and the earlier you become wise and good, the more happiness you secure".

So.... I was really looking forward to this short novel, and although I wasn't disappointed, I was definitely underwhelmed. Maybe I expected a different kind of novel, perhaps with a trace of romantic gothic, as with Charlotte Brontë's Jane Eyre and Emily's Wuthering Heights (look up "Wuthering Heights song by Kate Bush". I promise it's worth it). Agnes Grey has more elements of religion and morality and no supernatural elements, making it a more informative read than an exhilarating of disturbing one; definitely one to contrast if reading the other Brontë sister novels. The ending was a bit too rushed in my opinion- and there could've been so much more character development.

That being said, without these expectations Agnes Gray is insightful, simple, and doesn't take too much emotional energy. It provided another, more realistic view into the life of a governess- quite unlike the idealized, passionate experience Jane Eyre goes through in her novel. I related well with Agnes' experience/attitude towards leaving home for the first time, and took her trials/disappointment into future account. Although perhaps a bit stoic (almost stiflingly so), she does have a spirit and her story is one that leaves no negative impressions behind. Overall, 'twas good, just didn't have the extra little oomf to rank higher in my opinion.

So that's all for May-June. If you've read this far, thank you! Hopefully will be able to continue these monthly reading reviews, :)