Yay! Another wrap-up. I’m excited when the month ends and I can celebrate conquering another set of books.
I was not able to read as much as I would have liked because this month has been busy. I had to go to doctor appointments for the first two weeks, which put me in a lot of heavy emotions. Thankfully, these books have been with me during those times. Coincidentally, I was reading Crying in H Mart, which deals with heavy themes and scenes in a hospital as well. It kind of fits the vibe.
I also stumbled upon a book that I wouldn’t normally read. It was a great reading experience! So there’s that, a little update on my life so far. Without further ado, here are the books I read in May!
Most Favourite
The Bell Jar by Sylvia Path
Stunning writing. Poetic, raw, and authentic portrayal of a person dealing with life’s misery, sadness, and loneliness. This book left me in a constant state of sullen emotion. I couldn’t put it into words, but this book has a sense of vulnerability that is comforting and familiar to me.
Least Favourite
The Stranger in the Lifeboat by Mitch Albom
After such intense reading, I took a few days off. The Bell Jar isn’t exactly something fun you want to read immediately. It gives you feelings you need to sit with first. I happened to go back to reading when I spotted a physical copy of The Stranger in the Lifeboat at home. My brother had left this book at home. He likes to read and collect paperback copies, but the titles don’t suit my taste so usually I wouldn’t pick this one up. But the time I was reading this, I was in a bad place mentally, emotionally, and physically and this book lifted me. For that, I added another star to this one. Surprisingly, it had a nice twist and was a page-turner. I finished this book easily. I had to adjust to its writing as it is not something I am used to since I often read literary fiction books with more complex literary prose.
Other Book
Crying in H Mart by Michelle Zauner
I DNF’d this book last month because I didn’t find the writing suited me. But I picked it up again because I was drawn to the theme of the mother-daughter relationship. This book reflects typical Asian parenting: we don’t get close or open to each other, but we care for each other genuinely.
Despite the repetitive nature of the narrative and the inconsistent, sloppy writing, the book redeems itself by carefully letting us learn who her mother is as a person, a mother, and a daughter with her vivid recollection of her mother that makes you love her mother and appreciate your own. For that, its flaws are overwritten.
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