Why did I think Never Let Me Go was a newish book? I'm so shocked it released in 2005! I've not read it yet but the cover *always* catches my eye on the shelves!
A lovely collection of reviews Michelle, what wonderful books to remember such incredible memories <3
I got The Emperor of Gladness from attending Vuong's talk, and even though I actually haven't read his work I'm really curious to try this one. Your review's very reassuring!
Oo did you?! Would love to hear your thoughts. I didn't get along with On Earth, We're Briefly Gorgeous, but I think perhaps I wasn't in a good headspace. Might have to reread that later on down the line.
This is so encouraging, because I also wasn't a huge fan of On Earth, We're Briefly Gorgeous, but was interested in his new one! Maybe I'll pick it up soon... (also congrats on the engagement!!)
I'm glad you enjoyed Welcome to the Hyunam-dong Bookshop! I liked it too. Soyangri Book Kitchen sounds good; I'll put that on my "To Read List"!
I read the Japanese book The Kamogawa Food Detectives by Hisashi Kashiwai recently and quite enjoyed it. Have you read that? I thought you might have mentioned it. If not, I think it's one that you would like! 😊
You'll love Soyangri Book Kitchen if you enjoyed Welcome to the Hyunam-dong Bookshop! And yes, I've read that! Was lucky enough to receive an ARC of it, and devoured it in days heh.
I really should reread Never Let Me Go too, I remember being blown away by it and still recommend it to everyone. But it’s been a decade for me too so I should reread so that I know what I’m talking about when I recommend it 😂
I loved it even more the second time around! I always feel a reread deepens your understanding of the plot, teasing out more from the characters? Hope you manage to squeeze a reread in soon!
Never Let Me Go and The Emperor of Gladness are both on my list to read! I love Ocean Vuong's writing so I really want to get a hard copy so I can highlight quotes and savor it.
I'll definitely be getting a physical copy of The Emperor of Gladness so I can reread it, come payday! It was such an evocative, moving story, and I feel so privileged to have snagged an eARC of it.
Why did I think Never Let Me Go was a newish book? I'm so shocked it released in 2005! I've not read it yet but the cover *always* catches my eye on the shelves!
A lovely collection of reviews Michelle, what wonderful books to remember such incredible memories <3
Yes, it's pretty much a modern classic! Definitely worth a read, it's a beautiful book.
I got The Emperor of Gladness from attending Vuong's talk, and even though I actually haven't read his work I'm really curious to try this one. Your review's very reassuring!
Oo did you?! Would love to hear your thoughts. I didn't get along with On Earth, We're Briefly Gorgeous, but I think perhaps I wasn't in a good headspace. Might have to reread that later on down the line.
This is so encouraging, because I also wasn't a huge fan of On Earth, We're Briefly Gorgeous, but was interested in his new one! Maybe I'll pick it up soon... (also congrats on the engagement!!)
Thanks Mackenzie! It was a gorgeously poetic and human read, something that felt very needed in these times.
I'm glad you enjoyed Welcome to the Hyunam-dong Bookshop! I liked it too. Soyangri Book Kitchen sounds good; I'll put that on my "To Read List"!
I read the Japanese book The Kamogawa Food Detectives by Hisashi Kashiwai recently and quite enjoyed it. Have you read that? I thought you might have mentioned it. If not, I think it's one that you would like! 😊
You'll love Soyangri Book Kitchen if you enjoyed Welcome to the Hyunam-dong Bookshop! And yes, I've read that! Was lucky enough to receive an ARC of it, and devoured it in days heh.
Look forward to reading it. :)
Ah, I thought so! I thought it (The Kamogawa Food Detectives) was a nice, gentle book. I think there's a sequel, so I'll look out for that too.
I really should reread Never Let Me Go too, I remember being blown away by it and still recommend it to everyone. But it’s been a decade for me too so I should reread so that I know what I’m talking about when I recommend it 😂
I loved it even more the second time around! I always feel a reread deepens your understanding of the plot, teasing out more from the characters? Hope you manage to squeeze a reread in soon!
Welcome to the Hyunam-dong Bookshop is so lovely <3 i need to give Never Let Me Go a read! love the reviews!
Adored it so much more than I thought I would! I even picked up a Korean edition while in Seoul, for my souvenir book. Thanks so much Jin!
I read Welcome to the Hyunam-dong Bookshop last November (😓) and it was a balm for my weary soul!! I loved it!
That's the perfect description for it. I feel like I picked it up at the best time: mid-burnout and pre-big trip!
Never Let Me Go gets me every time. One of the best books ever written.
Just so good! Very pleased I picked it up for a reread.
Never Let Me Go and The Emperor of Gladness are both on my list to read! I love Ocean Vuong's writing so I really want to get a hard copy so I can highlight quotes and savor it.
I'll definitely be getting a physical copy of The Emperor of Gladness so I can reread it, come payday! It was such an evocative, moving story, and I feel so privileged to have snagged an eARC of it.
It truly does sound like such a lovely month, Michelle! Congratulations again!
My favourite read from May was Daisy Darker - Alice Feeney. I was in a bit of a slump so a good old fashion creepy horror fitted the bill perfectly.
My May Reads are here: https://open.substack.com/pub/thecosyreader/p/the-may-reads?r=5pls17&utm_medium=ios
Thanks so much!!
Oo that sounds like an interesting one – you can always rely on a horror or mystery-thriller to peel you out of a reading slump.