18 Books in February ‘24 - Exploring genres
Hello friends! February was an exciting month for me. Been diving into my fresh gig as a Business Analyst and took few days of to celebrate my wedding anniversary with ‘A on a beach. I managed to squeeze in some serious reading time. Yup, I devoured a whopping 18 books altogether! I even been tackling different genres, it was quite the ride. So, grab your favorite cozy spot, because I'm about to spill the tea on all the books that kept me company during this hectic month. Let's dive in and chat about the stories that made my February unforgettable!
Sherlock vibes & crime as my bedtime story!
Hammarby Series :
#1 The Gingerbread House by Carin Gerhardsen
🛒 Kinokuniya Malaysia | Amazon | Kindle e-Book | Audible Audiobook
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4.0/ 5.0
#2 Cinderella Girl by Carin Gerhardsen
🛒 Kinokuniya Malaysia | Amazon | Kindle e-Book | Audible Audiobook
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4.0/ 5.0
🚧 The Last Lullaby by Carin Gerhardsen
🛒 Kinokuniya Malaysia | Amazon | Kindle e-Book | Audible Audiobook
(Currently reading and to be rated once I am done reading this!)
Carin Gerhardsen, a former mathematician and IT consultant, is renowned for her 'Hammarby series' of crime novels featuring Detective Chief Inspector Conny Sjöberg.
I have Cinderella Girl copy for years, my husband recommended it to me, wish I had read it much earlier, because Gerhardsen is a brilliant writer and she is my first Swedish crimer writer so far! Read my booknotes here
Related blogpost : Booknotes : Hammarby Series by Carin Gerhardsen
#3 I Will Find You by Harlan Coben
🛒 Kinokuniya Malaysia | Amazon | Kindle e-Book | Audible Audiobook
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5.0
“I am serving the fifth year of a life sentence for murdering my own child. Spoiler alert: I didn’t do it."
Coben’s story is fast pace, and I finished 400 pages in just 2 nights (considering I read it before at bedtime). It’s about a father who is sent to jail, and after years of living in self-blames; he then desperate to uncover the truth of what actually had happened to his son.
After watching Hold Tight, The Stranger, Fool Me Once on Netflix, I truly fell in love with Coben’s plotting style. I could not resist but to read one of his book. Also, one can hardly find sex scene (that’s usually intense in crime story like this these days, it’s too many and it’s annoying but not Coben’s story!) ~ which just something I’d like down the alley for me, because I want to know the mystery and solve the problems not watching people making out 3-5 mins, ugh! I find Harlan Coben's storytelling style incredibly engaging. His plots are gripping, filled with unexpected twists and turns that keep me on the edge of my seat. I love how he seamlessly blends mystery, thriller, and suspense elements, creating an immersive reading experience. Coben's characters are relatable and well-developed, making it easy for me to connect with them. After finishing one of his books, I'm always left eagerly anticipating the next one. Overall, Coben's storytelling captivates me from beginning to end, and I can't get enough of his novels.
Taboo, Dystopian, Society - Japanese literature, my favourite!
#4 Life Ceremony by Sayaka Murata
🛒 Kinokuniya Malaysia | Amazon | Kindle e-Book | Audible Audiobook
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5.0
In "Life Ceremony," Sayaka Murata crafts a thought-provoking exploration of societal norms and the quest for individuality amidst conformity. It’s a set of short stories that shares thought provoking that shares the themes around “Life Ceremony” ritual.
The story definitely inherit the same theme from her other books, where our main character ( journey of self-discovery to the interconnected lives of those around her and how the characters are introduced with scenes of the pressures of societal expectations.
Murata raises poignant questions about gender roles, potrayal of unconventional family structure challenges traditional norms, themes of sexuality and desire with sensitivity, societal expectations and the complexities of human relationships.
Be ready to confront taboo subjects such as mental health and societal pressure unflinching honesty, inviting me over and over to confront uncomfortable realities.
Like Earthlings, I feel this book is more than just a novel - it’s a compelling commentary on the human condition and the universal desire for acceptance and authenticity. Each time I read her book, Murata left me a renewed perspective on life and the power of individual expression.
#5 Klara & The Sun by Kazuo Ishiguro
🛒 Kinokuniya Malaysia | Amazon | Kindle e-Book | Audible Audiobook
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5.0
An intriguing dive into the world of artificial intelligence and human emotions. Set in a future where AI companions are the norm, the story follows Klara's bond with her human friend Josie. Ishiguro skillfully navigates themes of love, sacrifice, and existential questions in a technology-driven society. The characters, especially Klara ( I love Klara so very much!), are deeply engaging, and the plot unfolds gradually, blending sci-fi with philosophical musings. Throughout, Ishiguro prompts reflection on the nature of consciousness and the ethics of AI. A standout scene is when Klara confronts mortality, highlighting the complex interplay between humans and machines. "Klara and the Sun" is a compelling and thought-provoking read that lingers in the mind.
#6 The Hole by Hiroko Oyamada
🛒 Kinokuniya Malaysia | Amazon | Kindle e-Book | Audible Audiobook
⭐️⭐️⭐️ 3.0/5.0
Our main character, Asa left her job to follow her husband to move to his home town. Quickly she learned her best to adjust her new rural lives, to the constant presence of her weird mother in law and the wilderness that comes with the place. This book is a fast read, nothing much really happen but there’s mentioned of how a woman sacrifices her own career in order to support her husband, a role of a woman, the societal expectation of women ~ it’s story about her experience in the new place, and she comes across black creature (stranger and unknown) that she found at the riverside. Not much of a plot, but still entertaining so I gave it 3 star on Goodreads
I’ve made a bookish vlog and talk about this book on Youtube
Cosy Vibes & Bookish
#7 Welcome to the Hyunam-Dong Bookshop by Hwang Bo-reum
🛒 Kinokuniya Malaysia | Amazon | Kindle e-Book | Audible Audiobook
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4.0/ 5.0
I picked it up because I can’t resist a story about books, bookshops, coffee, cosy vibe, burnout, toxic corporate environment and mental health! Yeongju changed her life goal and decided to quit, follow her dream! Through this journey, she met people of walks of life where they shared all kinds of life problems, society issues and burnout. The writing is beautiful and relaxing, perfect for when you want to cosy up!
#8 The Bookshare
🛒 Kinokuniya Malaysia | Amazon | Kindle e-Book | Audible Audiobook
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4.0/ 5.0
My vacation reads, and I love it! It’s about a woman who’s in her 40s and finally found an opportunity to truly pursuing her dreams as a writer. There’s beautiful relationship between her and her mother who always support her, her life as a mother and wife and her luck at getting to work at her favourite author’s home as a housekeeper! This book will makes you feel, age, or being a mother isn’t the reason for you to quit your dreams. If you love books and love a story about an inspiring author, this can be for you! Also suitable for vacation reads because the storyline is fun and definitely a fast read.
I’ve made a bookish vlog and talk about this book on Youtube
#9 A Deadly Inside Scoop (An Ice Cream Parlor Mystery, Abby Collette
🛒 Kinokuniya Malaysia | Amazon | Kindle e-Book | Audible Audiobook
⭐️⭐️⭐️ 3.0/ 5.0
This was my vacation read too. It's fast paced, super light and fun read that scoop me some laughters in a cosy mystery vibe.
Win, our main girl has taken over the family ice-cream shop and having a wobbly start to run the business. One day she found a dead body in the snow which pointed to her father as a suspect. This story is about her journey, teaming up with her friend, Maisie to put on their detective hat to find out who murder the dead man - certainly to prove that her father is innocent.
This is not like a usual complex crime story that eerie and intense, which is why I think it’s a clever writing style that makes you brain to still function whilst sizzling out the cosy vibe - makes it perfect for vacation reads!
I’ve made a bookish vlog and talk about this book on Youtube
#10 Maggie Blue’s Series
Maggie Blue & The Dark World ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4.0/ 5.0
🛒 Kinokuniya Malaysia | Amazon | Kindle e-Book | Audible Audiobook
Maggie Blue and the White Crow ⭐️⭐️⭐️ 3.0/ 5.0
🛒 Kinokuniya Malaysia | Amazon | Kindle e-Book | Audible Audiobook
Meet Maggie Blue, an 11-year-old navigating the challenges of family turmoil and schoolyard bullying. But when she stumbles upon a talking cat and a portal to another world, her ordinary life transforms into a thrilling adventure. In the first book, she's on a mission to save her former bully, and in the sequel, she embarks on a quest to rescue her kidnapped mom. Think Wildwood Series meets everyday magic!
I’ve made a bookish vlog and talk about this book on Youtube
Intense futuristic dystopian that’s disturbing
#11 1984 by George Orwell
🛒 Kinokuniya Malaysia | Amazon | Kindle e-Book | Audible Audiobook
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5.0
Potrays a dystopian world where totalitarianism reigns. It warns of the dangers of unchecked government power, surveillance, and the erosion of individual freedom. You are being watched by Big Brother at all times, you can only use Newspeak language, if you are challenging the status quo you will be charged for commiting Thoughtcrime and you are only allowed to believe/ to comply what was said by the government. This book serves as a stark reminder of the importance of resisting oppression and defending democratic values.
Fuck it, be the woman you want to be! Also, not for a faint heart
#12 Julia, 1984 by Sandra Newman
🛒 Kinokuniya Malaysia | Amazon | Kindle e-Book | Audible Audiobook
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5.0
The book is divided into three parts: Part 1 introduces Julia and explores her world when she first meets Winston. Mostly shows how woman struggles to navigate life in this universe. Part 2 delves into Julia's daily life and activities, which are kept secret from Winston. Part 3 follows their journey beyond their capture and imprisonment.
Potrays a dystopian world where totalitarianism reigns. It warns of the dangers of unchecked government power, surveillance, and the erosion of individual freedom. You are being watched by Big Brother at all times, you can only use Newspeak language, if you are challenging the status quo you will be charged for commiting Thoughtcrime and you are only allowed to believe/ to comply what was said by the government. This book serves as a stark reminder of the importance of resisting oppression and defending democratic values.
#13 Daisy Jones & The Six by Taylor Reid Jenkins
🛒 Kinokuniya Malaysia | Amazon | Audible Audiobook
⭐️⭐️⭐️ 3.0/5.0
So, I decided to give Jenkins' writing another chance, and I listened to the audiobook. I found it interesting that each character had a different voice, making it feel like I was right there with them, hearing their actual life stories directly from the person. Seriously, it felt like I was right there with them, and I would expect the TV series actors to be as good as the audible narrators too!
Okay, so "Daisy Jones & The Six" took me on a total rollercoaster ride! At first, I was like, "What's going on here?" But then I got totally hooked. I do feel it inherits a similar vibe as her other book “7 Husbands of Evelyn Hugo” and this one laid out juicy interview, spilling the beans on this epic '70s band. Daisy herself is this wild, carefree chick with killer songwriting skills, and when she joins forces with The Six, chaos happens, her career flips, her life changes, living the rock 'n roll dream.
I have longer thoughts on this book, which I am piling up together with my other booknotes pile. So stay tuned!
#14 The Stranger by Kathryn Hore
🛒 Kinokuniya Malaysia | Amazon
⭐️⭐️⭐️ 3.0/5.0
It’s a gripping tale of renewal versus revenge set in the isolated town of Darkwater. It’s definitely a feminist book. Faced with a crumbling society ruled by fear and violence, the arrival of the mysterious Stranger brings attention to a teenage like Chelsea to question their choices. With themes of empowerment and liberation, Hore's feminist Western delivers a powerful message of hope and transformation to women.
I’ve made a bookish vlog and talk about this book on Youtube
#15 Restless Dolly Maunder by Kate Grenville
🛒 Kinokuniya Malaysia | Amazon | Kindle e-Book | Audible Audiobook
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5.0
Oh, let me tell you this book totally wrecked me—in the best possible way. I read it all in one go because I just couldn't tear myself away. It's all about Grenville's grandma, Dolly, and her life back in the late 1800s and early 1900s. Grenville brings Dolly to life in such a vivid way, showing her struggles and triumphs as she tries to make her own way in a society that's trying to keep her down. It's such a powerful story, and it really got me thinking about all the incredible women like Dolly who've paved the way for us today. Grenville's writing is just so beautiful and heartfelt—I couldn't recommend this book enough!
#16 Mexican Gothic by Silvia Moreno-Garcia
🛒 Kinokuniya Malaysia | Amazon | Kindle e-Book | Audible Audiobook
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4.0/5.0
If you pick this up, be prepared to be mesmerized! Silvia's haunting writing style takes you on a journey to 1950s rural Mexico, where socialite Noemi Taboada receives a chilling letter from her cousin. As she unravels the mysteries of the eerie High Place mansion, you'll be drawn into a world of secrets, madness, and supernatural intrigue. With lush writing and a gripping plot, this book is a must-read for fans of gothic horror. Just be warned: it's not for the faint of heart, with themes of gaslighting, mind control, and more. Noemi's fierce determination makes her admirable, and the book's atmospheric setting makes it a captivating read from start to finish. I also find it clever how there’s mention of mushroom science facts that are turned into a gothic sci-fi-ish theme in the book, making it eerie yet fascinating—I feel like I'm learning (about mushrooms) at the same time. If you're planning to read this, I suggest a physical copy because the cover was stunning (bummer, because I bought the Kindle version instead)—it's sure to catch your eye on any bookshelf!
Non-fictions to help elevate skills at work and life
#17 Sprint: How to Solve Big Problems and Test New Ideas in Just Five Days
🛒 Kinokuniya Malaysia | Amazon | Kindle e-Book | Audible Audiobook
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5.0
This book review dives into the exciting world of sprints, a five-day intensive workshop designed to tackle business challenges head-on. The narrative follows a clear structure, mirroring the pace of the sprint itself, with each day's activities outlined in detail. From gathering information and generating solutions to building prototypes and testing them with customers, the book offers practical advice and tools for facilitators at every step.
If you been here for awhile, you might notice that I have another blog section WorkWizard where I write about my Business Analyst journey in the last 4 months. This book, is something that I will revisit and recommend to anyone who is working in /want to shift into an agile environment.
#18 The Courage to Be Disliked: How to Free Yourself, Change your Life and Achieve Real Happiness
🛒 Kinokuniya Malaysia | Amazon | Kindle e-Book | Audible Audiobook
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5.0
This audiobook on Audible offers a unique experience with two different voices narrating the characters, which adds depth to the conversation between a wise philosopher and a curious young man. While some might find the young voice a bit grating, overall, the narration does justice to the book's style.
The book itself takes an unconventional approach, presenting profound ideas through dialogue that makes complex concepts easier to understand. It challenges conventional wisdom on topics like trauma and personal responsibility, offering fresh perspectives that may seem extreme but ultimately deliver a powerful message about authenticity and courage.
Whether you're interested in philosophy, psychology, or self-improvement, this book provides thought-provoking insights that can help you shift your perspective and embrace lasting change and happiness. Plus, you have the freedom to read it in any order you prefer. Overall, it's a worthwhile read for anyone looking to declutter their mind and live more authentically.
As I bid adieu to February and look ahead to Ramadhan in March (I only read this one book last month!), I can't help but feel grateful for the escape and enlightenment that reading brings. So here's to the books that transport us, challenge us, and ultimately, enrich our lives.
Until next time, happy reading friends! Happy #BookishMonday
Related blogpost : The only want book I want to read this Ramadhan
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