What's On My Shelf?

12/06/2021

Hello! I'm here to drop some titles for June! In support of 🌈 , I'll be reading and reviewing 4 books by lgbtqia+ authors!

I'm quite excited about my selection of books! There's some big and famous ones but I'll also be supporting a new author. Can't wait to get into the details!

I am starting to be busy again so the episodes will take a while to get out. I'll likely make IG review posts for the time being. Thank you all for your patience 🥰

01/06/2021

Some quotes for keeps from Before The Coffee Gets Cold.

Hear the book review from the link in the bio!

01/06/2021

01/06/2021

✨𝐅𝐚𝐯𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐞 𝐅𝐢𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐨𝐟 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟎✨

"Between life and death there is a library, and within that library, the shelves go on forever. Every book provides a chance to try another life you could have lived. To see how things would be if you had made other choices… Would you have done anything different, if you had the chance to undo your regrets?"

Nora Seed, at 35, decides to end her life. However, she finds herself in a library where time freezes at midnight. It's not just any library but HER library. Every book is a version of her life where she makes a different choice. Before time runs out, she needs to find a life she wants to live in. If she feels disappointment, she's sent back to the library to pick a life again.

What will Nora choose? What will Nora uncover? Will anything change?

This is a solid 5/5 stars book! I love how every page had me hooked. I will caution you to not start this book late in the day because you might end up reading it till dawn like me 👀. I also love the touch of magic realism that enhances the possibilities Nora could be. This is a book about it all: life, family, self-identity, regrets, dreams and opportunities.

Podcast episode up in a few hours! (I was way too excited to post about this book haha.)

01/06/2021

Have you heard of ? It is an ancient philosophy that asserts that virtue (particularly the four cardinal virtues of self-control, courage, justice and wisdom) is happiness. Despite how old it is, it's becoming increasingly relevant. In this book, The Daily Stoic, you'll find lots of wisdom that guides you to live life like a modern day Stoic.

Hear more about this incredible book in the episode! Link in bio!

01/06/2021

I started 2020 with this book and it has been a staple in my morning routine. Every day, I look forward to a quote that has been prepared and I try to work on bettering the virtue. Over the year, I notice that I am able to catch myself feeling emotionally charged more often to manage it. I am more resilient in the face of challenges and I credit this book to a great extent. Even though it's only a page to read each day, the sum of this repeated action has moulded me into who I am currently.

And here's the paradox I experience: the more steps I take towards "mastering" the virtues in Stoicism, the more I see that the journey is never ending.

But I guess that's life haha. And honestly, I'm happy to find the things I would like to spend my lifetime trying to be better at.

Book rating: 5/5

01/06/2021

From this week's book recommendation, The Daily Stoic! Wise words from the Stoics.

01/06/2021

For five years, Nana the cat has been living with Satoru. However, something has happened and Satoru needs to find Nana a new home. Nana has no idea why but goes along anyway. In Satoru's silver grey van, the two set out on a journey across Japan. What will Nana discover on this journey?

This book sets itself apart by being narrated from Nana's point of view. I found it funny and refreshing to read from a pov other than a human.

It was an easy read but the beauty is in the simplicity of the literature that begins taking root in your heart long before you realise it.

The ending was a masterpiece and you're going to need tissues. 🤧

For the full podcast review, check the link in bio!

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

If you're an animal lover, you'd love this. It would also be a great book for parents trying to get their kids to read.

01/06/2021

Hello! Just an update on what I'm reading this week and I'm also planning to deep dive into design books because it's a field I'm hoping to break into. As you may know, I'm in my final semester of university and I'm also in the midst of job hunting! While I don't intend to put reading on hold, I figured it was better if I devoted this time to reading topics that would suit my phase of life.

I'm quite excited to start this because in my previous internship, I was introduced to the term lean and agile. Talk to you more about this next week (hopefully)!

01/06/2021

Hello, it's good to be back! This week's episode and book recommendation follows the mystery of MH370. 2 years of independent investigation has led to the birth of this book. What could have possibly happened to MH370? If you're looking for an alternate narrative, this book is not to be missed. Listen wherever podcasts are available!

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Genre: Investigate Journalism

01/06/2021

Before The Coffee Gets Cold is a play turned novel by Toshikazu Kawaguchi. Set in Tokyo, there is a cafe where you can time travel by drinking a coffee. The catch? There are some rules and you have to drink the coffee before it gets cold.

Q: Who will you travel back in time to meet? 👀 Comment your answers!

My ans: By the rules of the book, you must have met this person before if you're travelling back in time and since the person I want to meet sadly passed on before I was born, I wouldn't be able to meet even if I was part of the story. 🥺

Why you'll love it:
1. Japanese literature style of writing!
2. Simplicity in the plot but the ending did not disappoint!
3. Relatable life lessons and realistic characters.

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐