I have to admit, I haven’t been reading as much in February. I’ve read one fiction, which is so good, and one nonfiction, which is good as well. That being said, I DNF (did not finish) one.

I rarely DNF a book and probably this is only the second time I’ve done it. But I’m trying to be better at DNF-ing books that I know I don’t enjoy reading, as there are too many good books to enjoy instead!

Reading has definitely taken a back seat these past few weeks, as I’m deeply engrossed with other projects (indoor gardening and cooking). But there are a few books that I’m really keen to be reading soon, so perhaps I’ll read better in the coming month.

Please Look After Mother by Kyung-Sook Shin

Genre: Fiction, Korean
Rating: 4/5
Recommended for: Those who love a good fiction
Review: A solid four stars.

The book is a bit hard to read at first, because the author changes between first person, second person, and even third person. Sometimes you’re confused on who’s talking and whose perspective are the words written from, but once you get on the groove, it’s impossible to be put down.

I love this book. It’s one of those fictions that doesn’t try too much, but leaves a deep impact anyway. I just wish that I am fluent in Korean so that I can actually read the book in its original language. I feel like there are so many things that are mistranslated, and if I read it in its original language, I might understand the book more. Nevertheless, still a wonderful read.

Recommended.

The Thing Around Your Neck by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

Genre: fiction, short stories, African
Rating: DNF
Recommended for: Erm, those of who you want to read widely and love reading short stories
Review: I’m not sure whether to rate this book or not. Honestly, I DNF it.

In a bid to read more widely, I pick up this book, which was just being returned by another patron at the library where I work. I try really hard to read the stories, but I just couldn’t be immersed in them. Perhaps I find it hard as they are short stories, and I’m not invested in a way that I am with longer stories.

I struggle to finish it for a while, so I decided to DNF it. Unpopular opinion, but it is not my cup of tea.

That being said, other readers seem to love the book. If you’re interested, give it a go.

Eggshell Skull by Bri Lee

Genre: nonfiction, memoir
Rating: 4/5
Recommended for: Everyone
Review: If I’m really honest, I would give this book a 3.5 stars.

Finishing the book, I do feel quite conflicted. This book was very highly recommended by my colleagues, and I can see why. And I love the first two-thirds of the book. It’s good. Raw. Powerful. But then somewhere in the second half of the book I feel the author starts to drag things a little bit. I agree with other readers who mentioned that she paused when it was not needed—to create a more dramatic flair perhaps—and glossed over things in passing on the ones that, I felt, needed more depth.

It’s still a powerful story. The book makes me think of how broken the legal system is. How privileged I am of being somewhat oblivious to many social issues that grip the country I’m living at. How broken are the culture and society we’re living in.

Still very highly recommended.

Those are February’s books. You can see all the books I’ve read this year on my Goodreads page. Till next time~

Ps. You can also add me as a friend on Goodreads. Let’s be book pals!