"The feeling that she had never really lived in this world caught her by surprise. It was a fact. She had never lived. Even as a child, as far back as she could remember, she had done nothing but endure. She had believed in her own inherent goodness, her humanity, and lived accordingly, never causing... Continue Reading →
The Second Chance Convenience Store by Kim Ho-yeon
"When Bob Dylan was young, his grandmother told him that happiness isn’t on the road to anything. She said happiness is the road. And that we should be kind because everyone’s fighting a hard battle."The Second Chance Convenience Store by Kim Ho-yeon The Second Chance Convenience Store is a book I listened to this week... Continue Reading →
The City and Its Uncertain Walls by Haruki Murakami
"Once you’ve tasted pure, unadulterated love, it’s like a part of your heart’s been irradiated, burned out, in a sense. Particularly when that love, for whatever reason, is suddenly severed. For the person involved, that sort of love is both the supreme happiness and a curse."-The City and Its Uncertain Walls by Haruki Murakami Haruki... Continue Reading →
Temple Alley Summer by Sachiko Kashiwaba
"Listen, Kazu. Everyone says that humans are equal, but we don’t all get the same chances in life. You know that, don’t you? You’re a big boy in fifth grade. Some people are born healthy, and others are born with illnesses and disabilities. There are beautiful people who get adored by everyone, and people of... Continue Reading →
All the Lovers in the Night by Mieko Kawakami
"Why does the night have to be so beautiful?As I walk through the night, I remember what Mitsutsuka said to me. 'Because at night, only half the world remains.' I count the lights. All the lights of the night. The red light at the intersection, trembling as if wet, even though it isn't raining. Streetlight... Continue Reading →
Swordheart by T. Kingfisher
"Sarkis turned around and began to beat his forehead very gently against the wall. “The great god is punishing me,” he said softly, “for my crimes. I cannot go to his hell, and so he has sent a woman to torment me."Swordheart by T. Kingfisher My love of T. Kingfisher grows with every book. Sometimes... Continue Reading →