Govind

Read this book as an eARC from Netgalley.

This was the first time that I read a graphic novel adaptation of Sherlock Homes. The artwork is good and they haven't modernised the dialogues. You get the same classic feel as you would from the books.

Even though I have read other Sherlock Holmes stories, this was the first time that I read 'A Study in Scarlet' in any form. Overall, it was an enjoyable read.

Thanks to NetGalley for providing me with this advanced copy for review.

The book is a collection of one page, four panel comics with the theme of Earth and the environment. Along with the four panel ones, it includes several one-page or two connected pages of fully filled jokes or commentary spread throughout the book.

There are many recurring themes and similar jokes, with several comics building upon, referencing, or continuing earlier ones.

It's an easy read, but only a few of the jokes were actually funny and made me laugh. Besides the jokes, it includes some wholesome comics and a bit of sexual commentary. However, the varying mix added to a sense of messiness, even though all of it follows a common theme.

Finally the artwork is alright, and I really liked the creativity used to make it adhere to the subject. It's a great effort but overall, it falls short of what I expected going in.

It's not that original. Same old origin story with all the classic tropes and clichés.

There are boring parts here and there, but they're not bad enough to make us stop reading.

By the end, I actually liked the final chapter, which focused on the origin story of a side character, more than the main one.

I'm not planning to read the second volume anytime soon, but do plan to check out the first volume of the other character's standalone series.

I got this book as an advanced copy from NetGalley. The book is a single-volume standalone romance manga.

The premise of the book is a romance that blooms due to the work-from-home situation brought on by Covid. This was the first time I read a book set during lockdowns and the Covid era.

The story is told from the perspective of the male protagonist. We see his daily life working from home and how the romance slowly unfolds.

Overall, it's a really enjoyable read. The artwork is great, and the author pays close attention to small details. The way they connect over shared experiences is presented well.

The downsides are the lack of character development and the one-sided storytelling. We don't see much detail about the romantic interest's life or thoughts.

Even though the way they connect is represented well, this disconnect leads to a feeling of lacking chemistry.

Also, nearing the end, the book picks up pace significantly. This might make some readers feel like it ended too fast.

In conclusion, if you're looking for an easy but fun romance read, this manga is worth checking out.

It could have been much better. It had many threads that weren't fully developed. It touches on a variety of issues, but some of them needed to be fleshed out a bit more. Also, the friendship storyline with Rami was super frustrating to read. They are reasonable at first, but it turns sour for no reason. I know the book is written for a younger audience, but the way Rami acts is unrealistic for a friend at that age.

Overall, an alright short read. I'm giving it half a star extra because of the artwork. The art is really beautiful and makes the reading fast and pleasant.

The book is painfully slow to pick up pace. The whole first act is really shoddy. The event that starts the journey of the MC is not very plausible and could have been easily avoided.

I really can't relate to someone acting so rashly with a kid and a wife. I can never see a dad acting like that.

And then there is the MC. He is really insufferable. I don't mind morally grey characters, but this guy is straight-up unlikeable.

The writing is unnecessarily winded and could have been shortened.

If not for the ARC copy, I would have DNFed and never looked back. The slap in the face was that this is the first of six planned books.

If it were part of a series, the author could have toned the book down so much. It’s not worth the time needed to read it.

Good try as a debut. I liked the villains more than the MC, and some side characters were interesting.

When not dragged down by long-winded parts and the insufferable MC, some parts were actually good to read.

Not much else I can praise. Kind of a frustrating and disappointing read overall.

If it were a trilogy, I might have given it another try to see the ending, but for a six-book series, it really isn't good enough to make you want to pick up the next one, especially with such a terrible protagonist

I kind of enjoyed this book. While the passive voice felt a bit awkward at first, I adjusted quickly and picked up the pace.

After that it's an easy read. I didn't mind the ambiguous ending befure but over time I see why people don't like it.

One of the major gripe I had was an unnecessary character arc that could have been avoided. Another issue is the less fleshed-out, forgettable side characters.

Overall, though, it’s an alright book. It has some flaws and I have heard rooney gets repetitive. But as my first sally rooney read it was entertaining.

The novel wouldn't be there if people in it communicated better. But that aspect didn't frustrate me that much as others since I have seen conflicts due to miscommunication. So the premise didn't feel unbelievable.

The book is more relevant than ever in this age of smart things.

We can kind of allude to the current state of constant tracking, targeted ads and a feel of lack in privacy to how the characters are being watched in the novel.

The phrase "Big brother is watching you" has evolved from a mere reference to a haunting reminder of these times.

The novel slow in the start but catches on. It's a really immersive read with us feeling attentive and paying close attention to all the small details.

You feel as if something big is going to go down anytime. The author has done excellent job in conveying what the character might have felt.

There is this real eeriness of being watched that you can feel from reading the book.

Overall the novel is really good and it's one of those must read recommendations from me.

I read this as a web-comic online and was immediately hooked by its incredible premise and engaging start. Netflix adapted it for a season, and they wrapped things up at a good point.

However, after that, the story gets bogged down with too many subplots, and the main plot doesn’t move forward much. I read through about half of the 520-ish chapters, and while it's entertaining, the lack of direction made it tough to keep going.

If you’re interested, I’d recommend starting with one volume. Just be aware that if you continue, you might end up hate-reading through some arcs and waiting a long time for the main plot to pick up again.

The high rating reflects the strong start and initial arcs, but overall, I’d rate it three out of five.

The plot is straightforward, and the writing is clear but not particularly remarkable.

It follows a young woman and her journey as a prostitute. It was Intresting to read how she tackled her issues and see how the story will end.

The plot is not that predictable but not innovative either. It’s a decent choice for a light, uncomplicated read.

Some of the short stories were really good and some just alright. And didn't like one much at all (An independent organ). I didn't think too much of the book after just finishing but I kept coming back to some of the stories later on.

Reread scheherazade and drive my car after starting the drive by car movie.

Samsa in love was hilarious. Loved the blunt talk by the female character. The story was different from what I have read usually.

Overall I really enjoyed the book. I doubt definitely recommend it and it's a good first Murakami to try out.

The first story 'Drive My Car' has been adapted into an Oscar winning movie that I loved watching.

It's a great movie worth the watch. If you liked the book, definitely check the movie out also.

A light and easy wholesome read. I read it as an e book but could have read way faster as a book.

Decided to read it due to the cover and it didn't disappointed.

It was just like I expected. Nothing too special but yeah still alright.

The book highlights what we love about looks and makes spot on observations. That was really enjoyable to read.

Plot wise I liked the first half more than the second. Also the sequel is finally available in the country, can't wait to buy and read it.

Some troubling elements. I didn't like the whole mentoring the kid thing. It was less exciting than wild sheep chase. Felt too dragged on. And at the I didn't feel as satusfied as the other one.

Overall an alright end to the four book saga.

It isn't as good as wild sheep chase but it's still a great read. The second Murakami I finished after Norwegian wood. The magical realism stuff isn't there yet, it's a straight forward book.

A short and great read. Overall it's good but man one of them was so bad. Hated all of children can dance.

It could have been better, but he had to include weird sexualisation of the mother character.

Like I know some people can think like sexually about their mother, but did he had to write it down?
It was really uncomfortable to read the story and hard to relate to the author.

The trope of adult Japanese women being oblivious to sex and thier sex appeal/attraction is honestly tiring.

Who acts like a kid as an adult and what's with Japanese media liking this. I really don't get them.

Without that the story was alright as the parts about it were good.

And from the rest really loved honey pie. From the rest, super frog saves Tokyo was fun and landscape with flatiron was memorable.

One of the worst books I have ever read. It was alright at start but it was such a fast descent to trash. Like forgiving the abuse was bad enough but having a baby with the abuser and having to deal with him. God what a shitty novel.

I get it's inspired from the authors life but still doesn't make these things right.The abuser is based on the author's father, so obviously she will try to paint down the issue. But it's so unacceptable. The novel borderline romanticise abuse.

Like in real life you most would run and never look back. The novel shouldn't give message like being this forgiving, and breaking the cycle should have had removing the person from your life too.

One good thing the book did is it's making me appreciate other booktok books. I think that it could be so much worse.

It starts off strong then falls flat after getting to America. Like another reviewer said way too much description of everything. So many unnecessary passages.

It gets tiring after a while.I don't hate descriptions though.

Murakami and foods are something magical and you can just see the place in your head. Here though it's Idk boring after a while.

It was really predictable for me too after the 60% mark. I could see the ending scene form a mile.

Overall a just a good time read. It also has a movie adaptation. Have seen some scenes from it. Planning to watch it fully soon.

This is one of my all time favorites. I am giving a 4 because I have a weird relationship with the book and it's not perfect.

Sometimes I remember the good parts then the bad. But still I all the parts are there in my heart. I can clearly visualise everything.

Stormtrooper, the walks with forests, the food and dates with midori.

The book has some weird stuff though. Like midori at the shrine at home.

Still I highly recommend it. This was my first Murakami and it has been a great journey since.

He made me remember how much fun I had reading as a kid and because of him I am able to enjoy reading like I used to.

It's just something when you find that one book and you just can't put it down. I was missing it and got to relive that feeling with this one. Can't wait to read more of Murakami.

One of the weaker entires from Murakami. Read after the quake just before and loved it much more. Not much stores that stay with you. The one with the money and with the beatles were the only even rememberable. For others I had to check the index to see the names and remember the stories.

Still an alright read. Just 8 stories so not much time needed to read.

If you like Murakami, read this last if you want to read the better of his first or if like me and planning to read them later, do give it a try earlier, especially before going to his other short story collections.

This is the first ever true crime Investigative journalism book I ever read and I had wasn't disappointed. I thought the book was going to be slow and dry but it wasn't.

I couldn't just put it down. And the book just shook me to the core. Never have ever gotten this angry reading a book. God the injustice the osages faced. I am happy that they are making a movie and giving this part of American history the focus it deserves.

Loved this book. Picked it up after liking the cover. It was a page turner and I wasn't bored or able to guess anything that was coming. I normally don't read mystery books but this one made me want to read them more.

It's kinda forgettable. Lot of cliche things and predictable plot. The subtle message of the author is alright. Forget about the expectations of society and live your own life. If you like to read something simple for fun this is an alright book. Other than that nothing special.

It was more predictable than his other work, but still overall alright.

Loved it. Was keeping me interested all the way. Just didn't like the ending. Felt like it ended adrubtly.

It won't keep you bored. Thriller/mystery fans would surely like this book.

I read this years ago as a kid and was hooked. I remember reading all three books back-to-back.

Looking back now, the issues with the book are more apparent. The author's language is kind of verbose, and he uses complex words a lot, seemingly for the sake of it.

There are way too many side characters with no impact, and the story could be much more streamlined.

That said, I still like this book. I love the unique approach of explaining mythical aspects with science—that's something new.

The premise was new to me back then. The book is engaging and not boring at all, despite the flaws.

So, even though the first book ends inconclusively, it's worth a read if you're curious about Indian mythology-inspired fantasy.