I’m writing this during a typhoon in Taipei— it sounds worse than it is, but work is officially off and I have all the time and leisure to be cozy with my books 🥰

I’ve been reading a lot of ARCs (advanced reading copies) this year, and needed to take a break to read what was trending this year but also to read without thinking how I’m going to review it.

• Yesteryear by Caro Claire Burke: Definitely a page turner, it’s so mysterious and also dark to get into the mind of the protagonist. But I genuinely wish there was a more human and nuanced approach to discussing trad wives in our society. Not all of them are sociopaths, not all of them are inherently cruel; there must be something more human or spiritual that draws women to this type of life, right? And I was reading recently about a once-famous Instagram trad wife who recently revoked everything and called out the inherent misogyny of it. Maybe this just wasn’t the right book for my expectations.

• Fruit Fly by Josh Silver: I wasn’t expecting to love this so much! At first I was following the motions because it felt so similar to Yellowface and Boring Asian Female. But as the narrative and the perspectives started shifting it got sooo interesting and unexpected and I was hooked. The ending was dark yet gorgeous, and if there’s ever a sequel, I’m reading it.

And now for my advanced copies… I actually had some LOVELY ones that I genuinely felt so lucky to read.

• The Trial of Magdalena Overmorrow by Caitríona Moran: THIS BOOK !! Just gorgeously written, an excellent fantasy with extraordinary women shining a light on the politics of women’s bodies. Not only that, but the heroine is a badass, and the yearning is just… *chef’s kiss* Out 11/10!

• Tiger’s Mouth by Lucy Tan: I loved every single page about this book. Tan writes with so much emotion and power; the characters feel so real as they navigate privilege, friendship, race, and the idea of success. Jack Chen and Jack Owens couldn’t be more different (the very idea of juxtaposition) but find themselves drawn into a deep friendship one summer but ultimately real life sets in and challenges their friendship. Out 11/17!

Okieeee these are just some of my recent thoughts, but I’ll be back for more!