books read in 2023: hamra & the jungle of memories

hamra, a young girl in malaysia, must help a tiger return to his human form in this beautiful retelling of little red riding hood.

read in 2023: forest settings

Lucha of the Night Forest 

Hamra and the Jungle of Memories

Monstrous

The Buried and the Bound

The Surviving Sky

The Sacrifice

The Name-Bearer

Abeni’s Song

Before The Devil Knows You’re Here

books read in 2023

finally continuing my yearly tradition. all rated out of 5 stars. bolded are my faves!

The Daughters of Izdihar (The Alamaxa Duology, #1) by Hadeer Elsbai ★★★☆☆

A Taste of Gold and Iron by Alexandra Rowland ★★★☆☆

Last Violent Call (Secret Shanghai, #3.5) by Chloe Gong ★★★☆☆

The Magician's Daughter by H.G. Parry ★★★★☆

The Adventures of Amina al-Sirafi (Amina al-Sirafi, #1) by Shannon Chakraborty ★★★☆☆

The Lies of the Ajungo (Forever Desert, #1) by Moses Ose Utomi ★★★☆☆

The Surviving Sky (Rages, #1) by Kritika H. Rao ★★★☆☆

The Will of the Many (Hierarchy, #1) by James Islington ★★★☆☆

Immortal Longings (Flesh and False Gods, #1) by Chloe Gong ★★☆☆☆

Gods of the Wyrdwood (Forsaken, #1) by R.J. Barker ★★★☆☆

To Shape a Dragon's Breath (Nampeshiweisit, #1) by Moniquill Blackgoose ★★★☆☆

Fourth Wing (The Empyrean, #1) by Rebecca Yarros ★★★☆☆

The Third Daughter by Adrienne Tooley ★★★☆☆

After the Dragons by Cynthia Zhang ★★★★☆

Blood Over Bright Haven by M.L. Wang ★★★★☆

White Trash Warlock (Adam Binder, #1) by David R. Slayton ★★★★☆

The River Has Teeth by Erica Waters ★★★☆☆

The Drowned Woods by Emily Lloyd-Jones ★★★☆☆

All That’s Left in the World by Erik J. Brown ★★★☆☆

Fury of the Dragon Goddess (Adventures of Sik Aziz #2) ★★★★☆

The Water Outlaws by S.L. Huang ★★★★☆

My Dear Henry: A Jekyll & Hyde Remix by Kalynn Bayron ★★★☆☆

Serwa Boateng's Guide to Vampire Hunting (Serwa Boateng, #1) by Roseanne A. Brown ★★★☆☆

Hamra and the Jungle of Memories by Hanna Alkaf ★★★★☆

Bonesmith (House of the Dead, #1) by Nicki Pau Preto ★★★☆☆

Garden of the Cursed (Garden of the Cursed, #1) by Katy Rose Pool ★★★★☆

Race to the Sun by Rebecca Roanhorse ★★★☆☆

Don't Want to Be Your Monster by Deke Moulton DNF

The Buried and the Bound (The Buried and the Bound, #1) by Rochelle Hassan ★★★★☆

The Meadows by Stephanie Oakes ★★★☆☆

If Found, Return to Hell by Em X. Liu ★★★☆☆

Amari and the Night Brothers (Supernatural Investigations, #1) by B.B. Alston ★★★★☆

Starter Villain by John Scalzi ★★★★☆

Amari and the Great Game (Supernatural Investigations, #2) by B.B. Alston ���★★☆☆

The Chalice of the Gods (Percy Jackson and the Olympians, #6) by Rick Riordan ★★★★☆

The Fragile Threads of Power (Threads of Power, #1) by V.E. Schwab ★★★☆☆

The Hexologists (The Hexologists, #1) by Josiah Bancroft ★★★☆☆

Foul Heart Huntsman (Foul Lady Fortune, #2) by Chloe Gong ★★★☆☆

Darkhearts by James L. Sutter ★★☆☆☆

The City Beautiful by Aden Polydoros ★★★★☆

Séance Tea Party by Reimena Yee ★★★☆☆

The Prince's Poisoned Vow (Infernal War Saga, #1) by Hailey Turner ★★★☆☆

The Emperor's Bone Palace (Infernal War Saga #2) by Hailey Turner ★★★★☆

Beholder by Ryan La Sala ★★★★☆

Curious Tides by Pascale Lacelle ★★★★☆

The Forest Demands Its Due Kosoko Jackson ★★★☆☆

Reforged by Seth Haddon ★★★☆☆

The Scarlet Alchemist (The Scarlet Alchemist, #1) by Kylie Lee Baker ★★★★☆

Hell Followed With Us by Andrew Joseph White DNF

The Spirit Glass by Roshani Chokshi ★★★☆☆

Ink Blood Sister Scribe by Emma Törzs ★★★☆☆

All That Consumes Us by Erica Waters ★★☆☆☆

Frostheart (Frostheart, #1) by Jamie Littler ★★★★☆

The Vanquishers (The Vanquishers, #1) by Kalynn Bayron ★★★★☆

When You Trap a Tiger by Tae Keller ★★★☆☆

Dark Moon, Shallow Sea (The Gods of Night and Day #1) by David R. Slayton ★★★☆☆

Dark Heir (Dark Rise, #2) by C.S. Pacat ★★★★☆

Wednesday Wisdom: Books of This Week!

WhatsOn brings the book selection for the week. Immerse yourself in the books on the list to feed your inner bibliophile. Enjoy yourself this week by occupying yourself with the new books in your home. Right Man, Right Time "Right Man, Right Time" by Meghan Quinn is a heartwarming and entertaining romance novel that will leave readers feeling satisfied. The story revolves around Gia, a woman who has always believed in finding the perfect man at the right time. However, when she meets the charming and irresistible Logan, she finds herself questioning her beliefs and wondering if he could be the one for her. The chemistry between Gia and Logan is palpable, and the author does an excellent job of building their relationship while keeping the story engaging and lighthearted. The supporting characters are also well-developed, adding depth and humor to the story. Overall, "Right Man, Right Time" is a delightful read that will leave romance fans swooning. Meghan Quinn has once again delivered a captivating and enjoyable story that is well worth a read. Right Man, Right Time Vera Wong's Unsolicited Advice for Murderers "Vera Wong's Unsolicited Advice for Murderers" by Jessy Q. Sutanto is a hilarious and entertaining murder mystery that will keep readers guessing until the very end. The story follows Vera Wong, a successful agony aunt columnist who starts receiving letters from a serial killer. When the killer begins to target people close to Vera, she teams up with her sister and a handsome detective to solve the case. The book is a perfect blend of humor, suspense, and romance. The author's writing style is engaging and witty, making it easy for readers to get lost in the story. Vera is a fantastic protagonist who is smart, resourceful, and relatable. The supporting characters are also well-developed and add depth to the plot. . Overall, "Vera Wong's Unsolicited Advice for Murderers" is a delightful and engaging read that is sure to leave readers thoroughly entertained. Jessy Q. Sutanto has crafted a masterful murder mystery that is not to be missed. Vera Wong's Unsolicited Advice for Murderers Hamra and the Jungle of Memories Hanna Alkaf's "Hamra and the Jungle of Memories" is a captivating and heartwarming novel that explores themes of family, identity, and loss. The story follows a young girl named Hamra, who must navigate her way through the challenges of growing up as a Muslim girl in Malaysia, while also dealing with the grief of losing her beloved grandmother. Alkaf's writing is vivid and descriptive, painting a beautiful picture of the Malaysian landscape and culture. She does an excellent job of creating well-developed and relatable characters, particularly Hamra, who is a smart, strong-willed, and empathetic protagonist. One of the novel's greatest strengths is its ability to tackle serious and sometimes heavy topics in a way that is accessible and relatable to young readers. Alkaf does not shy away from discussing issues such as death, discrimination, and religious intolerance, but she does so with sensitivity and compassion, making the novel a powerful tool for teaching empathy and understanding. Overall, "Hamra and the Jungle of Memories" is a must-read for anyone looking for a touching and thought-provoking coming-of-age story that celebrates the richness of Malaysian culture while also addressing important social issues. Alkaf's writing is both entertaining and educational, making this novel an excellent addition to any library or classroom. Hamra and the Jungle of Memories  How to Win a Breakup Farah Heron's "How to Win a Breakup" is a heartwarming and hilarious romantic comedy that is sure to make readers laugh and swoon. The story follows the charming and relatable main character, Mariam Sharma, as she navigates the ups and downs of post-breakup life. One of the strengths of the book is Heron's ability to create multi-dimensional characters that readers can't help but root for. Mariam is a smart and witty protagonist who is both vulnerable and strong. Her friends, Deanna and Ulysses, are equally charming and provide a supportive and hilarious backbone to the story. The book also does an excellent job of exploring important themes such as cultural identity, family, and love. Heron seamlessly weaves these themes into the story without making them feel forced or heavy-handed. How to Win a Breakup Overall, "How to Win a Breakup" is a delightful and charming read that will leave readers with a smile on their faces. Heron's writing is both witty and heartfelt, making this book a perfect choice for fans of romantic comedies. Highly recommended! Read the full article

NOKO 150 - Dilettantentanz

cosmic disco wave, Int. Bauer

NOKO 150 - Dilettantentanz

for those who need the beat - go for it! hop on, hop off tour from schwarzwald to leipzig. International Bauer as personal attendant offers heavy boxes full of vinyl for the special party stomp. watch out for his deep cuts on local gigs in saxony (and better prepare a fruit basket for a long night too)! / | / 31 May 2018 – International Bauer {dj} > Dr. Seltsam leipzig 12 Jun 2018 – Deerhunter (4AD) > UT Connewitz leipzig 16 Jun 2018 – International Bauer {dj} > Kulthum leipzig

「 SC 」

150 intro. no artist - Zuchtvogelgezwitscher (die kulisse / 99 verschiedene geräusche für den film- und fotofreund) {Karussell, 1969?}  ‎ 001. Roberto Musci - improbably music {Music From Memory, 2016} 004. Savant - heart of stillness {orig. Palace Of Lights, 1983; Rvng Intl., 2015} 010. Geoffrey Landers - overhead glass {Music From Memory, 2017} 012. Zombie Zombie - loubia hamra (générique) {Versatile, 2014} 017. Lichtblick - mondmädchen {Bellaphon ‎, 1982} 020. Eva Geist - begüm {Fleeting Wax, 2017} 026. Dollkraut - have i told you {Dischi Autunno, 2017} 031. Arşivplak - chengel (edit) {Arsivplak , 2016} 033. Máma Bubo - sen {orig. Bubosound, 1985; Endless Illusion, 2017} 037. Cherrystones - bouncerc-nt with a shit tash (edit of: Sprung Aus den Wolken - a-i akcam la) {Bahnsteig 23, 2018} 041. Jonny 5 - electronix {Pleasure Wave, 2017} 045. Schaltkreis Wassermann - sex is out, ich bin geklont {orig. Space-Records, 1981; Private, 2016} 048. George Kamm  - la spensa {Macadam Mambo, 2015} 050. Fred Ventura  - slow reaction {Mannequin, 2018} 054. Bionda E Lupo - zug der vögel {Charlois, 2017} 060. Hysteric - fate {Bahnsteig 23, 2018} 063. Adrian Munsey - c´est sheep (part II) {Virgin, 1979} 067. Basa Basa - african soul power {orig. Take Your Choice, 1979; Vintage Voudou, 2018} 070. Vincent - don´t wait {orig. 1987; Music From Memory, 2017} 072. Antoine Kogut & Nicolas Motte - jungle dweller {Antinote, 2017} 075. Ulli Bäer - i brauch di {OK Musica / Telefunken, 1981} 078. C´est La Vie - neonreklame {Impuls, 1982} 082. Absent Music - akahito {EE Tapes, 2012; Stroom 〰, 2017} 085. Roger Roger - sound industrial n°15 {L'Illustration Musicale, 1977} 087. Tom Tom Club - on, on, on, on {Sire / Island, 1981} 090. Angel - driving (down) {Teddy Bear, 1982} 093. Frische Farbe - oh, oh... boys {orig. Gold, 1982, Fresh Music, 2012} 096. Neuzeitliche Bodenbeläge - ich verliebe mich nie {Themes For Great Cities, 2018} 100. Esplendor Geométrico - moscú está helado {orig. Ata Tak, 1981; Geometrik, 2012} 102. Kosmonautentraum - stolze menschen {orig. Zickzack Platten, 1982; Monitorpop Entertainment, 2005} 104. Mau Mau - auf der jagd {Polydor, 1982} 107. Europa - rotes blut {WSDP, 2018} 110. Der Moderne Mann - dreizehn {No Fun, 1980} 113. Silvia - sex im aquarium {orig. Schallmauer, 1982; Dark Entries, 2017} 117. Pablo´s Eye - blind and quiet {orig. Extreme, 1995; Stroom 〰, 2018}

2018-05-20 . radio blau 2018-06-01 /-15 /-29 . radio lotte 2018-06-16 /-26 . radio corax 2018-06-24 & 2018-07-22 . fsk hamburg 2019-09-22 . fsk hamburg «rerun 2019-11-12 /-16 . radio corax «rerun 2021-01-29 . pi radio 2021-12-15 /-22 . radio lotte «rerun

fave reads of 2023: middle grade

Just Lizzie

Hamra and the Jungle of Memories

Alebrijes

Turtles of the Midnight Moon

Hurricane Child

The Golden Frog Games

Deephaven

Abeni’s Song

Ravenfall

2023 reads / storygraph

Hamra and the Jungle of Memories

middle grade fantasy, red riding hood reimagining

a girl frustrated to be taking care of her nagging grandparents while her parents are away in the city during the pandemic, who recklessly goes out into the forest and ignores the rules, taking a jambu fruit without asking

a weretiger demands payment for her crimes, and the two of them and her best friend go on a magical quest to set things right

read in 2023: fey (or fey-adjacent)

That Self-Same Metal

Desdemona And The Deep

Hamra and the Jungle of Memories

Wander The Night

Road of the Lost

Unseelie

The Buried and the Bound

The Faerie Hounds of York

The Story of the Hundred Promises

read in 2023: retellings or reimagining/sequels

Wander The Night - Midsummer Night's Dream

Hamra and the Jungle of Memories - Little Red Riding Hood

The Water Outlaws - Water Margin

My Dear Henry - Strange Case of Dr Jekyll & Mr Hyde

Our Hideous Progeny - Frankenstein

Spear - Percival and the Holy Grail

The Death I Gave Him - Hamlet

Teach The Torches to Burn - Romeo & Juliet

Everyone’s Thinking It - Midsummer Night's Dream

A Crown So Cursed - Alice in Wonderland

Angels Before Man - The Bible

The Weight of Blood - Carrie

mid-year book freakout tag

I’ve read 81 books so far this year! I like to look back on my last half of the year and see what kind of books have stuck with me! I stole these questions from YouTube. Here are my answers from last year.

best book you’ve read so far in 2023? I'm going with the Goblin Emperor by Katherine Addison (graphic here!) & It's OK That You're Not OK by Megan Devine, Goblin Emperor is about a young goblin who unexpectedly becomes emperor after his estranged father dies. It's about fantasy politics and learning court intrigue, but it's also about kindness. It's OK is about grief and I felt very seen.

best sequel you’ve read so far in 2023? Don't Fear the Reaper by Stephen Graham Jones (graphic here). This series is about Jade Daniels, an outcast Indigenous teen who is obsessed with slasher movies. She begins to recognize the signs of an impending slasher coming to her town, and she attempts to stop it.

new release you haven’t read yet, but want to: Painted Devils by Margaret Owen is the sequel to one of my very favorite fairy tale retellings. To Shape a Dragon's Breath by Monquill Blackgoose is a about a young Indigenous woman who enters a dragon academy. I'm waiting for both of these to come into my library!

most anticipated release for the second half of the year: My two most anticipated books are Family Lore by Elizabeth Acevedo, the adult debut of one of my all time favorite YA authors; The Reformatory by Tananarive Due, an absolute staple author of horror. I read a nonfiction book based on a similar real-life event and I know Due is going to bring such depth to the idea.

biggest surprise: The Bandit Queens by Parini Shroff was a book I picked up on a whim and ended up being one of my favorites of the year!

favorite new author (debut or new to you): Either Tre'vell Anderson for their nonfiction book We See Each Other about trans representation in media, or Jumata Emill's the Black Queen.

newest favorite character: Oh definitely my sweet Maia from the Goblin Emperor.

book that made you cry: Hide and Seeker by Daka Harmon is a delightful middle grade horror, in which the main character is dealing with a monster as well as the death of his mother, and some of the grief stuff made me cry.

book that made you happy: The Witchlings series makes me so happy!

most beautiful book you’ve bought so far this year (or received): Probably a special edition of The Song of Achilles.

what books do you need to read by the end of the year? Waiting at the library for me right now are Hamra and the Jungle of Memories and Empire of Exiles!

December Reading

audio favourites

The Last Girls Standing - 2.5

Hamra and the Jungle of Memories - 4.5

Only She Came Back - 3.5

The Day Death Stopped - 4

The Free People’s Village - 4

Bad At Love - 3

The Pomegranate Gate - 4.5

Untethered Sky - 4.25

Dawn Raid - 4

The Sentient - 3.75

Belladonna - 4

Camp Damascus - 4

The Fall That Saved Us - 3.75

The Follower of Flowers - 3.5

Sheiné łénde - 5

The Impossible Resurrection of Grief - 4

Against The Loveless World - 4

Awakenings - 3.75

The Chase Begins - 3.75

The Collection Awakens - 4.25

Natural Outlaws and Fractured Sovereignty - 4

Cinder Ella - 3.25

Earthbound Hearts - 4

Moonlight Love and Witchcraft - 3

Elatsoe - reread

graphic novels

Ink Girls - 5

Boys Weekend - 5

The Ojja-Wojja - 5

The Faint of Heart - 4

A Map To The Sun - 4

nonfiction

How Far the Light Reaches: A Life in Ten Sea Creatures

They Called Me a Lioness: A Palestinian Girl's Fight for Freedom

Light In Gaza

Palestine: A Socialist Introduction

Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions: The Global Struggle for Palestinian Rights

currently reading:

The Hundred Years' War on Palestine: A History of Settler Colonialism and Resistance, 1917-2017

As a follow up to my favorite books of the first quarter of the year, here are some of my favorites from April, May, June! In no particular order, just in the order I read them.

The Adventures of Amina al-Sirafi by Shannon Chakraborty is a fun, pirate fantasy adventure featuring one of my recently realized favorite tropes: getting the band back together. A retired female pirate just wants to live a quiet life raising her young daughter, when she is recruited to rescue the child of a former crewmate. She must reunite with her old crew and save the day. Killer cover, fun story.

Chlorine by Jade Song is a coming of age body horror novel about a teenaged girl who will do anything to become a mermaid. Slow burn- you know what will happen from the beginning, but it's a deep dive into the mind of this queer young swimmer to watch her get there.

Malice by Keigo Higashino is a Japanese novel translated by Alexander O. Smith about a detective determined to uncover the motive behind the murder of a famous novelist. Loved this why-done-it.

We See Each Other: A Black, Trans Journey Through TV and Film by Tre'vell Anderson is a nonfiction exploration of Black trans representation in pop culture and history, as well as moments from the author's own life. Looks at everything To Wong Foo to Pose to Survivor.

Don't Fear the Reaper by Stephen Graham Jones is the second book in the Indian Lake Trilogy. SGJ is my favorite horror author but his work and ESPECIALLY these books are not for everyone. People either love or hate this series and what can I say? I get it. Graphic here.

VenCo by Cherie Dimaline is about a young Indigenous woman who has to go on an adventure with her unusual and elderly grandmother after she discovers that she's one of seven witches to usher in a new era of power.

Madame Restell by Jennifer Wright is a nonfiction book about a famous abortionist in pre-Gilded Age New York. I found it fascinating, if not incredibly depressing, with how much we recycle the same arguments over and over again. Great read. Trigger warnings for this one, from childbirth to abortion to racism to misogyny.

Clytemnestra by Costanza Casati is a Greek mythology retelling on the titular murderer. As a Clytemnestra apologist, I really liked this. I kind of think so many of Greek retellings these days are all very similar, in writing style & theme so I feel like if you've read one of these recent retellings you've read them all, but I liked it!

Hamra & the Jungle of Memories by Hanna Alkaf is a Little Red Riding Hood retelling set in modern Malaysia, where a girl in a red hijab must help a tiger return to his human form. Really a beautiful story about humanity, grief, and what it means to make mistakes. Also just a fun adventure. Loved it. Graphic here.

You're Not Supposed to Die Tonight by Kalynn Bayron is another final girl horror novel. Look, I'm gonna read all of them and I'm gonna love all of them! You give me a final girl and I'm gonna eat it up. You give me a queer Black final girl trying to survive the night at her camp recreating a famous (fictional) horror movie while trying to protect her girlfriend? Yum, yum, yum.

Honorable mentions: Ayoade on Top is Richard Ayoade's definitive tome on the Gwenyth Paltrow film View From the Top. Get the audiobook for this one for sure! The Three Dahlias is a fun cozy mystery, and Saint Juniper's Folly is a fun queer modern fantasy adventure.

I would LOVE some fantasy book recommendations!!

garden of the cursed (high fantasy?)

hamra and the jungle of memories (magical realism)

the buried and the bound (idk how to classify this but it's good)

babel (historical fantasy)

the sword of kaigen (high fantasy)

the poppy war (high fantasy)

the green bone saga (urban fantasy)

house of hollow (magical realism)

dark rise (high fantasy)

american gods (mythology/urban fantasy)

kaikeyi (mythology/historical fantasy)

the winternight trilogy (historical fantasy)

i hope you find something you enjoy!!! let me know if you want more specific recs

Hi! Do you know of any books that are similar to Hanna Alkaf's The Girl and the Ghost? Found out about it through one of your old yearly reading tags, loved it, and now I'm hungry for more stories about obsessive friendships

hi!! ooh, that's a hard one! I can't think of a ton that is really similar (I'd also love to find some tbh) but here's a couple that come to mind-

(I'm not sure how much these fit obsessive friendships specifically bc I'm not always good at remembering the exact nature of these things, but as for friendship between a kid and a ghost/monster..)

Pet by Akwaeke Emezi - another middle grade about a girl becoming friends with a monster, very different in some ways but highly recommend (in fact this and the girl & the ghost are the only 2 standalone MG books I own)

Séance Tea Party - graphic novel, a little more on the cozy side, about a girl whose friends are drifting away and then she becomes friends with the ghost who lives in her house

From that, I'd also almost compare Nightlights & Hicotea? which are a MG comic/GN with beautiful art, and similarly about a young girl becoming friends with a creature who maybe doesn't have her best interests at heart. getting a little off track, this also probably skews a bit younger by nature of its format, but also I love them a lot

In my searching I found out Hanna Alkaf has another middle grade fantasy called Hamra and the Jungle of Memories which came out this year!!! I'm gonna read that soon. so thanks haha!

Adjacent: some YA, slightly older books specifically with the malevolent monster becoming protective and caring over a teen girl trope, are Monstrous by Jessica Lewis, The Scapegracers (moreso book 2), Vespertine, and Damned If You Do

Wednesday Wisdom: Books of This Week!

WhatsOn brings the book selection for the week. Immerse yourself in the books on the list to feed your inner bibliophile. Enjoy yourself this week by occupying yourself with the new books in your home. Right Man, Right Time "Right Man, Right Time" by Meghan Quinn is a heartwarming and entertaining romance novel that will leave readers feeling satisfied. The story revolves around Gia, a woman who has always believed in finding the perfect man at the right time. However, when she meets the charming and irresistible Logan, she finds herself questioning her beliefs and wondering if he could be the one for her. The chemistry between Gia and Logan is palpable, and the author does an excellent job of building their relationship while keeping the story engaging and lighthearted. The supporting characters are also well-developed, adding depth and humor to the story. Overall, "Right Man, Right Time" is a delightful read that will leave romance fans swooning. Meghan Quinn has once again delivered a captivating and enjoyable story that is well worth a read. Right Man, Right Time Vera Wong's Unsolicited Advice for Murderers "Vera Wong's Unsolicited Advice for Murderers" by Jessy Q. Sutanto is a hilarious and entertaining murder mystery that will keep readers guessing until the very end. The story follows Vera Wong, a successful agony aunt columnist who starts receiving letters from a serial killer. When the killer begins to target people close to Vera, she teams up with her sister and a handsome detective to solve the case. The book is a perfect blend of humor, suspense, and romance. The author's writing style is engaging and witty, making it easy for readers to get lost in the story. Vera is a fantastic protagonist who is smart, resourceful, and relatable. The supporting characters are also well-developed and add depth to the plot. . Overall, "Vera Wong's Unsolicited Advice for Murderers" is a delightful and engaging read that is sure to leave readers thoroughly entertained. Jessy Q. Sutanto has crafted a masterful murder mystery that is not to be missed. Vera Wong's Unsolicited Advice for Murderers Hamra and the Jungle of Memories Hanna Alkaf's "Hamra and the Jungle of Memories" is a captivating and heartwarming novel that explores themes of family, identity, and loss. The story follows a young girl named Hamra, who must navigate her way through the challenges of growing up as a Muslim girl in Malaysia, while also dealing with the grief of losing her beloved grandmother. Alkaf's writing is vivid and descriptive, painting a beautiful picture of the Malaysian landscape and culture. She does an excellent job of creating well-developed and relatable characters, particularly Hamra, who is a smart, strong-willed, and empathetic protagonist. One of the novel's greatest strengths is its ability to tackle serious and sometimes heavy topics in a way that is accessible and relatable to young readers. Alkaf does not shy away from discussing issues such as death, discrimination, and religious intolerance, but she does so with sensitivity and compassion, making the novel a powerful tool for teaching empathy and understanding. Overall, "Hamra and the Jungle of Memories" is a must-read for anyone looking for a touching and thought-provoking coming-of-age story that celebrates the richness of Malaysian culture while also addressing important social issues. Alkaf's writing is both entertaining and educational, making this novel an excellent addition to any library or classroom. Hamra and the Jungle of Memories  How to Win a Breakup Farah Heron's "How to Win a Breakup" is a heartwarming and hilarious romantic comedy that is sure to make readers laugh and swoon. The story follows the charming and relatable main character, Mariam Sharma, as she navigates the ups and downs of post-breakup life. One of the strengths of the book is Heron's ability to create multi-dimensional characters that readers can't help but root for. Mariam is a smart and witty protagonist who is both vulnerable and strong. Her friends, Deanna and Ulysses, are equally charming and provide a supportive and hilarious backbone to the story. The book also does an excellent job of exploring important themes such as cultural identity, family, and love. Heron seamlessly weaves these themes into the story without making them feel forced or heavy-handed. How to Win a Breakup Overall, "How to Win a Breakup" is a delightful and charming read that will leave readers with a smile on their faces. Heron's writing is both witty and heartfelt, making this book a perfect choice for fans of romantic comedies. Highly recommended! Read the full article

Wednesday Wisdom: Books of This Week!

WhatsOn brings the book selection for the week. Immerse yourself in the books on the list to feed your inner bibliophile. Enjoy yourself this week by occupying yourself with the new books in your home. Right Man, Right Time "Right Man, Right Time" by Meghan Quinn is a heartwarming and entertaining romance novel that will leave readers feeling satisfied. The story revolves around Gia, a woman who has always believed in finding the perfect man at the right time. However, when she meets the charming and irresistible Logan, she finds herself questioning her beliefs and wondering if he could be the one for her. The chemistry between Gia and Logan is palpable, and the author does an excellent job of building their relationship while keeping the story engaging and lighthearted. The supporting characters are also well-developed, adding depth and humor to the story. Overall, "Right Man, Right Time" is a delightful read that will leave romance fans swooning. Meghan Quinn has once again delivered a captivating and enjoyable story that is well worth a read. Right Man, Right Time Vera Wong's Unsolicited Advice for Murderers "Vera Wong's Unsolicited Advice for Murderers" by Jessy Q. Sutanto is a hilarious and entertaining murder mystery that will keep readers guessing until the very end. The story follows Vera Wong, a successful agony aunt columnist who starts receiving letters from a serial killer. When the killer begins to target people close to Vera, she teams up with her sister and a handsome detective to solve the case. The book is a perfect blend of humor, suspense, and romance. The author's writing style is engaging and witty, making it easy for readers to get lost in the story. Vera is a fantastic protagonist who is smart, resourceful, and relatable. The supporting characters are also well-developed and add depth to the plot. . Overall, "Vera Wong's Unsolicited Advice for Murderers" is a delightful and engaging read that is sure to leave readers thoroughly entertained. Jessy Q. Sutanto has crafted a masterful murder mystery that is not to be missed. Vera Wong's Unsolicited Advice for Murderers Hamra and the Jungle of Memories Hanna Alkaf's "Hamra and the Jungle of Memories" is a captivating and heartwarming novel that explores themes of family, identity, and loss. The story follows a young girl named Hamra, who must navigate her way through the challenges of growing up as a Muslim girl in Malaysia, while also dealing with the grief of losing her beloved grandmother. Alkaf's writing is vivid and descriptive, painting a beautiful picture of the Malaysian landscape and culture. She does an excellent job of creating well-developed and relatable characters, particularly Hamra, who is a smart, strong-willed, and empathetic protagonist. One of the novel's greatest strengths is its ability to tackle serious and sometimes heavy topics in a way that is accessible and relatable to young readers. Alkaf does not shy away from discussing issues such as death, discrimination, and religious intolerance, but she does so with sensitivity and compassion, making the novel a powerful tool for teaching empathy and understanding. Overall, "Hamra and the Jungle of Memories" is a must-read for anyone looking for a touching and thought-provoking coming-of-age story that celebrates the richness of Malaysian culture while also addressing important social issues. Alkaf's writing is both entertaining and educational, making this novel an excellent addition to any library or classroom. Hamra and the Jungle of Memories  How to Win a Breakup Farah Heron's "How to Win a Breakup" is a heartwarming and hilarious romantic comedy that is sure to make readers laugh and swoon. The story follows the charming and relatable main character, Mariam Sharma, as she navigates the ups and downs of post-breakup life. One of the strengths of the book is Heron's ability to create multi-dimensional characters that readers can't help but root for. Mariam is a smart and witty protagonist who is both vulnerable and strong. Her friends, Deanna and Ulysses, are equally charming and provide a supportive and hilarious backbone to the story. The book also does an excellent job of exploring important themes such as cultural identity, family, and love. Heron seamlessly weaves these themes into the story without making them feel forced or heavy-handed. How to Win a Breakup Overall, "How to Win a Breakup" is a delightful and charming read that will leave readers with a smile on their faces. Heron's writing is both witty and heartfelt, making this book a perfect choice for fans of romantic comedies. Highly recommended! Read the full article