My 2024 Quarter Two Reading Wrap-Up

Contemporary Japanese And Korean Literature

What You Are Looking For Is In The Library by Michiko Aoyama

Hello, my lovely bookish friend!!!

Welcome back to my little bookish corner of the internet where I talk all things books. Have you been reading this week?

We’ve somehow made it halfway through 2024, I find that quite hard to believe. Back in April, I did a 2024 Q1 reading wrap-up, so keeping up with that, I decided to do one for Q2 as well. 

My quarter one reads were all British classics, and my second quarter reads were all contemporary Asian literature. And this, too, was absolutely unintentional. 

Before getting into the particulars, I’d like to mention that here I’m only counting the books I’ve finished in these three months. For example, I’ve been reading Dostoevsky’s The Idiot since March, but since I haven’t finished it yet, I’m not going to count it for my Q2.

Now, coming to the books I read.

Welcome To The Hyunam Dong Bookshop by Hwang Bo-Reum

Originally in Korean, English translation by Shanna Tan.

My first book of Q2. This book was recommended to me on Instagram and I started listening to the audiobook much on a whim. But I was pleasantly surprised by how much I loved it.  

I was a bit stressed out back in April and therefore didn’t find The Idiot the ideal read. At that time, this book with its modern and quite relatable setting and language became a source of comfort. The set up of a warm, cosy, independent neighbourhood bookstore, filled with the aroma of coffee, and the overall message of the book, of figuring life out one small step at a time, really soothed me. 

What You Are Looking For Is In The Library by Michiko Aoyama

Originally in Japanese, English translation by Alison Watts. 

My second and favourite read of Q2. It’s funny how I came to read this book. I gave it to my friend as a wedding gift without knowing much about it. And then, I got nervous and decided to read it myself to see if it was any good. 

It tells the story of people going through very relatable life problems and then visiting the local library where they get book recommendations. Then they find, or even create, some meaning from those books that motivate them to move forward in their lives. That’s pretty much how I’ve always dealt with my own life’s problems, by reading books and finding, often making up solutions from them. So, it felt very personal and comforting. 

Before The Coffee Gets Cold by Toshikazu Kawaguchi

Originally in Japanese, English translation by Geoffrey Trousselot. 

My last book of Q2. I felt obligated to read it because it’s so popular and I work with the Japanese language. Kind of lame.

I’d already watched the movie adaptation, and since then, liked its idea that even though the past can’t be changed, people’s hearts can, and thus a better future is possible. However, after reading the book, I noticed something I missed in the movie: it's predominantly about loss. Of loved ones. And the grief, and search for closure that follows. It’s emotional, even heartbreaking, but at the end of it all, there’s a message of acceptance and moving on. It’s bittersweet but realistic. 

What about you? Did you read any books in the second quarter of 2024? Don’t forget to let me know.

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That’s it for today, I'll be back in your inbox next week.

Until then,

Joyie 🌻