Book published in 2022 | Fiction

A personal review of ‘Out of the Woods’ by Neikehienuo Mepfhu-o, a novel that explores mental illness, family bonds and the path towards healing.

During a recent trip to Nagaland, I decided to pick up a few books by local authors, and Out of the Woods by Neikehienuo Mepfhu-o was among them. One of the main reasons I chose it was the blurb. There was no tiptoeing around the subject matter, no promises of happy endings or redemption, and no attempt to disguise the fact that this would be a difficult read. And it is.

A Difficult but Important Read

Out of the Woods is a book that may be triggering for readers who have dealt with mental health issues – themselves or as support for families. Because Neikehienuo Mepfhu-o captures the emotional turmoil not only of the afflicted but the immediate family too. It took me a good while to read through the book as it brought back memories from the days when I was diagnosed with anxiety and depression, the battle that ensued and the struggles that my immediate family, especially my parents faced in the interim.

The Story

Neikehienuo Mepfhu-o’s Out of the Woods is the story of a family struggling to cope with the trials and tribulations that village life brings with it, while also grappling with the trauma of caring for a growing teen who is struggling to find his place in the real world that collides with the alternate world he lives in. The book traverses through the life of this family that is caught in an endless, harsh loop of loss, pain, trauma, the struggle to find the cause behind the boy’s ‘behaviour’ and the eventual discovery of a path towards healing.

The Highs & Lows

One of the highlights of the book is the strong hold the writer has on the language (which could be attributed to her being an educator based in Kohima and to her having won an award for a previous book). The author uses simple language as effectively as a painter uses a paintbrush – her words transport you from the eerily peaceful and happy alternate world the boy lives in, while effectively drawing out a picture of the home and world he shares with his family. She uses words to explain to readers the thoughts and emotions that rush through the boy’s mind, in vivid contrast to the helpless anguish and frustration of the family, bound together by their love for him. What is disturbing – and true – is that it is this very love and the resultant uncertainty that govern their lives and threaten to break them apart. The book is a deep dive into the mind of a young boy dealing with an undiagnosed mental health disorder.

I keep writing ‘the boy’ because that is what he is through the book – ‘the boy’ – and that, in my opinion, works to create an awareness that the teenager and the family could be anyone, in any part of the world.

The relatives, the villagers, the pastor and other sources that claim they can help the child act as a commentary on the society’s struggles to accept the reality of mental health issues. This would, perhaps, be more pronounced in pockets that continue to remain relatively disconnected from the rest of the parts of society that remain relatively disconnected from conversations around mental health and awareness.

…the teenager and the family could be anyone, in any part of the world

So, does this mean Out of the Woods is without its follies? The very strength of the author works against the book – the words. By the time you reach the halfway mark, you may be hit by the ‘this is repetitive’ thought because it is for several pages. Thankfully, there is a shift from the normal to the parallel reality, which shocks the reader out of the lull.

Another aspect that did not work for me is the ending – the journey from the intervention to seeking medical help, and the manner in which the doctor explains the situation, as well as the boy’s return to ‘normalcy’, are not entirely satisfying from a reader’s point of view. Personally, tighter editing could definitely have helped this book. However, for the sheer gumption required to write an entire novel that depicts the emotional trauma and exhaustion of mental health, Neikehienuo Mepfhu-o’s Out of the Woods is definitely a book I’d suggest you pick up.

Published 2017 | Self help

A personal review of Margareta Magnusson’s Dostadning, a practical and surprisingly comforting guide to decluttering and letting go.

“A fond and wise little book” is how The New York Times described it, and I would agree.

I stumbled upon this book at a time when I had desperately turned to the internet in search of ways to convince my mother to declutter. She is a habitual hoarder who has preserved everything — from gift boxes that arrived more than 15 years ago to old frying pan sets, photographs, baby clothes and much more.

Then again, considering that I hoard books because “what if there’s an apocalypse and I suddenly have all the time in the world?”, perhaps I should refrain from too much commentary.

The book appeared on one of the many recommendation lists I found online, and I was immediately intrigued by the oddly musical and surprisingly assertive word: Dostadning.

The Crux

Margareta Magnussion’s book isn’t a preachy, morbid book that laments death. Instead, it treats death as a fact of life, which, despite its heartbreaking nature, it is. The author, who writes from her own experience of death cleaning, advocates the idea of taking care of your possessions, to, among other things, ensure that what you value goes to an individual or place that appreciates it and your immediate family or loved ones do not have to bear the burden of sorting through your things after you’ve moved on.

Following the initial introductory chapters, the author has divided the chapters on the basis of the things that form a part of life and have to be dealt with later – artefacts and articles, knick-knacks and photographs, pets, clothing and more. The author downplays the gravity by interspersing her suggestions with instances from her life, with memories attached to her own death cleaning, personal and professional.

To Read or Not to Read

What stands out for me in this particular read is that the tips that she has given are practical enough that they need not be limited to the concept of death cleaning alone. These tips are helpful when you are changing homes, moving to another city or country or downsizing/decluttering, as is evident in the photograph above – note the number of stickers peeping out of the book! I recommend this book for those looking for such practical tips, and have added it to my mother’s bedside pile of books she should read.

I would, however, also add a ‘trigger’ label to this particular book for those who’ve seen death at close quarters – it may bring back memories that aren’t necessarily good, it may remind you of moments of grief that may throw you into despair. That is not the intention of this book in any way, but there is no discounting the unpredictability of the human mind and emotions, so I’d recommend that for those who continue to struggle with the concept of death, take your time with this book, if at all.

P.S. Can be ‘borrowed’ by fellow bibliophiles in Ahmedabad.

Published 2022 | Fiction

A boy caught between the real and an ‘alternate reality’, ‘Out of the Woods’ by Neikehienuo Mepfhu-o takes a look at the struggles that mental health illnesses bring with them – for the person and their immediate family members.

During a recent trip to Nagaland, I decided to pick up a book or two written by local authors, and ‘Out of the Woods’ by Neikehienuo Mepfhu-o was one among them. One of the key reasons to pick up the book was the book blurb – there was no tiptoeing around the subject of the book, no promises of happy endings and salvations, no hiding the fact that this could be (and is) a painful read.

Out of the Woods is a book that may act as a trigger for individuals who have dealt with mental health issues – themselves or as support for families. Because Neikehienuo Mepfhu-o captures the emotional turmoil not only of the afflicted but the immediate family too. It took me a good while to read through the book as it brought back memories from the days when I was diagnosed with anxiety and depression, the battle that ensued and the struggles that my immediate family, especially my parents faced in the interim.

The Crux

Neikehienuo Mepfhu-o’s ‘Out of the Woods’ is the story of a family struggling to cope with the trials and tribulations that village life brings with it while also grappling with the trauma of caring for a growing teen who is struggling to find his place in the real world that collides with the alternate world he lives in. The book traverses through the life of this family that is caught in an endless, harsh loop of loss, pain, trauma, the struggle to find the cause’ to the boy’s ‘behaviour’ and the penultimate discovery of the road to healing.

The Highs & Lows

One of the highlights of the books is the strong hold the writer has on the language (which could be contributed to the fact that she is an educator based in Kohima and has won an award for a previous book). The author uses simple language as effectively as a painter uses a paintbrush – her words transport you from the eerily peaceful and happy alternate world the boy lives in while effectively drawing out a picture of the home and world the boy inhabits with his family. She uses words to explain to the readers the thoughts and emotions that rush through the boy’s mind, in vivid contrast to the helpless anguish and frustration of the family that is tied together by their love for him. What is disturbing – and true – is that it is this very love and resultant uncertainty that govern their lives and threaten to break them apart. The book is a deep dive into the mind of a young boy dealing with an undiagnosed mental health disorder.

I keep writing ‘the boy’ because that is what he is through the book – ‘the boy’ – and that, in my opinion, works to create an awareness that the teenager and the family could be anyone, in any part of the world.

The relatives, the villagers, the pastor and other sources that claim they can help the child act as a commentary on the society’s struggles to accept the reality of mental health issues. This would, perhaps, be more pronounced in pockets that continue to remain relatively disconnected from the rest of the woke and allegedly more aware world.

So, does this mean Out of the Woods is without its follies? The very strength of the author works against the book – the words. By the time you reach the halfway mark, you may be hit by the ‘this is repetitive’ thought because it is for several pages. Thankfully, there is a shift from the normal to the parallel reality which shocks the reader out of the lull.

Another aspect that did not work for me is the end – the journey from the intervention, to seeking medical help and the manner in which the doctor explains the situation as also the boy’s return to ‘normalcy’ is not fulfilling from the reader point of view. Personally, tighter editing could have definitely helped the cause of this book.

However, for the sheer gumption required to write an entire novel that depicts the emotional trauma and exhaustion of mental health, Neikehienuo Mepfhu-o’s Out of the Woods is definitely a book I’d suggest you pick up.

Published 2017 | Self help

Sharing the Swedish concept of ‘death cleaning’, Margareta Magnusson’s ‘Dostadning’ is a handy book to have, if for nothing but tips that can help the decluttering process too.

‘A fond and wise little book’ is what the New York Times called it and I would agree. I stumbled on this book at a time when I had – desperately – turned to the Internet for solutions on ways to convince my mother to declutter. She is a habitual hoarder who has preserved everything – from gift boxes that came our way over 15 years ago to frying pan sets and of course, the usual photographs, baby clothes etc. And considering the fact that I hoard books because “what if there’s an apocalypse and I have all the time in the world”, its best I put a pause on the commentary.

The Internet listed this book in its set of suggestions and I was caught by the musically assertive sounding word – “Dostadning”. As I read the blurb, I was intrigued.

The Crux

Margareta Magnussion’s book isn’t a preachy, morbid book that laments death. Instead, it treats death as a fact of life, which, despite its heartbreaking nature, it is. The author – who is a professional ‘death cleaner’ advocates the idea of taking care of your possessions, to, among others things, ensure what you value goes to an individual or place that appreciates it and your immediate family or loved ones do not have to bear the burden of sorting through your things after you’ve moved on.

Following the initial introductory chapters, the author has divided the chapters on the basis of the things that form a part of life and have to be dealt with later – artefacts and articles, knickknacks and photographs, pets, clothing and more. The author downplays the gravity by interspersing her suggestions with instances from her life, with memories attached to her own death cleaning, personal and professional.

To Read or Not to Read

What stands out for me in this particular read is that the tips that she has given are practical enough such that they need not be relegated to the concept of death cleaning alone. These tips are helpful when you are changing homes, moving to another city/country or downsizing/decluttering as is evident in the photograph above – note the number of stickers peeping out of the book! I recommend this book for those looking for such practical tips and have added it to my mother’s bedside pile of books she should read.

I would, however, also add a ‘trigger’ label to this particular book for those who’ve seen death at close quarters – it may bring back memories that aren’t necessary good, it may remind you of moments of grief that may throw you into despair. That is not the intention of this book in any way but there is no discounting the unpredictability of the human mind and emotions so I’d recommend that for those for who continue to struggle with the concept of death, take your time with this book, if at all.

P.S Available to be borrowed by fellow bibliophiles in Ahmedabad.

2019 | Korean | Romance

I believe there’s a right time to read a book and until the time has arrived, you will either not enjoy reading the book or will set it aside for later. I’ve noticed the same is applicable to movies and series. There have been times I’ve started a series and stopped it after an episode or two because it didn’t appeal to me. Romance is a Bonus Book is one such drama. RIABB was recommended by the friend who introduced me to Korean dramas in 2019. Back then, I’d given up on the series after episode 4/5, for reasons I don’t really remember. But my 2022 viewing of RIABB has been a smooth sailing. Here’s the good and the bad of this series…

The plot of Romance is a Bonus Book

Kang Dan-i (Lee Na-young), a 37-year-old is scrambling to upgrade her life. The former advertising copywriter has separated from her husband who cheated on her and is now an unemployed single mother. Adding to the struggle of finding suitable employment after the long career gap is the fact that her house is being razed. So, to make ends meet, she is working as a housekeeper… at her best friend Cha Eun-ho’s (Lee Jong-suk) home and he doesn’t know it!

Eun-ho, 32, is a successful author, chief editor and one of the founding members of Gyeoroo publishing. He has been in love with Dan-i since he was a teenager but obviously, the latter is clueless. In the present (of the show) Eun-ho is unaware about Dan-i’s struggles. Eventually, Dan-i finds a job at Eun-ho’s publishing house, the latter finds out about her state of affairs and drags her to live with him until she finds her footing.

The story progresses in tandem with Dan-i’s professional and personal growth. She impresses her colleagues with her hard work and creative flair, makes new chingus and love comes knocking. Of course, the journey isn’t smooth as the duo navigate through personal and professional highs and lows but then, what’s a series without some drama, right? 

The Good…

A very generic and mundane description of this series would be that it is a mature friends-to-lovers romance, the story of a divorced woman fighting against the odds and winning. But just as life isn’t as simple, the series isn’t as generic.

Although branded a romantic comedy, Romance is a Bonus Book may not be a series that viewers in their 20s may relate with because honestly, most of the issues that the protagonist faces are the 30s problem – especially the ‘age discrimination’ and the various societal pressures that ‘aging’ women have to face. And when I say ‘age’ here, I mean women in their late 30s and 40s. It’s subtle but evident in the way Dan-i has to fudge her resume to land a menial job, the way she is berated for trying to take a job that ‘belongs’ to someone younger and her thoughts about exploring a romantic relationship with someone younger.

The highlight of this series is Lee Na-young and Lee Jong-suk’s acting. The former slays as Dan-i, effortlessly showing the character’s inner struggles and determination to survive, her presence of mind and her self-belief. She adds to the existing layers of the character and in doing so, she becomes a heroine viewers will relate to and empathise with – because trust me when I say, we’ve all been there at least once in life.

And please, I simple cannot not mention Lee Jong-suk. The man with the cute face can make your heart flutter and how! Jong-suk’s broad shoulders carry the role of Eun-ho with as much ease as they carry off those amazing long coats and sweaters (a little swoon here please). His admiration, love and support for his noona is evident in every single frame and is like that warm comforter that you want to snuggle into after a hard day. There are several emotional moments and the duo do a brilliant job with these without going overboard.

A key point of attraction here is the setting – Gyeoroo publishing. It makes me want to apply for a job there right away because that’s what a dream job would be, right? Your work is an extension of a genuine love, you get to live in the world of books day in and day out, your bestie works at the office and your love interest does too! And not to forget the colleagues that range from scary and tyrannical to weird and adorable. All the supporting characters – including the potential love interests Ji Seo-joon (Wi Ha-joon) and Song Hae-rin (Jung Yoo-jin) – are well etched, each with backstories that justify their behaviour and add to the storyline.

One of the best moments of the series are in the last episode, when a letter drawing comparison between life-relationships-books is read out. Its poignant, its heartwarming and the reason why the title of the series makes absolute sense.

… and The Bad

If you are the kind that needs drama and speed and a cliffhanging end to every episode then Romance Is A Bonus Book isn’t something you want to want. The series, albeit interesting, is a bit scattered and for non-Koreans, the references to books and authors can be a little confusing since we aren’t aware of them.

There is no shock value in the series, not even the unravelling of the mystery creates conflict. Moreover, with a lot of the information dropped in the first half of the series, the remaining episodes are more to tie up the knots and feel dragged out. I’d say chop off an episode and a half!

Its soothing, but sometimes, soothing can put you to sleep too.

For regular updates on recipes, recommendations on things to read and watch and ramblings that make sense, subscribe to the newsletter – you’ll find the form in the sidebar if viewing on a screen and at the bottom if viewing on the phone. Since spamming or flooding your inbox is a huge no for me, these newsletters go out only when I’ve put up a new post or sometimes, once in a month only.

Published 2022 | Fiction

A boy caught between the real and an ‘alternate reality’, ‘Out of the Woods’ by Neikehienuo Mepfhu-o takes a look at the struggles that mental health illnesses bring with them – for the person and their immediate family members.

During a recent trip to Nagaland, I decided to pick up a book or two written by local authors, and ‘Out of the Woods’ by Neikehienuo Mepfhu-o was one among them. One of the key reasons to pick up the book was the book blurb – there was no tiptoeing around the subject of the book, no promises of happy endings and salvations, no hiding the fact that this could be (and is) a painful read.

Out of the Woods is a book that may act as a trigger for individuals who have dealt with mental health issues – themselves or as support for families. Because Neikehienuo Mepfhu-o captures the emotional turmoil not only of the afflicted but the immediate family too. It took me a good while to read through the book as it brought back memories from the days when I was diagnosed with anxiety and depression, the battle that ensued and the struggles that my immediate family, especially my parents faced in the interim.

The Crux

Neikehienuo Mepfhu-o’s ‘Out of the Woods’ is the story of a family struggling to cope with the trials and tribulations that village life brings with it while also grappling with the trauma of caring for a growing teen who is struggling to find his place in the real world that collides with the alternate world he lives in. The book traverses through the life of this family that is caught in an endless, harsh loop of loss, pain, trauma, the struggle to find the cause’ to the boy’s ‘behaviour’ and the penultimate discovery of the road to healing.

The Highs & Lows

One of the highlights of the books is the strong hold the writer has on the language (which could be contributed to the fact that she is an educator based in Kohima and has won an award for a previous book). The author uses simple language as effectively as a painter uses a paintbrush – her words transport you from the eerily peaceful and happy alternate world the boy lives in while effectively drawing out a picture of the home and world the boy inhabits with his family. She uses words to explain to the readers the thoughts and emotions that rush through the boy’s mind, in vivid contrast to the helpless anguish and frustration of the family that is tied together by their love for him. What is disturbing – and true – is that it is this very love and resultant uncertainty that govern their lives and threaten to break them apart. The book is a deep dive into the mind of a young boy dealing with an undiagnosed mental health disorder.

I keep writing ‘the boy’ because that is what he is through the book – ‘the boy’ – and that, in my opinion, works to create an awareness that the teenager and the family could be anyone, in any part of the world.

The relatives, the villagers, the pastor and other sources that claim they can help the child act as a commentary on the society’s struggles to accept the reality of mental health issues. This would, perhaps, be more pronounced in pockets that continue to remain relatively disconnected from the rest of the woke and allegedly more aware world.

So, does this mean Out of the Woods is without its follies? The very strength of the author works against the book – the words. By the time you reach the halfway mark, you may be hit by the ‘this is repetitive’ thought because it is for several pages. Thankfully, there is a shift from the normal to the parallel reality which shocks the reader out of the lull.

Another aspect that did not work for me is the end – the journey from the intervention, to seeking medical help and the manner in which the doctor explains the situation as also the boy’s return to ‘normalcy’ is not fulfilling from the reader point of view. Personally, tighter editing could have definitely helped the cause of this book.

However, for the sheer gumption required to write an entire novel that depicts the emotional trauma and exhaustion of mental health, Neikehienuo Mepfhu-o’s Out of the Woods is definitely a book I’d suggest you pick up.

Published 2017 | Self help

Sharing the Swedish concept of ‘death cleaning’, Margareta Magnusson’s ‘Dostadning’ is a handy book to have, if for nothing but tips that can help the decluttering process too.

‘A fond and wise little book’ is what the New York Times called it and I would agree. I stumbled on this book at a time when I had – desperately – turned to the Internet for solutions on ways to convince my mother to declutter. She is a habitual hoarder who has preserved everything – from gift boxes that came our way over 15 years ago to frying pan sets and of course, the usual photographs, baby clothes etc. And considering the fact that I hoard books because “what if there’s an apocalypse and I have all the time in the world”, its best I put a pause on the commentary.

The Internet listed this book in its set of suggestions and I was caught by the musically assertive sounding word – “Dostadning”. As I read the blurb, I was intrigued.

The Crux

Margareta Magnussion’s book isn’t a preachy, morbid book that laments death. Instead, it treats death as a fact of life, which, despite its heartbreaking nature, it is. The author – who is a professional ‘death cleaner’ advocates the idea of taking care of your possessions, to, among others things, ensure what you value goes to an individual or place that appreciates it and your immediate family or loved ones do not have to bear the burden of sorting through your things after you’ve moved on.

Following the initial introductory chapters, the author has divided the chapters on the basis of the things that form a part of life and have to be dealt with later – artefacts and articles, knickknacks and photographs, pets, clothing and more. The author downplays the gravity by interspersing her suggestions with instances from her life, with memories attached to her own death cleaning, personal and professional.

To Read or Not to Read

What stands out for me in this particular read is that the tips that she has given are practical enough such that they need not be relegated to the concept of death cleaning alone. These tips are helpful when you are changing homes, moving to another city/country or downsizing/decluttering as is evident in the photograph above – note the number of stickers peeping out of the book! I recommend this book for those looking for such practical tips and have added it to my mother’s bedside pile of books she should read.

I would, however, also add a ‘trigger’ label to this particular book for those who’ve seen death at close quarters – it may bring back memories that aren’t necessary good, it may remind you of moments of grief that may throw you into despair. That is not the intention of this book in any way but there is no discounting the unpredictability of the human mind and emotions so I’d recommend that for those for who continue to struggle with the concept of death, take your time with this book, if at all.

P.S Available to be borrowed by fellow bibliophiles in Ahmedabad.

2019 | Korean | Romance

I believe there’s a right time to read a book and until the time has arrived, you will either not enjoy reading the book or will set it aside for later. I’ve noticed the same is applicable to movies and series. There have been times I’ve started a series and stopped it after an episode or two because it didn’t appeal to me. Romance is a Bonus Book is one such drama. RIABB was recommended by the friend who introduced me to Korean dramas in 2019. Back then, I’d given up on the series after episode 4/5, for reasons I don’t really remember. But my 2022 viewing of RIABB has been a smooth sailing. Here’s the good and the bad of this series…

The plot of Romance is a Bonus Book

Kang Dan-i (Lee Na-young), a 37-year-old is scrambling to upgrade her life. The former advertising copywriter has separated from her husband who cheated on her and is now an unemployed single mother. Adding to the struggle of finding suitable employment after the long career gap is the fact that her house is being razed. So, to make ends meet, she is working as a housekeeper… at her best friend Cha Eun-ho’s (Lee Jong-suk) home and he doesn’t know it!

Eun-ho, 32, is a successful author, chief editor and one of the founding members of Gyeoroo publishing. He has been in love with Dan-i since he was a teenager but obviously, the latter is clueless. In the present (of the show) Eun-ho is unaware about Dan-i’s struggles. Eventually, Dan-i finds a job at Eun-ho’s publishing house, the latter finds out about her state of affairs and drags her to live with him until she finds her footing.

The story progresses in tandem with Dan-i’s professional and personal growth. She impresses her colleagues with her hard work and creative flair, makes new chingus and love comes knocking. Of course, the journey isn’t smooth as the duo navigate through personal and professional highs and lows but then, what’s a series without some drama, right? 

The Good…

A very generic and mundane description of this series would be that it is a mature friends-to-lovers romance, the story of a divorced woman fighting against the odds and winning. But just as life isn’t as simple, the series isn’t as generic.

Although branded a romantic comedy, Romance is a Bonus Book may not be a series that viewers in their 20s may relate with because honestly, most of the issues that the protagonist faces are the 30s problem – especially the ‘age discrimination’ and the various societal pressures that ‘aging’ women have to face. And when I say ‘age’ here, I mean women in their late 30s and 40s. It’s subtle but evident in the way Dan-i has to fudge her resume to land a menial job, the way she is berated for trying to take a job that ‘belongs’ to someone younger and her thoughts about exploring a romantic relationship with someone younger.

The highlight of this series is Lee Na-young and Lee Jong-suk’s acting. The former slays as Dan-i, effortlessly showing the character’s inner struggles and determination to survive, her presence of mind and her self-belief. She adds to the existing layers of the character and in doing so, she becomes a heroine viewers will relate to and empathise with – because trust me when I say, we’ve all been there at least once in life.

And please, I simple cannot not mention Lee Jong-suk. The man with the cute face can make your heart flutter and how! Jong-suk’s broad shoulders carry the role of Eun-ho with as much ease as they carry off those amazing long coats and sweaters (a little swoon here please). His admiration, love and support for his noona is evident in every single frame and is like that warm comforter that you want to snuggle into after a hard day. There are several emotional moments and the duo do a brilliant job with these without going overboard.

A key point of attraction here is the setting – Gyeoroo publishing. It makes me want to apply for a job there right away because that’s what a dream job would be, right? Your work is an extension of a genuine love, you get to live in the world of books day in and day out, your bestie works at the office and your love interest does too! And not to forget the colleagues that range from scary and tyrannical to weird and adorable. All the supporting characters – including the potential love interests Ji Seo-joon (Wi Ha-joon) and Song Hae-rin (Jung Yoo-jin) – are well etched, each with backstories that justify their behaviour and add to the storyline.

One of the best moments of the series are in the last episode, when a letter drawing comparison between life-relationships-books is read out. Its poignant, its heartwarming and the reason why the title of the series makes absolute sense.

… and The Bad

If you are the kind that needs drama and speed and a cliffhanging end to every episode then Romance Is A Bonus Book isn’t something you want to want. The series, albeit interesting, is a bit scattered and for non-Koreans, the references to books and authors can be a little confusing since we aren’t aware of them.

There is no shock value in the series, not even the unravelling of the mystery creates conflict. Moreover, with a lot of the information dropped in the first half of the series, the remaining episodes are more to tie up the knots and feel dragged out. I’d say chop off an episode and a half!

Its soothing, but sometimes, soothing can put you to sleep too.

For regular updates on recipes, recommendations on things to read and watch and ramblings that make sense, subscribe to the newsletter – you’ll find the form in the sidebar if viewing on a screen and at the bottom if viewing on the phone. Since spamming or flooding your inbox is a huge no for me, these newsletters go out only when I’ve put up a new post or sometimes, once in a month only.

Published 2017 | Self help Sharing the Swedish concept of ‘death cleaning’, Margareta Magnusson’s ‘Dostadning’ is a handy book to have, if for nothing but tips that can help the decluttering process too. ‘A fond and wise little book’ is what the New York Times called it and I would agree. I stumbled on this book at a time when…

2019 | Korean | Romance I believe there’s a right time to read a book and until the time has arrived, you will either not enjoy reading the book or will set it aside for later. I’ve noticed the same is applicable to movies and series. There have been times I’ve started a series and stopped it after an episode…

Published 2022 | Fiction, thriller, romance A romantic thriller, Nightwork by Nora Roberts is a treat for her fans and those who have a soft spot for the good boys who step onto the ‘wrong’ paths for justifiable reasons.  Fans of Nora Roberts who’ve probably been wondering if her recent novels were ghost-written might just be delighted by this standalone…

Japanese Reality Show | 2012-2020 A Japanese reality show with a global following and a cult-like status, Terrace House’s focus on a select group of youth is endearing, addictive and complicated.  A reality show following the seemingly mundane lives of a group of six Japanese youth living together in one house, the Terrace House series is at once serene and…