One of my favorite hobbies is visiting different cafes and reading. Here are some books I've read that summarize and analyze a book's content, style, and my personal opinions.
Strange Houses by Uketsu
Translated by Jim Rion Year 2025 HarperVia / HarperCollins.
Strange Houses by Uketsu takes a chilling twist on floor plans. An
acquaintance reaches out to a writer regarding a floor plan for a house they
would like to move into but can't help but feel something is off.
The writer discusses the floor plan with a friend who happens to work in
that field, ending up unlocking a horrible mystery that goes back decades.
I am not going to spoil too much because it will take away from the
excitement this novel contains. Using floorplan illustrations to get the reader to
really think about what is happening. There were many instances where I found
myself stating, "Ah, didn't think about that." This novel makes the reader think
about what is there and what is not, leading them to question everything. It is a
gripping flip to the next page thinking about what will happen next.
If you are looking for an easy and exciting read, this is definitely one I recommend. (I finished it in a day.)
Strange Weather in Tokyo by Hiromi Kawakami
TRANSLATED BY ALLISON MARKIN POWELL YEAR 2017 ( PENGUIN RANDOM HOUSE)
Strange Weather in Tokyo is a sentimental tale between two friends, Tsukiko and her high
school sensei (meaning teacher in Japanese). Tsukiko lives her life calmly, with nothing
extravagant to hope for, as she is almost 40 and has no love interest or friends. She spends
her days traveling to work, strolling through parks, and drinking at a local bar. As she lives
with no aspirations, she unexpectedly meets her old high school sensei. Despite the thirty-
year age gap, they connect better than any friends Tsukiko has had. She feels a sense of
belonging and understanding from him, turning these unexpected conversations over sake
into planned arrangements. They continue their friendship, not caring what others think, but
knowing they enjoy each other's company.
Tsukiko displays a sense of masculinity, as she doesn't act ladylike and doesn't care
about her image. Sensei radiates traditional values and gentlemanly manners at every
occasion. They spend their time together discussing their views on certain things and soaking
up the warmth each other radiates. Even when not together, Tsukiko cannot help but think
about where he is or what he would say about certain things. As cherry blossom season
approaches, Tsukiko realizes she hasn't accepted her feelings, leaving her with the
question of what comes next.
Truthfully, the novel doesn't feel like a romance story; it doesn't have those moments of cliché romance, no scene under the rain, no beautiful confession, no
passionate kiss or touch, but it does have a slyness in pulling you into their relationship as it grows. The characters are lovable in their own ways. Sensei is a
classic, old-fashioned man, always prepared and ready in every moment. Tsukiko illustrates detachment throughout the novel, demonstrating self-sabotage. I
found myself finishing the story rather quickly. It was because you get so absorbed in their relationship. The author does a lovely job of writing the novel that
exudes quiet charm, immersing readers in the story. Truly a lovely comedic and charming novel showing that "even a cracked pot has a lid that fits (Kawakami).
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