I've tried writing this post before but ended up scrapping it. Since then, I have acquired a few more books (mainly school textbooks.) I purchased most of these books on Abebooks. Please comment below if you have any other recommendations for buying secondhand books at a low price online (in the US)! Also, if you know places that sell books in foreign languages (Chinese) that ship to the US, also let me know. I will be including affiliate links if you decide to purchase.
The Kite Runner (追风筝的孩子）by Khaled Hosseini
I've read the Kite Runner before, and I highly recommend it. It's an incredibly touching story that had me crying. Unfortunately or serendipitously, this book is in Traditional Chinese. The edition I wanted to purchase was supposed to have English next to Simplified Chinese. Somewhat disappointed, but I did get a full refund... I cannot wait to handwrite every word I don't know into the dictionary!
Never Let Me Go by Kazuo Ishiguro
I've already finished this book, and I don't quite understand why it deserves a Nobel Prize... I don't think there is a "great emotional force" because I found it incredibly bland and one-dimensional. The narrator seems distant and reflective. It subtly poses a stance on cloning and its ethics. I applaud how cloning is vaguely mentioned and seems almost natural (we accept it as the status quo.) From what I read, it seems like a consolation prize for his previous (better) work. I'm skeptical of reading more of his books. What are your thoughts on the book? Also, I highly recommend that you read the posts online discussing the winners and nominees for the award; some of them are incredibly amusing.
Emma by Jane Austen
Huge fan of Pride and Prejudice/loved the newest movie adaptation, so I wanted to read it. This will be my second Austen book, and I look forward to reading her witty prose.
Perfume by Patrick Süskind
Not entirely why I went out of my way to purchase the beautiful UK edition when my sister has it, but I did. I know absolutely nothing about this book, other than that there is a perfumer that commits a murder. I like perfumes and murder mysteries, and many people have enjoyed this novel, so I'll be giving it a try.
One Hundred Years of Solitude by Gabriel García Márquez
I'm trying to read more literature from around the world. This is a highly recommended and praised book. I've read some magical realism books in the past, but I didn't have the best experience.
Salt Fat Acid Heat by Samin Nosrat
I loved the TV show, and every time I see Samin in a video talking about food/teaching people how to cook, I am always smiling. I borrowed this book from the library and read half of it already. I decided to purchase it because I think it's the foundation of cooking, and it wires your brain to think like a chef. I haven't read any of the recipes yet, but I'm not expecting much (ouch!). I will mainly use this book as a reference for seasoning and troubleshooting.
Required Summer Reading:
A Thousand Small Sanities: The Moral Adventure of Liberalism by Adam Gopnik
I don't know how else to describe this book other than awful and boring. The author alludes to many prominent thinkers/writers and historical events, but none genuinely help his point. I think this book might help you in Jeopardy because you learn a lot of "fun" facts and trivia. Liberalism seems to be an ideal that only developed, Western countries can aspire to. I dread finishing this book.
What have you been reading and/or what did you recently buy?
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