✨ The Hyunam-Dong Bookshop Review 📚📖
well, its been a long 5 months, but I'm finally done with "Welcome to the Hyunam-Dong Bookshop"! Despite all my spotty reading, I really enjoyed it! I'm rating this a 5/5 stars! ✨️
This book felt like a warm hug every time I opened the pages. I was blanketed in comfort page after page. Every time I opened this, it felt like catching up with an old friend. I tell it all my worries and found the answer the deeper I immersed myself in the book. I knew I had to rate this 5 stars when I asked myself, "what was my favorite chapter?" And my answer was, "the authors note." I will definitely be re-reading.
I really love when a book can teach me something. I love when a book gives me new perspective, changes my view on life, introduces me to whole knew worlds I couldn’t begin to imagine (because how could I if I've never lived such a life?). This was beautifully written, with honest philosophical teachings about the motions of life, the choices we make, how reading saves us, how bookshops are generally under appreciated. I could go on. I just love when a book can really open my mind.
This was, as the author put it, and ode to independent book shops. A love letter to reading. There's a part of the book that asks, "Is there anything more romantic than reading a book where the setting takes place??" Which is what led me to choosing my next book: "Scritch Scratch," by Lindsay Currie.
"Scritch Scratch" is a middle grade book about a 12 year old girl who doesn't believe in the paranormal because she is a scientist... That is until she ends up being followed home by a ghost after helping her father on his haunted Chicago tour bus! Since it's a ghost story that takes place in my city, I knew this one had to be next on my TBR! It's too perfect of a choice for an October read, don't you think?
Not to mention, there's LOTS of Chicago history in this book, which is really interesting! It genuinely makes me want to go on a haunted tour bus and to study the history of my city, which is just what the author wanted. Consider me influenced!
Gosh, I really could go on and on and on and on and on and on about reading. How could anyone find it boring? The Hyunam-Dong Bookshop really made me think about what it means to be a reader, a writer, a human being. Yes, it is that deep for me. It touched me. I loved this book. I almost think it was better to pick up the book sporadically throughout the 5 months of reading it than it would've been to read it in one sitting. I'm sure Scritch Scratch will be just as fun to read, too.
Will you be adding either of these books to your TBR list? Do you have a book that you can't shut up about either? Give your recommendations in the comments!
#BookReview #bookrecommendations #fictionbooks #reading #bookwormsoflemon8
As a devoted bookworm, I can honestly say that 'Welcome to the Hyunam-Dong Bookshop' by Hwang Bo-Reum has left an indelible mark on my heart. It's the kind of book you want to savor, much like a comforting cup of tea, and I found myself returning to its pages over several months, making the experience even richer. When I first encountered 'Welcome to the Hyunam-Dong Bookshop,' the book cover itself was an instant draw. The beautiful illustration of a cozy, inviting bookshop instantly conveyed a sense of peace and a promise of escape. It perfectly captures the serene atmosphere you find within the pages, making you want to step right into that literary haven. It's a prime example of how a cover can truly embody the spirit of a novel. For those curious about the physical book, it features an illustrated bookshop that just screams comfort, and seeing a hand holding the book on the cover definitely makes you feel like you're part of the experience. Beyond its charming exterior, the Hyunam-Dong Bookshop offers so much more than just a summary of a book. It's a deep dive into the human condition, exploring themes of healing, self-discovery, and the quiet power of community. The story revolves around Yeongju, who, after facing a personal crisis, decides to open an independent bookshop. This bookshop in Hyunam-Dong becomes a sanctuary, not just for her, but for a diverse cast of characters who find solace and connection within its walls. From the shy barista to the disillusioned writer, each character's journey intertwines, offering profound philosophical insights into life's choices, the search for purpose, and the irreplaceable role that books play in our lives. It truly felt like a warm hug, page after page, offering answers to worries I didn't even know I had. This isn't just a story; it's an experience that encourages introspection and appreciation for the quiet moments. And speaking of captivating covers and intriguing stories, my next read, 'Scritch Scratch' by Lindsay Currie, offers a thrilling contrast! The cover is a masterpiece of spooky delight, showcasing a spooky night scene with a haunted tour bus and a shadowy ghost lurking. The banner declaring SOMETHING TERRIBLE FOLLOWED HER HOME... is an absolute hook, promising a completely different kind of adventure. It's a middle-grade ghost story set in my own city, Chicago, which makes it even more exciting. The idea of a scientist who doesn't believe in the paranormal suddenly being followed by a ghost after a haunted tour bus experience is just too good to pass up, especially for an October read! It’s incredible how a book's cover can immediately convey its genre and mood, making you eager to dive in. Both 'Welcome to the Hyunam-Dong Bookshop' and 'Scritch Scratch' stand out for their ability to transport you to different worlds, whether it's a cozy, philosophical retreat or a thrilling, ghostly chase. It just goes to show how powerful a good book, and even its cover, can be in sparking our imagination and making us reflect. I can't wait to see what other amazing reads I'll discover next!