B.A.M. (Books. Anime. Manga.) OF THE WEEK!!
(Books. Anime. Manga.) - Week of July 29-Aug 4
I had a lot of fun reading and watching this week!!
BOOKS OF THE WEEK
🩵Your Utopia by Bora Chung
⭐️Overall rating: 4/5
Favorite Quote: “I was a team player…which meant I had to see this through no matter what.”
This is a collection of sci-fi shorts with horror/thriller elements. I really enjoyed the stories! I like Chung’s way of writing. While I found most of the twists predictable, I enjoyed the setup and execution of the story and the way that she relates our world to these fictional realities :3 I want to read it again before the end of the year.
🩵 Before Your Memory Fades by Toshikazu Kawaguchi
⭐️Overall rating: 3.5/5
I love the Before the Coffee Gets Cold series, but I think this one had a harder time holding my attention. I found it enjoyable for the same reasons I think the other entries in the series enjoyable— Kawaguchi touches on some complicated emotions in these stories and I feel that I always walk away from these books with a broadened perspective on my own range of emotions.
ANIME OF THE WEEK
🩵 Horimiya (S2): The Missing Pieces
⭐️Overall rating: 4/5
I knew I’d love this because I loved the first season of Horimiya. The season is the adaptation of many random the chapters that didn’t make it into the first season. I love the characters. Hori and Miyamura are adorable. The dub cast is PHENOMENAL. Will definitely add this season to my list of comfort shows to watch when I’m having an off day/week.
MANGA OF THE WEEK
🩵 Apothecary Diaries
⭐️Overall rating: 4.5/5
I’ve only read one volume but what I did read was great! I love MaoMao’s personality and I think Jinshi is super funny. I’ve had to hold myself back from binging too much of this so that I can get through my backlogs but I’ll definitely be reading this passively. I think I’ll pick it back up after I’ve watched the first season 🥰
#lemon8books #lemon8bookclub #manga #mangarecommendation #Anime #animerecommendation #apothecarydiaries #horimiya #scifibooks #summerdiary
Seeing Horimiya S2 get a spot on the 'Anime of the Week' list instantly brought a smile to my face! As someone who's always on the hunt for a good rekomendasi anime romance, this series is an absolute gem. What makes Hori and Miyamura's story so captivating isn't just the adorable chemistry, but how genuinely their relationship progresses. It's not about grand, over-the-top gestures; it's the quiet moments, the shared vulnerabilities, and the way they truly see and accept each other. For anyone looking for a romance that feels real, heartwarming, and deeply satisfying, Horimiya is a must-watch. It truly embodies what a 'comfort show' should be, perfect for those days when you just need a dose of pure, unadulterated sweetness and relatable high school drama. The character development, especially Miyamura's journey, is just phenomenal and makes you root for them every step of the way. If you loved the first season, 'The Missing Pieces' fills in those delightful gaps, giving us even more of this beloved couple and their friends. Now, let's talk about the Before the Coffee Gets Cold series, specifically *Before Your Memory Fades*. While the article reviews this fantastic book, the search query before the coffee gets cold anime shows just how much people are captivated by this unique premise. And honestly, who wouldn't want an anime adaptation of such an emotionally rich concept? The idea of time travel, but with such strict rules – you can only go back to a specific point, you can't change the present, and you must return before your coffee gets cold – creates such poignant, bittersweet narratives. Each story in the series, including *Before Your Memory Fades*, explores themes of regret, forgiveness, and the enduring power of human connection. The book, much like its predecessors, delves into 'interconnected short stories,' each one a little puzzle box of emotions. It's incredible how Kawaguchi manages to broaden my perspective on my own feelings with every entry. While there isn't a direct Before the Coffee Gets Cold anime series, there's a live-action movie that captures some of its magic. For those who love emotional depth and stories that make you think about life's 'what-ifs,' diving into this book series, whether on a physical copy or an e-reader like a Kindle, is definitely worthwhile. Imagine the beautiful animation and music an anime could bring to these tear-jerking tales! Beyond romance and time-bending tales, the week also brought some thrilling 'short stories' with *Your Utopia*. This collection of sci-fi shorts, with its horror and thriller elements, really showcases the author's ability to relate fictional realities to our own world. And for manga fans, The Apothecary Diaries is a fantastic find. I love the character of MaoMao – her sharp wit and Jinshi's amusing antics make for a really engaging read. It's always exciting to find new series that captivate you from the first volume.




Omg i love the apothecary diaries, i’m so happy they came out with the anime too!