Miss Clueless

"History has failed us, but no matter."  The opening line. Published : 2017 Author : Min Jin Lee  Genres : Novel, Historical Fiction Pages : 490 My rating : 5/5 "Pachinko" follows the lives of a Korean family living in Japan from the 1910s to the 1980s. The story revolves around Sunja, a young woman who becomes pregnant by a wealthy married man, leading her to marry a young minister and move to Osaka. As the family grapples with discrimination, poverty, and the complexities of identity, they become entwined with the world of pachinko, a Japanese gambling game.  The novel explores themes of love, sacrifice, ambition, and the impact of historical and societal forces on the characters' lives. It provides an empathetic portrayal of the immigrant experience of the Koreans in Japan. Once in a while, a book leaves an indelible mark on the reader, and "Pachinko" is one such experience for me. The last time I felt something like this was for "One Hundred Y...

"Before Mazer invented himself as Mazer, he was Samson Mazer, and before he was Samson Mazer, he was Samson Masur –  a change of two letters that transformed him from a nice, ostensibly Jewish boy to a Professional Builder of Worlds –  and for most of his youth, he was Sam, S.A.M. on the hall of fame of his grandfather's Donkey Kong machine, but mainly Sam." reads   the opening line of  "Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow." My two friends and I have had this little book club thing going on for about three years now. We don't have strict rules or meet regularly—it's more like whenever we feel like it. We chat about books and sometimes throw in movies or TV shows. Recently, we decided to pick the same book and share our thoughts within our group. I thought, why not blog about it too? It'll be cool to look back and remember what we felt or learned from each book. So, our first pick was "Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow." When I first saw...

What image comes to mind when you think about sci-fi. Well, the above is AI-generated and I agree, it's quite close to what I imagined. I've been reading a lot of sci-fi lately, so I wondered: What elements make for a perfect sci-fi? Do the books I read have those elements? Of course, these will vary based on personal preferences and the specific subgenre of science fiction. However, I believe below are some common elements that many readers and critics appreciate in a compelling sci-fi novel: Original Concept or Idea: A unique and innovative concept that explores new ideas or pushes the boundaries of existing ones. It could involve advanced technology, alternate realities, or speculative future scenarios. Well-Developed World-Building: Detailed and immersive world-building that creates a believable and intriguing setting. This includes the fictional universe's social, political, economic, and technological aspects. Complex Characters: Well-rounded and relatable characters ...

Let's talk about some Russian Literature here. War and Peace:  This book by Leo Tolstoy changed me. I shall never forget it. Yeah, it's long and not an easy read, but it's worth it. Anna Karenina: A tragic tale depicting the doomed love affair of the titular character, Anna Karenina. After War and Peace, I had to read the other major work by Leo Tolstoy. I like this one too. Crime and Punishment: Having explored the major works of one of the greatest Russian authors, of course, I wanted more. So, I turned to none other than Fyodor Dostoyevsky. From what I found, most people who have read Dostoyevsky like Crime and Punishment, and it's my favorite Dostoyevsky book too. It's fascinating how you find yourself empathizing with a cold-blooded murderer. The Brothers Karamazov: Another book by Fyodor Dostoyevsky, blending elements of crime, morality, and spirituality. Though it didn't have a similar impact as Crime and Punishment, I still enjoyed reading it. The Idio...

The world may be constantly evolving but one skill remains timeless and invaluable: effective communication. Whether in personal relationships, professional settings, or casual encounters, the way we express ourselves has a profound impact on the quality of our interactions and the relationships we build. Clear communication, coupled with politeness and courtesy, forms the bedrock of successful human connections. Communication is more than just exchanging words; it's about conveying thoughts, ideas, and emotions in a way that is easily understood by others. Clear communication ensures that there is no room for misunderstanding, reducing the likelihood of conflicts and fostering a positive atmosphere. Politeness is often underestimated in its power to influence relationships. Speaking politely goes beyond using "please" and "thank you"; it encompasses a tone that is respectful, considerate, and mindful of the feelings of others.  Courtesy is the glue that holds...

We all have aspirations of achieving something remarkable in our lives. Whether it's making a significant impact in our careers, creating a legacy, or simply finding happiness and fulfillment, the desire to excel and be content is universal. However, the journey toward achieving your goals is seldom a smooth one. It's riddled with challenges, doubts, and moments of despair that make us question whether we can truly succeed. But remember, even the most successful individuals faced adversity before they reached their goals. Every step you take, no matter how small, is progress. Celebrate your victories, no matter how minor they may seem because each one brings you closer to your destination. And in those moments when doubt creeps in, remember why you started in the first place – the desire to achieve something remarkable, to make a difference, and to find happiness. The journey may be daunting, but it's also incredibly rewarding. Embrace the struggle, learn from it, and let i...

You would have heard of this famous painting, "Starry Night," by Vincent van Gogh. Well, it's been a favorite of mine for as long as I can remember. Not because it's famous or because everyone else seems to like it, but because I genuinely adore it. ( Image credit: Vincent van Gogh, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons) Now, let me tell you about this fantastic show I recently got to experience, inspired by none other than Van Gogh himself. But first, remember that episode of Doctor Who, "Vincent and the Doctor"? You know, where Amy and the Doctor take Van Gogh to see his own art exhibit in Paris? They hoped it might change his perspective on life. Hearing people praise his work brought a glimmer of joy to his troubled soul, even though he eventually succumbed to his demons. Adding to my appreciation for Van Gogh is the song "Vincent" by Don McLean, sitting proudly on my Spotify playlist.  But let's talk about the real highlight: Van Gogh 360°....