Translated by Shanna Tan 3 stars Step into the Memory Bookshop, a mysterious place that stores all your conscious and unconscious memories and offers a unique opportunity. You have three chances to go back in time to try to change your life. But of course, this offer comes with a price. When Jiwon stumbles across…
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Illustrated by Eda Kaban 4 stars A fun picture book adaptation of The Guncle. The original novel is still on my TBR but this sweet picture book made me want to get around to reading it soon. After the death of their mother, Maisie and Grant spend the summer with their Uncle Patrick. He does…
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by Yuta Takahashi Translated by Cat Anderson 5 stars Cozy, reflective, and soothing. The Chibineko Kitchen provides a unique opportunity. There you can receive a special kagezen, a remembrance meal, which may come with the chance to talk to a deceased loved one again. Told through a collection of interconnected stories, follow those seeking connection…
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Translated by Eric Ozawa 4 stars A sweet book of interconnected stories focusing on reunions, human connections, and acceptance of the past. Follow a young woman who claims to have a unique relationship with one of the café’s workers, a man coming to terms with the end of a relationship through an unexpected new one…
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Illustrated by John Picacio 4 stars While her family prepares for Dia de Muertos, Cala does not feel like celebrating. She misses her grandfather and can’t stop thinking of him. At the cemetery, Cala is separated from her family and encounters some mysterious horsemen that give her some valuable insight. A fascinating representation of the…
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Translated by Geoffrey Trousselot 4 stars A sweet story that wonderfully balances the heartwarming and the heartbreaking. Café Funiculi Funicula provides customers with a unique opportunity to travel through time. However, there are some rather specific rules involved including that the present cannot be changed. Follow a handful of customers as they visit loved ones…
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Illustrated by Abraham Matias 4 stars A stunning story of a woman’s journey through the nine levels of Mictlān with the guidance of her Xoloitzcuintle, Popo. Wonderfully written. Nana’s journey includes her own version of the nine levels of Mictlān, including a river, a path of obsidian, snow, and strong winds. Her trials are gentler…
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Translated by Caleb Cook 5 stars As Shiori patiently waits to devour Hinako, the two spend more time together and become closer. But Hinako’s best friend, Miko, isn’t thrilled to share her. Great story development with some fantastic twists and turns. The artwork is hauntingly beautiful. Creep, odd, and gorgeous. Such an interesting series. Really…
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2 stars After the death of her grandmother, Tessa’s family takes over the Fairy Tale Family Fun Park & RV Campground. They hire a new puppeteer to run the puppet show, but instead of cute stories like her grandmother told, Liza tells spinechilling ones. As strange things start happening on the campground, Tessa wonders if…
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Illustrated by Fabiana Faiallo 5 stars A sweet picture book for helping children cope with the death of a friend or classmate. Violet is Mia’s best friend. She brings sunshine to every day. But after Violet dies, everything changes. With the help of others, Mia is able to learn ways to remember, grieve, and say…
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