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Suzume no Tojimari || Quick Review

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Suzume, a 17-year-old girl, meets Souta, a young man looking for a door. Out of curiosity, she sought out the mysterious door and discovers that it opens to a different world, only to welcome disaster and destruction in hers. Now she embarks on a journey to help Souta to close the doors all over Japan in order to save everyone.  Makoto Shinkai and RADWIMPS really know how to use music in creating the world and emotions of the story. With Japanese mythology and historical elements, they get to tell a common message differently that in the end leaves you emotional. Cinematography and animation are just beautiful yet intentional. (Wish I can say more about this but I might spoil)  And dammit, I have nothing to say about the voice actors because I have a soft spot for Japanese VAs.  Although, I kinda wish that there was more emphasis on Suzume’s feelings and thoughts about her past. There are scenes that do but they didn’t express enough for me to make the ending more im...
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Book Review: "Last Train to Babylon" by Charlee Fam

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It's been a while since I wrote a book review. I realize how long it takes for me to finish a book nowadays because of work. But since this COVID-19 happened, I guess we all got the time in the world, except if you are working from home.

 "Last Train to Babylon" by Charlee Fam is about Aubrey Glass, who has a collection of potential suicide notes, finds out her ex-best friend, Rachel, died by suicide. How ironic. What's worse is she needs to go back to her dreaded hometown to attend her funeral. She's going back to see those people from her past that started it all, most especially Rachel...and Adam, her ex-boyfriend.

 Is it familiar to you? It is to me. Sort of. If you ever dread going back to the hometown that brings you painful memories, then this book is for you. 

 I actually found this book in a Fullybooked book sale. I think after how many book reviews, you would later find out that I'm fascinated with books that have characters who are dealing with psychological problems or who are dealing with themselves.

 Mind you, Last train to Babylon really has quite sensitive topics, so really read with your own discretion. There's so much angst, what-ifs, and betrayal, but there's also maybes and hope.

 The story is non-linear. In every chapter, you would see a date, and you would have to pay attention to those to know where you are in the story. With a flashback of Aubrey's painful memories and connecting it to her present, it just makes you understand and really experience what Aubrey is dealing with, most especially with Charlee Fam's writing. It is really clear and subtle yet has a tough voice. 

 I know what you're thinking, you won't find this a pleasant read, but then again, if you're like me, who likes characters who are facing their own selves or they themselves are the conflict, then you'll love this. 

 It's a book that demands to be felt, and you do feel it. The best thing about these stories is seeing our heroine realizing that she can do better and seeing her words and thoughts change overtime. It's seeing her overcome her own self that's just satisfying and worth the read.

Rating: 📘📘📘📘
Experience: 🕮🕮🕮🕮🕮

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