Helen | 혜련 | readwithneleh

Last week, ICE arrested and separated a father and son after a routine check-in. Six-year-old Yuanxin had just enrolled in the first grade at an elementary school in Astoria. Now he's in custody, alone. ICE won't say where. This cruelty serves no one. It must end.

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I’m in the middle of three books that I am loving:

• ART ON FIRE by Yun Ko-Eun
• PALAVER by Bryan Washington
• NORTH SUN by Ethan Rutherford

And I just got a galley of Mieko Kawakami’s new novel, SISTERS IN YELLOW that is coming out in March. So of course I’ll be starting that one too.

#booksky

Kristen Arnett’s STOP ME IF YOU’VE HEARD THIS ONE was expectedly funny but unexpectedly tender and sad. The punchlines and outrageous scenes really showed off her ability to straddle the line between the light and dark. I did the audio and thought the narrator did a fantastic job.

#booksky

Currently reading PALAVER by Bryan Washington and am loving it!!

#booksky

Overhead shot of a book titled HEART THE LOVER by Lily King sitting on top of a beige blanket with balled up tissues next to it all on top of a gray couch.

HEART THE LOVER by Lily King is a book I finished in one sitting—something I haven’t done in awhile. And it’s one that I was not expected to love so much. This was my 3rd King and my favorite. Absolutely worth picking up. Full review on my substack: open.substack.com/pub/helenkim...

#booksky

Take a Surreal Trip Down Memory Lane with An Oral History of Atlantis by Ed Park - Reactor Helen Rhee reviews a short story collection offering a voyage into the brilliant, weird, and hilarious mind of Ed Park.

(A very late) book review for AN ORAL HISTORY OF ATLANTIS by Ed Park is up on @reactorsff.bsky.social

TLDR; loved it so go read it

reactormag.com/book-review-...

#booksky #bookreview

I forgot to include rhe translators! SMH 🤦🏻‍♀️

THE WIZARD’S BAKERY was translated by Jamie Chang

THE OLD WOMAN WITH A KNIFE was translated by Chi-Young Kim

A TWIST OF FATE was translated by S.L. Park.

Grateful to these and all translators out there for giving us access to so many amazing works!!

3. A TWIST OF FATE by Jang Se-Ah

This one is for all the makjang (막장) drama fans. Slow-burn & over-the-top ridiculous. I didn’t think the execution worked every time, but I think this would be a fantastic show (which I think is in the works). Recommend if you like thriller and a fast read.

2. OLD WOMAN WITH A KNIFE by Gu Byeong-Mo

Written by same author as Wizard’s Bakery, I liked this even more. Thriller but slow burn and also has really tender moments. I really like how she writes nuanced characters. All of her books are so different! Recommend.

1. THE WIZARD’S BAKERY by Gu Byeong-Mo

This book is NOT as cozy as the cover makes it out to be. I really liked this one but fair warning to all there are dark themes in here including child SA. There are magical elements but the issues and story is rooted in very real world setting. Recommend.

I read three Korean translated books for #womeintranslation month which honestly is just like any other month for me and here’s what I thought of them: 👇🏼

#booksky

THE UNWORTHY by Augstina Bazterrica is a slim book was atmospheric and unsettling, but I was missing the depth and complexity in context and the MC. I enjoyed it but wanted more of the world.

Worth the read if you do like the horror genre loaded with social commentary.

#booksky #bookreview

Which ones do you want to see reviews for first?? #booktok #koreanliterature #translatedliterature #booktokfyp TikTok video by IG:@readwithneleh | Helen (혜련)

Last. Now. Next… Korean Translated Fiction Edition!

#booksky #koreanliterature

www.tiktok.com/t/ZP8hBsuuH

Thank you!!

I didn’t think I needed to make this post because well one can easily find K-pop books if you do a simple search. But, the BIG UGLY BILL passed and I’m pissed so want to celebrate @Kpop Demon Hunters... TikTok video by IG:@readwithneleh | Helen (혜련)

Don’t feel like celebrating America today but definitely feel like celebrating Korean authors and books about K-pop. If you loved #kpopdemonhunters here are some K-pop books written by Korean authors to add to your TBR.

#booksky

www.tiktok.com/t/ZP8h8vsTK/

Israel kills nearly 600 Palestinians at aid centres: All you need to know Hundreds killed seeking aid in Gaza as famine deepens and limited food access leaves hundreds of thousands starving.

Hundreds killed seeking aid in Gaza as famine deepens and limited food access leaves hundreds of thousands starving.

Yesterday was the 75th anniversary of the Korean War, so here are some books remembering it and the impact it’s had on its people, including the diaspora.

#booksky

FLASHLIGHT by Susan Choi is a book I’ve been thinking about a lot. What started off as a mystery turned into an exploration of one’s family that spanned decades and across borders.

#booksky

Full review: www.instagram.com/reel/DK9wMx_...

Overhead POV of a book on my lap while sitting on a bench. The book is titled Broccoli Punch by Lee Yuri.

Currently reading and loving: BROCCOLI PUNCH by Lee Yuri, tr. by Amber HJ Kim.

#booksky

Currently reading for #mansebookclub… #booksky

THE REFORMATORY by Tananarive Due was so good. It’s long but I thought it was worth every page. Highly recommend.

Full review: www.instagram.com/p/DKkYdijvpB...

#booksky

I just finished FLASHLIGHT by Susan Choi and the ending wrecked me. So, naturally, I need something else to slowly put me back together again. And I ordered a cozy mystery with lots of yummy food references to do the job.

#currentlyreading #booksky

It was a bit slow paced BUT i really liked it. The end wrecked me. Her writing is exquisite.

weekend reading… #booksky

This happened over the weekend and I loved chatting with my friend. 🥰 #booksky

Some days, I read what I write and think it’s great. But most days, I realize I am a mortal living in be presence of gods.

Those gods being Ocean Vuong, Alexander Chee, Katie Kitamura, Nicole Chung, Han Kang, Percival Everett, Colson Whitehead, Tommy Orange, & just so many others to name.

#booksky

For those who have Bluesky and Threads, do you post different things on each platform? Do you have a different “strategy”?? If you do, please share!

#bluesky #threads

THE BOOK OF DISAPPEARANCE by Ibtisam Azem is a timely book that was longlisted for @thebookerprizes.bsky.social longlist. It’s definitely been one of my favs from the list and I’m sad it didn’t make it on the shortlist, but want to tell everyone here that they should read this.

#booksky

So excited for you!!