August this year came with plenty of rains, and while the world outside was soaked in grey and green, I found myself spending more time indoors. The silver lining? I got ample time to catch up on my reading list. I managed to finish three very different but equally wonderful books this month – Pachinko by Min Jin Lee, We Begin at the End by Chris Whitaker, and The Answer is No by Frederick Bowman. Here are my thoughts on them.
Set in Korea and Japan, Pachinko is an epic, multigenerational saga that follows a Korean family through love, loss, migration, and survival across decades. This is touching story of resilience and the choices that shape generations.
The grace with which Min Jin Lee weaves together history and human emotions in striking. Despite its length, the novel flows beautifully, with unforgettable characters that feel real and even relatable. It’s a book that makes you pause and think about family, identity, and endurance.A very inspiring and engaging read.
2. We Begin at the End by Chris Whitaker
Author: Chris Whitaker
Length: 384 pages
Genre: Crime / Mystery with strong emotional depth
My Rating : 4.5/5
This book was quite a discovery.The novel introduces us to Duchess Day Radley, a self-proclaimed “outlaw” but actually just a thirteen year old, yet fiercely protective of her little brother while their single mother makes ends meet by singing at a pub. Alongside her is Chief Walker, the friendly small-town policeman carrying his own share of guilt and burdens.A man convicted of murder is released and there is another murder.The story gets very interesting from there on.
Though it is presented as a crime novel, the real appeal of the book lies in its emotional pull. Whitaker balances suspense with tender moments, painting a story about love, loss, redemption, and second chances. It left me both heartbroken and hopeful — the kind of book you carry with you long after finishing.
Backman’s The Answer is No is sharp, witty, and a little absurd — a clever take on the world of politics, power, and human folly. The story unfolds through a mix of satire and drama, poking fun at how people chase control and influence.It raises the question- do we really need communities?
The best part of this book is its humor. Even while dealing with serious undertones, Backman uses lightness and wit to make the narrative engaging. It is a quick read, but one that entertains and makes you think at the same time.
August was a cozy reading month for me — thanks to the rains and endless cups of tea. Each of these books had a different flavor: the historical richness of Pachinko, the emotional crime mystery of We Begin at the End, and the satirical sharpness of The Answer is No.
Together, they made my rainy days brighter.
Have you read any of these books? How did you find them?
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