kjacob's Book Reviews

The Strange Library by Haruki Murakami

The Strange Library by Haruki Murakami

The less that is said about this strange little book, the better. More like a short-story or an experience than a book, you will speed through this illustrated Murakami creation in a whirlwind. A surreal book that’s worth reading and a perfect quick read if you’re trying to fit in your January Read 2020 book […]


Convenience Store Woman by Sayaka Murata

Convenience Store Woman by Sayaka Murata

Keiko Furukura had known since a very young age that she wasn’t “normal.” Despite her family’s efforts to make her change, more than anything she found ways to adapt and hide the lest desirable of her thoughts and actions from society. Then, one fateful night just after she had started university, Keiko stumbled upon the […]


Binti by Nnedi Okorafor

Binti by Nnedi Okorafor

Binti is leaving her traditional, rural home against the wishes of her family, to pursue her education at the prestigious Oomza University. Unexpected events lead to an encounter with the Meduse, a seemingly violent and war-like race. But Binti soon learns that misunderstanding and miscommunication run deeply through all aspects of the universe and she […]


Fever Dream by Samanta Schweblin

Fever Dream by Samanta Schweblin

I first picked up this debut translated novel because it had been nominated for the 2017 Man Booker prize and was reviewed on one of Booklist’s podcasts. I was expecting a stunning and gripping short novel, but what I received instead was a two hour Fever Dream of my own. Reality is obliterated more than […]


Pumpkinheads by Rainbow Rowell & Faith Erin Hicks

Pumpkinheads by Rainbow Rowell & Faith Erin Hicks

Dejah and Josiah have been working together at the pumpkin patch for 4 years. They’re ‘seasonal best friends,’ but as their final season working at the patch comes to a close and they both head off to college next year, what looms ahead for their friendship? Will they simply part ways like they have every […]


The Nickel Boys by Colson Whitehead

The Nickel Boys by Colson Whitehead

Though he’s been writing and publishing for decades, Colson Whitehead drew major national attention after the success of his 2016 book The Underground Railroad. The book is an excellent must-read, but I definitely feel The Nickel Boys is an absolute masterpiece. This book chronicles the experience of Elwood and the other ‘nickel boys’ during their time in […]


Cheshire Crossing by Andy Weir & Sarah Andersen

Cheshire Crossing by Andy Weir & Sarah Andersen

What an absolute treat! This unlikely pair of Andy Weir (The Martian) and Sarah Andersen – better known for her often viral Sarah Scribbles comics – creates a fun and beautiful romp through all of your favorite childhood books. Wendy Darling, Alice Liddell, and Dorothy Gale have all experienced madcap adventures in fantastical lands throughout […]


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