Strange Pictures — No matter where you are, everyone is always connected

Strange Pictures by Uketsu
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Okay, another Uketsu review! I have to say, after reading both Strange Houses and this one, I actually prefer Strange Pictures. The story feels more engaging, more characters involved, and I love how their lives all connect in unexpected ways. It’s like uncovering a puzzle, starting from small fragments until you finally see the bigger picture.

I would sayyy this one definitely woke up my brain that's been collecting dust trying to connect all the dots. It’s not the deepest plot out there, but hey, it’s got enough intrigue to keep you flipping pages. I appreciate how it gives my mind a break from the classics and research papers, yet still keeps me hooked and curious all the way through.

Strange Houses — Left me curious but confused

Strange Houses by Uketsu
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

As an architect, this book hit differently. It honestly turned me into a detective, trying to piece together all the bizarre floor plans. The intro alone had me hooked, and the dialogue-driven format made it feel like I was part of the investigation.

The way Uketsu weaponized architecture was clever. Dead spaces, rooms that make zero sense, layouts that scream... ‘who tf would actually design this?’ It even had my undiagnosed adhd mind wondering: what if I designed my own prototype murder house, but better? You know, exclusively for killer clients, complete with customization options so they can tweak it to their… tastes. lol just purely hypothetical 👀

Not gonna lie, I kind of lost interest reading the ending. It felt rushed and open-ended, leaving you hanging and a little clueless, basically handing the job over to your imagination. That can be intriguing, sure, but also frustrating if you’re the type who prefers neat closure.

Almost Transparent Blue — Interesting idea, but nah

Almost Transparent Blue by Ryū Murakami
My rating: 1 of 5 stars

Sadly, I DNF'd it. On the surface, it’s a raw, unsettling look at youth, alienation, and self-destruction, but for me, it was more uncomfortable than compelling. The constant detachment and bleakness might have been the point, but it also made it hard for me to stay invested.

I can see how the book is making a statement about how emptiness and disconnection can either consume or define you, but I didn’t feel like I needed to sit through the entire novel to understand that. For me, the constant shock value and dark tone ended up overshadowing any deeper meaning, making the experience feel more tiring than thought‑provoking.

In the end, it wasn’t the book for me, too unsettling to enjoy, yet too monotonous to push through.

Sun & Steel — Brutally honest and oddly inspiring

Sun & Steel by Yukio Mishima
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is such a powerful and intense read. It’s part memoir, part philosophical essay, where Mishima reflects on life, death, and the meaning of physical discipline. What really stuck with me is how he talks about the connection between mind and body, how training the body can awaken the mind. That idea really resonated with me and puts me in the mindset to train my body and build strength.. Mishima’s writing is bold and poetic, and even if you don’t agree with everything he says, the book makes you think deeply about discipline, purpose, and living fully.

Ikigai: The Japanese Secret to a Long and Happy Life — The Art of Living Well

Ikigai: The Japanese Secret to a Long and Happy Life by Héctor García
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

A gentle and uplifting read that explores the Japanese concept of ikigai, your reason for being, the thing that gives life meaning. I enjoyed how it blends stories from Okinawa with practical wellness habits and reflections on purpose. It’s not heavy or difficult, more like a friendly reminder to slow down, enjoy the little things, and live with intention. That said, some sections felt a bit surface-level, almost like they skimmed over deeper ideas. For me, this book is one you keep nearby to revisit whenever you need a reset.

The Sailor Who Fell from Grace with the Sea — A Haunting Tale of Youth and Obsession

The Sailor Who Fell from Grace with the Sea by Yukio Mishima
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was my first Japanese literature read, and I don’t regret picking it up. Mishima’s writing is both poetic and haunting. He really captures beauty and darkness in equal measure. The chilling exploration of freedom, love, and the clash between ideals and reality.

What struck me most was how the novel builds an almost quiet tension, only to leave you unsettled by where it leads. It’s not a comforting book, it’s thought-provoking, disturbing at times, and definitely lingers long after you close it.