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.

The Housemaid — Not your typical drama

The Housemaid by Freida McFadden
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I picked up The Housemaid because I’ve seen it everywhere and I wanted to know what all the hype was about. I’ll admit, I was hooked right from the start. Freida McFadden writes in such a bingeable way—short chapters, quick pacing, and just enough mystery that you keep saying, “Okay, just one more chapter,” until you realize you’ve almost finished the whole thing. While the story leans heavily on familiar thriller tropes, which can make some twists predictable if you’re a seasoned reader. Character development also takes a backseat to suspense, leaving certain decisions feeling convenient rather than organic, but overall it’s a simple, entertaining read worth picking up.

No Exit — Trapped in thought (literally)

No Exit by Taylor Adams
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This was one of those thrillers that had me flipping pages fast. The setup is simple but intense: a snowstorm, a group of strangers, and a situation that quickly turns dangerous. From there, it becomes a game of tension, trust, and survival.

I liked how the book captured that claustrophobic, edge-of-your-seat atmosphere. The pacing is quick and very cinematic, almost as if you are watching a movie unfold, with each chapter ending in a way that makes you want to keep going.

While it’s a solid and entertaining read, it didn’t really stick with me. I feel like I’ll forget most of the details soon, but I could easily see this story working really well on screen. For me, it’s more of a thrilling ride than a memorable story.

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.

Verity — Not perfect, but a page‑turner

Verity by Colleen Hoover
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I hate to admit it, but despite all the mixed (and often negative) feedback about Colleen Hoover, I still gave this book a try and honestly, I kinda liked it. Verity is intense, twisted, and full of psychological tension. It follows Lowen, a struggling writer who stumbles upon a manuscript that changes everything she thought she knew about the famous author Verity Crawford and her family. From there, the story spirals into obsession, secrets, and blurred truths.

Also, surprised me how much of a page-turner it was. As a visual person, I also appreciated the cover — it feels like it really connects to the plot and vibe of the story. Sure, the book leans into drama and shock value, but that’s also what makes it so entertaining. It’s not “literary” in the traditional sense, but it knows exactly what kind of story it wants to be: dark, fast-paced, and unsettling.

Book Review #16 | Heart of a Dog — Weird, wild, and worth it

Heart of a Dog by Mikhail Bulgakov
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Just finished Heart of a Dog by Mikhail Bulgakov, and wow! What a ride. It’s a satirical novella about a stray dog who gets turned into a man through a bizarre experiment. Equal parts darkly funny and unsettling, it’s full of sharp social commentary on identity, human nature, and society. I especially loved Bulgakov’s dark humor, it made the book entertaining while still giving me something to think about. Short, clever, and definitely worth reading.