For the first time since I started reading religiously, 2026 marks the year my reading slows down considerably. I’d like to think it’s because my commute has changed. I used to stay on the train longer and walk to my office, so I had more time to read; now my commute is mostly spent on a motorbike, where it is pretty hard to crack open a book. But, if I’m being extra honest, the root cause is the sharp turn my life has just taken recently. For the first few months of this year, my will to do anything remotely fun had been somewhat extinguished. I find myself doom scroll more adamantly now than ever. But that will all change now.
Recently—which is to say the past month or so—I’ve been on a book-buying and borrowing craze. My doomscrolling has resulted in digitally leafing through catalogues of online used bookstores that I’ve been keeping an eye on for since forever. I’ve been going to more libraries and independent bookstores—more on that in my next blog posts, hopefully. My friends have also been kind enough to lend me several titles to read. Yet now it all culminates into this mountain of exemplars, taking over my bedroom and collecting dust. So, I made this post as a personal reminder to read these titles first, before acquiring more volumes. In fact, as I’m writing this, I just realised there are a couple more books I hadn’t captured. Let’s dig in!
For the first time since I started reading religiously, 2026 marks the year my reading slows down considerably. I’d like to think it’s because my commute has changed. I used to stay on the train longer and walk to my office, so I had more time to read; now my commute is mostly spent on a motorbike, where it is pretty hard to crack open a book. But, if I’m being extra honest, the root cause is the sharp turn my life has just taken recently. For the first few months of this year, my will to do anything remotely fun had been somewhat extinguished. I find myself doom scroll more adamantly now than ever. But that will all change now.
Recently—which is to say the past month or so—I’ve been on a book-buying and borrowing craze. My doomscrolling has resulted in digitally leafing through catalogues of online used bookstores that I’ve been keeping an eye on for since forever. I’ve been going to more libraries and independent bookstores—more on that in my next blog posts, hopefully. My friends have also been kind enough to lend me several titles to read. Yet now it all culminates into this mountain of exemplars, taking over my bedroom and collecting dust. So, I made this post as a personal reminder to read these titles first, before acquiring more volumes. In fact, as I’m writing this, I just realised there are a couple more books I hadn’t captured. Let’s dig in!
Klara and the Sun
by Kazuo Ishiguro
I can’t remember exactly when I borrowed this book from my friend Anna, but it’s been so long ago, she has since resigned (lol). Like a lot of people, the name Kazuo Ishiguro has become a sort of household name to me, by this point, due to his multiple award-nominated film Never Let Me Go. I’ve been intrigued to read one of his books ever since. And that’s how I came about this title.
I dove right into the book, not really knowing what to expect. All I knew is that the book has a sci-fi (perhaps somewhat dystopian?) aspect about it. But that’s no surprise, since Never Let Me Go is the same. What I didn’t prepare for is the slow pace and simpleton writing. I tried to get into it for a while, I swear, but it was so hard to do. Let me try again soon, ’cause I do believe this book is worth finishing.
Klara and the Sun
by Kazuo Ishiguro
I can’t remember exactly when I borrowed this book from my friend Anna, but it’s been so long ago, she has since resigned (lol). Like a lot of people, the name Kazuo Ishiguro has become a sort of household name to me, by this point, due to his multiple award-nominated film Never Let Me Go. I’ve been intrigued to read one of his books ever since. And that’s how I came about this title.
I dove right into the book, not really knowing what to expect. All I knew is that the book has a sci-fi (perhaps somewhat dystopian?) aspect about it. But that’s no surprise, since Never Let Me Go is the same. What I didn’t prepare for is the slow pace and simpleton writing. I tried to get into it for a while, I swear, but it was so hard to do. Let me try again soon, ’cause I do believe this book is worth finishing.
Crook Manifesto
by Colson Whitehead
This is the book that triggered me to write this blog post to begin with. Colson Whitehead is one of those authors that have always piqued my interest. Earlier this year, I finally read one of his books, The Underground Railroad—and I loved it so much that I wanted to read more of his work. So, when I saw this book available at Buku Santuy (and with a reasonable price), I decided to grab it straight away.
A couple weeks passed by, I had since forgotten about ordering this book at all. Then I stumbled upon our DM again and it reminded me. I thought the book hadn’t arrived at all, since the seller didn’t notify me of the shipping receipt. After inquiring them, I found the book in a forgotten pile in my room—and embarrassed at that, no doubt. That’s when I realised…I need to stop buying books for a while.
Crook Manifesto
by Colson Whitehead
This is the book that triggered me to write this blog post to begin with. Colson Whitehead is one of those authors that have always piqued my interest. Earlier this year, I finally read one of his books, The Underground Railroad—and I loved it so much that I wanted to read more of his work. So, when I saw this book available at Buku Santuy (and with a reasonable price), I decided to grab it straight away.
A couple weeks passed by, I had since forgotten about ordering this book at all. Then I stumbled upon our DM again and it reminded me. I thought the book hadn’t arrived at all, since the seller didn’t notify me of the shipping receipt. After inquiring them, I found the book in a forgotten pile in my room—and embarrassed at that, no doubt. That’s when I realised…I need to stop buying books for a while.
Bukan Sunda Bukan Jawa
by Murdijati Gardjito
Probably the most recently bought book in my collection. I bought this when I stopped by Toko Buku Kobam several weeks ago—and yes, it still remains beautifully wrapped. As usual, I would buy a book without doing thorough research on its topic or author. From what I could see, the book explores the many, many traditional cuisines from the region lying between West and Central Java and dissects their ambiguous cultural identity, torn between Sundanese and Javanese. There should also be several illustrations inside to accompany the writing throughout the book as well—all drawn by Jakarta Food Sketchers.
How the World Eats
by Julia Baggini
I borrowed this book from my trusted friend Uta and talked about it in greater detail here. No, I have yet to open this book since then and, yes, I know that’s bad.
Bukan Sunda Bukan Jawa
by Murdijati Gardjito
Probably the most recently bought book in my collection. I bought this when I stopped by Toko Buku Kobam several weeks ago—and yes, it still remains beautifully wrapped. As usual, I would buy a book without doing thorough research on its topic or author. From what I could see, the book explores the many, many traditional cuisines from the region lying between West and Central Java and dissects their ambiguous cultural identity, torn between Sundanese and Javanese. There should also be several illustrations inside to accompany the writing throughout the book as well—all drawn by Jakarta Food Sketchers.
How the World Eats
by Julia Baggini
I borrowed this book from my trusted friend Uta and talked about it in greater detail here. No, I have yet to open this book since then and, yes, I know that’s bad.
The Hate U Give
by Angie Thomas
Yes, yes, I know I’m very late to the party, but I’ve always been intrigued by this book and that intrigue hasn’t died yet even now. So, when I saw Mira from In Her Nook (previously bookbosomed) was selling her used books and this was one of them, I had to grab this number. There was a whole lot of drama with the shipping, which caused this book (and another one I forgot to capture) to take 2 months to reach me from Bali.
I don’t think I need to tell you what the book is about at this point—surely, everyone already knows about it, right? But I did try cracking open this book as well—there was a whole phase where I couldn’t decide which book to move on to after finishing my last title–and, while I thought it was pretty easy to read, I wasn’t feeling it and so, put it back down. But I will definitely try reading it again soon.
The Hate U Give
by Angie Thomas
Yes, yes, I know I’m very late to the party, but I’ve always been intrigued by this book and that intrigue hasn’t died yet even now. So, when I saw Mira from In Her Nook (previously bookbosomed) was selling her used books and this was one of them, I had to grab this number. There was a whole lot of drama with the shipping, which caused this book (and another one I forgot to capture) to take 2 months to reach me from Bali.
I don’t think I need to tell you what the book is about at this point—surely, everyone already knows about it, right? But I did try cracking open this book as well—there was a whole phase where I couldn’t decide which book to move on to after finishing my last title–and, while I thought it was pretty easy to read, I wasn’t feeling it and so, put it back down. But I will definitely try reading it again soon.
How to Be Both
by Ali Smith
Ali Smith is yet another name I’ve heard for quite some time—I think mostly during the peak of Booktube back in 2017 or so. I think back then my favourite YouTubers, like books & quills and Rosianna Halse Rojas, talked a lot about her Seasonal Quartet books, if I’m not mistaken. I’ve been intrigued ever since.
When I saw this book at Buku Kaki-kaki, one of my regular used bookstores, I didn’t think twice before I grabbed it. Plus, the bookstore just recently came back from the dead after three years, so enthusiasm was off the roof. Again, I don’t know what the book is about, but I’ve only recently started reading it and the writing style is pretty experimental in a way that intrigues me even further. So, we shall see how it unfolds.
How to Be Both
by Ali Smith
Ali Smith is yet another name I’ve heard for quite some time—I think mostly during the peak of Booktube back in 2017 or so. I think back then my favourite YouTubers, like books & quills and Rosianna Halse Rojas, talked a lot about her Seasonal Quartet books, if I’m not mistaken. I’ve been intrigued ever since.
When I saw this book at Buku Kaki-kaki, one of my regular used bookstores, I didn’t think twice before I grabbed it. Plus, the bookstore just recently came back from the dead after three years, so enthusiasm was off the roof. Again, I don’t know what the book is about, but I’ve only recently started reading it and the writing style is pretty experimental in a way that intrigues me even further. So, we shall see how it unfolds.
The Time Is Noon
Dragon Seed
by Pearl S. Buck
I bought this as one set from Thriftboox‘s clearance sale—actually with Three Daughters of Madame Liang, but I finished that volume already. I talked about them in greater detail here.
The Time Is Noon
Dragon Seed
by Pearl S. Buck
I bought this as one set from Thriftboox‘s clearance sale—actually with Three Daughters of Madame Liang, but I finished that volume already. I talked about them in greater detail here.
The Handmaid’s Tale
by Margaret Atwood
Around Eid holiday, I went to visit my sister in Bandung and that’s when I first noticed my sister’s book collection, in which this book was included. I’m sure we all know about this title and how it was later on turned into a Hulu series back in 2017. It was around that time too, I believe, that this book became super popular among book readers worldwide—but I never read it.
I know I’m probably super late to the party, but when a book or music gets such recognition, I just often hesitate about pursuing it. When I saw it in my sister’s room, I asked her if I could borrow it and bring it home—FYI, my sister also hasn’t read it yet lol. I haven’t opened the book to this day, but maybe once things have calmed down in my life will I start to read it.
The Handmaid’s Tale
by Margaret Atwood
Around Eid holiday, I went to visit my sister in Bandung and that’s when I first noticed my sister’s book collection, in which this book was included. I’m sure we all know about this title and how it was later on turned into a Hulu series back in 2017. It was around that time too, I believe, that this book became super popular among book readers worldwide—but I never read it.
I know I’m probably super late to the party, but when a book or music gets such recognition, I just often hesitate about pursuing it. When I saw it in my sister’s room, I asked her if I could borrow it and bring it home—FYI, my sister also hasn’t read it yet lol. I haven’t opened the book to this day, but maybe once things have calmed down in my life will I start to read it.
Lord Jim
by Joseph Conrad
Another one from Thriftboox‘s clearance sale, and another author mentioned by Romancing the East. I talked about it in greater detail here.
A Brief History of Time
by Stephen Hawking
This book used to belong to Naela Ali (or her friends?), because I bought it from her at Meet Things Room 03. I talked about the book in greater detail here.
Lord Jim
by Joseph Conrad
Another one from Thriftboox‘s clearance sale, and another author mentioned by Romancing the East. I talked about it in greater detail here.
A Brief History of Time
by Stephen Hawking
This book used to belong to Naela Ali (or her friends?), because I bought it from her at Meet Things Room 03. I talked about the book in greater detail here.
The Pocket Book of Jung
by Lily Yuan
As you may be able to tell from the books I tend to read, I’ve always been pretty into psychology. Luckily, a lot of my friends are also into psychology and would often share their resources with me—including my friend Audrey who was kind enough to lend me this book. She talked me through the book the whole time she was reading it, piquing my interest completely, and promptly handed the book to me once she was finished. I haven’t had the chance to crack into it, but I’m so excited to see how this book will reveal things about myself I didn’t yet know.
The Pocket Book of Jung
by Lily Yuan
As you may be able to tell from the books I tend to read, I’ve always been pretty into psychology. Luckily, a lot of my friends are also into psychology and would often share their resources with me—including my friend Audrey who was kind enough to lend me this book. She talked me through the book the whole time she was reading it, piquing my interest completely, and promptly handed the book to me once she was finished. I haven’t had the chance to crack into it, but I’m so excited to see how this book will reveal things about myself I didn’t yet know.
Bonus Reading Materials
Currently Reading + Zines
Yes, another Ishiguro book. As I’ve mentioned above, my first experience of reading Ishiguro’s work was not exactly pleasant—in fact, I found it absolutely sluggish and hard to stay awake for. I thought, instead of throwing away Ishiguro forever, I would try his other title. This one is a short-story compilation consisting of 5 stories related to music. By the time you’re reading this, I was already finished with the book, and I must say I do enjoy the stories well enough. Some parts definitely felt pretty sluggish, but there are good ones tucked in there too.
I stumbled upon this during Bandung Zinefest that I visited back in February. Its whimsical illustration and striking colours really caught my eye at first glance. Plus, among a sea of hardcore and music zines, to see this adorably illustrated number talking about something as simple yet profound as food was like finding an oasis in the desert. I haven’t really made time to sit down and actually devour this so far, but I’m so excited to dig in.
Another one I bought at Bandung Zinefest, when I got reunited with one of my favourite illustrators from mid 2010’s, Azisa Noor. I was super excited to see her open a booth again—because, as far as I remember, she hadn’t done that in a very long time. Again, this zine is about food—tea, actually—and I just love how the topic and illustration make me feel all warm and fuzzy. It’s a pretty straightforward one to read, I imagine. Really, buying it for the illustrations, if nothing else.
I don’t know if you kept count, but that is 13 books (and 2 zines) that are still waiting to be read. Well, to be fair, I did finish one of them, so it’s 12 books. But wait, I forgot to capture 2 other books still waiting on my desk, so that’s 14 books. Ahem, let’s refresh. That’s 14 books and 2 zines waiting to be read. How insane is that? I think this is my longest TBR yet—I mean where all the books are already within my possession. So, I implore myself: please PLEASE stop buying books anymore. At least finish half this pile and then we can talk, but until then…
What does your TBR look like right now?
Currently Reading + Zines
Yes, another Ishiguro book. As I’ve mentioned above, my first experience of reading Ishiguro’s work was not exactly pleasant—in fact, I found it absolutely sluggish and hard to stay awake for. I thought, instead of throwing away Ishiguro forever, I would try his other title. This one is a short-story compilation consisting of 5 stories related to music. By the time you’re reading this, I was already finished with the book, and I must say I do enjoy the stories well enough. Some parts definitely felt pretty sluggish, but there are good ones tucked in there too.
I stumbled upon this during Bandung Zinefest that I visited back in February. Its whimsical illustration and striking colours really caught my eye at first glance. Plus, among a sea of hardcore and music zines, to see this adorably illustrated number talking about something as simple yet profound as food was like finding an oasis in the desert. I haven’t really made time to sit down and actually devour this so far, but I’m so excited to dig in.
Another one I bought at Bandung Zinefest, when I got reunited with one of my favourite illustrators from mid 2010’s, Azisa Noor. I was super excited to see her open a booth again—because, as far as I remember, she hadn’t done that in a very long time. Again, this zine is about food—tea, actually—and I just love how the topic and illustration make me feel all warm and fuzzy. It’s a pretty straightforward one to read, I imagine. Really, buying it for the illustrations, if nothing else.
I don’t know if you kept count, but that is 13 books (and 2 zines) that are still waiting to be read. Well, to be fair, I did finish one of them, so it’s 12 books. But wait, I forgot to capture 2 other books still waiting on my desk, so that’s 14 books. Ahem, let’s refresh. That’s 14 books and 2 zines waiting to be read. How insane is that? I think this is my longest TBR yet—I mean where all the books are already within my possession. So, I implore myself: please PLEASE stop buying books anymore. At least finish half this pile and then we can talk, but until then…
What does your TBR look like right now?