Hi everyone! It’s been a while, hasn’t it? I finished my exams two weeks ago and with my graduation on the horizon next year, all I’ve been thinking about is how excited I am to delve back into reading everything and rambling in my little digital journal here. This update is long overdue! My last post was almost two years ago (where has the time gone??). The days are long but the years are short.
Where I’ve Been
As some of you may know, I’ve been on hiatus because I’ve been busy with graduate school. Between work, school, and life, I just didn’t have the time I needed to indulge in books like I used to. My never-ending readings came from textbooks, case studies, and assignments, which made me burn out of reading in general. If I’ve learned anything from my MBA program, it’s that the hardest part is the time commitment. After work I always either had class, team meetings, assigned readings, or papers to work on. Alas, I’m almost at the end of this chapter of my life!
The busyness of life did NOT stop me from visiting bookstores and buying books whenever I had the chance!! There is nothing more comforting than perusing Barnes & Nobles on a quiet day. Books I’ve bought/was gifted this year:
- One For My Enemy by Olivie Blake (currently reading)
- Masters of Death by Olivie Blake (started during the spooky season)
- If You Could See the Sun by Ann Liang
- A Crane Among Wolves by June Hur
- A Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides (started)
- Omniscient Reader’s Viewpoint 1 (it’s finally getting officially translated for physical volumes!! I’ve already read the whole Korean manhwa)
- All That’s Left in the World by Erik J. Brown (my cousin’s favorite book)
- Time is a Mother by Ocean Vuong (second copy)
- More volumes of Solo Leveling (my on-going collection)
- Bride by Ali Hazelwood (finished 4/5!! was such a fun read)
- The God and the Gumiho by Sophie Kim
There were so many new releases I wanted to read this year but didn’t get the chance to so I’m saving them for my 2025 tbr!! Aside from what I have above, I was looking forward to:
- Song of the Six Realms by Judy I. Lin
- Daughter of Calamity by Rosalie M. Lin
- To Gaze Upon Wicked Gods by Molly X. Chang
I know I’ve missed SO many more books since I’ve been absent from the book community but do let me know what I need to add to my tbr! I want to know everyone’s favorites this year. Since I only have 1 semester left, I’ve been eager to read as much as I can. I’ve missed sharing all my latest reads and bookish thoughts and talking to friends in the community. It has always been a solace for me.
Travels
Aside from school and work, I’ve been traveling whenever I have the chance to get away! My favorite trip was definitely Seoul (again) earlier this year. Korea will always have such a big place in my heart. The food, the people, the places; I have the best time there. This time around I was able to visit the most stunning library in Gangnam; Starfield Library!!
I also made the cutest phone cases with my friend in Hongdae! Hongdae is probably my favorite area in Seoul – it has just about everything, from cute cat cafes, live music, anime pop-up shops, great food/drinks, unique malls, TONS of options for shopping, the list goes on.
Some more photos:
New Hobby
Runner up for my favorite trip this year was Vegas for the F1 race!! I got into F1 this year thanks to my cousin and it’s been a crazy ride waking up at odd hours to watch the races as a McLaren fan. Although Verstappen won the championship, I’m happy we won the Constructor’s! Next year will be exciting to say the least. Goooo Piastri!!!!
That’s all I have for today! This year was full of highs and lows, laughter and tears, love and contentment. Happy New Year and see you in 2025~
tender curiosity 