Review: Kusunoki's Flunking Her High School Glow-Up

A funny romantic comedy about two high school nerds who went to a new school where they both had their “glow-up” debut. 

When Shizuki was rejected by his heartthrob, he was not only left with a broken heart, but also became pretty-girl-phobic on top of it. He decides to opt for a fresh start: new school, new looks, new friends and a healthy portion of confidence as the icing on the cake. Shizuki selects a school where no one knows his secret former self, allowing him to start anew as a blank canvas. To avoid any incidents and not trigger his phobia, he strictly avoids having eye contact with all the popular girls… until one day, when the prettiest and most sought-after girl in school asks him for help!

The cute blonde turns out to be his dreadfully nerdy and totally unpopular former library “companion” with whom he never spoke a word. Not much has changed at least in that respect; fellow ex-outcast Kusunoki is still as shy and socially awkward as she used to be and only managed to upgrade her appearance, not her social skills – when it comes to looks she definitely reached max level. Unable to speak to her peers, she’s not able to put her looks to good use and begs none other than the seemingly confident Shizuki for help. 

Shizuki however, wants to decline instantly. Not only does the cute Kusunoki challenge his deepest fears, but she also knows what an unpopular boy he used to be and could threaten his newly accomplished status. But due to Kusunoki’s clumsy cute demeanour, Shizuki gets roped into helping her overcome her social anxiety. From now on Shizuki has to navigate both his phobia and the extra level of attention he receives as he spends a lot of time with the school’s most popular girl…

My Reading Experience

I had a great time reading Kusunoki’s Flunking Her High School Glow-Up. It’s funny, cute and features clumsy nerds who try to become popular kids – ever since I read Wotakoi, Love Is Hard For Otaku, “nerds trying to be normies” has become one of my favourite tropes. Apart from that, I also loved the art style. The drawings are pretty and the character’s emotions are nicely developed. A bit over the top, yes, but that makes it extra fun in my opinion. 

Who Would Enjoy This Manga?

Kusunoki’s Flunking Her High School Glow-Up is great for readers who enjoy a cute and funny rom-com with pretty artwork. Otakus and nerds who like the genre will be able to empathise with the former-ducklings-now-turned-swans and might enjoy it even more – at least I do, hehe! If you love Wotakoi, Love Is Hard For Otaku or Kubo Won’t Let Me Be Invisible, you will definitely have a great time with this manga. 

Rating

Overall Rating: ⭐⭐⭐ ⭐⭐

Story: ⭐⭐ ⭐⭐⭐

Art: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Big thanks to Kodansha Comics for providing me with this digital review copy!

Details

Title: Kusunoki's Flunking Her High School Glow-Up 1

Author: Mitsuki Mii

Published: 20th of August, 2024

Genre: Rom-com

Big thanks to Kodansha Comics for providing me with this digital review copy!

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Review: The Storyteller’s Tale

The Storyteller’s Tale by Judith Bouilloc

Iliad is a snatchwords: She can breathe life into words by speaking them aloud. Thanks to this wonderful gift, the young woman has become the most famous storyteller in the kingdom of Esmeria.

What it’s about:
The Storyteller’s Tale is a lighthearted court romance with a magical twist, following the journey of Iliad, a young librarian caught in the political schemes and social dynamics of Babel’s aristocracy. After receiving a marriage proposal by an aristocrat who keeps his identity hidden, Iliad and her grandmother travel to the city of Babel to find out who this mysterious man is and what he wants with a low-born wife. 

At the heart of the story is a rich world filled with books, poetry and storytelling magic. Iliad’s fierce grandmother is a standout character, literally spitting fire to defend her beloved grandchild, adding a nice touch of humour to the narrative. Alongside intrigues, court life and political affairs, Iliad’s developing romance with the brooding Adil stands at the centre stage of the novel. Describing a world full of storytelling magic, the book is also full of literary references, making it a true ode to reading and bibliophilia.

My reading experience:
The book’s strongest charm is its setting. We dive into a world where books and libraries play a major role and stories are brought to life by so-called snatchwords; people who can take lines from a page and even turn whole stories into theatre performances. As a book lover, I found myself swept away by the frequent literary quotes and references, which felt like a love letter to readers and writers alike. The prose is lovely, despite it being a translation, and the descriptions of Babel’s gardens, architecture and the famous library are full of intricate details which sparked my imagination. 

While I loved the magical world and Iliad's fierce grandmother (seriously, her fiery temper literally burns through the pages!), I was disappointed and even a bit annoyed by the romance and the poorly developed plot. Adil, the male lead, comes off as gruff and unappealing at first, and even Iliad seems to agree. Yet she remains in Babel to learn more about him. His character development feels forced and their romance lacked the natural chemistry one would expect from a story like this. While the pacing of the first half is rather slow, it feels as if the author rushed and tried to squeeze all the content that was left into the last few chapters. Suddenly everything moves twice as fast, we jump from one scene to the next, and before you know it, you’ve reached the last page of the book. 

Strengths:

• Fierce grandmother: Granny steals the show! She’s sassy, protective, spits flames and even sets Iliad’s ex on fire. Her scenes are some of the funniest and most memorable moments in the book.

• Bibliophile magic: The magical elements involving books and storytelling are beautifully woven into the plot, making it a delight for bookworms like me.

• Charming worldbuilding: The setting is a treat: palaces, gardens and libraries full of mystery, books and magic. It’s the perfect backdrop for a cosy read.

• Literary References: The book is filled with quotes from classic literature and poetry, which adds depth and gives a nod to the author’s own love of books.

Weaknesses:

• The romance: The relationship between Iliad and Adil felt underdeveloped, forced and boring. While Adil’s tragic backstory explains some of his grumpiness, the sudden shift in Iliad’s feelings after initially being unimpressed left me unconvinced. 

• Character dialogue: At times, the characters switch from sophisticated prose to oddly simplistic dialogue, which feels out of place and jarring. 

• Plot gaps: There are a few plot holes, especially regarding Iliad’s motivations for staying in Babel after being openly disappointed by Adil’s indifference towards her. This could have been handled more smoothly.

• Pacing: While the first half is slowly paced, the majority of the plot is squeezed into the last two chapters and the book ends abruptly – only to be followed by a pretty cringe epilogue which is nothing but a half hearted attempt at wrapping it all up and sprinkling some sugary sweet topping onto a half-baked cake of a book. (I subtracted one star just for the epilogue).

Who might still enjoy this book?
Think Beauty and the Beast vibes but with books and a fire-breathing grandma!

If you love reading, magic and the "grumpy meets sunshine" trope, The Storyteller’s Tale might be right up your alley. Fans of stories set in grand courts with a lighthearted romance plot could enjoy this cosy, whimsical read, despite its weaknesses. 

Rating: ⭐⭐

Details

Title: The Storyteller’s Tale

Author: Judith Bouilloc

Published: 21st of August, 2024

Published by: Rivka Publishing

Genre: Cozy Fantasy

Age Range: Middle Grade / YA

Big thanks to Rivka Publishing for providing me with this digital review copy!

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Cosy Bookworm Checklist: 

• Libraries & books

• Gardens

• Magic

• Lighthearted

Review: Mermaid Prince

Introduction

This manga collection features three emotional short stories by Kaori Ozaki, author of The Gods Lie and Our Summer Holiday, exploring themes like loneliness, growing apart, depression, but also the beauty of silence, kindness and friendship. 

Ametsukigahara

Ametsukigahara is a moving story about a girl named Akari Umino whose life changes as she drifts apart from her best friend. It is a sad, captivating and ruminant tale which addresses the troubles and emotional turbulence of growing up. This one actually touched me the most and I was impressed by how slow, thoughtful and quiet the story felt. The panels convey powerful emotions and I was captivated by the beauty and blissfulness of the landscapes. 

One Snowy Day

One Snowy Day is a tale about a librarian who shows kindness to two strangers while others dismiss them. As a homeless father and his young child sit in the library for hours while a white out covers the city in snow, she doesn’t shoo them away and instead picks up a children’s book and reads it to the kid. The story is about empathy and silence and that practising both can enrich our lives and fill us with joy. I loved the setting (who would have thought!), the character art and the stunning backdrops of a snowfall at night.  

Mermaid Prince

In Mermaid Prince we follow Mugi, a young boy who has to adjust to the island life of Okinawa after moving there from Tokyo. Living with his older sister and her husband, who is an avid apnea diver, Mugi, who suffers from asthma and has fair skin, feels like the fifth wheel and wonders if there is room for him in a place like this. To Matori however, he is a prince and together they risk their lives in search of a legendary mermaid who grants a wish to those who are brave enough to defy death in order to seek her aid. 

This panel beautifully shows the mood and setting of the story.

Final Thoughts

I was very touched and entranced by all of the three stories. The stunning artwork is mesmerising and I can recommend this collection to anyone who likes emotional tales with a touch of magic. The tales definitely left me pondering and are beautifully melancholic and profound, giving you food for thought. I give this collection five out of five stars and will definitely pick up more works from the author. 

Rating

Overall Rating: ⭐⭐⭐ ⭐⭐

Story: ⭐⭐ ⭐⭐⭐

Art: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Big thanks to Kodansha Comics for providing me with this digital review copy!

*Beware that this manga deals with heavy themes like death, depression. Sexual encounters between the characters are depicted, but the portrayal is mild and not explicit or disturbing.

Details

Title: Mermaid Prince

Author: Kaori Ozaki

Publisher: Kodansha Comics / Vertical Comics

Published: June 25, 2024

Age: 16+

Short stories: Mermaid Prince, Ametsukigahara, One Snowy Day

Themes: sex, grief, loss, loneliness

Big thanks to Kodansha Comics for providing me with this digital review copy!

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Review: Suzume (Manga)

Suzume by Makoto Shinkai

Synopsis

The manga Suzume is an adaptation of Makoto Shinkai's film Suzume no Tojimari, which was a big hit in Japan.The story centres on Suzume Iwato, a 17-year-old girl who encounters a mysterious stranger called Souta Munakata on her way to school. He asks her if there are any abandoned premises nearby and she points him to a building complex which was destroyed by an earthquake years before. When she tells her classmates about it at school, she realises how dangerous it is to wander this restricted area. 

Driven by worry and guilt, Suzume sets off to find the young man and warn him. When she arrives at the site, she discovers a strange door and opens it. It appears to lead to another world, but Suzume cannot enter. By opening the door, she unknowingly unleashes a force that could bring disaster to her home country and also activates its cat shaped keystone, which comes to life and vanishes. Souta arrives at the site and together they manage to close the door. 

However, since the keystone turned into a cat and disappeared, the colossal, supernatural worm who roams the other world is bound no longer and threatens to wreak havoc across Japan. Suzume then joins forces with Souta, who seals these dangerous doors. On a journey to prevent destruction, Suzume also confronts her own past and feelings of loss. 

Inspired by the great earthquakes that shook Japan several years ago, Makoto Shinkai , the author of Your Name and Weathering With You, tells an emotional dystopian story that lured me in from the very beginning. 

My Reading Experience

Suzume drew me in after reading just a few pages. The slightly dystopian atmosphere, beautiful character art and paranormal themes create a dichotomy between beauty and destruction that is very alluring. Denki Amashima manages to create an interesting tension between lovely drawn characters and the dismal looking background art, which is one of the main reasons Suzume felt so impactful and emotional. The artwork also seems to reflect the state of Suzume’s mind: most of the time she is quiet, withdrawn and shy, but has several emotional outbursts throughout the story which are most likely a result of the traumatic events she experienced as a child. 

We only learn a bit about her past in the form of flashbacks and dreams, which vaguely explain her motivations and add to the mystery surrounding the doors. These flashbacks appear to be connected to the mysterious portals she encounters: The doors lead to another world, where a colossal flying worm roams freely, who is causing earthquakes whenever he enters the human realm. Judging from what we learned about Suzume’s past, I suspect that she might have trespassed one of these doors when she was still very young. But for now I can only guess and wait for the second part to reveal more about this mystery. 

I really enjoyed the dynamic between Suzume and Souta, especially how he initially tries to shoo her away, only to realise he can’t complete the task alone and eventually asks for her help. Daijin, the keystone, which turned into a fierce cat, adds an unexpected twist to the story. He transforms Souta into a chair and later even becomes a social media sensation. I’m eager to see what happens next, particularly with Daijin. Even though I enjoyed the above mentioned parts, I would have liked to see more interaction between Suzume and Souta, as the story often focuses on the characters they meet along the way. But I’m still hopeful that their relationship will be explored further in parts two and three.

Suzume and Souta. I placed an art book by Makoto Shinkai in the background  to add some colour to the photos =)

Art Style

Denki Amashima’s art style is a perfect fit and brings both the fantastical elements and the characters to life. The paranormal aspects, the worm, the doors and the abandoned buildings that were destroyed by earthquakes evoke a sense of dread, otherworldliness and loss, which reflects the mental state of the protagonist. 

The characters are well designed and their deep and complex emotions are also displayed beautifully. I personally enjoyed that the characters are drawn in a more romantic and feminine style that is typical for the sho-jo genre, forming an intriguing contrast to the rather dystopian landscapes. 

Characters

Suzume is a relatable and determined protagonist who grows significantly throughout the story. Her sense of responsibility and courage makes her stand out, especially as she deals with personal loss and the weight of saving her world. Souta serves as an intriguing counterpart to her, although his arc is less fleshed out compared to Suzume’s.  Tertiary characters, such as Suzume’s aunt Tamaki and the mischievous talking cat Daijin add depth to the narrative, while the other characters the pair encounters provide a balance to the heavier themes of grief and responsibility.

On the flip side, the story seems too short to properly handle such a large cast of characters. From what I read, the manga closely follows the film’s portrayal of these characters, but condenses some of their development due to the shorter format. As a result, certain emotional beats may feel less impactful than in the film, where there was more time to flesh out these side stories. 

I honestly wish that more focus was put on Suzume and Souta, whose character dynamic I enjoyed a lot. The other characters felt rather random and I did not care for them at all. The only exception is Daijin, the keystone-turned-cat, who has a mischievous and libertarian personality and eventually becomes a social media sensation in the story. 

Plot & Pacing

The manga mirrors the film’s plot, focusing on Suzume and Souta’s journey across Japan as they close the dangerous doors in order to prevent more earthquakes. While the pacing feels fine, there is just too much plot squeezed into a single manga. This becomes very obvious in moments where the characters' emotional arcs might have benefited from more exploration. 

Suzume is often described as being a road movie and sadly I cannot deny that. Souta and Suzume travel to different places and encounter various characters along the way, which to me felt like a distraction from the main plotline. Instead of learning more about Suzume, Souta, the doors or the worm, we are introduced to other characters who have no relevance to the plot whatsoever. I also would have wished that more focus was put on the character dynamic between Souta and Suzume, which I found very interesting and enjoyable. 

Themes

As in the film, the manga touches on themes of loss, human connection and personal growth. Suzume's journey is not just a physical one but also an emotional exploration of her unresolved feelings regarding her mother's death. The doors could be a metaphor for the lingering impact of past trauma, adding a layer of psychological depth to the dystopian adventure. The story’s paranormal elements feel very dream-like and seem to be connected to Suzume’s psyche, although it remains to be seen if this assumption is true - after all I haven’t watched the movie yet and two more volumes will still be released. 

The bond between Suzume and Souta also emphasises the importance of human connection in overcoming personal struggles and illustrates Suzume’s desire to feel needed and be of help. It becomes apparent that she struggles with self love and self worth and is thus quick to put her life on the line for the greater good and to save Souta. 

While the manga retains the film’s thematic richness, it feels as if Makoto Shinkai wanted a bit too much and added too many themes, characters and plot lines to a single story. Yes, this is only the first volume out of three, but I’m worried that the other two will be as overloaded as this one. I also want to watch the movie in order to compare it with the manga and find out if I feel the same way about the film. 

World Building

The concept of the mysterious doors that connect to otherworldly spaces is intriguing and adds an element of suspense. Each location Suzume and Souta visit feels distinct, from quiet rural towns to bustling cities. The rural settings feel authentic and real, making me feel as if I was experiencing parts of the Japanese lifestyle and culture. I often watch vlogs and documentaries of Japan’s countryside and I felt as if the manga transported me to a small coastal town where life is still a bit slower. I definitely want to watch the movie to experience these locations in full colour, especially since I’m a big fan of Makoto Shinkai’s art. 

Strengths

• Authentic Setting: The depiction of Japan’s small towns and abandoned sites feels real and atmospheric, capturing a sense of nostalgia and desolation.

• Supernatural Themes: The doors to another world and the looming threat of a gigantic, destructive worm create an engaging, high-stakes conflict with a touch of paranormal mystery.

• Art: The artist beautifully captures the characters’ emotions and evokes a sense of drama. The characters are drawn in a very pretty sho-jo like style, which is an interesting contrast to the desolate sites and the cosmic, subliminal threat of the worm and the doors. The abandoned places reflect a sense of loss, influenced by the 2011 Touhoku earthquake and tsunami, and thus present a powerful backdrop for Suzume’s emotional character development. 

• Daijin: This pesky keystone turns into a cat and transforms Souta into a chair, only to become a social media star later on. Daijin is by far my favourite side character due to his strong personality, which adds a quirky, and lighthearted element to the story.

• Suzume & Souta: Suzume is a charming and pretty protagonist who is ridden by grief and driven by strong emotions. Her selflessness and caring nature toward Souta (even when he’s a chair) made me want to learn more about her. Her desire to care for others, stemming from feelings of unworthiness and unresolved grief, adds complexity to her character and turns her into an interesting female hero who I definitely root for. It made me very happy when Souta finally opens up a bit and admits that he needs her help to close the doors and save their home. 

• Dreams and Flashbacks: Suzume’s dreams and flashbacks, which connect her childhood trauma to the mysterious doors, provide a deeper emotional layer to the story and made me want to pick up the next volume immediately – sadly it hasn’t been released yet, so I have to be patient and wait until I can learn more about this cryptic parallel world. 

Daijin

Weaknesses

• Underexplored Mysteries: The worm, the doors and Souta’s backstory remain underdeveloped, making the central mystery feel more like a backdrop to the road trip and slice-of-life moments. This is such a shame, since this is the most interesting (and actually the main) plotline. 

• Distracting Side Characters: The characters Suzume meets on her journey detract from the more compelling relationship between her and Souta. This annoyed me a lot to be honest, especially since these characters have nothing to do with the plot and seem like random filler elements that are just there to give Suzume something to interact with. The fact that Souta is there the whole time is just being ignored. Maybe the author shouldn’t have turned him into a chair?

• Limited Interaction Between Suzume and Souta: Since Souta is transformed into a chair early on, meaningful interaction between the two is limited, frustrating readers like me who are more interested in their relationship. Instead we have to be content with a set of random and boring side characters who should have been left out. 

• Scattered Focus: The plot feels unfocused at times, juggling several themes without fully committing to any single narrative. The plot is about saving the world, Suzume’s grief, her coming-of-age journey and her relationship with Souta (which is neglected after the first half of the book) and on top of that several side stories are squeezed in as well. Overall it seems to me that the author could not decide which story to tell or he changed it up several times throughout the development process. Less would have been more and when I finished the manga I was left pretty disappointed and wanting. 

The cute Suzume walks through a door and enters another world

Who Will Love This Manga?

Fans of Makoto Shinkai’s film Suzume no Tojimari will enjoy this manga adaptation as a way to revisit the story in a different medium. Readers who appreciate emotional, character-driven fantasy narratives with some road trip elements might find Suzume a pleasant experience, even if they haven’t seen the film (like myself). However, those who loved the visual spectacle of Shinkai’s movies may find the manga version a bit lacking in comparison, since it is drawn in black ink and doesn’t feature the colour and beautiful lighting Shinkai is known for. 

Final Thoughts

Overall I’m pretty torn by this manga. On the one hand there are several aspects I enjoyed, for example the two main characters, setting, paranormal mystery and Daijin. On the other hand I was pretty disappointed since this only makes up 50% of the story. The rest was just wasted space if you ask me and I would have preferred it if the plot had a clearer focus centred around Suzume and Souta. Even though this may sound harsh, I still want to know what happens next, so I will pick up the second volume once it is released. The beautiful art style is a plus, which is why I give the manga three out of five stars. 

Rating

Overall Rating: ⭐⭐⭐

Story: ⭐⭐

Art: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Big thanks to Kodansha Comics for providing me with this digital review copy!

Details

Title: Suzume 

Story: Makoto Shinkai 

Art: Denki Amashima 

Genre: Dystopian, Adventure, Self Discovery 

Publisher: Kodansha Comics / Vertical Comics

Volumes: 1/3

Published: Sept 24th, 2024 (E)

Big thanks to Kodansha Comics for this review copy!

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Review: Lockett & Wilde’s Dreadfully Haunting Mysteries: The Ghosts of the Manor

Lockett & Wilde’s Dreadfully Haunting Mysteries: The Ghosts of the Manor

What the book is about:

Lockett & Wilde’s Dreadfully Haunting Mysteries: The Ghosts of the Manor by Lucy Strange and Pam Smy is an enchanting middle-grade mystery packed with spooky charm and heartwarming friendships. The story centres around two unusual kids, Matilda Lockett and Edgar Wilde, as they investigate eerie occurrences at an old, mysterious manor. As they delve deeper into the secrets of the house and its peculiar inhabitants, they uncover hidden truths and encounter ghostly figures that add an extra layer of suspense to the tale. The hand-drawn illustrations by Pam Smy beautifully complement the eerie atmosphere, bringing the quirky characters and haunted setting to life. With a few twists to keep readers guessing, this lighthearted adventure strikes the perfect balance between spooky fun and gentle intrigue, making it a delightful read for all ages who love a ghostly mystery.

Me reading on my iPad

My Reading Experience: 

What a spooky and funny read! 

From the very first page, I was charmed by the unique characters and captivated by Pam Smy’s stunning artwork. Lockett & Wilde’s Dreadfully Haunting Mysteries delivered everything I hoped for: a spooky autumn setting, an interesting mystery and a quirky cast of characters. The book’s cover sets the tone for a cosy mystery, and it didn’t disappoint. It’s the kind of book I love to read on a rainy evening, curled up with my cats and a cup of hot chocolate, getting lost in its pages.

The friendship that blossoms between Matilda and Edgar as they team up as supernatural detectives is heartwarming, and their dynamic adds so much to the story’s charm. Their bond grew in such a natural, endearing way that you can’t help but root for them as they uncover the manor's secrets together.
The pacing was spot-on too: the plot unravelled at a steady pace, with lighthearted humour sprinkled throughout, which kept me turning the pages. And yes, I read it in one evening! =) 

Illustrations:  

The illustrations by Pam Smy really bring the story to life. They are charming, mysterious and beautifully drawn by hand, adding depth and humour to the story. The style fits the lighthearted spooky tone of the book perfectly and every page felt like a treat, pulling you deeper into the eerie yet inviting world of Matilda, Edgar and the haunted manor.

Favourite Moments:  

One of the standout moments for me was when Matilda stumbles upon the manor's conservatory. Whenever there’s an old estate in a book and you add a winter garden on top, to me that’s the equivalent of gifting me a cake – with cocoa powder and chocolate crumbling that is!

Matilda is discovering a clue

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Who Will Love This Book:

This book is perfect for readers who love a good mystery with a pinch of humour. 

Fall vibes are matched perfectly with spooky artwork, so it’s a good choice if you enjoy reading when it’s raining outside.  If you enjoyed The House with Chicken Legs by Sophie Anderson and The Mystery of Black Hollow Lane by Julia Nobel, you will surely like this book!

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Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐  

Story: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐  

Illustrations: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Big thanks to Walker Books for sending me this ebook!

Details

Title: Lockett & Wilde’s Dreadfully Haunting Mysteries: The Ghosts of the Manor

Author: Lucy Strange

Illustrator: Pam Smy

Genre: Mystery / Ghost Story

Age Range: Middle Grade

Big thanks to Walker Books for providing me with this digital review copy!

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Spooky Bookworm Checklist: 

• Spooky vibes

• Ghosts

• Cold and windy weather

• Old mansion

• Mystery

• Thematic illustrations

Weekend Recap: Books, Games and Home Decor

This weekend was all about slowing down and enjoying the little things in life. My boyfriend and I started it off with a cosy bookish date. We headed to our local bookstore in the Old Town of Graz, spent some time browsing the shelves and then headed to our favourite café to have a warm and delicious chocolate porridge and iced coffee. 

Calm breakfast after we went book shopping

The heat was a bit intense to be honest, so after we got home, we spent the rest of the weekend indoors. But for a bookworm this is not an issue, because there are endless worlds waiting to be explored! We passed the time by playing games, getting lost in our books and ate way too much ice cream to stay cool. It's these simple moments in life that allow you to slow down and truly unwind and I try to cherish that as much as I can.

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Freshly printed

On the creative side of things, I’ve been working on a project that’s been on my mind for a while: my photo wall. Lately, I’ve been experimenting quite a bit with photography and had the idea of turning my own photographs into art prints. This weekend I edited and printed a bunch of my photos and framed some of them. I went for a nostalgic and retro aesthetic in a delicate colour palette with some saturated blues and oranges.

The wall is still a work in progress, because silly me did not check in advance if we even had enough frames for all the prints! But it’s been a start and the wall will come together eventually. Once it's ready, I’ll share the finished result.

Nostalgic and retro inspired art prints

If you’re into photography or home decor, I also shared a quick video tutorial on how to turn your own photos into art prints. You can find it pinned on my Instagram feed if you’re interested in giving it a try.

I hope your weekend was as relaxing and fulfilling as mine! What have you been up to?

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 #slowlifestyle #cozyaesthetic #dailyaesthetics #homedecoration #nostalgia

Current Read: Romantasy for Cozy Book Lovers

There’s nothing quite like cozying up with a good book, especially when those stories take you on a calm and cozy journey and allow you to explore magical worlds, fantastical libraries and bewitched tea. If you're looking to unwind and lose yourself in a story, I can recommend The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches by Sangu Mandanna. 

The Secret Society of Irregular Witches by Sangu Mandanna

Plot

The story follows Mika, a witch living in hiding, who is invited to a mysterious house to teach three young witches how to control their magic. What follows is a tale filled with heartfelt connections, quirky characters, (a grumpy love interest *ugh*) and magical tea that makes you want to open your own little tea shop – Mika also plays with the same thought in the book, but you have to read it yourself if you want to find out if she makes this dream reality! 

For a touch of magic in your reading list, The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches is a delightful escape into a hidden world with cottages, libraries and comfy attics.

Cozy Bookworm Checklist

• Magic

• Witches

• Tea

• Animals

• Libraries & bookstores

• Cozy home

• Nature 

If you are looking for a heartwarming story, charming magic, a cute dog, a delightful protagonist with plenty of flaws and a bit of (enemies to lovers) romance, you should definitely pick this book up. 

Which Book Will You Pick Up Next?

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#TheVerySecretSocietyOfIrregularWitches #CozyFantasy #Witchybooks #Cottagecore #Aesthetics #AutumnReads