August 2024 Wrap-Up & Favorites

Source: personal collection

Hello fellow readers, we're in my birthday month, yeeay (fake enthusiasm). What has my life became? It's like I'm back to those years where I hated my birthday. But now, no, not hate, indifferent. I feel indifferent, ugh. Don't worry, it gets even more despairing as you read through this post.

Books read in August

	Black Paradox - Junji Ito (★★★)
	This manga centers around four people who planned on committing suicide together. They met through a website. However, in Junji Ito's fashion, weird things happened when they were going to execute their plan. Gore and absurdity ensued. This manga is a bit different from other Junji Ito's manga which I read because it leaned more towards science fiction. One thing that bothers me though, it has an open ending. The ending doesn't satisfy me because what's the point of all the hassle. What's the goal? Anyway, if you like Junji Ito's horror, you might want to pick this up. I wouldn't recommend this one if it's your first time though.
	Ito Junji Compilation 6: The Back Alley - Junji Ito (★★★)
	This compilation collects 11 stories. Some stories in this collection have adapted into several anime episodes. If you've heard of the anime series called Junji Ito Maniac: Japanese Tales of the Macabre on Netflix, that's where you can watch the adapted stories. The stories are just as absurd and strange as they usually are. However, some end in a non conclusive ending which I don't like in a horror story especially. They are not that fun to read. Of all the stories in this collection though, my favorite is The Back Alley because it's so creepy yet the evil one gets what it deserve so that's satisfying. All in all, this collection is recommended if you like horror stories.
	The Liminal Zone - Season 2 - Junji Ito (★★★)
	This one collects four stories, each one is weirder than the previous. Though it's titled as season 2, it doesn't have direct correlation with the Liminal Zone season 1. This collection includes one story revolves around the strange Hikizuri siblings, a weird family often appears in Junji Ito's previous collections. I don't like their stories actually, because I feel that their personalities are tiresome. I read Junji Ito's mangas because I want to be entertained. The Hikizuri siblings give the opposite effect. Other than that, the stories are okay. One titled The Village of Aether has the elements of science fiction, with the addition of the supernatural of course. All in all, if you're a fan of Junji Ito, you might want to pick this one up.
	Midwinter Murder: Fireside Mysteries from the Queen of Crime - Agatha Christie (★★★★)
	Who doesn't love good mystery stories by the Dame Agatha Christie. Centering around the theme of the dark cold winter season, you can find Hercule Poirot, Miss Marple, Tommy & Tuppence, Parker Pyne, and the Mysterious Mr. Quinn. Even Hastings got a little taste of the spotlight in it. This collection also has a wide range of mystery. Bottomline, I think there's a little something for everyone to read from this collection. I might be bias but Agatha Christie's stories have always been my comfort read. If you're looking for something to read during the holiday season, you might want to try picking this one up.

Unfortunately, August doesn't leave much impression on me, even though it's my birthday month (cries). What a shame. The saddest thing is, when I tried to recollect the memories of what I've done and perhaps things which I enjoyed during the month, I found ... nothing. Zilch. Nada. You see, at my current assignment at work, July-August are the most hellish months for reasons I couldn't explain here because this post would be full of vulgar curse words if I did. Bottomline, since my birthdate falls in said hellish period, I come to hate my birthdate too. Anyway, I'm just going to end things here before I recall those pent-up anger and frustrations in me. See you in the next wrap-up.