Life Right Now #17

On my bedside table: More manga (mix of horror and fantasy), new Emily Henry book, new Abby Jimenez book

On my tv this week: All of our usual shows. I also started the new season of Below Deck and continued with S1 of Goblin.

Listening to: Obviously I’m still obsessed with Stray Kids and K-Pop. I did put my music on shuffle the other day so we got a bit of everything.

On the menu for this week:

• Monday - Homemade pizza

• Tuesday - Nachoes

• Wednesday - Out (traveling home)

• Thursday - Chicken Cordon Bleu Dip

• Friday - Crab and Avocado Sandwiches

• Saturday - Honey Lime Tilapia

• Sunday - Broccoli Beef

On my to do list: I’m all about trip prep today. I need to pack my clothes. And I need to go buy the groceries for the trip. Otherwise, I just want to get some stuff put away before we leave tomorrow.

Happening this week:

• Monday - Iowa Trip

• Tuesday - Iowa Trip

• Wednesday - Iowa Trip

• Thursday - Enrichment Co-op

• Friday - Home Day

• Saturday - Home Day

• Sunday - Home Day

What I am creating: Nothing much right now. I am right in the middle of big event ejects, so I’m focusing on those.

My simple pleasures: Support from friends, hazelnut latte, ice water, horror manga

Looking around the house: I should vacuum before we leave tomorrow and I should do some laundry. Otherwise, whatever, it’s good.

From the camera: Arthur working on his PI art project at co-op.

Water Moon by Samantha Sotto Yambao

Title: Water Moon

Author: Samantha Sotto Yambao

Publisher: Del Rey 2025

Genre: Fantasy

Pages: 384

Rating: 5/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Unread Shelf; Cover Lover - Frame Worthy Design

Where I Got It: Bought it

On a backstreet in Tokyo lies a pawnshop, but not everyone can find it. Most will see a cozy ramen restaurant. And only the chosen ones—those who are lost—will find a place to pawn their life choices and deepest regrets.

Hana Ishikawa wakes on her first morning as the pawnshop’s new owner to find it ransacked, the shop’s most precious acquisition stolen, and her father missing. And then into the shop stumbles a charming stranger, quite unlike its other customers, for he offers help instead of seeking it.

Together, they must journey through a mystical world to find Hana’s father and the stolen choice—by way of rain puddles, rides on paper cranes, the bridge between midnight and morning, and a night market in the clouds.

But as they get closer to the truth, Hana must reveal a secret of her own—and risk making a choice that she will never be able to take back.

Everyone once in a while, I really want to fall into a super atmospheric fantasy book. I was something that moves a bit slow and feels like you are in a dream. I don’t want it to be action packed, but have a plot that moves somewhere. And I want it to be a book that I keep thinking about interactions and passages days and weeks and months later. This is that book for me this year! Ultimately this is a story about choices. Hana, Kei, and everyone else in this book wrestle with choices made and choices given up throughout this quest story. I have written down so many quotes from this book. I cannot wait to really dive into some of these quotes and questions at the retreat in two weeks.

Next up on the TBR pile:

Enchantra by Kaylie Smith

Title: Enchantra (Wicked Games #2)

Author: Kaylie Smith

Publisher: Forever 2025

Genre: Fantasy; Horror

Pages: 448

Rating: 5/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Romanceopoly - Wedding Season

Where I Got It: Library

Spice Rating: 5

Welcome to Enchantra. There’s only one rule: Never, ever trust your heart.

When Genevieve Grimm’s mother is killed, Genevieve wants answers nobody can give… until she receives an invitation to Enchantra, a cursed palace filled with temptations and illusions.

Arrogant and dangerously handsome, Rowin Silver meets her at the door and refuses to let her inside. But Genevieve finds her own way in… And soon realizes her mistake.

Enchantra is a twisted labyrinth of marble and thorns, where Rowin’s family are trapped forever in a deadly game. Now, Genevieve must win or die.

Rowin offers her a deal. They can compete together… if they convince everyone watching that they’re desperately in love.

Genevieve knows she can’t trust Rowin, but she’ll do whatever it takes to survive. As they hunt and hide together, Genevieve tries to ignore the desire burning between them. She absolutely cannot fall for this man. Cannot forget that she’s only pretending to be in love.

The sequel to Phantasma and we get to see Genevieve navigate a horrifying situation. Thankfully we have moved beyond Phantasma to focus on another “game” within the same world. I dislike Genevieve in the first book, but she grew on me during this one. Her pretty exterior hid a spine of steel and a stubborn streak a mile long. It was nice to really dive into her character and see her navigate an unknowable game. Rowin was a great foil for Genevieve and an even better foil for Knox. I loved how immediately the two of them teamed up to win the games and help the Silver family. We also get all the wonderful new characters within the Silver family. I cannot wait to see it Smith writes a book focused on Sevin. He’s definitely a favorite of mine. The plot was fast paced. The romance was sufficiently angsty and full of sexual tension. The games were bloody and scary. And the sex scenes were very open door and lots of fun. Loved this one!

Next up on the TBR pile:

Jujutsu Kaisen Vol. 12

Title: Jujutsu Kaisen Vol. 11

Author: Gege Akutami

Publisher: VIZ Media 2020

Genre: Comics

Pages: 192

Rating: 4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Finishing the Series

Where I Got It: Library

In a world where cursed spirits feed on unsuspecting humans, fragments of the legendary and feared demon Ryomen Sukuna have been lost and scattered about. Should any demon consume Sukuna’s body parts, the power they gain could destroy the world as we know it. Fortunately, there exists a mysterious school of jujutsu sorcerers who exist to protect the precarious existence of the living from the supernatural!

In a world where cursed spirits feed on unsuspecting humans, fragments of the legendary and feared demon Ryomen Sukuna were lost and scattered about. Should any demon consume Sukuna’s body parts, the power they gain could destroy the world as we know it. Fortunately, there exists a mysterious school of jujutsu sorcerers who exist to protect the precarious existence of the living from the supernatural!

And more action in Shibuya Station! We get to see how the good guys start to break down the barriers and infiltrate the place. We get to make some great connections between the curse workers and the sorcerers. I loved Mei Mei and her brother the most in this volume. Such secrets within that family, just like all the sorcerer families. I cannot wait to see how this giant situation gets resolved.

Jujutsu Kaisen

• Volume 1

• Volume 2

• Volume 3

• Volume 4

• Volume 5

• Volume 6

• Volume 7

• Volume 8

• Volume 9

• Volume 10

• Volume 11

• Volume 12

• Volume 13

• Volume 14

• Volume 15

• Volume 16

• Volume 17

• Volume 18

• Volume 19

• Volume 20

• Volume 21

• Volume 22

• Volume 23

• Volume 24

• Volume 25

Next up on the TBR pile:

Jujutsu Kaisen Vol. 11

Title: Jujutsu Kaisen Vol. 11

Author: Gege Akutami

Publisher: VIZ Media 2020

Genre: Comics

Pages: 192

Rating: 5/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Finishing the Series

Where I Got It: Library

In a world where cursed spirits feed on unsuspecting humans, fragments of the legendary and feared demon Ryomen Sukuna have been lost and scattered about. Should any demon consume Sukuna’s body parts, the power they gain could destroy the world as we know it. Fortunately, there exists a mysterious school of jujutsu sorcerers who exist to protect the precarious existence of the living from the supernatural!

Despite the crowd of civilians and transfigured humans, Satoru Gojo is able to defeat the cursed spirits at Shibuya Station. But it’s a trap! The cursed spirits possess a special item that can even seal the all-powerful Gojo! Meanwhile, an unlikely ally suddenly contacts Yuji Itadori, who is on his way to the station!

The event at Shiuya Station is really lasting many many chapters! Normally I would not like this in my comics, but in this case, it totally works. We get to learn more and more about our cast of characters. We get to see how their pasts dictate their choices in the current timeline. We get to see more of their skills and learn more about jujutsu overall. I’m still a huge Gojo fan even when he’s at his most annoying and egotistical. There’s something about him that really draws you in as a reader.

Jujutsu Kaisen

• Volume 1

• Volume 2

• Volume 3

• Volume 4

• Volume 5

• Volume 6

• Volume 7

• Volume 8

• Volume 9

• Volume 10

• Volume 11

• Volume 12

• Volume 13

• Volume 14

• Volume 15

• Volume 16

• Volume 17

• Volume 18

• Volume 19

• Volume 20

• Volume 21

• Volume 22

• Volume 23

• Volume 24

• Volume 25

Next up on the TBR pile:

The Liminal Zone by Junji Ito

Title: The Liminal Zone

Author: Junji Ito

Publisher: VIZ Media 2022

Genre: Manga Horror

Pages: 210

Rating: 4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: 

Where I Got It: Library

What destiny awaits them after the screaming?

After abruptly departing from a train in a small town, a couple encounters a “weeping woman”—a professional mourner—sobbing inconsolably at a funeral. Mako changes afterward—she can’t stop crying! In another tale, having decided to die together, a couple enters Aokigahara, the infamous suicide forest. What is the shocking otherworldly torrent that they discover there?

One of horror’s greatest talents, Junji Ito beckons readers to join him in an experience of ultimate terror with four transcendently terrifying tales.

Weeping Woman Way - Lovely and creepy! I especially loved the big twist toward the end.

Madonna - Meh. Not my cup of tea.

The Spirit Flow of Aokigahara - Loved loved loved this body horror story. A real winner here!

Slumber - It was a decent horror story. Not my favorite of his, but definitely better than some of the others.

Next up on the TBR pile:

Currently #9

Reading: I’m deep into Water Moon by Samantha Sotto Yambao for the retreat book selection. It has a beauty dreamy quality to the story. I’ve hit a bit of a lull in the story, but pushing through to see how it ends.

Watching: I finally started watching S1 of Goblin and it is amazing! I am lovely every single episode. It’s my new obsession.

Listening: Still Stray Kids all the time. It’s my happy place.

Making: Still working on my May Memory Planner pages. And hoping to get started on my June.

Feeling: It’s been very warm the last few days, but a storm rolled in last night. I’m so much cooler!

Planning: We’re going on our Iowa trip next week and finishing our itinerary. We’re planning ahead to save some money and avoid a ton of fast food.

Loving: I got back into SKZ Code from 2022 and have loved every episode. Watching those 8 guys do silly things make me so happy.

Next up on the TBR pile:

Music Monday - Stray Kids "Pacemaker"

Based on my new obsession, I decided to do a Top 10 series of my favorite Stray Kids songs. There are so many songs, but I keep coming back to the same ones again and again. (I’m focusing on songs featuring all 8 members; no subunit or solo songs.)

There’s no real music video for this song, but I still super love it. Not many people put this one their Top 10, but I always get excited when it pops up on my shuffle.

Next up on the TBR pile:

Life Right Now #16

As I look outside my window: Bright and sunny yet again. And the temperature is supposed to climb. I’m staying indoors today.

Right now I am: Figuring out what to make for brunch. I really have no idea. I was supposed to buy cinnamon rolls at the store and completely forgot. Guess I need a Plan B.

On my bedside table: Lots more manga; the new Abby Jimenez and the new Emily Henry.

On my tv this week: J and I have been watching our currently airing shows (Doctor Who, Welcome to Wrexham, Clarkson’s Farm). I also finished watching All of Us are Dead and this season of Below Deck: Down Under.

Listening to: All the Stray Kids music of course.

On the menu for this week:

• Monday - Out at Book Club

• Tuesday - Jerk Pork

• Wednesday - Firecracker Chicken

• Thursday - Chicken Tortilla Soup

• Friday - Pizza Night

• Saturday - Honey Lime Chicken

• Sunday - Gochujang Pasta Alfredo

On my to do list: I need to work on the Iowa trip plan. We’ve got some ideas, but need to finalize our itinerary.

Happening this week:

• Monday - Strawberry Picking; Book Club

• Tuesday - Home Day (We were supposed to have a pool day but the weather is going to be cold and rainy)

• Wednesday - Home Day

• Thursday - Enrichment Co-op

• Friday - Heron Haven Hike

• Saturday - Co-op Book Club

• Sunday - Home Day

What I am creating: Nothing much. Although maybe I can work on my Memory Planner today.

My simple pleasures: Music, silly videos, finishing a television series

Looking around the house: I did a quick pick up yesterday and feeling a lot better about the state of the house. I do want to vacuum the upstairs today and feel a bit better.

From the camera: Some pics from Thursday night. Drinks and beautiful weather at a local brewery while the boys were at the homeschool dance.

May 2025 Wrap-up

May TBR Pile (24/27):

1. Bookworms BC: (NOT READING)

2. Friend BC: (Already read)

3. Nerdy Bookish Friends BC: Service Model by Adrian Tchaikovsky ✓

4. Kid Book Club: (Already read)

5. Kid Read Aloud: Pippi Longstocking by Astrid Lindgren ✓

6. Kid Read Aloud: Odder by Katherine Applegate ✓

7. Kid Read Aloud: The Giver by Lois Lowry ✓

8. Historical Fiction: The Stolen Queen by Fiona Davis ✓

9. Fantasy: This Inevitable Ruin by Matt Dinniman ✓

10. Fantasy: How to Be Eaten by Maria Adelmann ✓

11. Romance: Swept Away by Beth O’Leary ✓

12. Horror: Stitches by Hirokatsu Kihara ✓

13. Comics: Shiver by Junji Ito ✓

14. Comics: Tomie by Junji Ito ✓

15. Comics: Fragments of Horror by Junji Ito ✓

16. Comics: Dissolving Classroom by Junji Ito ✓

17. Comics: Remina by Junji Ito ✓

18. Comics: Lovesickness by Junji Ito ✓

19. Comics: Sensor by Junji Ito ✓

20. Comics: Venus in the Blindspot by Junji Ito ✓

21. Comics: Frankenstein by Junji Ito ✓

22. Comics: Jujutsu Kaisen Vol. 5 ✓

23. Comics: Jujutsu Kaisen Vol. 6 ✓

24. Comics: Jujutsu Kaisen Vol. 7 ✓

25. Comics: Jujutsu Kaisen Vol. 8 ✓

26. Comics: Jujutsu Kaisen Vol. 9 ✓

27. Comics: Jujutsu Kaisen Vol. 10 ✓

1,000,000 Page Goal

Monthly Total: 7171 pages
Pages Remaining: 155,380 pages

Current Read - Jujutsu Kaisen Vol. 11-16; Enchanrtra by Kaylie Smith

Books I Gave Up On (0)

Books Bought/Received (0)

UnRead Shelf Progress

• Starting Number: 299

• Books Read: 1

• Books Acquired: 0

• Books Unshelved: 0

• Finishing Number: 298

June TBR Pile: I have quite a stack of comics to finish this month.

1. Bookworms BC: Water Moon by Samantha Yambao Sotto

2. Friend BC: The Wedding People by Alison Espach

3. Nerdy Bookish Friends BC: (already read)

4. Kid Book Club: May the Best Player Win by Kyla Zhao

5. Kid Read Aloud: Fantastic Mr. Fox by Roald Dahl

6. Romance: Great Big Beautiful Life by Emily Henry

7. Romance: Seoulamtes by Susan Lee

8. Comics: Uzumaki by Junji Ito

9. Comics: Betwixt

10. Comics: Gyo by Junji Ito

11. Comics: Deserter by Junji Ito

12. Comics: Tombs by Junji Ito

13. Comics: Soichi by Junji Ito

14. Comics: Alley by Junji Ito

15. Comics: Black Paradox by Junji Ito

16. Comics: Smashed by Junji Ito

17. Comics: Jujutsu Kaisen Vol. 11

18. Comics: Jujutsu Kaisen Vol. 12

19. Comics: Jujutsu Kaisen Vol. 13

20. Comics: Jujutsu Kaisen Vol. 14

21. Comics: Jujutsu Kaisen Vol. 15

22. Comics: Jujutsu Kaisen Vol. 16

23. Comics: Twisted Wonderland Vol. 1

24. Comics: Twisted Wonderland Vol. 2

25. Comics: Twisted Wonderland Vol. 3

26. Comics: Twisted Wonderland Vol. 4

Movies Watched

TV Shows Watched

• Crash Landing on You

• Leverage: Redemption

• Doctor Who

• Last Week Tonight

• Below Deck: Down Under

• Um, Actually

• Game Changer

• Inheritance Detective

• Very Important People

• Murderbot S1

• Welcome to Wrexham S4

• Andor S2

• Goblin

• Mythic Quest S4

• All of Us are Dead

• All-Night SKZ (2021)

• Kingdom: Legendary War Behind (2021)

• SKZ Song Camp (2021)

• Kingdom Week: NO+ (2021)

• SKZ-Talker (2021-2022)

• SKZ-Talker Go (2021-2022)

• SKZ Code (2021-2022)

• 2 Kids Room (2022)

Comments - I’m slowly getting my reading mojo back. I actually read novels this month and not just manga (although I am still loving manga). We also watched some great shows. I even finished a few shows.

Next up on the TBR pile:

Swept Away by Beth O'Leary

Title: Swept Away

Author: Beth O’Leary

Publisher: Berkely 2025

Genre: Romance

Pages: 384

Rating: 4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Romanceopoly - Beachside Cafe; Cover Lover - Birds

Where I Got It: Library

Spice Rating: 3

What if you were lost at sea…with your one-night stand?

Zeke and Lexi thought it would just be a night of fun. They had no intentions of seeing each other again. Zeke is only in town for the weekend to buy back his late father’s houseboat. Lexi has no time for dating when she needs to help take care of her best friend's daughter.

Going back home with a stranger seems like a perfect escape from their problems. But a miscommunication in the dark, foggy night means no one tied the houseboat to the dock. The next morning, Zeke and Lexi realize all they can see is miles and miles of water.

With just a few provisions on the idle boat, Zeke and Lexi must figure out how to get back home. But aside from their survival, they’re facing another challenge. Because when you’re stuck together for days on end, it gives you a lot of time to get to know someone—and to fall in love with them.

I have enjoyed O’Leary’s past books, but had heard grumbles about this newest one. I went in with a bit of trepidation, but was pleasantly supposed. I really enjoyed seeing two characters with the ultimate forced proximity trope learn to rely on each other and eventually love each other. I am always the most excited in romance books for the parts where characters actually talk to each other. That’s what most of this book was about! Absolutely perfect. On the other hand, I knocked off a star because of the last section on land. We get the big reveal/twist that I totally telegraphed early on. That third act break-up was completely unnecessary and definitely should have been changed. I wouldn’t have minded a bit of a struggle at the end, but the way it played out was way too melodramatic. A little switch and this could have been a 5 star read for me.

Next up on the TBR pile:

Odds and Ends

Here's my randomness for the week:

• It’s Field Day! It’s always a super chaotic day, but we love doing this event every year.

• I may have gotten my reading mojo back this past week. I haven’t just been reading manga but also regular novels.

• I think it’s an iced coffee kind of day. Good thing I bought some concentrate earlier this week.

• Looking forward to my leftover kimchi jjigae for lunch today.

• Maybe I will try some other Korean recipe next week.

Next up on the TBR pile:

Jujutsu Kaisen Vol. 10

Title: Jujutsu Kaisen Vol. 10

Author: Gege Akutami

Publisher: VIZ Media 2020

Genre: Comics

Pages: 192

Rating: 4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Finishing the Series

Where I Got It: Library

In a world where cursed spirits feed on unsuspecting humans, fragments of the legendary and feared demon Ryomen Sukuna have been lost and scattered about. Should any demon consume Sukuna’s body parts, the power they gain could destroy the world as we know it. Fortunately, there exists a mysterious school of jujutsu sorcerers who exist to protect the precarious existence of the living from the supernatural!

In a world where cursed spirits feed on unsuspecting humans, fragments of the legendary and feared demon Ryomen Sukuna were lost and scattered about. Should any demon consume Sukuna’s body parts, the power they gain could destroy the world as we know it. Fortunately, there exists a mysterious school of jujutsu sorcerers who exist to protect the precarious existence of the living from the supernatural!

This volume is mostly one big showdown at Shibuya Station starring Gojo! I loved seeing how all the different groups of sorcerers and curses interacted amongst the humans. We get some great little jump scares and reveals. And we learn a bit more about the dynamics between the Womb Paintings, Mahito, and Geto. I cannot wait to see how they resolve this battle in the next volume.

Jujutsu Kaisen

• Volume 1

• Volume 2

• Volume 3

• Volume 4

• Volume 5

• Volume 6

• Volume 7

• Volume 8

• Volume 9

• Volume 10

• Volume 11

• Volume 12

• Volume 13

• Volume 14

• Volume 15

• Volume 16

• Volume 17

• Volume 18

• Volume 19

• Volume 20

• Volume 21

• Volume 22

• Volume 23

• Volume 24

• Volume 25

Next up on the TBR pile:

Jujutsu Kaisen Vol. 9

Title: Jujutsu Kaisen Vol. 9

Author: Gege Akutami

Publisher: VIZ Media 2020

Genre: Comics

Pages: 192

Rating: 5/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Finishing the Series

Where I Got It: Library

In a world where cursed spirits feed on unsuspecting humans, fragments of the legendary and feared demon Ryomen Sukuna have been lost and scattered about. Should any demon consume Sukuna’s body parts, the power they gain could destroy the world as we know it. Fortunately, there exists a mysterious school of jujutsu sorcerers who exist to protect the precarious existence of the living from the supernatural!

Satoru Gojo and Suguru Geto have been assigned a mission to escort the Star Plasma Vessel to Master Tengen. When they’re ambushed by Toji Fushiguro, a mercenary known as the Sorcerer Killer, will Gojo and Geto survive? And will this be the turning point where Gojo becomes the world's strongest exorcist while Geto embraces a life of ruin and rebellion?

This volume carried so much emotional weight. Get to see the great dynamic between Gojo and Neto and then the twist in their friendship. What is going to happen when Gojo realizes exactly who is behind the present day troubles? Plus we get to learn more about Toji Fushiguro. My favorite scene was the one between Megumi Fushiguro and Gojo. Loved seeing a young Megumi interact with his future mentor. And we get some great action sequences!

Jujutsu Kaisen

• Volume 1

• Volume 2

• Volume 3

• Volume 4

• Volume 5

• Volume 6

• Volume 7

• Volume 8

• Volume 9

• Volume 10

• Volume 11

• Volume 12

• Volume 13

• Volume 14

• Volume 15

• Volume 16

• Volume 17

• Volume 18

• Volume 19

• Volume 20

• Volume 21

• Volume 22

• Volume 23

• Volume 24

• Volume 25

Next up on the TBR pile:

How to Be Eaten by Maria Adelmann

Title: How to Be Eaten

Author: Maria Adelmann

Publisher: Little, Brown, and Company 2022

Genre: Magical Realism

Pages: 291

Rating: 4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Fairytale Retelling

Where I Got It: Library

In present-day New York City, five women meet in a basement support group to process their traumas. Bernice grapples with the fallout of dating a psychopathic, blue-bearded billionaire. Ruby, once devoured by a wolf, now wears him as a coat. Gretel questions her memory of being held captive in a house made of candy. Ashlee, the winner of a Bachelor-esque dating show, wonders if she really got her promised fairy tale ending. And Raina's love story will shock them all.

Though the women start out wary of one another, judging each other’s stories, gradually they begin to realize that they may have more in common than they supposed . . . What really brought them here? What secrets will they reveal? And is it too late for them to rescue each other?

I cannot remember who exactly recommended this book to me, but I want to say thank you! This was the weird feminist rage book that I had been looking for. We get to see a group of fairytale characters wrestle with their trauma and how they are perceived by the public. We don’t get a resolution to their troubles, but a realistic portrayal of their issues. I found myself raging right alongside them. From the ways that the public treats their truth to how they treat each other. I loved the weird little pieces of insight the characters gain along the way. The biggest reason that I took off a star from my rating is the ending. I just really hated the big reveal of Will and how it impacted the women. Annoying.

Next up on the TBR pile:

Music Monday - Stray Kids "S-Class"

Based on my new obsession, I decided to do a Top 10 series of my favorite Stray Kids songs. There are so many songs, but I keep coming back to the same ones again and again. (I’m focusing on songs featuring all 8 members; no subunit or solo songs.)

Another super popular song. The music video is extra fun!

How about a fun SKZOO version?

Next up on the TBR pile:

Frankenstein by Junji Ito

Title: Frankenstein

Author: Junji Ito

Publisher: VIZ Media 1999

Genre: Manga Horror

Pages: 408

Rating: 4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: 

Where I Got It: Library

The master of horror manga brings the world's greatest horror novel—Frankenstein—back to life.

Junji Ito meets Mary Shelley! The master of horror manga bends all his skill into bringing the anguished and solitary monster—and the fouler beast who created him—to life with the brilliantly detailed chiaroscuro he is known for.

Also included are six tales of Oshikiri—a high school student who lives in a decaying mansion connected to a haunted parallel world. Uncanny doppelgangers, unfortunately murdered friends, and a whole lot more are in store for him.

Frankenstein - Absolutely amazing! I adore this manga version of Mary Shelley’s classic horror story. Ito highlights the horror so well in his drawing style.

Neck Specter
Bog of Living Spirits
Pen Pal
Intruder
The Strange Tale of Oshikiri
The Strange Tale of Oshikiri: The Walls
These interconnected stories started out well. Neck Specter was amazing, but then they started to feel a bit stale. Mostly I think it’s because Oshikiri is not a great character.

The Hell of the Doll Funeral - Very creepy short that I loved.

Face Firmly in Place - Strange and not that enjoyable.

Boss Non-non
Hide-and-Seek with Boss Non-non
These two stories about a cat were not of much interest to me. They were lacking in the horror that I love.

Next up on the TBR pile:

Life Right Now #15

As I look outside my window: It’s dreary today. Fits my mood I think.

Right now I am: Not wanting to make brunch. Maybe I will send J out for something…

On my bedside table: Mostly manga, although I did just get Emily Henry’s new book from the library. And I need to read the retreat book selection.

On my tv this week: J and I started watching S2 of Andor and S4 of Welcome to Wrexham and continued S1 of Murderbot along with some of our regular rotation shows. I started watching All of Us are Dead and Goblin with J was at a movie.

Listening to: K-pop all the time

On the menu for this week:

• Monday - Ranch Cheddar Chicken

• Tuesday - Kimchi Jjigae

• Wednesday - Grill Night

• Thursday - Snack Dinner/Leftovers

• Friday - Firecracker Chicken

• Saturday - Spicy Black Bean Stuffed Sweet Potatoes

• Sunday - Italian Beef Sandwiches?

On my to do list: Retreat tasks (finish some logistics, update grocery list, etc), Field Day tasks (make teams, write out instructions, check in with my cohost), Enrich Co-op tasks (update Session B registrants, finalize W9-10 lesson plans, brainstorm Session B lessons), Homeschool tasks (start planning out next year), Read my library book

Happening this week: A lighter week after a few busy ones.

• Monday - Home Day

• Tuesday - Home Day

• Wednesday - Park Playdate

• Thursday - Co-op Field Day; Homeschool Dance

• Friday - Co-op Parent Info Meeting

• Saturday - Home Day

• Sunday - Home Day

What I am creating: I want to work on my May Memory Planner today. At least I want to get the photos printed and staged.

My simple pleasures: Stray Kids, good books, good sleep, not 90 degree temperatures

Looking around the house: The retreat pile in my breakfast area is growing. Getting closer and closer and staging all our supplies makes a pile. Otherwise the house is in good shape this week.

From the camera: Baby pygmy hippo! She’s so cute!

Jujutsu Kaisen Vol. 8

Title: Jujutsu Kaisen Vol. 8

Author: Gege Akutami

Publisher: VIZ Media 2020

Genre: Comics

Pages: 192

Rating: 5/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Finishing the Series

Where I Got It: Library

In a world where cursed spirits feed on unsuspecting humans, fragments of the legendary and feared demon Ryomen Sukuna have been lost and scattered about. Should any demon consume Sukuna’s body parts, the power they gain could destroy the world as we know it. Fortunately, there exists a mysterious school of jujutsu sorcerers who exist to protect the precarious existence of the living from the supernatural!

Yuji Itadori and his classmates are fighting two of the three reincarnated Cursed Womb: Death Paintings brothers. Meanwhile, Megumi Fushiguro loses consciousness after finally defeating a special grade curse that possessed a Sukuna finger! Whoever wins the fight between Itadori and the brothers will be the one to secure the prized finger!

Um… we get a giant flashback story within this volume of the story. We get a sorta conclusion to the curse story started in volume 7 and then everything switches. My star rating is really based on the flashback section featuring a ton of characters. I literally gasped when Gojo’s classmate showed up. I am so interested in how their partnership turns in the intervening years. I am so deeply invested in this entire story now. I cannot wait to see how this plays out.

Jujutsu Kaisen

• Volume 1

• Volume 2

• Volume 3

• Volume 4

• Volume 5

• Volume 6

• Volume 7

• Volume 8

• Volume 9

• Volume 10

• Volume 11

• Volume 12

• Volume 13

• Volume 14

• Volume 15

• Volume 16

• Volume 17

• Volume 18

• Volume 19

• Volume 20

• Volume 21

• Volume 22

• Volume 23

• Volume 24

• Volume 25

Next up on the TBR pile:

Jujutsu Kaisen Vol. 7

Title: Jujutsu Kaisen Vol. 7

Author: Gege Akutami

Publisher: VIZ Media 2019

Genre: Comics

Pages: 192

Rating: 4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Finishing the Series

Where I Got It: Library

In a world where cursed spirits feed on unsuspecting humans, fragments of the legendary and feared demon Ryomen Sukuna have been lost and scattered about. Should any demon consume Sukuna’s body parts, the power they gain could destroy the world as we know it. Fortunately, there exists a mysterious school of jujutsu sorcerers who exist to protect the precarious existence of the living from the supernatural!

Despite the injuries and losses they suffered in an attack on the Goodwill Event, the students of Jujutsu High have little time rest as people start dying under mysterious circumstances. Could these strange deaths have anything to do with Sukuna's lost fingers?

We get a conclusion of the Goodwill Event and an interesting development in the relationship between Idatori and Todo. I’m still trying to wrap my brain around the friendship between those characters. Something is fishy… And then we get a new mystery of the unlocked doors and Fushiguro’s stepsister. I thought that we would continue with this story, but the volume ends in a strange way. We get the introduction of two new curses. Battle commences…

Jujutsu Kaisen

• Volume 1

• Volume 2

• Volume 3

• Volume 4

• Volume 5

• Volume 6

• Volume 7

• Volume 8

• Volume 9

• Volume 10

• Volume 11

• Volume 12

• Volume 13

• Volume 14

• Volume 15

• Volume 16

• Volume 17

• Volume 18

• Volume 19

• Volume 20

• Volume 21

• Volume 22

• Volume 23

• Volume 24

• Volume 25

Next up on the TBR pile: