kimberly werntz

recommended a book 30 days ago

30 days ago

This Place is Magic By Irene Te is an introduction to a world of chaotic coziness with deep themes, the meaning of brotherhood, and the understanding that sometimes staying strong is not the easy path. If you like K-Pop or KDramas, this book will be right up your alley, or if you just like cozy stories that make you feel like going home, this one’s a winner in that category, too! I went into reading This Place Is Magic, knowing nothing about the synopsis or Irene Te; #blameitonthecover. When I saw the cover (I mean, there are waffles on it!) I was intrigued. There was an instant move to the top of TBR moment, and I was pleasantly surprised by the lovely K-drama inside. “Eunjae had felt the flicker of a wish stirring in his heart: to be known. Really, truly known." This Place Is Magic reads like a cozy, coming-of-age journey to finding your place in the world and finding the strength to stand up for yourself, all the while learning that family is truly a choice you make. It introduced me to a world of chaotic coziness with profound themes, the meaning of brotherhood, and the understanding that sometimes quitting is being strong. I loved how Irene Te mainly told this story from the male, Eunjae’s (Ari’s) POV. It’s not something I’ve read often, but it was done well and thoroughly enjoyable. I often found myself smiling over the back-and-forth dialogue of the characters and their fun, sarcastic humor. It was well-balanced, though, with deeper topics and threads that made me want to savor this book. “Sometimes running is the only thing you can do. Sometimes, you’re just not strong enough for anything else. They say you shouldn’t be a quitter, quitting is for cowards, losers, whatever. But it can be so much harder to quit something that’s hurting you." The secondary characters in the band had some great personalities that I’m hoping Irene Te explores more. The podcaster segments were a delightful little surprise interwoven through the story that gave us background and context to current events without seeming like an information dump. The gentle romance as a background to this story added just the right touch of sweetness and left me eager to see where Irene Te will take this story next. I loved Jiyeon (Emma), and the way her character was written left a distinct air of mystery about her that made me really want to know her story, as well as the story of her brother Denny and his “security clearance” iykyk. If you couldn’t tell already, I really enjoyed this story and all its chaotic coziness. I’m eagerly awaiting the next book in the series. This story was the definition of reading a book that feels like a warm hug. 5 🧇🧇🧇🧇🧇 *Note: This book contains some mild language.

This Place is Magic

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About me

Howdy Friends! I’m Kimberly, known as “The Travelers Wife 4 Life.” I'm a nomadic traveler and an avid reader too. I love deep stories across all different genres, with characters that leave a lasting impression.