Top Ten Tuesday was created by The Broke and the Bookish in June of 2010 and was moved to That Artsy Reader Girl in January of 2018. It was born of a love of lists, a love of books, and a desire to bring bookish friends together. 

Hello!

It's good to be back. A lot of work to do, but now I got time to do the TTT. So, here are my ten books with 'flower' on the cover. I should give the disclaimer that most of my books are Indonesian books and I choose the recent book that I read. So, it's not necessarily my favourite.

1. In My Closet - Risa Lisa

After watching My Love Mix-Up, I really have an interested to read many BL manhwa. In My Closet is one of them  This manhwa tells the story of Sua who likes his manager, Jung. As an Idol, it's not easy for Sua to open up his feeling. Moreover to coming out as gay, Thankfully, Sua's feelings and Jung's are mutual. In the end, they support and love each other dearly. So many cute scenes here. Not to mention that the art is so beautiful.

2. Besok Kita Belum Tentu Saling Mengingat (Tomorrow We Don't Necessarily Remember Each Other) - Dopra

So, actually, it's not a flower in the cover, it's a plant. But, since the cover is beautiful, I would like to add it to this list. The poetry book is always been part of my reading journey. For me, most of the poetry in this book is emphasizing a lot of rhetorical questions. Then, the theme itself is predominantly about loneliness and unrequited love.

3. Call from An Angel - Guillaume Musso

One of the french translation books that I ever read. I thought this book is an ordinary romance, but it turns out to be a mystery. The plot is a little bit slow, but the ending makes me curious more. Should I read the second book, then?

4. Mencari Simetri (Looking for Symmetry) - Annisa Ihsani

Tbh, Ihsani's book is such a refreshing book. With a thoughtful plot, the story won't have a plot gap whatsoever. Most of the parts are very relatable to my life. Sadly, I hardly remember the story. Lol. Maybe this book is not that memorable for me.

5. Giselle - Akiyoshi Rikako

Rikako's novel is always interesting to read. As a mystery novel, Rikako should be praised because most of her work is really unpredictable. Then, the mixture of mystery, horror, and thriller in her novel is really unbelievable. I really hope that her work would be translated into a lot of languages so many people can read her amazing story.

6. Lovely Heist - Prisca Primasari

The story about a thief organization and how they can manage to survive in this cruel world, with their limitation, can be found on Lovely Heist. I love how Prismasari put her word in this story. Liquor and Frea still being my favourite couple in this series.

"Because you can't heal your heart with break the other's heart.. or break yourself..."

7. The Rose & The Dagger - Renee Ahdieh

The story about how Shahrzad finally can accept Khalid with all of his flaws, and also how Khalid trusts Shahrzad about his weakness is unveiled through this second book. The story is quite complex since most of the story would tell the threat of war in Khalid's empire and etc.

8. Traces of Love - Clio Freya

The latest book from Fay's Adventure Series. I really love this book so much and I still waiting for the fourth book. Hope Clio Freya will publish it soon.

9. Morning Light - WIndhy Puspitadewi

One of the most memorable books that I ever read when in high school. It talked about how each of the characters should live under the shadow of their closest one, starting from the father, mother, sibling, etc. Sometimes, we didn't realize our potential since we only put our attention to chasing that shadow.

10. Mawar Merah: Mosaik (Red Roses: Mozaic) - Luna Torashyngu

Mawar Merah is always one of my favourite teenlit novels. The story is very intriguing and I don't think not many authors in Indonesia will write about an assassin. So, this novel is really worth reading.

Finally! I have finished my list. How about you? As from TTT we can share our booklist with each other, let's just say that I wanna introduce you all to Indonesian books. Hope you enjoy it.

Sincerely,

Ra

Image: Prambors

Title: Business Proposal

Director: Park Sun-ho

Writer: Hae Hwa, Han Sul-hee, Hong Bo-hee

Number of episodes: 12 episodes

Release date: February 28 - April 5, 2022

Watched on Netflix

Business Proposal is one of the K-dramas that I watched when it was still ongoing. This is a very sweet and comedic drama. It is worth watching when you wanna relax and not think too much.

Ha-ri and her CEO

The plot of an ordinary employee falling in love with the CEO may sound overly cliche, but in BP, you will find a more complex story. One day, Ha-ri agreed to help Young-seo (her best friend who is a chaebol family's daughter) in taking her place on a blind date. The intention is clear: to be rejected by her date. But when Ha-ri finally met her date, he was taken aback because her blind date is Kang Taeo-moo. He is the CEO of the company she works for.

Kang Tae-mo is the most perfect and, shall we say, 'superficial' person you've ever met in a drama. He is wealthy, intelligent, and attractive, and he claims to be able to do anything. When his grandfather nagged him to marry soon, Tae-moo decided to marry whoever he meets on his first blind date—because he dislikes wasting his time. As a result, after meeting Ha-ri, who pretends to be Yeong-so, Tae-mo asks her to marry him.

Draw my attention from the very first time

I didn't have any expectations when I watched the first episode. I decided to watch this k-drama because it was on Netflix's top list, and not gonna lie, I don't regret it.

I really like how the author plots the story. One of the strongest points of this k-drama is its comedic side. I still remember how hard I laughed when Ha-ri said Tae-mo looks like an archaeopteryx. Then, many interactions between Ha-ri and her food department team provide a different side of comedy.

The conflict is actually quite simple. It discussed how their relationship affects their work as well as Tae-family mo's background. Fortunately, the majority of conflicts can be resolved amicably. Despite the fact that Ha-ri still needs to persuade Tae-mo's grandfather until the final episode.

Apart from Ha-ri and Tae-mo, my favourite couple would be Sung-Hoon and Youn-Seo. They are unquestionably my favourite. Their sweetness, as well as the way they admire each other, is something I adore. Yeong-seo's respect for Sung-hoon is impressive, as is Sung-hoon's respect for Yeong-seo. Not to mention that Sung-hoon is eager to assist Young-seo in growing her business. Argh, they're so perfect for each other.

The plus points

This k-drama has a lot of interesting parts. As an adaptation of the same-titled web novel, this drama is more dynamic and funnier. I tried reading the webtoon, but it's not as funny as the drama. As a result, I prefer drama more.

Then, as in other k-dramas, there's always a social issue to be resolved. We will discover the scam camera case for BP. It is well known that most sexual abuse cases, particularly those involving digital technology, are extremely difficult to report. We can learn from this drama that the legal route will not help the victim because the law is still a complete mess.

Another intriguing point is how the company works in the food industry. Ha-ri's job as a researcher is one that is rarely seen in other dramas. Her job, in my opinion, is very relatable to the majority of people. As a result, it may be able to inspire viewers who are still in college.

What I don't like...

Actually, it's not a big deal, but I had no idea this k-drama only had 12 episodes. When I watched the last episode, I still thought there would be enough time to solve all of the problems, but I was mistaken. The final episode, in my opinion, is a little rushed. Despite the fact that each of the conflicts has been resolved, it does not feel as smooth as I expected it to be. Sigh.

Yoo-ra and Min-ho are my least favourite characters. They were both such a pain. Their character is unlikable. Geez. I'm always tempted to throw something at them.

Conclusion

Business Proposal is a lovey-dovey drama that will satisfy your hopeless romantic side. This drama is so fluffy and won't give you a headache.

8 out of 10 stars.

Sincerely,

Ra

Image: Anime Trending

Title: Jujutsu Kaise 0: The Movie

Genre: Animation, action, fantasy

Duration: 105 minutes

Release date: 2021

Watched at Cinepolis Depok Town Square

• Yuta Okkotsu, a high schooler who gains control of an extremely powerful Cursed Spirit and gets enrolled in the Tokyo Prefectural Jujutsu High School by Jujutsu Sorcerers to help him control his power and keep an eye on him.

Tbh, I never watched Jujutsu Kaisen before, but since I am curious, I decided to give it a chance. Well, as someone who never read or watch it, JJK 0 will give you a ground basis to understand the JJK universe. You won't get much confused since JJK 0 is a prequel.

The story

Yuta Okkotsu is cursed, or that's what he thought. A powerful Cursed Spirit, and also his childhood friend, is stuck in his body. To some extent, Rika always helps Yuta on every occasion. When someone bullied him, Rika will appear and protect Yuta at all costs. Sadly, a lot of them will die instantly. 

To avoid more casualties, Yuta shut down his interaction with anyone else. Until... he gets enrolled in The Tokyo Prefectural Jujutsu High School. Thanks to Satoru Gojou, that will remind you of Kakashi from Naruto, Yuta is able to start his training at that school. Aside to control Rika's violent behaviour, he also will learn how to maximize his ability.

What I like...

Tbh, the premise of the story is interesting. It caught my interest instantly. One of my favourite parts is when Yuta is asked to accompany Toge Inumaki to do his duty. Since I have no knowledge about every character, I don't understand why Toge's word is limited. I mean... what on earth he can only say a word about sushi and food? It's like there is no meaningful word coming from his mouth.

So, when I know about Toge's ability, I am awed and understood perfectly about his behaviour.

Other than that, about the battle. I think Yuta's ability is so powerful. He can copy the other's power easily and in a much more powerful way. When he encounters Suguru, his trust towards Rika is undefeatable. Therefore, he finally can save Maki, Toge, and also Panda by himself. 

Another Thought

When the battle broke down, I wish Satoru dan Suguru will duel meet face to face. But, their interaction at the end of the movie is enough. It shows how Satoru and Suguru have a deep connection. Then, I don't know, it just reminds me of the relationship between Dumbledore and Grindelwald in the Harry Potter Universe. It's so random but I think it's kinda similar.

Tbh, after watching the movie, I feel a little bit curious about the rest of the story. So, I decided to buy the manga. You guess what, JJK manga is the most expensive comic book that I ever bought T.T. Sigh. I just can hope the story is amazing as the price is...

Conclusion

If you haven't followed anything about JJK, JJK 0 can be your first choice. It will give you the taste and you won't be that much confusion. But, I do understand that JJK 0 will give a special meaning to the avid fans of JJK. So, whether you are new to this universe, or a fan, you will feel satisfied when watching this movie.

Well, actually it's been a while since I watched an anime movie at the cinema. The last anime movie that I watched must be Detective Conan the movie and it was before the pandemic. So, it's refreshing to watch JJK 0. 

7 out of 10 stars.

Sincerely,

Ra

Image: Netflix

Title: Kotaro Lives Alone

Genre: Comedy, Drama, Family

Number of episodes: 10

Release date: 24th April 2021

Stars: Eito Kawahara, Yu Yokoyama, Maika Yamamoto, Katsuhisa Namase, Daigo Nishihata, Kanako Momota

Watch on Netflix

Shin Karino is an unpopular manga artist who spends his days meaningless in his apartment. One day, he meets his new neighbor, Kotaro Sato, a 5-year-old child who will be living alone. Shin begins to take care of Kotaro and learns the importance of responsibility and care as an adult.

Actually, this dorama always appeared on my recommendations lately. Therefore, I decided to watch it out of curiosity. To be honest, I haven't read the manga yet, but the premise looks so promising and I just like a mini-series like Kotaro. Moreover, I know that one of the Naniwa Danshi's members take a role in this drama. 

Kotaro Lives Alone

At the age of five, what have you done? Kotaro is starting to live alone at that age. He literally rent an apartment room by himself and manages to live by himself. Of course, adults around them are worried and confused when they first meet Kotaro. Starting from Karino, the unpopular manga artist who first meet with Kotaro, Mizuki the next neighbour, and also Isamu, the below neighbour who looks like a gangster. 

At first, no one really knows about Kotaro. Why he should live by himself and how he can manage to do that. It's of course confusing, even for Kobayashi, a lawyer in charge to give the money every week for Kotaro. But, little by little, everyone finally gets attached to Kotaro and want to protect him at all cost. 

Well...

After all, Kotaro Lives Alone is a very heart-warming story, even though I don't know how much accurate the story is. I mean, I know that children in Japan are really independent, but to live alone like Kotaro is a little bit too much, I think. But, since I don't really know about it, I won't talk more.

I love how J-drama capture all of the character's personality. Even the supporting role got their part perfectly in this short mini-series. Then, since the duration of each episode is only 20 minutes, it's really easy to watch in one go. 

Anyway, one of the reasons I am curious about this series is because of one of Naniwa Danshi's members who take the role in it. It was Daigo Nishihata who plays Keisuke Hanawa, Kotaro's teacher in the kindergarten.  At first, I mistakenly recognize who is Daigo. Lol. But the more I watch it, Daigo is perfectly captured Keisuke's character. 

Aside of that, I know there is some character's improvement after meeting Kotaro. In a way, they found their life goals after they got interact with Kotaro, such as how Karino is really improving on his works. After all, Kotaro is really a charming boy.

Hmm, to be honest. One thing that I find a little bit disturbing is about how's Kotaro's father is abusive. I mean, I couldn't easily forgive that behaviour. It hurts Kotaro's mother that bad. Whatever the reason is, it shouldn't be end up like that. Sigh. 

Conclusion

If you wanna find a heartwarming series, Kotaro Lives Alone will be your perfect choice.

8 out of 10 stars.

Sincerely,

Ra

Image: Goodreads, edited by me

Judul: Lebih Senyap dari Bisikan

Penulis: Andina Dwifatma

Penerbit: Gramedia Pustaka Utama

Tahun terbit: 30 Juni 2021

Tebal buku: 155 halaman

Baca di Gramedia Digital

Di akhirat nanti, kalau aku ketemu Tuhan, akan kutanyakan kenapa Dia bikin tubuh perempuan seperti makanan kaleng. Kubayangkan di bawah pusar atau pantatku ada tulisan: Best Before: Mei 2026.

Amara dan Baron dikepung pertanyaan mengapa belum punya anak. Aneka usaha untuk hamil nyatanya telah mereka lakukan, dari yang normal hingga ekstrem. Namun, persoalan tidak selesai tatkala Amara hamil dan melahirkan. Ada yang tidak ditulis di buku panduan menjadi orangtua, ada yang tidak pernah disampaikan di utas Program Hamil.

Lebih Senyap dari Bisikan merupakan novel kedua Andina Dwifatma, setelah Semusim, dan Semusim Lagi (2013)—pemenang Sayembara Novel Dewan Kesenian Jakarta. Novel ini membuka mata pembaca dengan kisah Amara dan pahit manis kehidupan perempuan dalam menemukan apa yang berharga. 

***

Siapa bilang kalau menikah itu enak? Ketika menikah, maka seluruh keputusan yang kamu ambil tidak lagi tentang dirimu saja, tapi kamu juga harus memperhatikan kebutuhan dari pasanganmu, anak--kalau ada, dan juga keluarga lainnya. Menikah bukan hanya soal mengucap janji suci dan pasti berakhir bahagia layaknya kisah dongeng. Inilah yang sebetulnya dibahas sangat lengkap dalam Lebih Senyap dari Bisikan. 

Bagiku, novel satu ini menceritakan secara lengkap lika-liku hidup yang mungkin akan relatable dengan kehidupan sekarang.

"Karena itukah aku ingin punya anak? Agar aku bisa bilang bahwa aku sudah menjalankan peran utamaku sebagai perempuan? Agar aku bisa menggenapkan tugas tubuhku yang dirancang untuk melanjutkan kehidupan?"

Lika-liku hidup Amara

Amara dan Baron adalah pasangan milenial yang terus dikepung pertanyaan mengapa belum punya anak. Awalnya mereka bukanlah pasangan yang ingin cepat-cepat memiliki anak. Akan tetapi, pada akhirnya mereka mengalah pada tuntutan di sekitar mereka. Pada akhirnya, upaya Amara dan Baron untuk memiliki anak tidak lagi menjadi upaya yang tulus--menurutku, tapi lebih ke upaya mereka lepas dari stereotipe di sekitar mereka.

Kalau kehidupan pernikahan akan berakhir bahagia saat berhasil memiliki anak, maka itu hanyalah bualan semata. Kehidupan pernikahan akan menjadi lebih rumit setelahnya. Mulai dari permasalahan mengasuh anak, konflik dengan orang tua, hingga tentang musibah terkait finansial yang cukup kekinian sekarang ini--eits, bukan tentang pinjol, ya. Istilahnya, tokoh Amara di sini sudah jatuh tertimpa tangga, terseret arus pula. Bertubi-tubi sekali masalahnya.

Yang aku suka

Sebagai sebuah novel yang bahasannya serius, aku pikir Lebih Senyap dari Bisikan akan dibawakan secara serius juga. Nyatanya tidak. Andina Dwifatma berhasil menceritakan kisah Amara dengan luwes. Meskipun permasalahan Amara banyak sekali, tapi ceritanya begitu mengalir. Alhasil aku tidak bosan saat membacanya.

Yang menarik adalah, banyaknya masalah yang ditemui Amara dalam novel ini. Mulai dari sedikit membahas bagaimana kampus membungkam mahasiswanya yang kritis, pernikahan beda agama antara Amara dan Baron, ekspektasi untuk punya anak dari pasangan yang sudah menikah, hidup berdampingan sebagai pasangan, hingga permasalahan finansial yang sering kali menghampiri pasangan muda seperti Amara dan Baron.

Kalau boleh aku bilang, cerita ini enggak ada bahagia-bahagianya. Amara di sini bercerita sembari mengeluhkan hidupnya. Memang ada kesan bahwa ialah yang paling menderita di dunia. Akan tetapi, itulah yang menjadi charm dari novel ini. Keluhan Amara ini sangatlah relatable. Tentu aku sangat memahami kondisi Anara. 

Kesimpulan

To some extent, membaca Lebih Senyap dari Bisikan memang memperkuat pandanganku soal pernikahan, khususnya tentang memiliki anak. Aku sangat sadar kehidupan pernikahan itu akan seindah keluarga cemara. Mana ada hal demikian di dunia ini. Jadi, siapapun yang ingin lebih memahami kehidupan pernikahan, bacalah novel ini. Narasi bahwa pernikahan adalah solusi dari suatu masalah itu pada dasarnya bullshit. it can grow more problems if you are not aware of it.

Anyway, thanks to Kak Raafi yang sudah merekomendasikan novel satu ini. Menarik banget sugguh ceritanya :) 

4 dari 5 bintang,

Sincerely,

Ra