escapades of the elusive kat

Fair Play
Eve Rodsky
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A revolutionary, real-world solution to the problem of unpaid, invisible work that women have shouldered for too long.

It started with the Sh*t I Do List. Tired of being the "shefault" parent responsible for all aspects of her busy household, Eve Rodsky counted up all the unpaid, invisible work she was doing for her family -- and then sent that list to her husband, asking for things to change. His response was... underwhelming. Rodsky realized that simply identifying the issue of unequal labor on the home front wasn't enough: She needed a solution to this universal problem. Her sanity, identity, career, and marriage depended on it.

The result is Fair Play: a time- and anxiety-saving system that offers couples a completely new way to divvy up domestic responsibilities. Rodsky interviewed more than five hundred men and women from all walks of life to figure out what the invisible work in a family actually entails and how to get it all done efficiently. With four easy-to-follow rules, 100 household tasks, and a figurative card game you play with your partner, Fair Play helps you prioritize what's important to your family and who should take the lead on every chore from laundry to homework to dinner.

"Winning" this game means rebalancing your home life, reigniting your relationship with your significant other, and reclaiming your Unicorn Space -- as in, the time to develop the skills and passions that keep you interested and interesting. Are you ready to try Fair Play? Let's deal you in.


hm... actually a DNF but I think I had finished the "theoretical" parts of the book, I had to stop when it was just a continuous listing down of specific examples because it was just getting my blood boil and annoyed and I DO NOT NEED my mood to be affected on this fine day.

If I have to read... "pun intended" one more time........

IMHO, you don't just breakdown tasks into sub-tasks. Nice of her to add sub-tasks to her tasks, but his tasks are just the one task... which, objectively AND subjectively can be broken down into several sub-tasks as well, so why do only her tasks get the sub-tasks? Is that to inflate her number of tasks? Is THAT considered fair?

In a way these feel like... "people with money" (first world?) problems. The never-ending chicken-or-egg question... yes, you have the home making mental load, yes, he is the breadwinner, but hey, he does have his mental load at work. He can just not work, and there will be totally no money, and with no money, you have a different set of problems.

I'm not saying I agree that the breadwinner is the total winner here. The breadwinner should also be compassionate about the home maker's mental load, just as the home maker should show compassion to the breadwinner's mental load at work. You think sitting there in the office/workplace is such a stress-free no-need-for-mental-gymnastics job?

Alright, I'm not married, don't have kids, and I do not live in the US, so I can't really comment much on the specific tasks and way of doing things and such. But hey, it comes down to respecting your partner's (be it life partner, work partner, colleague, friend, spouse, whatever) work and time and whether or not they are putting the time and thought to be considerate of the other.

Maybe I'm naive and don't get the real issue because "you don't see the problem until it happens to you" but, I think it's all about being respectful to each other's time and effort.

The House in the Cerulean Sea
TJ Klune
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Linus Baker is a by-the-book case worker in the Department in Charge of Magical Youth. He's tasked with determining whether six dangerous magical children are likely to bring about the end of the world.

Arthur Parnassus is the master of the orphanage. He would do anything to keep the children safe, even if it means the world will burn. And his secrets will come to light.

The House in the Cerulean Sea is an enchanting love story, masterfully told, about the profound experience of discovering an unlikely family in an unexpected place—and realizing that family is yours.


This book was one of the suggestions in the (new) book club I’m in. I was a little bamboozled though!

When I first read the synopsis, I commented to the suggester (who was a friend outside of the club as well) that “I’m getting queer vibes from the synopsis” and she said “no! I promise you!” Queer or not, it would have been fine, but after being promised that it wasn’t, and that then it WAS, I was a little miffed. Nothing against Queer-ness, it’s more of the “that’s what I said but you said it wasn’t!!” type of annoyance. (Yes, I have to be proven right lol)

I’m surprised discussions in the book were mostly so… civilized. Is that… British? (Looks up on Google)… and alright, it felt very, very British to me.

I’ll say, I knew from the start something was up with Arthur and had some inkling about what exactly. The book has many many hints in the beginning and referring back and repeating small phrases and comments that just pushes you to reconsider “hm….. something is up.” There’s a lack of actual physical action/conflict and everything is being discussed so civilly, that it just gives off this very British vibe. In a way it’s very heartwarming and feel-good.

This is my first TJ Klune book, so is this his style of writing? I dunno. But I’m about to find out, coz I’m going to explore this author!

Dead-End Memories
Banana Yoshimoto (author), Asa Yoneda (translator)
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First published in Japan in 2003 and never before published in the United States, Dead-End Memories collects the stories of five women who, following sudden and painful events, quietly discover their ways back to recovery.
Among the women we meet in Dead-End Memories is one betrayed by her fiancé who finds a perfect refuge in an apartment above her uncle's bar while seeking the real meaning of happiness. In "House of Ghosts," the daughter of a yoshoku restaurant owner encounters the ghosts of a sweet elderly couple who haven't yet realized that they've been dead for years. In "Tomo-chan's Happiness," an office worker who is a victim of sexual assault finally catches sight of the hope of romance.
Yoshimoto's gentle, effortless prose reminds us that one true miracle can be as simple as having someone to share a meal with, and that happiness is always within us if only we take a moment to pause and reflect. Discover this collection of what Yoshimoto herself calls the "most precious work of my writing career."


This is actually the second Banana Yoshimoto book I’ve read (the first was Goodbye, Tsugumi). I don’t quite remember what I thought about that one, just that, it was about some dying the friend, but that friend just never died (until the end of the book). I forget if it was some real thing or something that was made up by the friend.

This had about 5 snippets or stories, all of which, per usual Japanese authored books, had no real conclusion to them. I think I kind of related the most to the main character of the last story (Dead-End Memories), whereas the one I could not relate to the most was probably the first one (The House of Ghosts). I can see the practical-ness of it, but I couldn’t see any real person actually ok with it (or maybe there are, how would I know).

Cute, I-thought-it-would-be-a-quick-read-but-wasn’t.

The God of the Woods
Liz Moore
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When a teenager vanishes from her Adirondack summer camp, two worlds collide

Early morning, August 1975: a camp counselor discovers an empty bunk. Its occupant, Barbara Van Laar, has gone missing. Barbara isn’t just any thirteen-year-old: she’s the daughter of the family that owns the summer camp and employs most of the region’s residents. And this isn’t the first time a Van Laar child has disappeared. Barbara’s older brother similarly vanished fourteen years ago, never to be found.

As a panicked search begins, a thrilling drama unfolds. Chasing down the layered secrets of the Van Laar family and the blue-collar community working in its shadow, Moore’s multi-threaded story invites readers into a rich and gripping dynasty of secrets and second chances. It is Liz Moore’s most ambitious and wide-reaching novel yet.

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I’m starting to feel really impressed by my local library having all these Libby books and audiobooks available - with no waiting time. Or I’m just lucky, and the service is still new so not many people use it, but yeah.

I find there are many unbelievable parts in this book.

Barbara goes missing, and (spoilers) it ended up she went into hiding. Conceptually it’s all fine, but how believable is that? She’s described as being a goth (hair dyed black, black eyeliner) but also skillful in the ways of camping? To me, it feels a bit far fetched.

I got particularly miffed at the Louise’s parts. Well yeah, I really hate it when reading about some innocent being accused, but then honestly Louise wasn’t helping herself either, what with her lying as well.

Overall not a bad read, but I think there were quite a few unnecessary POVs (Tracy’s, for one). Also, the author seemed to be writing all these elaborate scenes, giving lengthy explanations, but then at the end of it… wrapped up pretty quickly. I was like “huh?” And it ended.

The Measure
Nikki Erlick
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"A story of love and hope as interweaving characters display: how all moments, big and small, can measure a life. If you want joy, love, romance, and hope—read with us." —Jenna Bush Hager

A luminous, spirit-lifting blockbuster that asks: would you choose to find out the length of your life?

Eight ordinary people. One extraordinary choice.

It seems like any other day. You wake up, drink a cup of coffee, and head out.

But today, when you open your front door, waiting for you is a small wooden box. The contents of this mysterious box tells you the exact number of years you will live.

From suburban doorsteps to desert tents, every person on every continent receives the same box. In an instant, the world is thrust into a collective frenzy. Where did these boxes come from? What do they mean? Is there truth to what they promise?

As society comes together and pulls apart, everyone faces the same shocking choice: Do they wish to know how long they’ll live? And, if so, what will they do with that knowledge?

The Measure charts the dawn of this new world through an unforgettable cast of characters whose decisions and fates interweave with one another: best friends whose dreams are forever entwined, pen pals finding refuge in the unknown, a couple who thought they didn’t have to rush, a doctor who cannot save himself, and a politician whose box becomes the powder keg that ultimately changes everything.

Enchanting and deeply uplifting, The Measure is an ambitious, invigorating story about family, friendship, hope, and destiny that encourages us to live life to the fullest.


This book was recommended by a friend, we hadn’t talked for a long time, and then she suddenly reached out to ask about ereader devices, then she mentioned having heard of a recommendation for this book.

I found the premise a little silly (suddenly, worldwide, everyone over 22 receives a box with a string. Box and string are indestructible, and string length is how long your life is). But, premise aside, the incidents that happen are indeed interesting.

We follow the stories/viewpoints of a few characters. Some people decide to look at the string, some people decide not to look.

Hm… I was a little annoyed at Amy with her see-sawing decision and being oh so understanding in her letters, but then having double-standards in real life. I had a fleeting thought of “huh, the thing is she doesn’t know if *this certain thing will happen*” and what do you know…. *that certain thing* did happen. Called it.

This is ultimately a feel-good book. I think I read this at a good time, with my dog passing away yesterday and me reaching the end of the book, it has actually helped me look at the situation that “17 years of a life well-lived” (even for a dog).

Remarkably Bright Creatures
Shelby Van Pelt
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Remarkably Bright Creatures, an exploration of friendship, reckoning, and hope, tracing a widow's unlikely connection with a giant Pacific octopus.

After Tova Sullivan's husband died, she began working the night shift at the Sowell Bay Aquarium, mopping floors and tidying up. Keeping busy has always helped her cope, which she's been doing since her eighteen-year-old son, Erik, mysteriously vanished on a boat in Puget Sound over thirty years ago.

Tova becomes acquainted with curmudgeonly Marcellus, a giant Pacific octopus living at the aquarium. Marcellus knows more than anyone can imagine but wouldn't dream of lifting one of his eight arms for his human captors--until he forms a remarkable friendship with Tova.

Ever the detective, Marcellus deduces what happened the night Tova's son disappeared. And now Marcellus must use every trick his old invertebrate body can muster to unearth the truth for her before it's too late.

Shelby Van Pelt's debut novel is a gentle reminder that sometimes taking a hard look at the past can help uncover a future that once felt impossible.


I listened to this as an Audiobook, and while the voice was very pleasant, very easy to the ear, every time the POV goes to Cameron it just vexes me. Yeah, alrighty, you are never wrong, it’s always someone else’s fault. Grow up, man. Technically a did not finish but I really wanted to know the end of the story (I just couldn’t get through any more of Cameron) so I did snoop around for synopsis, spoilers, and ending. I’m sure it was amazing with Marcellus helping out.

Convenience Store Woman
Sayaka Morata, Ginny Tapley Takemori (Translator)
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The English-language debut of one of Japan's most talented contemporary writers, selling over 650,000 copies there, Convenience Store Woman is the heartwarming and surprising story of thirty-six-year-old Tokyo resident Keiko Furukura.

Keiko has never fit in, neither in her family, nor in school, but when at the age of eighteen she begins working at the Hiiromachi branch of “Smile Mart,” she finds peace and purpose in her life. In the store, unlike anywhere else, she understands the rules of social interaction―many are laid out line by line in the store’s manual―and she does her best to copy the dress, mannerisms, and speech of her colleagues, playing the part of a “normal” person excellently, more or less. Keiko is very happy, but the people close to her, from her family to her coworkers, increasingly pressure her to find a husband, and to start a proper career, prompting her to take desperate action…

A brilliant depiction of a world hidden from view, Convenience Store Woman is an ironic and sharp-eyed look at contemporary work culture and the pressures we all feel to conform, as well as a charming and completely fresh portrait of an unforgettable heroine.


It sounds like the main character was simply on the spectrum and needed a very structured way of life to handle day-to-day things.

And it also sounds very Japanese-que (or Asian-esque) for the parents and people around her to be like “you gotta be cured!” Meaning for her to “conform with the norm!”

BS talk from the guy, so much BS I’d just shush him away for being sooooooooo disrespectful.

Apprentice to the Villain (Assistant to the Villain #2)
Hannah Nicole Maehrer
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NOTICE TO STAFF: There has been a disturbing increase in cheeriness, sprightly behavior, and overall optimism of late. Please resume your former dark, ominous terrors at your earliest convenience. ―Mgmt

Evie Sage has never been happier to be the assistant to The Villain. Who would have thought that working for an outrageously handsome (shhh, bad for his brand) evil overlord would be so rewarding? Still, the business of being bad is demanding, the forces of good are annoyingly persistent, and said forbidding boss is somewhat…er, out-of-evil-office.

But Rennedawn is in grave trouble, and all signs―Kingsley’s included―point to catastrophe. Something peculiar is happening with the kingdom’s magic, and it’s made The Villain’s manor vulnerable to their enemies...including their nemesis, the king.

Now it’s time for Evie to face her greatest challenge: protecting The Villain’s lair, all of his nefarious works, and maybe (provided no one finds out) the entire kingdom. No pressure, Evie.

It’s time to step out of her comfort zone and learn new skills. Like treason. Dagger work. Conspiring with the enemy. It’s all so…so…delightfully fun.

But what happens when the assistant to The Villain is ready to become his apprentice?

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Overall the same fun read as the first book, but I really didn’t appreciate the increased romance.
With where the romance is headed, it’s very likely I’ll not read the last book, when it comes out. I don’t know. The crazy ridiculous parts are still fun.
Now, what should I read next?

Not Without My Sister: The True Story of Three Girls Violated and Betrayed by Those They Trusted K
Kristina Jones, Celeste Jones, Juliana Buhring
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Kristina, Celeste, and Juliana were all born into the Children of God cult, and from as early as three years old were mistreated and used as sexual beings. They were denied access to formal schooling, forced to wander the streets begging for money, and were mercilessly beaten for "crimes" as harmless as reading an encyclopedia. After being separated from each other and their mothers and forced to live in various missions with multiple foster parents, the sisters eventually managed to escape. In this startling exposé, they have come together to reveal in horrific detail the group that has destroyed the lives of so many. Their intertwining stories reveal a community spread throughout the world whose legacy of anorexia, depression, drug abuse, suicide, and even murder are impossible to erase. Together, the sisters found a strength that finally enabled them to uncover and free themselves from the shadows of their past.

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Saw a friend reading this book and got curious as it's about the cult Children of God.

Three different perspectives, not exactly linear, but linear enough.

This time Macau was mentioned only in passing. I was curious to know if any other historical-stuff were mentioned about Macau. Thanks to my having read the other book, "Sex Cult Nun" first, I already had some general knowledge of the Macau base.

This just goes to show, even children will eventually realise what is fair/right. It really made my blood boil when I read about the unfair treatment (the tattle-tales lying, and the adults believing the liars without proof and such).

Witch Way to Murder & Mayhem
Jane Hinchey
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To call Gran eccentric is somewhat of an understatement. She has questionable fashion sense, cough, can anyone say bedazzled Ugg boots and a tutu? But my Gran? She is awesome. So when she suggested I buy The Dusty Attic Bookstore I was all in, after all, what could go wrong?

Try finding my high school nemesis dead on the floor of my newly acquired store for starters. Now I’m on the suspect list! Okay, so I just need to find the killer, clear my name, and pass my witches exam. Oh, didn’t I mention that? Yeah, seems the stunt I pulled on my cheating ex-fiancee cost me not only my job but my magic.

My name is Harper Jones and this is not how I expected my return to my magical hometown of Whitefall Cove to go.


Really a 3.5 for me but I'll round it up.

This was a quick easy fun read. Palate cleanser, so to speak? Witchy and quirky and fun, but many unbelievable points. But as long as you start expecting that, that's cool. It's like the police investigation itself. "oh, she has this thing *potential murder weapon thing* but it's gone, so she didn't do it" and the police.... just says "okay we believe you", that kind of unbelievable.

But like I said, if you just read it as a light hearted cleanser book, this was a fun read.