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Wera Sparkle's avatar

Have been wanting to get more into short stories, as they are easy to read when I’m traveling to and from school, so thank you for the list! 🫶🏻

Totally agree with Han Kang’s ”White book”, it has stuck with me since I read it. Han Kang’s way of portraying different aspects of the colour white transcends language, as I have read it both in English, Swedish and parts in Korean, and I get so melancholy and amazed every time reading it. The one short story that has stuck with me is her mom having to give birth to her first child in the kitchen, and the way she pleads for the child to live is soul shattering to read, in all three languages.

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boeum's avatar

I was deeply moved by that part in The White Book too. I read it just a few days ago, so seeing your comment felt really comforting. In Korean, the line is ‘죽지 마라 제발’ — Please, don’t die — and for some reason, it reminded me of my grandmother. The calm, quiet way it was written made it all the more heartbreaking.

I think every writer reveals something of themselves in their work,

but with Han Kang, you can feel who she is so vividly.

As a Korean, I truly appreciate that you’ve read some of her work in Korean too. 🙏

If you haven’t already, I highly recommend Greek Lessons (희랍어의 시간).

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Natalia’s Daydreams's avatar

Haven’t read any of these except the Rilke! Can’t wait to get started (:

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Gary Wait's avatar

Glad to see a book by Rilke on your list. I have read a great deal of his work (some in the original German), and find it uplifting. My favorite is his Stories of God.

Am eager to sample some of the others on your list. Thanks.

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~ A ~'s avatar

My love of Saltslow would require an essay and in depth analysis of each story for me to fully express it

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MJ Townes's avatar

When my dog died I read another collection of Rilkes on death and it honestly broke my heart and sewed me together again

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Ryan's avatar

Another short book that I love is Kate Chopin’s “The Awakening” if you are looking for a classic!!!

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your room's brightest corner's avatar

thanks for the recommendations :) will read them all soonnnn

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Virginia Gheorghiu's avatar

Anything good and options as well?

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Lou's avatar

Read Lie With Me thanks to your recommandation today. Finished it in one sitting. It was beautiful. Thank you. ( If you have the capacity, I highly recommend reading it in French to have the real text since the author is French « arrêtes avec tes mensonges » de Philippe Besson)

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Lana B's avatar

Thank you so much for this. I absolutely adore books that are on the "shorter" side but offer a new perspective on life. I haven't read any of these books, and I'm excited to add them to my TBR. This is perfect for reading at the beach this summer!

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ndrae's avatar

I am looking for a short book that reignites my spark for reading, I have not finished a book since school. What would you recommend? Any must reads? I want to feel

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daneen <3's avatar

"It Lasts Forever and Then It's Over" sounds awesome. thanks for the additions to my tbr!

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Morwen's avatar

Adding these to my tbr list.

Yesterday I finished my first Clarice Lispector novel so now I am ready for the second one :)

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The Islamabad Review of Books's avatar

Loved the white book!

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Andrew Autry's avatar

I Love lie with me!!

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Mayssane's avatar

thank you so much ! I'll buy the details for my birthday yippiee

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