Currently Reading

I tend to read multiple books at once because I struggle to focus on one (just like with writing T_T) and the genres vary greatly. Below are a few books that I've started and plan on finishing before the end of the summer! Check them out and let me know what you think!

Ginseng and Borderland explores the territorial boundaries and political relations between Qing China and Choson Korea during the period from the early seventeenth to the late nineteenth centuries. By examining a unique body of materials written in Chinese, Manchu, and Korean, and building on recent studies in New Qing History, Seonmin Kim adds new perspectives to current understandings of the remarkable transformation of the Manchu Qing dynasty (1636–1912) from a tribal state to a universal empire. This book discusses early Manchu history and explores the Qing Empire’s policy of controlling Manchuria and Choson Korea. Kim also contributes to theKorean history of the Choson dynasty (1392–1910) by challenging conventional accounts that embrace a China-centered interpretation of the tributary relationship between the two polities, stressing instead the agency of Choson Korea in the formation of the Qing Empire. This study demonstrates how Koreans interpreted and employed this relationship in order to preserve the boundary—and peace—with the suzerain power. By focusing on the historical significance of the China-Korea boundary, this book defines the nature of the Qing Empire through the dynamics of contacts and conflicts under both the cultural and material frameworks of its tributary relationship with Choson Korea.

Unraveling the Secret of BTS Phenomenon

The largest portion of this book is dedicated to the examination of sixteen albums that BTS has released. It was an unquestionable, obvious organization for me, albeit it may be demanding for the readers. To write this book, I replayed BTS’ entire discography ad nauseam, though I am already familiar with the songs from previous repeated listens. I re-analyzed all the tracks in all of their singles, albums, solo albums, and activities in their entirety from scratch. I replayed same songs too many times to the point of blanking out occasionally. To elaborate the meaning and the appeal of their songs in musical terms, and to formulate a guide for those who listen to their music for the first time, I kept repeating the songs to develop a new framework. As a result, this book became compilation of critiques, reviews, and liner notes. It is my answer to how BTS came to be the sensation they are to-day. You will not find it in a few sentences or an article, but throughout the analyses of all the songs, lyrics, and the steps of the journey that BTS has taken. As you read this book, I wish you will put on your favorite speakers or headsets and enjoy BTS’ music again as you recap their career from the beginning. You may as well compare and contrast your impression with a music critic’s perspective. When you turn the final page, I hope you are satisfied with my answer on the essence and the secret of BTS’ success.

Fatima lives in the city of Noor, a thriving stop along the Silk Road. There the music of myriad languages fills the air, and people of all faiths weave their lives together. However, the city bears scars of its recent past, when the chaotic tribe of Shayateen djinn slaughtered its entire population -- except for Fatima and two other humans. Now ruled by a new maharajah, Noor is protected from the Shayateen by the Ifrit, djinn of order and reason, and by their commander, Zulfikar.

But when one of the most potent of the Ifrit dies, Fatima is changed in ways she cannot fathom, ways that scare even those who love her. Oud in hand, Fatima is drawn into the intrigues of the maharajah and his sister, the affairs of Zulfikar and the djinn, and the dangers of a magical battlefield.

An addictive fantasy-romance set in modern-day Seoul.

Eighteen-year-old Gu Miyoung has a secret--she's a gumiho, a nine-tailed fox who must devour the energy of men in order to survive. Because so few believe in the old tales anymore, and with so many evil men no one will miss, the modern city of Seoul is the perfect place to hide and hunt.

But after feeding one full moon, Miyoung crosses paths with Jihoon, a human boy, being attacked by a goblin deep in the forest. Against her better judgment, she violates the rules of survival to rescue the boy, losing her fox bead--her gumiho soul--in the process.

Jihoon knows Miyoung is more than just a beautiful girl--he saw her nine tails the night she saved his life. His grandmother used to tell him stories of the gumiho, of their power and the danger they pose to men. He's drawn to her anyway.

With murderous forces lurking in the background, Miyoung and Jihoon develop a tenuous friendship that blossoms into something more. But when a young shaman tries to reunite Miyoung with her bead, the consequences are disastrous and reignite a generations-old feud . . . forcing Miyoung to choose between her immortal life and Jihoon's.