Review: Wabi Sabi: Japanese Wisdom for a Perfectly Imperfect Life by Beth Kempton

5 stars for Wabi Sabi: Japanese Wisdom for a Perfectly Imperfect Life by Beth Kempton.

I remember very well the day I finished reading this book. 9th January 2026. I told myself I will get down to writing my review that weekend. Days passed. Weeks passed. Months passed. The more I procastinate, the more I don't feel like sitting down to write. I justify myself with reasons for the delay. This and that. Excuses really. Ultimately, it boils down to priority. I make time for a newfound hobby, yet I did not set aside time for my all-time favourite pastime. But still, better late than never. So, here goes.

Wabi Sabi is a book that inspires us to find our own gentle rhythm to simplify, deepen our connection with nature, concentrate on what really matters to us, and discover happiness right where we are. It guides us to sense the essence of wabi sabi for ourselves and welcome it into our lives as inspiration for a new way of beholding the world.

In chapter three "Living with Nature", the author shares lessons from the Yamabushi. I am quietly pleased with it as I can totally relate to it having joined a mountain retreat in Yamagata Prefecture in May 2023. The guided Yamabushi Hike to Mount Haguro is a deeply empowering experience, one that heals me and one that I will never forget.

The book also shares useful tips for decluttering, soulful shopping, shinrin-yoku (森林浴 forest bathing) and the beauty of ageing. To quote "We have a tendency to look at the ageing process as something to be avoided, feared even. But everything about wabi sabi tells us that it is to be embraced - that we bloom and ripen with time; that our character develops and our wisdom deepens as we age; that we have more to offer the world with every experience we go through."

At the end of this book, my main takeaway is summed up in three words: imperfect, impermanent, incomplete.

Accepting that everything is imperfect, impermanent and incomplete guides us to living a simpler and more meaningful life. Wabi sabi is a state of the heart - experiencing the world not with the logical mind but with the feeling heart, and with all our sense. When we are able to let go of perfection and accept ourselves just as we are, we can be content with less, find beauty in everyday life simply by slowing down, reconnecting with nature and looking for things to appreciate.

This is a great book to start the year with. There are so many things to like that I found myself jotting down chunks and chunks of quotes. I know they will come in handy some day when I have need to refresh my memory and remind myself to "Wabi Sabi".

2025 Year in Review and 2026 New Year's Resolution

Another year has come and gone.

I read and reviewed a total of 12 books this year. Bulk of them are novels from "Before the Coffee Gets Cold" series.

Year 2025 @ 12 (+5 YOY)
Year 2024 @ 7 (-10 YOY)
Year 2023 @ 17 (-14 YOY)
Year 2022 @ 31 (-14 YOY)
Year 2021 @ 45 (-5 YOY)
Year 2020 @ 50 (+4 YOY)
Year 2019 @ 46 (-16 YOY)
Year 2018 @ 62 (+10 YOY)
Year 2017 @ 52 (■ YOY)
Year 2016 @ 52 (-22 YOY)
Year 2015 @ 74 (-23 YOY)
Year 2014 @ 97

Review: Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea by Jules Verne

4 stars for Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea by Jules Verne.

I am glad to have finished reading this book in time to review post it before the year is out.

Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea is another classic novel by Jules Verne that I have always wanted to read. It has been on my list of to-be-read for so many years that I cannot remember when it was being added. I started on this book soon after I have read his other book, Journey to the Centre of the Earth.

The story of Twenty Thousand Leagues is totally not what I have expected and this is what makes it different and an interest to read. As I read, I will wonder about the sea, about how deep the sea really is and what kind of creatures lurk in the depths of the ocean.

This book about the mystery of the great ocean depths is not exactly an easy read as it is more scientific fiction than science fiction. Speaking for the general readers, I feel that the book has way too much basic facts and details. Though good to know, these nitty-gritty overload is oft unnecessary and makes for many a dry, boring science lecture. In my opinion, this is a book that will appeal more to naturalists, or more specifically, ichthyologists who specialize in the study of fish and conchologists who study mollusc shells.

The above said, there are still pieces of the story that make reading this book enjoyable. I have a great time exploring the underwater wonders with the characters as they go about their submarine adventure: the hunting trip in the (underwater) forests of Crespo island, the running aground in the Torres Strait, the facing off against the savages of Papua, the Coral cemetery, the pearl fisheries of Ceylon, the Cretan diver, the Arabian tunnel, the Suez passageway, the fires of Santorini, the boundless wealth in the Bay of Vigo, Atlantis, the Ice Bank, the memories of the South Pole, the imprisonment in the ice, the battle with the devil fish, and the storm in the Gulf Stream and more.

Are you ready to go on a 20,0000 leagues underwater tour of the world? It is one guaranteed to bring you many wonders across the Pacific, the Indian Ocean, the Red Sea, the Mediterranean, the Atlantic and the Southernmost and Northernmost seas.

Crochet: Amigurumi: Sleepy Sloth

I like sloths and have always wanted to crochet one.

As always, it is a challenge trying to find a good pattern that comes with no price attached. After countless attempts with no great results for a nice Sloth pattern, I decided to pay for one. This is where I bought my Sloth pattern from.

This Sleepy Sloth pattern is simple yet well designed. It took me less than a week to complete without any hiccups. And I have an enjoyable time trying out this new pattern. The only thing I dislike is having to crochet two of each, for the arms and legs. But this is basically a must for most Amigurumi featuring animals or dolls; there is simply no getting away from it. So, I just grit my teeth and get it done.

I am fairly pleased with my handmade Sloth though I feel that I could have done a better job sewing the mask onto the Sloth's head. But what's done is done. It will take a lot more to undo in order to redo. So, I just leave it as it is. Perhaps I will try again some time in the future with a different type of yarn.

This Sleepy sloth is a great project for anyone including beginners. The end-product not only makes a great curtain tie-back, but it can also double up as a bag charm or simply an accompaniment on a chair or computer monitor.

Crochet: Amigurumi: Mini Sleepyhead 2

End of last month, I crochet Sleepyhead 2 by following the free pattern from this website.

After the full-sized Sleepyhead is completed, I yearn to crochet Mini Sleepyhead. Again. Yes, history is repeating itself. So, I searched for my old post and followed the pattern which I recorded five years ago.

I have no qualms about crocheting Mini's face, body and hat. However, when it comes to the arm, I started questioning the sanity of my decision to crochet Mini again. After a fierce battle with the yarn and hook, I heave a sign of relief. One arm down. Then I bite my teeth and continue with the next one. Another battle.. the struggle is real. My fingers hurt and my eyes stung. I hope I didn't strain my eyes too much.

The first Mini Sleepyhead was gifted to a little girl and all I have are pictures for memory. This time, I am keeping Mini Sleepyhead for myself, and I intend to use it as a bag charm. So, I made a foundation chain, connected it to the tip of Mini's hat and hung it to the bag that I am currently using.

Crochet: Amigurumi: Sleepyhead 2

It has been a really long while since I last did a Amigurumi. So, it comes as no surprise that I have forgotten the little details here and there, including how to start off with the usual Magic Ring. The good thing is, there are plenty of YouTube videos out there to aid me in my quest.

It is good to know that while my memory fails me for the time being, my muscle memory did not. I get the hang of it pretty soon, and after a few days, Sleepyhead 2 is created. This Sleepyhead is made with the intention to be given away as a Christmas present next month. Personally, I think it makes a great gift !

Same as the last Sleepyhead, I crochet by following the free pattern from this website. This time however, I made some small changes to suit my preference - I added more rows to the hat as I feel the original design makes the hat a tad too short.

Review: Journey to the Centre of the Earth by Jules Verne

4 stars for Journey to the Centre of the Earth by Jules Verne.

I have always wanted to read this book. Over the years, I have added quite a few books of this title to my physical literary collection. Though I have not read all of them (this book being the first, and hence no comparison there), I dare say with confidence that this book, the complete and unabridged - authentic translation - version published by Macmillan Collector's Library is the best. And a joy to read.

"Journey to the Centre of the Earth" is a science-fiction novel written by Jules Verne during the late 19th century. The story follows Professor Otto Liedenbrock, a passionate and somewhat irascible scientist, who discovers an ancient cryptogram that hints at a journey to the centre of the Earth. Liedenbrock's excitement drives him to decipher its contents.

The opening portion introduces the dynamic relationship between Liedenbrock and his nephew, Axel, as they prepare for an extraordinary expedition. Despite Axel's skepticism about the feasibility of such a journey and his growing trepidation, he is drawn albeit reluctantly into his uncle's fervent ambition. Together, the two embark on a bold and perilous adventure filled with scientific inquiry and exploration. The narrative - in first person, that of Axel's - captures their preparations and the mounting tension as they head towards Iceland, where their adventure will truly begin, setting the stage for the unknowns and challenges that lie ahead.

This is an amazing story about a journey into the interior of the Earth, more specifically, a trip into the depths of one of Iceland's many volcanoes. As such, there are many references to Iceland in the book, such as the detailed geographical layout of Iceland, the beauty of the Icelandic language, the thirst for knowledge of the Icelandic people, the significant cultural and ecological importance of eider ducks (known for their unique relationship with local farmers and the prized eiderdown they produce), the rune alphabet, the midnight sun, and so on.

While there is no evidence that author Jules Vern ever actually visited the country, his book showed that he has researched Iceland extensively given his deep understanding of this Nordic island country. This book provides insight not only on geology but mineralogy, palaeontology and prehistoric life forms as well. The novel showcase author Vern's innovative storytelling and exploration of new worlds, making it a brilliant addition to his literary universe.

Because of this story, I get curious on whether it is actually possible to go inside a volcano, a dormant one of course. My returns on Google search prove that it is indeed possible - yes, you can go inside certain dormant volcanoes, such as Þríhnúkagígur in Iceland and Algar do Carvao in the Azores, through guided tours that ensure safety and accessibility. Þríhnúkagígur is the only volcano in the world where visitors can descend into its magma chamber. This dormant volcano has not erupted in over 4,000 years, making it safe for exploration.

On further reading, I came across this blog by Malorie Mackey where she shares her experience inside the Earth, to be precise, inside a volcano and of descending into Þríhnúkagígur. If you are as curious as me after reading "Journey to the Centre of the Earth", I will highly recommend reading this blog post for better insights - Venturing Inside the Volcano: Þríhnúkagígur, Iceland’s Dormant Volcano.

Review: The Most Important Thing for People is to be Happy by Zhang Jia Wei |《人嘛，最重要的就是开心》张佳玮著

4 stars for 《人嘛，最重要的就是开心》张佳玮著.

Since there is no English title provided for this Chinese book, for purpose of book review, I shall title it "The Most Important Thing for People is to be Happy".

The title "The Most Important Thing for People is to be Happy" |《人嘛，最重要的就是开心》reads like a casual, everyday phrase, yet it serves as a gentle reminder to everyone living under modern stress.

This book avoids complex theories or preachy advice. Instead it explores the nature of happiness in a relatable, heartfelt and human way. It does not teach you how to succeed in life, but rather, how to find contentment in the small details of daily life.

The writing style is lighthearted and humorous at times, with a small dose of self-belittling, making it down-to-earth and easy to read. The author uses slice-of-life stories to share his own experiences, telling readers that life's imperfections and setbacks are normal, and so, there is no need to be overly demanding of ourselves.

If you are looking for a book that can help you to relax and offer spiritual comfort, this is a great choice. It encourages one to let go of anxiety, embrace the present moment and remember that no matter what happens, maintaining a simple sense of happiness is the most important thing in life.