Taylor Drew
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mollymay5000.bsky.social
Taylor Drew
@mollymay5000.bsky.social
she/they | Canada → 日本 | Japanese to English translator | English, Français, 日本語

https://taylordrew.me/
It took me 5 years, but I finally read all of メタモルフォーゼの縁側. I only had the last volume left, so I can't believe it took this long--it feels almost ironic considering the story.

It was so lovely. Such a wonderful series about human growth and connection. Love to see it.

#AmReading #manga
June 7, 2025 at 2:45 PM
Glad to know it's going well since after seeing your post yesterday I accidentally fell into both stores in Shinjuku 😂
June 1, 2025 at 11:39 AM
Started this Transgender 101 style book today in order to learn how to be more articulate when speaking about trans rights and stuff in Japanese. I've had the book for awhile, but it feels more urgently necessary than ever to read it now--and it covers a lot of topics too!

#AmReading #TransRights
April 17, 2025 at 9:46 AM
I do not, so I took pictures. And now I guess I do! 😂
April 10, 2025 at 1:38 PM
I've been reading more about Japanese generally lately, so a book on both Japanese *and* translation was an obvious pick.

Overall, I found the execution a bit messy, but thinking about how translation can change language and impact our views of gender was really interesting for me to think about.
April 5, 2025 at 1:40 PM
I read Counterpoint by Djuna (tr. @antonhur.com) for the #TranslatedLitChallenge prompt for February.

I loved the pacing and how completely weird it was without making me feel like I was missing out on something. Definitely my kind of book and can't wait to read more from this author!

#AmReading
March 4, 2025 at 12:51 PM
I was in Kyoto for the weekend and took it as an opportunity to allow myself to buy some gifts for myself (as if that's something I ever prevent myself from doing).

I did try to be responsible and only buy the first book for each series for the most part at least.

#booksky #manga #BookHaul
February 24, 2025 at 11:35 AM
Bought some new reference materials a few days ago since I just haven't been satisfied with what I've been finding online.

What's extra great about these dictionaries is that they came with QR codes to activate an app version, so I've got them on my phone too!

#translation #Japanese #辞典
February 12, 2025 at 2:56 PM
Cozy book, but it's manga. This is basically a compilation of short stories where they all center around a specific used bookstore. This was a nice and relaxing break from real life and also my normal reading. Will definitely pick up the next volume when it comes out.

#AmReading #manga #booksky
February 9, 2025 at 10:12 AM
My first book in Japanese of 2025 was a total winner and a very great way to start the year!

This was a really interesting SF short story collection because it's a collection of author experiments. There's historical settings, different worlds, and alternative futures. Very good.

#AmReading
January 31, 2025 at 11:41 PM
Once again I've decided to do the #TranslatedLitChallenge, even though I think I'm the only participant. January's prompt is to read a book that you meant to read in the previous year. For me this was Time of the Flies from @charcopress.com.

What a stunning example of feminist fiction.

#AmReading
January 14, 2025 at 12:27 PM
I had the opportunity to stop in at @tridenthalifax.bsky.social in Halifax before making my way to stay with family for the holidays, and picked up these lovely volumes.

A perfect souvenir for my stay in Canada, from a lovely independent bookstore. I can't wait to dig in and read the stories!
December 23, 2024 at 9:17 AM
Just finished reading the first volume of イグナートの花嫁 (Bride of Ignat) by Moyori Mori and it was just stunning. I love the author's beautifully gentle style, and how they portray pain and the struggle to find one's place. I can't wait to see where Rita and Ignat's story goes next.

#AmReading
December 8, 2024 at 3:28 AM
Today I bought a nonfiction book translated from Korean to Japanese* and the author was at the table and signed my copy. The only problem is I don't know Korean and can't read the message. Can anybody help me out? 😂

*I bought more than one translation from Korean. I just couldn't stop myself.
November 23, 2024 at 11:24 AM
Life has been a lot lately and I think it's kind of peaked emotionally over the past two weeks because of illness, so I think it's time to slow down for a bit and read something gentle to nourish myself.

Much thanks to @antonhur.com for his translation that allows me to enjoy Baek Sehee's work.
November 21, 2024 at 12:00 PM
Apropos of nothing, there are publications, individuals, etc. in Japan doing serious political work (loads actually) and this is just an example.

This is the December issue of CHIHEI, a monthly magazine covering loads of issues from around the globe. Very worth reading in my opinion.
November 9, 2024 at 12:55 PM
Sogensha has this great series of nonfiction books targeting teens and up covering various topics from an "in-between" angle.

This one, ことばの白地図 by 奈倉有里, is about the space between translation and magic. It's turned out to be more about language learning, but I'm having a lot of fun with it.
October 18, 2024 at 1:08 AM
I've been sorting through what I own and refraining from buying new books for my collection lately for money and space reasons.

Instead of impulse buying, I'm taking advantage of my local library. This is the haul I picked up today! Lots of interesting SFF awaits 👀
October 11, 2024 at 1:35 PM
At #TGS2024 today and got to see the Metal Gear booth up close and personal! There was also a live presentation that showed some Delta gameplay and new features. Got some CalorieMate and a sticker too. Everything just looks so cool 🐍
September 27, 2024 at 4:03 AM
Finally got a copy of the physical relesse of See you later, Mermaid by Dento Hayane (tr. Annoymous)!

I worked on this title as proofreader when it was first released digitally in 2020. I loved it then and I love it now. The team did such a great job bringing it to print. It's so wonderful.
September 22, 2024 at 1:39 PM
This series showcases absolutely everything I love about manga, BL, and translation. Not to mention how great it is to have older protagonists who continue to grew into themselves and have new dreams even into their 40s (aka like reality).

Definitely recommend picking this one up if you can.
September 10, 2024 at 4:35 AM
I finished this fascinating book over the weekend. It follows a young woman as she enters university just as COVID hits. One day, she gets a call from Marilyn Munroe on an old phone she has. A feminist look on the effects of lockdown and life as a young woman in Japan (+ a Marilyn history lesson).
August 26, 2024 at 11:57 PM
Took the time tonight to accidentally start and finish my third book, The Book Censor's Library by Bothayna Al-Essi (tr. Ranya Abdelrahman and Sawad Hussain).

An absolutely wild Orwellian ride of a book from Arabic. Definitely want to read more from this author.

#WITMonth #WomenInTranslation
August 17, 2024 at 1:09 PM
Started my summer vacation by visiting two indie bookstores to decompress a bit before jumping into some translation edits tomorrow.

Both stores had great selections, so I'm definitely looking forward to going to each again. Love supporting small businesses.
August 11, 2024 at 10:32 AM
Spent my Sunday afternoon reading about The Great War (via fantastical fiction) and I couldn't help but notice how many parallels there are between then and now. It really made me think about just how long we can feel the echoes of the past if we know where to look...and if we listen to the ghosts.
July 28, 2024 at 7:36 AM