Helen | 혜련 | readwithneleh
@readwithneleh.bsky.social
🇰🇷 korean
📖 reader, reviewer and book hoarder
✍🏻 and sometimes book reviewer on Reactor Mag
IG & TikTok: @readwithneleh
📖 reader, reviewer and book hoarder
✍🏻 and sometimes book reviewer on Reactor Mag
IG & TikTok: @readwithneleh
Pinned
hi! im Helen. I am Korean-American and am a reader and reviewer who loves literary fiction, memoirs, translated lit (especially Korean), fantasy, and historical fiction with a new interest in horror. i prioritize reading diversely in both genre but especially authors. i also love food and K-dramas.
I’m in the middle of three books that I am loving:
• ART ON FIRE by Yun Ko-Eun
• PALAVER by Bryan Washington
• NORTH SUN by Ethan Rutherford
And I just got a galley of Mieko Kawakami’s new novel, SISTERS IN YELLOW that is coming out in March. So of course I’ll be starting that one too.
#booksky
• ART ON FIRE by Yun Ko-Eun
• PALAVER by Bryan Washington
• NORTH SUN by Ethan Rutherford
And I just got a galley of Mieko Kawakami’s new novel, SISTERS IN YELLOW that is coming out in March. So of course I’ll be starting that one too.
#booksky
November 14, 2025 at 8:57 AM
I’m in the middle of three books that I am loving:
• ART ON FIRE by Yun Ko-Eun
• PALAVER by Bryan Washington
• NORTH SUN by Ethan Rutherford
And I just got a galley of Mieko Kawakami’s new novel, SISTERS IN YELLOW that is coming out in March. So of course I’ll be starting that one too.
#booksky
• ART ON FIRE by Yun Ko-Eun
• PALAVER by Bryan Washington
• NORTH SUN by Ethan Rutherford
And I just got a galley of Mieko Kawakami’s new novel, SISTERS IN YELLOW that is coming out in March. So of course I’ll be starting that one too.
#booksky
Kristen Arnett’s STOP ME IF YOU’VE HEARD THIS ONE was expectedly funny but unexpectedly tender and sad. The punchlines and outrageous scenes really showed off her ability to straddle the line between the light and dark. I did the audio and thought the narrator did a fantastic job.
#booksky
#booksky
November 14, 2025 at 8:50 AM
Kristen Arnett’s STOP ME IF YOU’VE HEARD THIS ONE was expectedly funny but unexpectedly tender and sad. The punchlines and outrageous scenes really showed off her ability to straddle the line between the light and dark. I did the audio and thought the narrator did a fantastic job.
#booksky
#booksky
November 13, 2025 at 5:07 PM
HEART THE LOVER by Lily King is a book I finished in one sitting—something I haven’t done in awhile. And it’s one that I was not expected to love so much. This was my 3rd King and my favorite. Absolutely worth picking up. Full review on my substack: open.substack.com/pub/helenkim...
#booksky
#booksky
October 26, 2025 at 12:48 AM
HEART THE LOVER by Lily King is a book I finished in one sitting—something I haven’t done in awhile. And it’s one that I was not expected to love so much. This was my 3rd King and my favorite. Absolutely worth picking up. Full review on my substack: open.substack.com/pub/helenkim...
#booksky
#booksky
(A very late) book review for AN ORAL HISTORY OF ATLANTIS by Ed Park is up on @reactorsff.bsky.social
TLDR; loved it so go read it
reactormag.com/book-review-...
#booksky #bookreview
TLDR; loved it so go read it
reactormag.com/book-review-...
#booksky #bookreview
Take a Surreal Trip Down Memory Lane with An Oral History of Atlantis by Ed Park - Reactor
Helen Rhee reviews a short story collection offering a voyage into the brilliant, weird, and hilarious mind of Ed Park.
reactormag.com
October 25, 2025 at 1:25 AM
(A very late) book review for AN ORAL HISTORY OF ATLANTIS by Ed Park is up on @reactorsff.bsky.social
TLDR; loved it so go read it
reactormag.com/book-review-...
#booksky #bookreview
TLDR; loved it so go read it
reactormag.com/book-review-...
#booksky #bookreview
I read three Korean translated books for #womeintranslation month which honestly is just like any other month for me and here’s what I thought of them: 👇🏼
#booksky
#booksky
August 14, 2025 at 8:14 AM
I read three Korean translated books for #womeintranslation month which honestly is just like any other month for me and here’s what I thought of them: 👇🏼
#booksky
#booksky
THE UNWORTHY by Augstina Bazterrica is a slim book was atmospheric and unsettling, but I was missing the depth and complexity in context and the MC. I enjoyed it but wanted more of the world.
Worth the read if you do like the horror genre loaded with social commentary.
#booksky #bookreview
Worth the read if you do like the horror genre loaded with social commentary.
#booksky #bookreview
August 14, 2025 at 8:12 AM
THE UNWORTHY by Augstina Bazterrica is a slim book was atmospheric and unsettling, but I was missing the depth and complexity in context and the MC. I enjoyed it but wanted more of the world.
Worth the read if you do like the horror genre loaded with social commentary.
#booksky #bookreview
Worth the read if you do like the horror genre loaded with social commentary.
#booksky #bookreview
Last. Now. Next… Korean Translated Fiction Edition!
#booksky #koreanliterature
www.tiktok.com/t/ZP8hBsuuH
#booksky #koreanliterature
www.tiktok.com/t/ZP8hBsuuH
Which ones do you want to see reviews for first?? #booktok #koreanliterature #translatedliterature #booktokfyp
TikTok video by IG:@readwithneleh | Helen (혜련)
www.tiktok.com
July 9, 2025 at 8:56 PM
Last. Now. Next… Korean Translated Fiction Edition!
#booksky #koreanliterature
www.tiktok.com/t/ZP8hBsuuH
#booksky #koreanliterature
www.tiktok.com/t/ZP8hBsuuH
Don’t feel like celebrating America today but definitely feel like celebrating Korean authors and books about K-pop. If you loved #kpopdemonhunters here are some K-pop books written by Korean authors to add to your TBR.
#booksky
www.tiktok.com/t/ZP8h8vsTK/
#booksky
www.tiktok.com/t/ZP8h8vsTK/
I didn’t think I needed to make this post because well one can easily find K-pop books if you do a simple search. But, the BIG UGLY BILL passed and I’m pissed so want to celebrate @Kpop Demon Hunters...
TikTok video by IG:@readwithneleh | Helen (혜련)
www.tiktok.com
July 4, 2025 at 7:58 PM
Don’t feel like celebrating America today but definitely feel like celebrating Korean authors and books about K-pop. If you loved #kpopdemonhunters here are some K-pop books written by Korean authors to add to your TBR.
#booksky
www.tiktok.com/t/ZP8h8vsTK/
#booksky
www.tiktok.com/t/ZP8h8vsTK/
Reposted by Helen | 혜련 | readwithneleh
Hundreds killed seeking aid in Gaza as famine deepens and limited food access leaves hundreds of thousands starving.
Israel kills nearly 600 Palestinians at aid centres: All you need to know
Hundreds killed seeking aid in Gaza as famine deepens and limited food access leaves hundreds of thousands starving.
bit.ly
June 29, 2025 at 3:30 PM
Hundreds killed seeking aid in Gaza as famine deepens and limited food access leaves hundreds of thousands starving.
Yesterday was the 75th anniversary of the Korean War, so here are some books remembering it and the impact it’s had on its people, including the diaspora.
#booksky
#booksky
June 27, 2025 at 6:17 AM
Yesterday was the 75th anniversary of the Korean War, so here are some books remembering it and the impact it’s had on its people, including the diaspora.
#booksky
#booksky
FLASHLIGHT by Susan Choi is a book I’ve been thinking about a lot. What started off as a mystery turned into an exploration of one’s family that spanned decades and across borders.
#booksky
Full review: www.instagram.com/reel/DK9wMx_...
#booksky
Full review: www.instagram.com/reel/DK9wMx_...
June 21, 2025 at 4:39 AM
FLASHLIGHT by Susan Choi is a book I’ve been thinking about a lot. What started off as a mystery turned into an exploration of one’s family that spanned decades and across borders.
#booksky
Full review: www.instagram.com/reel/DK9wMx_...
#booksky
Full review: www.instagram.com/reel/DK9wMx_...
June 21, 2025 at 2:05 AM
Currently reading for #mansebookclub… #booksky
June 16, 2025 at 6:58 AM
Currently reading for #mansebookclub… #booksky
THE REFORMATORY by Tananarive Due was so good. It’s long but I thought it was worth every page. Highly recommend.
Full review: www.instagram.com/p/DKkYdijvpB...
#booksky
Full review: www.instagram.com/p/DKkYdijvpB...
#booksky
June 6, 2025 at 6:34 PM
THE REFORMATORY by Tananarive Due was so good. It’s long but I thought it was worth every page. Highly recommend.
Full review: www.instagram.com/p/DKkYdijvpB...
#booksky
Full review: www.instagram.com/p/DKkYdijvpB...
#booksky
I just finished FLASHLIGHT by Susan Choi and the ending wrecked me. So, naturally, I need something else to slowly put me back together again. And I ordered a cozy mystery with lots of yummy food references to do the job.
#currentlyreading #booksky
#currentlyreading #booksky
May 31, 2025 at 4:35 AM
I just finished FLASHLIGHT by Susan Choi and the ending wrecked me. So, naturally, I need something else to slowly put me back together again. And I ordered a cozy mystery with lots of yummy food references to do the job.
#currentlyreading #booksky
#currentlyreading #booksky
Some days, I read what I write and think it’s great. But most days, I realize I am a mortal living in be presence of gods.
Those gods being Ocean Vuong, Alexander Chee, Katie Kitamura, Nicole Chung, Han Kang, Percival Everett, Colson Whitehead, Tommy Orange, & just so many others to name.
#booksky
Those gods being Ocean Vuong, Alexander Chee, Katie Kitamura, Nicole Chung, Han Kang, Percival Everett, Colson Whitehead, Tommy Orange, & just so many others to name.
#booksky
May 11, 2025 at 7:52 AM
Some days, I read what I write and think it’s great. But most days, I realize I am a mortal living in be presence of gods.
Those gods being Ocean Vuong, Alexander Chee, Katie Kitamura, Nicole Chung, Han Kang, Percival Everett, Colson Whitehead, Tommy Orange, & just so many others to name.
#booksky
Those gods being Ocean Vuong, Alexander Chee, Katie Kitamura, Nicole Chung, Han Kang, Percival Everett, Colson Whitehead, Tommy Orange, & just so many others to name.
#booksky
THE BOOK OF DISAPPEARANCE by Ibtisam Azem is a timely book that was longlisted for @thebookerprizes.bsky.social longlist. It’s definitely been one of my favs from the list and I’m sad it didn’t make it on the shortlist, but want to tell everyone here that they should read this.
#booksky
#booksky
May 2, 2025 at 8:07 AM
THE BOOK OF DISAPPEARANCE by Ibtisam Azem is a timely book that was longlisted for @thebookerprizes.bsky.social longlist. It’s definitely been one of my favs from the list and I’m sad it didn’t make it on the shortlist, but want to tell everyone here that they should read this.
#booksky
#booksky
SINNERS was so good. All the hype did not do it justice. I cried and laughed and almost peed my pants. And I’ll forever be thinking about that juke joint scene. You know which one. That shit was TRANSCENDENT.
I’m so glad I got to experience it in IMAX.
#sinners
I’m so glad I got to experience it in IMAX.
#sinners
May 1, 2025 at 7:41 AM
SINNERS was so good. All the hype did not do it justice. I cried and laughed and almost peed my pants. And I’ll forever be thinking about that juke joint scene. You know which one. That shit was TRANSCENDENT.
I’m so glad I got to experience it in IMAX.
#sinners
I’m so glad I got to experience it in IMAX.
#sinners
WANDERING STARS by Tommy Orange was absolutely worth the wait. His writing is breathtaking. This book was born expansive and intimate. I loved it so much. The audio has a full cast and was also wonderful. Highly recommend if you haven’t picked it up already. #booksky
April 29, 2025 at 1:38 PM
WANDERING STARS by Tommy Orange was absolutely worth the wait. His writing is breathtaking. This book was born expansive and intimate. I loved it so much. The audio has a full cast and was also wonderful. Highly recommend if you haven’t picked it up already. #booksky
here’s how i celebrated Independent Bookstore Day…
#indiebookstoreday #booksky
www.tiktok.com/t/ZP8jcbE79/
#indiebookstoreday #booksky
www.tiktok.com/t/ZP8jcbE79/
how did you celebrate Independent Bookstore Day? #indiebookstoreday #koreanliterature #koreanbookstore #indiebookstore
TikTok video by IG:@readwithneleh | Helen (혜련)
www.tiktok.com
April 27, 2025 at 1:45 PM
here’s how i celebrated Independent Bookstore Day…
#indiebookstoreday #booksky
www.tiktok.com/t/ZP8jcbE79/
#indiebookstoreday #booksky
www.tiktok.com/t/ZP8jcbE79/
ON THE CALCULATION OF VOLUME 1 by Solvej Balle, tr. by Barbara Haveland was an unexpected surprise for me. While the time loop isn’t new, the author’s execution was/is and hopefully will continue to be as this is the first book in a 7 part series. Full review on my IG but I loved it. #booksky
April 24, 2025 at 8:22 AM
ON THE CALCULATION OF VOLUME 1 by Solvej Balle, tr. by Barbara Haveland was an unexpected surprise for me. While the time loop isn’t new, the author’s execution was/is and hopefully will continue to be as this is the first book in a 7 part series. Full review on my IG but I loved it. #booksky