Booktok Means Novels & Stories

“Chill bro. It’s just… not what I was expecting ” He shrugged, flipping another page. “I keep telling you not to judge me with your assumptions.” “I'm sorry if my assumptions don't fit your personality,” I said, taking the seat across from him. “Why this book?” I asked, stealing the opportunity to know what the real Kael is like. “I like books that… make me think. And this one does.” “Think about what?” I asked, hoping my curiosity wasn't obvious. “Is this some sort of interview?” he asked, placing the book on the table without closing it.

”What book is that any-” Kartika who sees the cover of the book directly smacks their heads really hard that they pass out. Herman then takes the book and opens it. “Oh, it’s just a translated comic to English (Localization, the real script is in Indonesia).” He scans the comic by opening the pages slowly. ”Hang on, why do I feel something strange on this book?” He scans it by opening the pages faster and slams the comic to the floor. ”Ieu mah komik bokep, njir!” Herman exclaimed irritatedly. Err, should I really translate it? Here’s a hint for ya, "bokep" means porn.

But I know deep inside that I don’t have the luxury or need to know. That’s not my purpose in her life. That’s not my assignment. "What book are you reading?” I asked her, gesturing at the book on the table. I noticed that it had two men on the front cover. “What is it about?” She points at the said book. "This one?" I took a sip from the cup then said, “Yeah.” “It’s a BL book.” I raised my brows. “BL book? What’s a BL book?” She smiled before answering and pursed her lips as she poured tea for me. She placed the pretty teapot on the tray and then looked at me with a funny look on her face. “BL book. It’s a book with illustrations of two grown men fucking.”

They light up. Actually light up. Like humor is bouncing around inside them. “Am I right?” I ask. “Or at least close?” He shakes his head slowly. “Not even remotely.” “Fine,” I say. “Educate me. What’s a book ban?” He sighs dramatically, but his eyes are still sparkling. “It’s when a responsible citizen decides to stop buying books for a while,” he explains, “because their bank account is begging for mercy.” “Oh,” I say slowly, glancing at the stack in his arms.

Hah“ ”Pfft. Why is my wife being so cute?“ ”Shut up, it wouldn't get me at all“ ”Let's go eat before the food gets cold“ *screen zooms at the very last page of the bool* A book is not just a piece of paper. It is a whole new world. A different dimension. A teacher that would show you things and teach you. A friend that would comfort you and save you. A vehicle that would bring you to a far far away land without even moving from where you are. Just like a journey filled with thousands of different car. Going to various of places that is very far.

Somewhere in the city—several stories above, in a steel and glass building—Julian Blackwood lay in his dark, sleek bedroom, staring at the book she had given him. He'd never intended to keep it. When Lena Carter had offered it to him—those gentle words, that thoughtful crease between her eyebrows—he'd intended to refuse. But something in her eyes had taken away his intention. It was neither flirting nor pretense. It was genuine. Silent. Generous. He hated kindness. It broke things open. Julian gazed down at the book. The cover was unadorned, the title in gold print: *A Man Called Ove*. He remembered Lena's words: