Inkling: A Short Story Compilation

by N.F. Afrina

A hot chocolate maker travels to a town with no money. A girl sins and expects a thunder to strike her. Two grown up souls in the rain. The twist of heart of a heartbreak motel’s founder. A doctor prescribes daily dose of “I love you”s to cure Alzheimer. A boy gets hit by Ugg boots multiple times. A chocolate prince turns to ice. The ocean girl and her secret meetings with the desert boys mother.

Genres: Short Stories, Fiction, Love

196 pages, Paperback

First published August 1, 2019

About the author

An author by night, a doctor by day
• Books I gave birth to: Inkling (2019), Not Here to Stay (2022) and Library of Lost Hearts (2024)
• Things I love in books: Metaphors, women being women, plot twists
• Things I hate in books: Miscommunication, instalove, un-root-able characters

My rating system

5 stars: Life-changing, leaves a permanent mark in my heart
4 stars: It was an awesome read
3 stars: It's okay, just not for me
1-2 stars: I have serious issues with the book

Reviews

[N.F. Afrina · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wrote these short stories during the darkest days of my life. I cried, learned and grew through these tales in the best way I can express myself: in metaphors. Hope you enjoyed the stories as much as I did.

Again, warning: This book might leave you crying, gritting your teeth or smiling.

[Jillianne Ryca · Rating 5 out of 5]

Words cannot explain on how I relate to these short stories. Reading the compilation of the tales found in this book has made me feel emotions a bit more differently. I could not choose which of the short stories were my favourite because I found something I loved for each one of them 😍 I was not able to put it down because it was so comforting, like a warm hug wrapped all in a book. I don't think I would ever get tired in reading more short stories by the author, I need more!

Each one of the 11 short stories hold such an important aspect on how we should view our lives. It helps us pay more attention to the little things and know that they matter.

My favourite lines from each story ✨

1. Sev & The Hot Chocolate
"Time taught me that some hearts are to be given and not together."

2. Toffee Spills
"Do it for the love, baby,"

3. Rainy Detours
"You cannot reason with someone if there was never a reason in the beginning."

4. Heartbreak Motel
"I pick up the pieces below my feet, careful not to let my fingers prick and bleed. I realized they were no one's heart pieces but my own shattered expectations."

5. The Jean Jacket
"Her story was supposed to start at the ending."

6. Daily Dose
"And we are only human, we need somewhere to hook and settle our feelings, even if it was just on a matter of three words."

7. Ugg Boots
"You miss having someone. But you don't miss me. And it hurts to admit that because like you, I miss having someone to serve and love like always. I wanted so bad to believe it was love."

8. Ice Prince
"....she just loved and gave too much. And that was who she was , so she owned it."

9. Desert Boy, Ocean Girl
"...you attract the right people who will love you right only after you know how to love and treat yourself right."

10. Crash And Burn
"You make time for the things you love. Breathe. Look at the bright side, no matter how small it is."

11. Handwriter And Keyboardist
"People's sadness were like puzzles. Most of the time we did not even have the right pieces to complete the picture and make it go away, but we try anyway. We try with what we got."

[Plainqoma · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bought this book from the author with signed copy and customized free bookmark with my name on it. Thank you!

Inkling is a compilation of short stories which were heartwarming and lovely at the same time. It felt very personal and emotional too. I love how very different each stories were crafted, it brought me to a different world and setting.

The use of metaphor in this book is so skilled, it's like reading between the lines. I really enjoyed this and will look forward for the next book.

[khadijah · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Broken ocean girls grow up to become ocean women, used to pain but determined to stay hopeful.” desert boy, ocean girl

‘Heartbreak Motel’ took my heart and patched it up so I had determined it to be my favourite until I came to ‘Desert Boy, Ocean Girl’ - I have so much love for this one. It’s just so beautifully written and I was genuinely confused to cry or smile, so I did both* I’ll be happy crying again tonight thinking of this piece.

‘Ugg Boots’ got me sobbing in pain, it made the feelings i felt those years ago valid and screamed out to me as quoted “it’s not me, it’s you”.

I treasure this, thank you for the beautiful words xoxo

[Faye · Rating 5 out of 5]

“People’s sadness were like puzzles. Most of the time we did not even have the right pieces to complete the picture and make it go away, but we try anyway. We try with what we got.”

Inkling: A Short Story Compilation is such a beautiful book. I have been lucky enough to have received it from the author herself, N.F. Afrina. I don’t often read anthologies or short stories and sometimes it’s hard for me to find an absolute favourite. But this has easily become just that for me.

I would love to rate every short stories in here one by one however, each and every one of them was so enjoyable despite their differences that I’m just going to combine it all and give it overall a big whopping 5 stars. It’s a prose-filled masterpiece that hits you hard in the feels, makes you reminisce the old times and also self-reflect on your life both past and future. N.F. Afrina truly has a knack for writing and I’m excited to read her future works. This was an absolute wonder and it’s definitely one of those books that I will grab onto whenever I need a little escaping from this harsh reality we’re all living in.

My personal favourites (or let’s just say my top 3) are definitely “Toffee Spills”, “Heartbreak Motel” and “Ugg Boots”. Another honourable mention would definitely be “Desert Boy, Ocean Girl”. All of these I love dearly mainly because I resonated with the story deeply with my own life. Not directly but simply bits of it. It hits me right in the spot. It made me realised things in my life, my relationships, my family, myself. This book is truly more than just an exquisite and utterly beautiful compilation of amazing short stories, but it’s also packed with lessons that you can reflect on whether in your own life, others, and even learn aside from just reflect.

Highly recommending this to everyone. This was really beautiful and I absolutely recommend everyone to go and pick this up. You can get this book from the author’s shop on Shopee (check her Instagram out for the links!). Support your local authors!

Thank you so much again to N.F. Afrina for sending me this beautiful book to unbox on my platforms 🖤 But I decided to take an extra approach in reviewing it for everyone because I really want everyone to go and pick this book up. It will worth your money and time 100%. You will definitely consider re-reading it once you’re finished or simply left needing more. That I can guarantee 😉✨

twitter ☆ instagram ☆ booktok

[Atifah Mariyah · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was written by a local author who is a medical school student, like gurlll, u’re dope!! Undoubtedly, it was BEAUTIFULLY written. Like she’s damn genius and creative! But the thing about this book is that for me, it was kinda like hit and miss. Since it’s a compilation of short stories, some are like heartwarming with hard hitting messages and some are just too hard for me to decipher plus it felt like a repetitive message. It was written in metaphors so if you guys ask me what genre it is, it’s fair to say that it’s philosophical fiction? If you read Paulo Coelho’s or Mitch Albom’s, you know what that means. Overall it was a great debut book and I can’t wait to read her debut novel that will be released next week!! Best of luck in your writing journey! Truly inspiring ✨

[Naadhira Zahari · Rating 5 out of 5]

Inkling: A Short Story Compilation by Nur Fatin Afrina is such a comforting and well written collection of short stories. I was completely unable to put it down and managed to read the entire book in one sitting.

All the stories are so unique, interesting and so comforting. It feels like I'm enjoying a warm hot chocolate on a winter day. It's so heartwarming and meaningful. I don't think I could choose a favourite because its all equally good. I hope there will be a continuation because I need more!

I did detect a few extra words in a sentence and typos throughout reading this book and it would be great if the author could polish it so it could turn out to be so much better. That's all I could comment from a technical point of view and the whole flow but other than that, these stories are so worth the read seriously.

I am a bit regretful that it took me so long to finally get this book. So, everyone please don't be like me and go and buy this book from the author's shopee shop. I cannot recommend this book enough its so enjoyable.

Shopee link - https://shopee.com.my/Inkling-English...

[yuprettylittleshelf · Rating 4 out of 5]

I take my time with this book.

Mostly because throughout the book I tend to read a sentence twice, if not thrice. The words act like a sharp stack of thin needles, going thru my heart. And it aches.

And also because its a compilation of short stories, so after I finished one, I needed a logical break and digest the amount of feelings I've consumed from it before moving on to another one.

There are 11 short stories, and I have few favorites. Some are not for me, maybe because I could not relate to it much.

Overall, for a self published book, I would say I'm very much impressed and after you have published with a publisher, I would love to buy it again..!

And yes, as the writer said, this book is not for everyone. So read at your own risk okay 😉

I would recommend to those who want to dive into a sea of emotions; confusion, love, sadness, hollowness, emptiness, happiness, cheeky, cheesy love and a whole roller coaster ride of emotions coming your way.

Gave four stars and enjoyed it. Took me some time, and I am sad the story ended so fast because I kinda latched onto the character already.

Thank you for this emotional ride, writer. Looking forward for your next word picture, your art.

[mai · Rating 4 out of 5]

11 heartwarming and cozy stories. my favourites are rainy detours, daily dose and desert boy, ocean girl. desert boy, ocean girl is my favourite of all. i was legit crying reading it i don’t know why. overall 4 stars 🌟

[Charlotte (char.lottereads) · Rating 4 out of 5]

the heart crash could be so smashing that even the heartbreaker could wind up broken. Guilt is sharper than glass, I hear

Inkling: A Short Story Compilation overall Rating : 4/5
Individual Ratings:
I. Sev & The Hot Chocolate (2.75 stars)
2. Toffee spills (4.25 stars)
3. Rainy Detours (3 stars)
4. Heartbreak motel (4.25 stars)
5. The Jean Jacket (4.5 stars)
6. Daily dose (4.5 stars)
7. Ugg boots (3 stars)
8. Ice prince (3.5 stars)
9. Desert boy, Ocean girl (4.25 stars)
10. Crash and burn (3.75 stars)
11. Handwriter and keyboardist (2.5 stars)

This is probably my first short story compilations that I've read in years, I've always preferred longer stories but this still warms my heart nonetheless. As any collection, there are some you are completely infatuated with and there are some you are less fond of. But this collection of words as a whole, is a beautiful one. I really really enjoyed the multiple metaphors that you get to interpret as a reader. You get to relate them to your own heartbreak and your own experiences.

The writing is raw, human, and painfully vulnerable, this was like a warm blanket covering you in the midst of a rainy day while listening to Taylor's Swift heartbreak songs. It's cozy with a hint of sadness. I expected the stories to be extremely sad but what I found instead was a collection of words woven with so much care and so much love but with a melancholy undertone tying them all together. These stories sometimes seems a little bit to personal to read, it was truly an experience to read something so from the heart and soul.

However, as much as I enjoyed and adore this book there was this line in particular 'how it was his last hope to being able to produce words and be as capable as a perfect human being' I don't like the idea that having a disability ultimately makes you less 'perfect' than one who doesn't. I guess the line made me a tad bit uncomfortable.

Nonetheless, this was a book that exceeded my expectations and gave me a whole new experience that I just hadn't had in a long time.

[Nur · Rating 4 out of 5]

i am so very impressed with fatin's writing. her words are beautifully arranged and crafted in a way that they could touch people's hearts—with stories that are written in threads of words and metaphors that are sewn with emotions; with love, with heartbreak, with anger, with longing.

inkling, as the author has stated before, is a result of heartbreak being channelled into the form of writing and stories filled with metaphors. though i did expect to like this book, i did not expect for it to resonate with me so much. as a heartbreak survivor myself, i find myself to relate to the stories told in this book much more than i could have imagined.

the author's notes that were included here and there were like a wake-up call to me. it's as if the advice and messages were specially written for me to read.

my reading journey was enjoyable, albeit short. congratulations again on getting your book published, fatin afrina. i look forward to reading more of your works in the future.

[Liah Asya · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author's not lying when she said this will take you on a whole rollercoaster ride with you - from a moment I was all smiling then the next thing I knew I was catching my breath from my own teary session because there are some parts I can deeply relate to :') overall, it's beautifully written!! Hoping to see more works from the author, thank you for this lovely book!! Definitely one of my 5 star reads of the year!!!

[Addie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautifully written. I love reading every page, every metaphors. This book screamed for me to check it out of my Shopee cart & arrived at the most perfect time. I am at a low point in life & could relate to these beautiful stories.

I wanted to write a longer review but I think that'll be up on my Instagram (soon). But if anyone's lurking this review, contemplating if this is worth it, stop contemplating & just go buy it. It's SOOOOO WORTH IT.

Thank you heyitsnf for writing this gem :)

[fia reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

I always amaze with author when they can find the words that actually portray my mind and my feeling. I dont have this ability to construct beautiful paragraphs but I glad when I found one.

Inkling is the book that hit the base. Gosh, this is me. Heyyy I feel this too. Heyyy this metaphor, I get it. Will you agree that you will actually love or remember a book when it personally touch your heart. I’m glad I read this.

You are one brilliant lady. On top of studying IB and now medicine while writing this. That is one heck of superpower. I was just running around enjoying my life but hey if one thing I learned from this book is to never compare our life. We have our own frequency. And Fatin, you go girl!

[Mai]

The best short stories ever! I don't know how to describe my feelings when I read all of the short stories. Every short story has its own metaphors and feelings. It really goes deep inside my heart, because all of them were written by the heart of the writer! Some of them are unexpected, some of them left me in awe, some of them brought tears. I can reread all of these short stories and never get bored of them. This book is very precious! Such a gem! ✨

(hopefully this review could be understood well by the others because my English is not quite good 🥺)

[Aina D. (pagesofaina) · Rating 5 out of 5]

personal rating: 4.5 stars

inkling is a piece of beauty. because it broke me.

my review will NOT do justice to this book.

before starting my review, you might find myself repeating the word "beautiful" over and over again. and that is because i really mean it when i say "beautiful" and there’s no other way to describe it .

“might leave you crying, gritting your teeth, or smiling.” was written before the book began, and N.F Afrina (Nur Fatin Afrina) was right. it just made sense after i finished reading it.

i’ve actually read inkling halfway but stopped due to busy schedule, so when i picked it up again, i decided to start from the very beginning. and i thank myself for that decision.

the words are beautiful. you’ll understand how much i love how fatin put her thoughts into sentences if you see my tabbings. no in fact there were some parts that i felt like….. tabbing the whole page????????? :( <3

i’ve always thought of metaphors as sophisticated language that are not to my liking bcs it wasnt easy for me to understand, but inkling’s metaphors got me speechless. it just FEELS right to me <3

here are some of my thoughts of the stories that i’m gonna keep on my pocket:

sev & the hot chocolate: “Time taught me that some hearts are to be given and not together.” 🤍
toffee spills: beautifully written. i found myself smiling to this, in comfort. if you found myself giving inkling as a gift to any of my friends, this story is the ultimate reason. <3
heartbreak motel: this one hits so close to home. i cried.
the jean jacket: did this 8-pages story broke me? yes.
desert boy, ocean girl: a bittersweet smile plastered on my face as i read this. it’s heart-achingly beautiful, the relationship [not between desert boy & ocean girl] in this story seems familiar to me. :)

i’m pretty sure that inkling has a targeted niche, as @lysareading, one of my bookstagram mutuals mentioned in her review. and i know i LOVE inkling so much because of my personal experiences. this book may not resonate with you now, but if you ever found yourself reading inkling without just feeling “something” in your heart, read it again some day. i promise it will all make sense.

i don’t re-read book. but inkling will be an exception for me. i find my heart full, each time i read it.

will i recommend this to my dear friends? yes. even if they don’t usually read? yes.

on a side note, i had to point out that there are some errors in the book—spelling, punctuation, and words—which i really hope could’ve been corrected before this book was published.

[Amira · Rating 5 out of 5]

really loved this!!!! I found the stories comforting and I think this is definitely one of my favourite reads from this year so far. I'm a sucker for metaphors so these stories really were for me. now I don't have much to say except that every story was sooo beautiful and each have a special place in my heart <3 especially Toffee Spills, The Jean Jacket, Daily Dose, Ugg Boots and Ice Prince. these stories really made me feel a certain way. I'd give this 6 stars if I could.

here are some little notes I made in the margins of my copy that I thought would be nice to share :)

The Jean Jacket-
A story of having yourself traded like a jacket. Worn with love at first until a moment of carelessness, when something you're most proud of gets damaged. It was once the brightest detail, now a scar. A bruise that is pressed on when people ask, "What happened?"
"But it was an accident, right?" But accidents still hurt, even in love.
Then, given away. Any love now forgotten in exchange for profit.
A story of being used, solely for the selfish desires of another being.
And finally, finally, being discarded. Abandoned. Once loved.

Daily Dose-
Three simple words. "I love you." To some, simply that. Words. But to some, they mean so much more. Yes, actions speak louder than words, but words are reminders. "I love you" will never be overused, so long as the love still flows.

[Auni · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars

I love how these stories were highlighted mainly about self-acceptance, self-love, self-discovery and everything that focuses on a person’s individual growth. Seeing things with a new and wider perspective.

The metaphorical aspect of the story was really beautiful. You have to really read between the lines and dig deeper into the surface of the story. I think this story will give meaning to you up to your own interpretation. All you have to do is try and immerse yourself in it.

At first I find it really nerve-racking to read it because I was afraid that what if I couldn’t decipher the message that the author wants to deliver. To my relief, I was able to interpret the meaning behind the stories and was able to relate to it so much. I have to admit it made me so happy! My personal favs would be ‘Sev and The Hot Chocolate’, ‘Toffee Spills’ and ‘The Jean Jacket’.

If you’re up for an adventure and at the same time you’re feeling like you need to do some reflection on your life, this book is for you.

[N.otabene · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wish I had a pair of Uggs so I can hit sense out of Hans. Gosh. What a self-centred annoying guy.

Quite disappointed with how short it is. Haha jk. But I need more! What a page turner. Love how the writer shed lights to the reality of abusive relationship in a metaphorical ways, a cute heartwarming stories of rains and hot chocs paving ways throughout the stories. What more can you ask for?

[Nurul Tasneem · Rating 4 out of 5]

New fav <3 !!!

[Misshann · Rating 4 out of 5]

really really good and put together!

[Ave Reads ♡ · Rating 4 out of 5]

a beautiful read of 11 short stories indeed 🤍

[Meg Chia (bibliophilogy) · Rating 4 out of 5]

a solid 3.5 ish to 3.75!!

having read LOLH i can see how much afrina grew as a writer!! review to come hehe

[Amka · Rating 4 out of 5]

First thought I had after reading this is that I HAVE to write my review. I won't go through all the stories but I'll go through my favorites

-Heartbreak motel

Omg don't get me started! This one was soo good. I loved the way the author portrays this story and yesss the heartbreak got me gritting my teeth holding back tears. It was relatable the way the protagonist felt that moment. But at the same time it was comforting? Well this whole book became a comfort read for me but maybe now I don't feel so alone. I feel like there are other people who are like me as well and we're here under the same sky, not together but here. Ah I'm rambling. I'm not spoiling it but damn the metaphors in this was so good I had to recommend my friends to read it. Although some of them didn't fully understand I did and well I sure did enjoy it.

-Ice Prince

AHHHHHH. ALL I CAN SAY IS THE PLOT TWIST. Like I already love the way they portrayed the characters as the prince and the glass princess and how they used it to describe everything. I can't explain how good it was! I saw a review saying they didn't fully understand it cuz of the metaphors? But honey did I understand it! Like it kinda reminded me of the other book the author wrote idk if there's a connection since I have yet to read it but I know there's a backstabber in there and ohohoho am I gonna read it once I finished my As exams. Oh, going back to the story I absolutely adored it the characters were relatable and the way the author phrased everything was absolutely perfect. Ps: you have no idea how loud I gasped at the twist like damnnn

-Crash and Burn

HAHAHAHAHAA I LOVED THIS. The author even included honey stars. How could you not love it?? And when the author talked abt IB I definitely thought that she might've taken it (not sure if she did). I'm taking A levels at kms and have a friend who takes IB in kmb so it was quite relatable especially since I'm 19 as well just like the protagonist. I've definitely felt the same way with the character well not 'felt' probably 'feeling' but ya know. It really felt like the author was pouring the same frustration and thoughts I'm having. It was like having a double but they were in a book instead hshshsh. I also loved the tiny part in the end and that last line!!! How charming!!

It took be quite a while to read this book if I'm going to be honest. I really took my time with this one. It felt rewarding finishing story after story. I'm a bit sad it's finished since I'd usually read a story or two to make up for bad days. I can't wait to get to read Not Here To Stay next. I've had it on my tbr for a while since of exams. Oh and this is actually my first local English book that I finished. If you're concerned about the language or anything on this book no worries the author's writing the spectacular! Maybe even more than that! However, I don't think readers who aren't fully fluent in English will understand some of the stories since some people find it complicated (my friends). But what matters is that I understood even if I can't really share it with my friends I understood the stories, the lessons and the hardships carried through each individual story written. Well I've blabbered more than I expected to so I'll end it here.

To anyone reading this, have a good day.

[mahirah · Rating 1 out of 5]

ok la, i feel like the themes got repetitive revolving around heartbreak and failed relationships, hurt people hurt people type beat. it was an easy read, it just left me with that ok noted feeling

[Nadiah Zakaria · Rating 4 out of 5]

The first time I picked up this book, I only managed to read the first three short stories and decided to put it down. This was because I immediately detected multiple grammatical errors or typos that I started to wonder if the editor did their job. I suppose the English major in me jumped out and it got me annoyed.

However, I picked it up again because it’s unfair for me to judge a book by the errors caused by being human. I found myself finishing the rest of the short stories in one sitting, breezing through each one and feeling relatable to a few characters.

Though there are a few parts that seem a little cliché and I wouldn’t typically enjoy reading such stories, I must admit that we all require some clichés in life. Clip is right. I should overuse the words “I love you” even if I’m not the kind of person who would express my love verbally. It’s only deemed as “overused” because of society, so why should we conform to these normalities?

If I had to choose a favorite, it would probably be Daily Dose. I don’t know why, but that story rested well with me for quite some time even after I closed the book after finishing the remaining stories. It’s not to say that the others didn’t leave an impact. I just felt that Daily Dose stood out to me the most.

The stories are well-written, though they could use a bit of work in the metaphorical imagery and technical aspects. I enjoyed reading them and finding solace in similar situations or emotions being portrayed through these characters I only had the chance to glimpse through due to them being written in short stories.

It’s nice to see a local author blossoming into the Malaysian literary world with so much love and warmth to share.

[Syafiqha · Rating 4 out of 5]

| 11 unique short stories yet complete with lesson |

•
Firstly, I thought the compilation of these short story is a transformation from real events which the writer have been through. Turns out it is a fictional story.
•
I love her writing style! Just what she said, Inkling is a metaphor type of writing. The way she write Inkling, just the kind of book I would love to read/write. Also, Inkling makes me 'thinking' after each short story and thats what I love, my brain is working. The story is not just end there but there are more. Stories are relatable and heart warming but sometimes its sad😌✊

Just what I said, I thought the story based on real event, so.. While reading I been asking about how many times do you been through breaking up, or some rejection and feel pity for her. Then, it is fiction but still SO SO realistic.

I am amazed about her imaginary story. Like wow, brilliant! Its a suprisingly relatable eventhought most of the story are very fiction style.
If you want something new, this is it.

•
Definitely gonna re-read Inkling again when:
🌻Im feeling down
🌻Reading slump

•
All short stories are special but here some of short story (my fav😙) and the quote:

1. Sev & The Hot Chocolate
"Time taught me that some hearts are to be given and not together"

2. Toffee Spills
"...that silence by Him is not always a nod of approval, it's a chance for us to reflect and judge the things we already know by heart"

3. Hearbreak Hotel [the whole line is masterpiece]
"Guilt us sharper than glass, I hear"

4. Desert Boy, Ocean Girl
"The fact that her son's broken doesn't mean the other person in the relationship is completely at fault"

[escapeintotheink · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Here’s to the ones looking for detours, great adventures, in a weather habitually complained about; the rain.” ― Dedication from Rainy Detours, Inkling.

Inkling contains 11 short stories based on 11 metaphors. And when you finally realise what they are, your heart takes a huge hit. The central theme of Inkling is love. A different type of love - even the start and end of them - took the spotlight by turn.

N. F. Afrina wove tales that were both awe-inspiring and gripping with incredible twists and relatable characters. Each story was unique, uplifting and stood apart from the rest. The author did not hold back on the rawness of the emotions the characters expressed and kept their struggles and realisations lifelike. Many books have spoken to me and were relatable, but Inkling is the first book that consisted of experiences I found personally relatable. 

N. F. Afrina's writing was simple yet lovely. The metaphors in the story were easy to understand, but you did have to read between the lines to grasp them. Of course, the prose could have been more polished to remove the countless errors, but they weren't that pronounced to me to take away my enjoyment. The illustrations by the author complimented the aesthetics of the stories and the theme of the book. The cover was very satisfying.

Overall, Inkling is the book you read when you need a pick me up or a pat on the back. It reminds you of your achievements and that you've got this, reminds you to open your eyes and look for the small things to make yourself happy.

Thank you for taking the time to read my review. Enjoy reading the book, fellow bookworms!

[wrdn · Rating 4 out of 5]

4/5 stars for this one!

overall i really really love the writing style of the author!! it’s quite rare to see local authors (especially young ones) write with so much flair! if i didn’t have classes i’d most probably devour this book within a day 😫 and because it is a compilation of short stories, i get excited and curious every time i move on to the next story. i’m not so big on metaphors though, so i couldn’t really understand (and maybe didn’t try to) the meaning behind some of the stories, but i could really tell the short stories came directly from the heart. i think that is why this book feels like a warm hug to most people!!

if i had to choose a favourite short story, it would be toffee spills! the title itself is so creative 💯 but what i love most is the message or lesson behind it 😊 anddd the story that i could relate most to is crash and burn bcs i’m currently struggling as much as the narrator! (i might as well be the one in the car at the end 😂)

if you’re wondering, the reason why i didn’t give it 5 stars is bcs there were quite a number of typing/punctuation errors…and although i’m in no place to say this, there were several minor grammar errors as well (which i don’t think is intended) but as a reader - a very finicky one at that - it did sorta ruin my reading experience…but i guess it’s just me!

i look forward to read other books written by the same author, some time in the future. i really do hope her work gets more recognition, bcs she defo deserve it. :)

[Aishah Humaira' (Mermaird ♡) · Rating 5 out of 5]

My full review for each short story can be read on my blog: mermaird.com

“I love you’s are like ligase that joins Okazaki fragments together in DNA replication. It’s not overused, it’s necessary.”

This is a short dedication of love for Inkling, a short-stories anthology that brought me much comfort and warmth 💖🌻 Despite only being a collection of short stories, each story captured my heart and feels special in their own wonderful ways.

My personal favourite would be ‘Rainy Detours’, ‘Daily Dose’, ‘Ice Prince’ and ‘Handwriter and Keyboardist’. These are the stories that invoked a whirlwind of emotions out of me; I just have a soft spot for soft people. I want to add that Ice Prince did not read like a short story too; it has a lot of depth and layer in it, and I’m in awe with the strength of the main character 🤍

Overall, reading Inkling felt so delightful and it’s one of the books that I annotated the most ✨ It’s a book that I’ll pick up when I need something short and wholesome.

Many thanks to the author for sending this book my way 💗 You’re a very talented person, my love, and I’m so grateful that you’re part of my life.