Wizard Bakery
by Gu Byeong-mo. Fantasy genre. It was published on March 27th 2009, by Gramedia Pustaka Utama. Started reading it from January 7th to 8th 2024, with 208 pages. Age group: Young Adult, New Adult.
Trigger and Content Warning
Child abuse. Domestic violence. Emotional neglect. Physical neglect. Sexual assault accusations. Trauma. Psychological distress. Self harm. Suicidal thoughts. Manipulation. Exploitation. Police investigation. Legal issues.
Premise of the Book
After his father remarried following his mother’s death, a 16-year-old boy was forced to live with his stepmother and stepsibling. His relationship with his stepmother was never good, so when he was suddenly accused of harassing his stepsibling, he ran away. In a panic, he fled to a nearby bakery, never expecting to find a world of magic waiting for him. At first glance, Wizard Bakery looks like an ordinary bakery, but it actually sells bread and pastries infused with magic. While staying there, the boy witnesses the selfishness of people who seek magical power for their own gain. Although the Baker and his assistant, Bluebird, often scold him, they also offer him comfort—something his own family never did. But when the police begin investigating the bakery, the boy realizes that his time to face reality is running out.
People Suited for This Book
Young adult readers who enjoy magical realism and character-driven stories
Readers who appreciate themes of trauma, healing, and found family
Those who like introspective narratives with a mix of whimsy and dark themes
Fans of stories exploring social issues through a fantastical lens
Readers looking for an emotional yet hopeful journey
Feelings While Reading
When you read this book, get ready for a rollercoaster of emotions! It's like a mix of shock, reflection, and a dash of suspense. I'll feel all the feels—from surprise to introspection—with a twist that'll keep me hooked till the very last page. So, buckle up and prepare for a wild ride of emotions!
Book Review
Hey there! Isn't it just amazing when our wishes actually come true? But hey, have you ever thought about the not-so-sunny side of getting what you wish for? Not every wish is all rainbows and unicorns, you feel me? This book really goes deep into some heavy stuff that's not your usual light reading. We're talking about patriarchal attitudes, child sexual violence, past traumas, and even some dark themes like murder and suicide. There's even a part where they explore the whole "turning back time" deal, showing us that repeating things doesn't always make them better. Instead of running away from reality, the author hammers home the idea of facing it head-on. They want us to do some soul-searching, be mindful of our choices, and own up to our decisions without pointing fingers. And let me tell you, there's a twist in the tale that'll leave you shook! So, if you're thinking of diving into this book, make sure to give the Trigger Warning a once-over before you jump in for a wild ride of emotions!
Rating
[3.2][★★★☆☆] Cover Design
[3.3][★★★☆☆] Story and Plot
[3.5][★★★☆☆] Characters
[3.5][★★★☆☆] Overall Rating
