#my mom's taste is more diverse admittedly so i probably will ask her to make her own recs

[lucaonthropy]

Ok, so @your-dead-european-ancestor (pls tell me if u rather not be tagged!) asked for an Indonesian book/author recs and I'm definitely way too excited about it. Here they are:

1. Ziggy Z. (Author)

By God I only read three books written by her and I'm blown away every time. Her writing style is unique and fun, a mix of old children novels such as Emil from Lonneberga or Totto-chan and creepypasta horror. Her stories read exactly like cautionary tales that start okay-ish and peaceful but the further you read the more you realize that things are wrong.

One of the quote from her book I remember to this day is (pharaphrased) "Be careful when you pray, because sometimes God doesn't hear your prayer fast enough and the Thing that does usually means no good". Banger.

Her books that I've read are Saving Ludo, Teru Teru Bozu, and Hari Ini Kita Pergi. For light reading, I recommend the third one. If you like murder mysteries, try the second. I don't really know to whom I should recommend the first one it's just plain unhinged.

2. Dee Lestari (Author)

If you never read any of her books, I ask you very politely to do so. Her writing style can only be described as poetic and light, like expensive tea that British people drink. I have read the first book of her Supernova series (it's insanely popular and gets reprinted like, every year?), Filosofi Kopi, the first two of Rapijali series, and some of her short stories that I don't know come from which book.

She is insanely good at writing characters that have different personalities and mashing them together. Her romances are also very good and complex. For someone who hates love triangle, I sure was infested in one of hers lmao.

If it's your first time reading her works, I recommend to start with Filosofi Kopi or her other short story anthology to get a taste of her writing style, since from the words of my classmates nearly all of them can't understand the plot because of her flowery wording.

3. S.Mara Gd (Author)

She is mostly famous because of her murder mystery novel series which has no series name but is generally called Petualangan Kosasih-Gozali. Her primary job is a doctor, so you can guess how much forensic stuff is included in her books and I personally adore it. If the first two authors I recommended have flowery writing styles with heavy prose and symbolism, S.Mara Gd's writing is concise and to the point but detailed - as is appropriate for murder mystery novels, ofc. And the novels in the series are all separate stories (with the exception of some that have 'part 1' and 'part 2' in the titles) so you can just pick at random. A lot of good use of red herrings and Checkov's gun in her works, though sometimes she kinda overdoes it with the plot twist. A lot of social problems are also brought up in the stories, sooo....

My favorite works of her are Misteri Gadis Tak Bernama, Misteri Rubrik Kontak Hati, Misteri Matinya Wanita Simpanan, and the four books of Daud Hakim dan Trista.

Obviously content warning for graphic description of dead bodies, graphic description of murder, and blood and/or injuries.

4. Dial A for Aunties by Jesse Q. Sutanto

This one is in English and I haven't finished it yet, but so far the humor is on point. Basically, the premise is that the MC, Meddy, a Chinese-Indonesian girl with a lot of aunties and a family curse that causes every man in her family to disappear or die, accidentally killed her first boyfriend and has to ask her (old-timey and traiditional) mom and aunties to help her cover the murder. If that alone doesn't pique your interest, I don't know what will.

5. Sepotong Kisah di Balik 98 by Various Authors

This is a series of 5 books where every book has 4-5 novellas by the winners of a writing competition and the novellas in each book are chosen by different famous Indonesian author. The theme of all stories included are about the experiences of marginalized people in the tragic event of Kerusuhan Mei 98.

The one I have is chosen by Dee Lestari (if you can't guess already lmao). I have only read 1 out of 4 novellas inside and am blown away by how good it is. From what I've seen, the competition was kinda prestigious so even though I haven't read much yet, I can't see any of the chosen story in any of the 5 books being bad.

The authors that chose the novellas in every book are Dee Lestari, Erisca Febriani, Luluk HF, Okky Madasari, and A. Fuadi.

Be mindful that due to the theme and topic, the books will contain mentions of death, graphic description of death, description of mutilation, description of heavy violence, description and mentions of rape and sexual assault, description of extreme poverty, prostitution, depression, and PTSD, and graphic description of suicidal ideation and/or suicide attempt. (These depend on which book you're reading, but I'd rather play safe and cover what I know).

6. Risa Saraswati (Author)

You probably have heard of her as the girl who can see and befriends Dutch children ghosts. Well, she ends up writing about them all! I have never read Danur (the main novel, basically centered more on Risa and her experience) but I have read all the ghost children books except for the girls (they haven't came out yet when I started binge reading them).

The ghost children's books are about, of course, the ghosts that Risa befriends in her new haunted home. But since that story is covered in Danur, these books tell us about the ghosts' lives before they became ghosts. And. Well. Considering they all lived when the Dutch is starting/still colonizing Indonesia, their backstory aren't all idyllic and fun. A lot of social problems are brought up from the POV of the children of colonizer people who, even though were taught that they were the better race and people, maintained their innocence and humanity until their deaths.

My absolute favorites from her works are William, Hendricks, and Hans. She has written a lot of other Danur spinoff books too, so check those out if you want.

7. Dan Hujan Pun Berhenti by Farida Susanty

This one is marketed for teenager and I can see why. It's dark and edgy in the way highschoolers who just grow up and see the bad things in the world as their enemies would like. The writing style in this one is the least informal one on this list, using 'lo-gue' and slangs. And while this book isn't particularly in my taste, I still enjoyed the ride.

The writing style is messy and kind of Wattpad-y, but the plot and character interactions compelled me enough to finish it. I also like the lack of actual romance in it and how that is perceived by our amatonormative society.

The blurb is a banger tho: "Kamu mau bunuh diri?" "Ya, asal tidak hujan."

8. A Hole in the Head by Annisa Ihsani

If you read Famous Five/Lima Sekawan before, this one is just like it. It's about Ann and her new friend Jo investigating a seemingly supernatural occurence in the inn Ann is staying at. The setting is not in Indonesia, but if you like something light and fun and adventure-y after all my previous recs, I recommend this one. The writing style reads like a foreign children novel translated to Indonesia - casual but staying true to KBBI.

9. Depaysement by Aisya A. A.

Ok so this one is ... a shameless plug lmao. This one is my writing and while I put this in the list jokingly, I also hope you will be interested to try it!

It's a low fantasy-mystery novella with the basic premise of the MC, Aniara, getting dreams and flashbacks to a life he never knew about after seeing an old painting in an exhibition. Not so long after, the painting is stolen. So Aniara asks his best friend Dirga to help him investigate what it all means and why he, specifically, is involved.

The writing style here is more poetic and the descriptions are long-winded, especially in the latter half of it. A lot of jumping from one setting to another too, since the story involves a lot of dreaming.

10. Garnish by Mashdar Zainal

I only read like, a quarter of it since I loaned it from the library, but my mom said it's good and sentimental so there's that. From the tiny bit I've seen though, it looks good. Basically a young adult man whose hobby is cooking and a young woman whose hobby is painting. Both of them are shunned by their parent(s) for their hobbies and end up running away until they bump into each other. I think it's a coming-of-age?

11. Beautiful Stranger by Fida Aifiya (Fantasteen series)

The best book from Fantasteen series in my opinion. It's a teenlit but with 'aku-kamu' and the premise is Khanza, a normal highschool girl, meets a weird boy named Thariq who has no past, weird identity, weird content in his backpack, and only five numbers in his phone. And when I say Thariq is weird I don't mean quirky teenage boy weird. It has something to do with the reveal in the later half of the book but by God he's straight up unhinged. And almost killed Khanza's best friend by urging him to do suicide - not out of malice, but genuine curiosity. While we're at it, I love how even though Khanza has a crush on Thariq, it isn't reciprocated and she ends up having to move on. A+ for that!

12. Petualangan Regu Elang by Caritra Sari

Last rec!!! Now, I make this rec mostly for jokes because the series is marked for 10+ y.o. kids but consider: It's well-written, fun, and short if you just want to turn your brain off and read something simple from time to time. Hell, I'd say the writing style is better than T*re Liy* lmao (sorry. I'm a bit bitter about him)

Anyway, all of the novellas in the series are about the adventures of boy scout groups doing boy scout things. A lot of bonding and friendship happen along their way and it's just a very wholesome and quick read.

Again, this one is mainly a joke but if you're interested go for it.

Overheard someone saying T*re Liy* is the best author in my country and subsequently took psychic damage

[wavingthroughawxndow-blog]

1: it’s the apocalypse. you lay next to the person you trust and love most, and start talking. you know your time is limited. what is the one thing you want them to know before you two die?           

This is so hard! This is so hard, because I’m young, I think, and I still live within such an invincible mindset so I’m admittedly biased. Also, at this point in my life, the person I trust and love the most is probably still my mom, not gonna lie, and she literally knows all there is to know about me. She knows me better than I know myself! I think I would just tell her that I love her and had the best time being her son. 

2: you are faced with an almighty spirit. it tells you that you must choose two emotions\feelings - one of them you will never feel again, and the other becomes your most dominant. which two are those?        

  I would never feel ...hmmm.. sadness again, and I know the expectation would be to feel mostly joy but I think I would want to feel mostly understanding, even in situations where it’s hard. 

3: what is the one thing you want your best friend to never do? why? how will you react if they do it?

          Marry a gentile man who won’t be open to Judaism. I’ll be like, “Girl,” and give her the look and the wedding will be off, so we’re all good. 

4: do you have a favorite tv show? why is it your favorite? what is the reason you started watching it, and what is the reason you continued          

  I keep up with a few things. Orange is the new Black is probably my favorite. 

5: do you have a favorite musical instrument? if yes, why exactly is it your favorite? can you play it/would you ever?           

Probably piano because I know how to play that. But I think that all of the instruments are interesting and unique and beautiful and create wonderful sounds with the right help!

6: who is your all-time favorite character? why exactly? do you relate to them, and how?            

          That’s too hard to answer, because I love so many characters! But maybe Dorothy from The Wizard of Oz which I definitely watched every day after school as a kid. I want(ed) to be Judy Garland. 

7: is there anything you believe in? what is it? why do you believe in it? can you tell us something that explains this belief?

I’ve talked a lot publicly about the fact that I’m Jewish and I believe in G-d. The reason I am so unapologetically on board with Judaism is because I was raised into those beliefs and I have the most wonderful and supportive family, and because the way the religion has stayed fundamentally the same but remains a coherent belief system in our changing, hectic times is beautiful to me. It just all makes sense to me, and is what I’ve always known. Judaism is really a religion based more on actions than beliefs (practices, traditions, etc) but one belief within the Jewish faith is that goodness is rewarded and wickedness is punished and I have never met a fellow Jew that I got bad vibes from, like, ever! I love the sense of community and kinship religion can create even among strangers and I think it gives life a lot of much needed structure! 

8: you are locked in a room until the day you die, and have a choice to spend this time with one person. will you choose someone? if yes, who is it? why?

That’s too hard!!! Probably my best friend and platonic soulmate, Beanie. We’d find a way to make it fun and we would have a duet partner so that’s all we’d really need!! 

9: what is the book that got you into reading, if there even is one? what was so special about it? when did you read it?

Honestly, I LOVE The Harry Potter series. They were just becoming a huge deal when I was a little kid, and I was so obsessed with them. I love the way so much careful attention was put on detail and continuity and how intricately woven everything about the world was. It absolutely transported me to another realm. 

10: what is the song i have to listen to so i could know you better?

You would need a whole playlist, I think. Like, humans are so complex. 

11: do you prefer being outside when its sunny or when its dark?

Sunny! I love sunny weather! I love the way it illuminates people so flattering-like like there is nothing better than natural light! Also it’s warm and nie. As long as it’s not too warm. 

12: do you like the rain? why? do you prefer storms or light dripping?

I think rain is so nice. I like rain because it can often confine you to bed... with hot cocoa and another person. Rain cuddles are everything. 

13: hot chocolate with cinnamon, marshmellows, both or none?

Good timing! Neither. Whipped cream is the superior option, clearly. And chocolate sprinkles on top of that. Perfection!

14: do you like tea? why? if yes, what is your favorite kind?

I’m a musical theatre kid, did you even have to ask? I LOVE tea. I like experimenting with different combinations. I like hibiscus tea a lot. I like a combination of hibiscus, peppermint, and oat straw and also a combination of lemon balm, peppermint, and nettle leaf. I also just like peppermint! Or chai! I love tea. I’m a fiend. 

15: do you enjoy coffee? if yes, do you drink it for the taste or for the caffeine?

Yes! And I love it on days where I haven’t slept enough, or if I’m hungover or something to give me the extra push. But mostly for the caffeine. Although it’s alright with a LOOOT of sugar and bad stuff in it! 

16: what is your perfect playlist for studying? where is the perfect place to listen to it?

I haven’t had to study in a while! Gil Faizon and George St. Geegland would like you all to know I’m a college dropout, after all. But I would kind of always just put iTunes on shuffle when I had to study and I’d wind up with a bunch of show tunes and Beyonce. 

17: what is your favorite color? why? what is your least favorite shade of this color?

I like different colors for different things. Like, I would have a different favorite color if I was buying a shirt than if I was buying something for my kitchen. I think there’s a time and place for all of them!

18: think of a person you love. now describe them, using only stuff that only you would describe them with. (for example - my person would be described by reading a new book while there’s a storm outside.)

Hmmm! I don’t want to be obvious here... Comforting hand holds. TMNT Fruit snacks.  The best platonic snuggles ever. Chemistry that can’t be confined to the stage, or life. <3

19: what is the song you feel like you HAVE to know to play?

I think that depends on what you play, what you feel like inside, and where you’re playing it! 

  20: do you like writing? do you prefer to write on a computer or in a notebook?

I don’t mind writing, but it’s not, like, my strongest passion or anything. People who feel compelled to write fascinate me, though. 

21: shuffle your playlist until you get to a song you will never skip. what is this song? why do you never skip it? do you recommend it?

The Voice Within by Christina Aguilera. IT’S A REALLY GOOD FREAKING SONG, OKAY? Yes, I suggest it. 

22: do you like stargazing? why?

Yes! I think the stars are beautiful. But I will say, I do prefer a sunset to stargazing. 

23: what is your favorite hour of the day?

I think they’re all pretty swell. I’m alive for them and generally healthy. 

24: what is your harry potter house? did you get sorted on pottermore or do you think it represents you better?

As much as I would have liked to be able to say Gryffindor, I was put in Hufflepuff which I do agree with, truthfully. But I would like to embody more Gryffindor attributes. 

25: what is your patronus?

A ginger cat!

26: do you want to write a book? if yes, did you start already?

I might try someday.But right now I’m focusing on the experiences, rather than sharing them. 

27: what is your favorite smell?

Probably anything really good baking. It could be sweet or savory or anything. Just good kitchen smells. 

28: picture yourself at ease. now describe what exactly did you picture - with who you are? where? what exactly put you at ease?

I’m in a theatre and with a number of friends. I’m perusing the playbill and getting excited for the show and suddenly the lights around the theatre are dimmer and the stage is illuminated and I’m in another world altogether. Can you blame me for being transported to another world being a common theme in my answers? I mean, considering our current political situation. Just saying.

29: you have the option to forget one book/series completely and reread/rewatch it from the start. what book/series is it?

I don’t know if I would want this with anything. I really like rewatching things and noticing all new things and comparing to the first time, really. Then trying to figure out what that all says about me!

30: what do you love most about humanity?

I think it’s hard to make blanket statements about humanity because of all the diversity within the population - religious, racial, etc. But maybe that is my favorite thing about humanity. All the diversity, and yet there are things that bring us all together. Like beautiful art, or shared experiences, or the desire to be affectionate. What a great thing. And that!!! Is a good note to end on!