I think I had the exact opposite reaction to this book than what the author intends: it was fine. I can see people either loving or hating this [6/10]
I think I had the exact opposite reaction to this book than what the author intends: it was fine. I can see people either loving or hating this one. I guess because it's so well known and I sort of expected it's absurd, over-the-top style, it didn't hit me as it might have had I read this back in 1996 when it was just coming out and gaining traction. I also don't know how I feel about the message it's sending? In 2020 this book probably reads very differently than it did back in the day. I'm not sure if I will watch the film adaptation—which many of you told me during my reading updates is arguably better than the book—because it is so graphic and dark. We will see. But I can't really imagine myself picking up any more Palahniuk books since they seem, from my research, to revel in shocking the audience over anything else, and that style isn't really for me....more
What a beautifully heart-breaking book. It's a bit disorienting, jumping around from different characters' perspectives, and told in different w[8/10]
What a beautifully heart-breaking book. It's a bit disorienting, jumping around from different characters' perspectives, and told in different writing styles. But I think that lends itself to the sort of medley of pain and struggle and sorrow these characters' face. Each has their own story to tell about loss, about displacement and about learning to live through it as best they can. And Morrison excellently captures those feelings without every feeling didactic. They are richly crafted and flawed characters who you can't help but root for. I think this one would reward a second reading after you've got the initial understanding of exactly what is happening, and upon re-read you can appreciate how she tells it so masterfully....more
The middle third is super slow and left me wondering where it was going, but the last bit was crazy cool and got me eager to continue with the rest ofThe middle third is super slow and left me wondering where it was going, but the last bit was crazy cool and got me eager to continue with the rest of the series....more
I went into this book knowing very little about it and very little about the subject matter. I've never read Doctor Zhivago, but that doesn't matter I went into this book knowing very little about it and very little about the subject matter. I've never read Doctor Zhivago, but that doesn't matter for this book. It's about the mission that the U.S. government put on in the 1950's to disseminate propaganda, in the form of anti-Soviet literature, within the Soviet Union. The novel puts, at its forefront, female typists in the U.S. government, some of whom are covert agents assisting in the mission.
The writing is fairly straight forward but still, at times, poetic. The characters really grew on me, though because it juggles so many POVs it can be a bit stretched thin at times. However, I think the length and pacing are excellent. I liked the switching back and forth in locations and how that was distinguished by the chapter breaks.
This is the kind of book I would not be shocked to see adapted to screen in the next few years—whether as a film or miniseries. And I would definitely watch it. Overall, a nice debut and one that would appeal to wide array of readers....more
This was my first Wharton, and I was surprised at how accessible her writing was! It made me interested in reading more of her work for sure. This oneThis was my first Wharton, and I was surprised at how accessible her writing was! It made me interested in reading more of her work for sure. This one, however, was a bit lackluster. It has some lovely descriptions and seems very progressive for its time. But overall the story was mediocre and the ending so abrupt!...more
[3.5 stars] I wish this had gone a bit deeper. I think the structure was unique but didn't necessarily add anything to the reading experience with the[3.5 stars] I wish this had gone a bit deeper. I think the structure was unique but didn't necessarily add anything to the reading experience with the various one-off chapters of other character's stories. They were quite short and displayed the various experiences of immigrants, but didn't elevate the novel in any way. Each of their stories could have been its own novel, but within the framework of this novel they didn't work. I also felt that Mayor was a sympathetic, interesting characters but underdeveloped. Considering this novel isn't very long, Henriquez tries to write about so many experiences and from so many voices, that it drowns everything out a bit. Still, an engaging read that gives a real sense of being a foreigner in America, and all of the complications, frustrations and limitations that that can unfortunately bring—even after being granted citizenship....more
[4.5 stars] I thoroughly enjoyed this book because I felt a deep connection to Prior's point-of-view. Her literary outlook on life and her Christian p[4.5 stars] I thoroughly enjoyed this book because I felt a deep connection to Prior's point-of-view. Her literary outlook on life and her Christian perspective really resonated with me. I also found it particularly enjoyable because I have read many of the works of literature which she references. It was also a book in which I underlined and made notes throughout, and I'm sure I will return to this again in the future. A good work of literature not only inspires thought but action, and this book did both....more
This was a challenging read at times, especially regarding sexual assault (if you are sensitive to that, be warned there are some very descriptive chaThis was a challenging read at times, especially regarding sexual assault (if you are sensitive to that, be warned there are some very descriptive chapters regarding it).
It definitely reminded me a lot of The Glass Castle, Chanel Bonfire, and Educated. And I'm not sure if that's a pro or con because I loved those books but this felt a bit stale because I'd read that story a few times before. Karr's writing, however, is superb and as it went on I got much more invested in the story. The last couple chapters in particular were very compelling.
Overall a solid read and I can see why it's been so popular over the years....more
Jesmyn Ward does an amazing job at getting you to feel things with this book. It's extremely visceral, and warning: quite hard to read at times. ThereJesmyn Ward does an amazing job at getting you to feel things with this book. It's extremely visceral, and warning: quite hard to read at times. There are instances of sexual assault, dog fights, and some bloody accidents that are rendered on the page expertly, but it does make for a tough read. Tread lightly. However, with that comes extreme attachment and love for the characters. I felt so deeply for Esch and her brothers. Their love for each other radiates off the page, even when their actions may seem unloving, you know that with their circumstances they are doing the best they can. There's a lot to unpack with this story: from Ward's use of the Medea myth to the metaphorical and literal hurricane barreling at them for much of the story. And I know it will stick with me for quite some time. I enjoyed but didn't love Ward's latest novel Sing, Unburied, Sing, while I loved but didn't always enjoy this one. She's a skilled writer who definitely deserves the praise she has received thus far in her career, and I will continue to check out her works....more
I'm sure I will revisit this again, possibly even quite soon. It's short but there is so much to unpack and it's so excellently written. I ca4.5 stars
I'm sure I will revisit this again, possibly even quite soon. It's short but there is so much to unpack and it's so excellently written. I can see why this is a staple of Baldwin's oeuvre and one of the most influential non-fiction works of the last century....more
What an odd little book. It has a very strong narrative voice, but the plotting is a bit slow. I felt it relied too much on atmosphere, and thou(6/10)
What an odd little book. It has a very strong narrative voice, but the plotting is a bit slow. I felt it relied too much on atmosphere, and though little character traits are well developed, overall it didn't hook me. Would make a good discussion book though as there are many themes & threads to unpack. I can see myself enjoying this one more in hindsight than immediately after finishing it....more
This was WILD. A total page turner and probably one of the most anxiety-inducing books I've ever read. I felt Cathy's dread, and the build up was inteThis was WILD. A total page turner and probably one of the most anxiety-inducing books I've ever read. I felt Cathy's dread, and the build up was intense. Actually it was mostly build-up, and I'd say the resolution was slightly underwhelming. On top of that I think it was a tad too long and repetitive for my liking, though that repetition definitely did contribute to the sense of unease and anxiety that characterizes Cathy and this book in general. Overall I was hooked and really enjoyed the reading experience.
Major content warning for assault/violence, sexual assault, abuse. It's definitely hard to read at times, so if you are sensitive to that at all, I would not recommend this book....more
I'm very torn over this book. From a literary perspective, I found this book to be very well written, engaging and interesting. But from an[3.5 stars]
I'm very torn over this book. From a literary perspective, I found this book to be very well written, engaging and interesting. But from an emotional perspective—especially for a book that deals with such heavy subject matter—I found myself pretty distant from the characters. I enjoyed reading about them but never felt like I connected with them, so that definitely took me out of the story a lot. It's a perfectly good novel that held my attention and will be very interesting to discuss with my book club, but it didn't blow me away. However, I would definitely read more from Adébáyọ̀ in the future....more
This is definitely not a book I ever would've picked up on my own discretion, which is why book clubs are great! I love branching out and r[2.5 stars]
This is definitely not a book I ever would've picked up on my own discretion, which is why book clubs are great! I love branching out and reading in genres I rarely read, or finding authors I've never even heard of (especially cool that this was translated from Polish, which is a first for me). However, I can't say I really loved this. Some of the stories were enjoyable enough, particularly the ones that were more closely related to traditional fairytales (like Snow White and Beauty & the Beast). The others were a bit forgettable and not as interesting to me.
I know this book is more like the appetizer to a more epic fantasy series, since it's made up of short stories that sort of set the scene for what is to come. However, I didn't find the stories to be that compelling or give me that much of an idea of the world or the Witcher's abilities. All the magic was very vaguely described; I know he can do 'Signs' and hexes, but how he learned magic, the particulars of his skills, etc. was not given so it sort of felt like the magic was a cheat for the author to explain stuff away. I want more magic system when I'm reading a fantasy with magical elements, so I know there are stakes and rules and logic the characters have to abide by.
Overall, not my thing but it's cool that a book series spawned such a popular video game. That's a type of adaptation you don't see too often....more
Life is brutal. And the life we lead is directed by choices we make and often sacrifices, which are choices in and of themselves, lead us down paths tLife is brutal. And the life we lead is directed by choices we make and often sacrifices, which are choices in and of themselves, lead us down paths that make us feel helpless, out of control; ironic when a choice you make leads to that state of helplessness. Rachel Kushner examines that 'control' and does so excellently in this novel. Looking at the prison system is one way of examining control—where everything is rigid and pre-determined, leaving its members with no will. But on a larger scale she looks at patriarchy, male entitlement, female power and subverting traditional roles. It's not a pretty book by any means; the stories are often brutal and would make you turn away, plead ignorance in real life. But you can't look away here and you have to grapple with these issues from an imperfect but complex set of characters. This book surprised me and it's one I don't think I'll easily forget. Can't broadly recommend it to everyone because it has some pretty grim subject matter, but definitely worth checking out if you are interested....more
I was pretty much sucked into this story from page 1. Erdrich's narration through the eyes of a 13 year old boy is masterful. It's a difficult book toI was pretty much sucked into this story from page 1. Erdrich's narration through the eyes of a 13 year old boy is masterful. It's a difficult book to read, for sure, and be warned that it covers some pretty intense topics like rape and abuse. But it's an important story as well, and Erdrich is able to look at some big injustices in light of one character's story in a way that makes it all the more enraging. And yet there is resilience and hope in these characters as they band together. I need to read more Erdrich immediately....more
This should be required reading in high school. I feel like if teachers used material like this, students would be a lot more engaged. It’s a fascinatThis should be required reading in high school. I feel like if teachers used material like this, students would be a lot more engaged. It’s a fascinating blend of genres and such an interesting perspective with which she examines slavery. Very immersive and horrifying, but it really humanizes the past. Would highly recommend and am eager to read more from Butler’s backlist....more
3.5 stars This was a very fun, fast-paced story. I enjoyed the different narrative techniques, of the letters and testimonies, to tell the story as we3.5 stars This was a very fun, fast-paced story. I enjoyed the different narrative techniques, of the letters and testimonies, to tell the story as well. It didn't blow my mind but it was really enjoyable, well written & researched, and I could see this making a very entertaining film. Would definitely recommend to people who enjoy things set in the wild west....more
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