An interesting dive into the world of Polish "Covid deniers" in the first two years of the pandemic. It was also horrific. Yet, today, I could read itAn interesting dive into the world of Polish "Covid deniers" in the first two years of the pandemic. It was also horrific. Yet, today, I could read it with less anger than I would have two years ago.
Of course, not all was new to me. Nonetheless, I have been avoiding the deniers, as a rule. So, some connections, and aspects were new to me.
I liked the author's irony (even his bitterness), although I am surprised that some people wanted to speak to him after what he told them.
In this collection, some stories were more interesting, some less. Most of them were a great start for a discussion, about our society, about humans, In this collection, some stories were more interesting, some less. Most of them were a great start for a discussion, about our society, about humans, about law, about guilt, etc.
There wasn't a "wow" for me, yet, the simple style allowed a fast read, concentrating on the story and then on thinking through what I thought about what happened.
One can't even imagine how it is to find out (after years) that your father was a war criminal. Then, it is also hard to imagPowerful. Rough. Hurtful.
One can't even imagine how it is to find out (after years) that your father was a war criminal. Then, it is also hard to imagine how it was to live in Yugoslavia in the second half of the XX century. In a country that consisted of a few nations, that didn't like each other. Balkans are (and almost always were) the most conflicted regions in Europe.
Vladan's struggles with past and present, with what was real and what was a lie, with feelings for his family, and with his conception of his own identity were priceless. Sorrowful, wrathful, and very needed for all "Vladans" (all over the world).
Goran Vojnović's style of writing, his metaphors, description, wit are remarkable. I love such styles, that "don't take hostages", that makes me feel.
[I don't know] in which of the unburned silences our story burned out.
Do I understand better Balkans nations and people? I don't think so - one or two books aren't enough. But I have a deeper feeling about how complicated their relations are. I have to read more about the Balkans....more
It wasn't a fully objective study of Irish Catholic history, I think. The author (like probably most Polish readers) is too deep A very gripping read.
It wasn't a fully objective study of Irish Catholic history, I think. The author (like probably most Polish readers) is too deep in our own Catholic culture to be able to be calm on this topic. Still, Marta Abramowicz didn't hide her opinions, so one could easily separate her anger from facts.
I am not sure you can read it without emotions. I couldn't. The oppressiveness, the unfairness, and the violence were too overwhelming to stay calm. I had to make often breaks in listening to an audiobook.
Ireland got up from her knees, I hope Poland does it too. In Poland, there were no Magdalene Laundries or Industrial schools, and for a half-century of the Polish People's Republic (being one of the Eastern Bloc countries) the Roman Catholic Church was blocked from growing in power, still, for the last three decades the RCC has been trying (with some success) to turn the country back a century or two.
Believe in what you want to, just allow others to do it too.
This book consists of reportages telling the stories of people who lived in the Chech part of Czechoslovakia (independent from 1918 to IIWW, and beingThis book consists of reportages telling the stories of people who lived in the Chech part of Czechoslovakia (independent from 1918 to IIWW, and being a part of the Eastern Bloc until 1989). I knew a little bit about Czechs because it is hard not to know at least something about neighboring countries. Yet, there wasn't much. Now, I know and better feel Chech's soul and their attitude toward life.
I loved the author's wit and the way of storytelling.
First of all, Krzysztof Skonieczny as a narrator of the audiobook was brilliant. I am sure, I would have abandoned the novel if I had read it by myselFirst of all, Krzysztof Skonieczny as a narrator of the audiobook was brilliant. I am sure, I would have abandoned the novel if I had read it by myself. His timbre, his reading for different voices were marvelous. And his Dario... Well, I had gooseflesh.
The story was interesting (also brutal, foul-mouthed), and the characters were complex. Jakub Żulczyk seems to be able to create intriguing metaphors and comparisons like it is the easiest thing. Moreover, in his style of writing (at least in this book) was a kind of melody, there was an atmosphere that made me feel the stuffiness, tension, harshness, and violence of the captured world. And the scenes were very film.
But, it looked like he couldn't stop himself. Many parts were like essays (he wrote columns in many newspapers, so he has experience). I like good essays, but putting them in a novel made it tiring. As I wrote, only thanks to Skonieczny's reading I finished it and I was able to enjoy it....more
Time travel to the times of (mostly) my young adult years. A few phenomena were outside my bubble, but most I knew and experienced.
I listen to the autTime travel to the times of (mostly) my young adult years. A few phenomena were outside my bubble, but most I knew and experienced.
I listen to the authors' podcasts (most topics in this book they also spoke about in podcasts), yet it was still worth listening to because they gave shorter versions here. (For those who want to know more I recommend listening to the podcasts).
It was a bit chaotic biography. There were also many unnecessary details, like all the plants she planted in her garden (and I really mean the names oIt was a bit chaotic biography. There were also many unnecessary details, like all the plants she planted in her garden (and I really mean the names of all herbs, vegetables, flowers, etc.) So, because of that chaos, I am not able now to name (even only the biggest ones) chronologically events from Kora's life.
What the author did well was that she created the atmosphere of the times Kora lived or rather two, third periods in Polish history of the XX century.
I also have now the feeling I know and (more or less) understand Kora. It is new to me because I am from a generation (sub-generation) who knew about Kora little, almost only that she sang with Maanam band and I knew a few of their hits. I am sure, for someone who was from Kora's generation (and for her fans) - the book will sound a bit different.
In summary, I am really glad I listened to the audiobook. Her songs will now have another level for me....more
An autobiography or memoir is always risky. The writer is also the main character, and it is especially hard in such caseA sad story.
Not a good book.
An autobiography or memoir is always risky. The writer is also the main character, and it is especially hard in such cases, to be more objective than subjective. Still, even obviously subjective self-stories can be interesting, fascinating, enjoyable.
This memoir wasn't even favorable for her (although for a few things, I am really sorry for her, of course), and the parts I found the most interesting were touched only on the surface.
The life of Britney Spears (one of the biggest icons at the turn of the 20th and 21st centuries) is worth a deep study because it is not only the story of a girl, but also the history of modern Western culture.
I am not rating Spears' life, her emotions, her version of her life, etc. But as kimberly said: I'm left with more questions than anything....more
Original novel. Point of view needed in books, culture, and everyday life.
I recommend it to everyone, especially to young people who need the most to Original novel. Point of view needed in books, culture, and everyday life.
I recommend it to everyone, especially to young people who need the most to understand and learn to sympathize.
The story and the characters were so real it hurt. Christopher was to the end oneself. No sweet, big, happy changing - because he couldn't change. And his father - one of the best characters I have ever read. He was so great, good, and yet, so human. My heart wept for him. People/parents like him are heroes of humanity. Of course, I don't say that the mother was a bad person. She was just different and coped with difficulties as her personality allowed her. ...more
Birds are like eyes when the colors close so maybe the dead are children who eat the singing.
Mateusz Pakuła is a genius at playing with the Polish
Birds are like eyes when the colors close so maybe the dead are children who eat the singing.
Mateusz Pakuła is a genius at playing with the Polish language. His imagination knows no boundaries. His stories are poetic and surrealistic. Through marvelous wit and twisted scenes, he asks about modern society, people, prejudice, and cravings. He is our crooked mirror - priceless and worth looking in - no matter how much uncomfortable one can feel....more
The seventeen-year-olds (teenagers) are full of passion. I don't have to tell/remind you of it. This novel was an honest diaAn intense, fervent story.
The seventeen-year-olds (teenagers) are full of passion. I don't have to tell/remind you of it. This novel was an honest diary of a young man, who was discovering his sexuality. And, as such was priceless. If you want to know more - read other reviews, I will quote a few adjectives from them: beautiful, intoxicating, sad, intimate, physical, indescribable.
But, also, many times, listening to an audiobook I had the feeling I am listening to some kind of erotica, or even porno. I drifted between dense erotic dreams and excited stolen touches/glances. I am not going to tell that it could have had less of such precise descriptions, because, for sure, it gave me more true insight into Elio's head.
This wasn't a book I would recommend to everyone. Yet, everyone open to a such candid story should give it a try.
[5 stars for boldness and frankness, 3.5 stars for the atmospheric Summer love story, as a whole 4-4.5]...more
Important voice. I have learned quite a lot about how a Polish emergency room and an emergency ambulance service work. Sadly, it looks worse than I thImportant voice. I have learned quite a lot about how a Polish emergency room and an emergency ambulance service work. Sadly, it looks worse than I thought. And of course, I learned something about Polish people along the way too (also, mostly bad things). I ended up with sadness and anger. And with the resolution that I have to take a first aid course because I don't remember much.
But the form needs correction. The author repeated himself many times and there was not much structure, or plan. I understand he isn't a professional writer, but every book should have an editor.
To be able to appreciate the book one needs to accept (tolerate) the attitude and personality of the author (narrator). I would like more such people like him working in emergency, but his self-confidence often looks more like arrogance and self-promotion. Again, if I had to choose, I prefer an arrogant doctor to an incompetent one....more
Although the author did say at the beginning, the narration would appear a bit chaotic, it still didn't explaiNot a good book, but an important topic.
Although the author did say at the beginning, the narration would appear a bit chaotic, it still didn't explain and excuse for how much it was chaotic. I struggled to see any thread which could have made it a whole. Switching between past and present wasn't the problem. The problem was with not much concept for it. And I understand that it wasn't easy to write it for Katarzyna Rosicka-Jaczyńska who at the time of publication was in the last stadium of ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis), but there should be a redactor/editor, someone from the publisher to help with it. It would have been a better book then.
The next thing: Catherine (the author, it was her memoir) seemed a horrible person, also her whole family. It was awful how her kids (father, friends, etc.) sometimes behaved. And I understand, they had to cope with a totally changed life and Catherine lived a very (let's call it) specific life before the illness. But the problem was that the author didn't manage to show them as humans coping with her illness. From her pen, they looked to me like simply horrible.
Also, she obviously chose what to tell us about her past. I am not sure if she wanted to paint herself as a better person or just at the time of writing subconsciously forget what didn't fit her vision of herself. The sad thing was, that despite it, she painted herself as a unkind, awful woman (I am pretty sure, she didn't see it).
The last big issue I had with the book was the sermons or rather her religious thoughts. Again, I understand that she found consolation in it, but putting it all in the book wasn't a good idea.
Still, I don't regret reading it, because there were many important moments and descriptions. It showed me the point of view of a person who step by step, lost control of her body. And not only her but her whole surrounding, family, healthcare had to cope with it. We need more such voices, not only to better understand them but also because they teach us many things....more
An acute sharp eye on a fictional post-communist town. All stories were fictional, yet they could easily be true and could have taken place in a few pAn acute sharp eye on a fictional post-communist town. All stories were fictional, yet they could easily be true and could have taken place in a few post-communist countries.
Between lines about a society that had to be built almost from the beginning, there were many fascinating points about humans.
The author also put a wit here and there, a bit of irony and satire.
I am not sure how readers from e.g. West Europe can understand them fully. To tell you the truth, I am not sure if I did it fully....more
A harsh brutal memoir. About an alcoholic father (and mother). About a family where quarrels, violence, and fear are the order of the day. The author,A harsh brutal memoir. About an alcoholic father (and mother). About a family where quarrels, violence, and fear are the order of the day. The author, traveling through time and memory (her own and other people) was trying to understand how, why, and who was mostly responsible. A parent (upbringing), personal experience, society, genes? Did she get answers? Some, not all. Did she get closure, consolation - I don't think it is even possible.
Very sad and poignant story. It wrenched my heart.
The language Mrs Zbroja used was phenomenal. Her metaphors were like striking in the face.
And Anna Dereszowska read it brilliantly. I can't imagine someone could have done it better....more
An adult son's story about the painful dying of his father of fast and malignant cancer (of the pancreas).
I thiPowerful. Brutal. Sorrowful. Important.
An adult son's story about the painful dying of his father of fast and malignant cancer (of the pancreas).
I think it is hard to imagine how hard and heart-wrenching can be to watch the slow death of a beloved one. And when the health care is far from perfect, and all happened in the worst COVID restrictions - the whole family was in hell.
Anger, despair, helplessness.
I am screaming with the author: Let the terminally ill die humanely! Legalize euthanasia!
PS I didn't understand why Mateusz Pakuła put here the story about Lem and the story about his grandmother. And some other of his thoughts weren't clear to me (about theater, etc.) But I definitely have to check the books and songs he talks about. And I would like to read one of his theatrical dramas.
If you can read it (I am not sure if it is available in English) - you must do it.
Warm, sad, deep, heart-wrenching, heart-warming, wise, with a bit ofIf you can read it (I am not sure if it is available in English) - you must do it.
Warm, sad, deep, heart-wrenching, heart-warming, wise, with a bit of humor. Probably one of the best books to give a teenager/kid if you want him/her to try to understand a peer with ASD. I have no words to praise it how it deserves.
I have listened to an audiobook with a great lector. Mirella Rogoza-Biel read it splendidly.
I have just one misgiving. Pamela should faster understand Patrick, considering who was her brother....more
My second by the author and again I have mixed feelings reading it.
For the first half, I struggled a lot. I wanted to know Lily's story and hoped for My second by the author and again I have mixed feelings reading it.
For the first half, I struggled a lot. I wanted to know Lily's story and hoped for Lucy's. But, all those jumping back and forth in time, and so many characters. As soon as I started to be gripped by the story of one character - the narration jumped in time, and not in any logical order (at least, not to me).
So, I switched to an audiobook and it was a good choice. Joanne Froggatt (an actress who played Anna Bates in "Downton Abbey") read it brilliantly. I was able to feel more of the story. The time jumping was still there, but less annoying thanks to Joanne Froggatt.
In the end, I can tell I liked many moments in the novel. And I got attached to many characters. And I admit, Kate Morton's style of writing is poetic and captivating.
But, I would have loved it much more if:
--> there was less jumping in time (preferably none save one look at the past at the beginning, I would have enjoyed it much much more if the story was told chronologically) or
--> there were fewer characters (although I saw depth and potential in each one, they deserved their own stories/novels).
I liked The Secret Keeper more, perhaps also because it was dual-timeline, not multi-timeline. Nonetheless, I struggled with "The Secret Keeper" too. I understand it is Kate Morton's modus operandi, so the next time I pick her novel I will try to be prepared.
I think I wouldn't be able to read it if not an audiobook which I could speed up. It was too... tedious. I mean, I didn't know about NXIVM and Keith RI think I wouldn't be able to read it if not an audiobook which I could speed up. It was too... tedious. I mean, I didn't know about NXIVM and Keith Raniere, nothing at all. So it was interesting. But I mistook people for other people. Perhaps if I was reading (not listening to) I wouldn't get confused so often.
In other words, it was a good research description of what (and why) really happened in/around NXIVM. It made me think. Yet, I couldn't name even now the names of all those people, save Keith and Sarah. But, perhaps it was my fault, not the book.
Again, if you are interested in the topic, and you want to sort out known and unknown facts - this is the book to do it.
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