"Grief is chronic pain. When will others allow the mourning to live without expecting them to be 'cured'?"
It's been a while since I've sat down and re"Grief is chronic pain. When will others allow the mourning to live without expecting them to be 'cured'?"
It's been a while since I've sat down and read a book from start to finish, never letting my eyes off the pages. Here After absolutely captivated me with its complex exploration of grief. After I finished, I could do nothing more than sit and reflect on the concluding words of Lin's acknowledgments. Her story is profoundly moving, and I am utterly unable to do it justice in a review. Please, read it for yourself. ...more
A book with transformative power. I cried time and time again while reading this, but the kind of cry that make you feel stronger and more hopeful aftA book with transformative power. I cried time and time again while reading this, but the kind of cry that make you feel stronger and more hopeful after. bell hooks' words have left a profound impact, so I'd like to highlight some of my favorite lines.
"To love somebody is not just a strong feeling — it is a decision, it is a judgment, it is a promise."
"The path to love is not arduous or hidden, but we must choose to take the first step."
"To be loving is to be open to grief, to be touched by sorrow, even sorrow that is unending."
"Knowing love or the hope of knowing love is the anchor that keeps us from falling into that sea of despair."
"Loneliness makes us cling to others in desperation; solitude allows us to respect others in their uniqueness and create community."...more
**spoiler alert** This series is turning out to be a delightful comfort read. Nick and Charlie own my heart. I like the second volume even more than t**spoiler alert** This series is turning out to be a delightful comfort read. Nick and Charlie own my heart. I like the second volume even more than the first! Nick discovering his bisexuality is a well-tackled storyline, and I wish more books covered that topic. I'm also so thankful that the miscommunication trope is entirely lacking in this series. Gotta love some effective, healthy, and respectful communication between couples! Can't wait to see what the next volume has in store. ;)...more
“I have been unbearable but I have never been unloved. I have felt alone but I have never been alone and I've been forgiven for the unforgivable thing“I have been unbearable but I have never been unloved. I have felt alone but I have never been alone and I've been forgiven for the unforgivable things I have done.”
Martha be like: [image]
Jack Edwards promised Fleabag vibes and he did not disappoint. Sorrow and Bliss is a delightfully depressing book. My reading experience fell somewhere along these lines -
Me: “Lol, I so relate to this.”
Me, two seconds later: “Oh wait, that’s bad.”
This novel is a whirlwind of emotions, as turbulent as the storms Martha compares her own mental state to. It's one of those reads where I struggle to encapsulate, in a simple Goodreads review, the tremendous impact it has left. I like to write funny little jokes in these book summaries to distract myself from the depleting brain juice I have left, but that just won't suffice here. Wait...Martha writes a funny little food column. Oh no.
ANYWAY, I adore every character. Patrick is *chef's kiss*. Ingrid is best sis. The father is my poetry king. The mother won me over (wow!!!). Finally, there's Mr. Peregrine, my beloved. Jonathan can die in a hole though.
I like this book. A lot. It makes me feel all the feelings. Enough said....more
“‘How strange,’ said Ramy. ‘To love the stuff and the language, but to hate the country.’
‘Not as odd as you’d think,’ said Victoire. ‘There are people“‘How strange,’ said Ramy. ‘To love the stuff and the language, but to hate the country.’
‘Not as odd as you’d think,’ said Victoire. ‘There are people, after all, and then there are things.’” [image] Babel is by far the best fantasy that I've read this year. This is my kind of dark academia. It simultaneously embraces the aesthetic and wonders of Western scholarship but divulges an essential post-colonial critique. At the center of it, all is a complex, tortured protagonist torn between contentment and resistance.
The book contains fascinating lectures, and I do mean that literally, on the nature of translation and the innate power of language. While some might be turned off by the textbook quality of these sections, I was utterly fascinated. Kuang's concept of the literal act of translation being the catalyst for magic is so unique and works far better than I ever would have anticipated.
I smiled, I cringed, and I cried reading this novel. It's hard not to be emotionally touched by such rich, lively characters like the ever-so-charming Ramy, endlessly irritating Letty, or despicable Professor Lovell. It's one of those stories that leaves you at the edge of your seat and breathless at the end. I am legitimately sad that it had to end, but the ending is about as close to perfect as you can get for a novel of this scale. R.F. Kuang, you are my queen of fantasy!
“Face your life, its pain, its pleasure, leave no path untaken.” -------- Me reviewing every Neil Gaiman book be like: [image]
OK BUT LISTEN TO ME LADS!!!“Face your life, its pain, its pleasure, leave no path untaken.” -------- Me reviewing every Neil Gaiman book be like: [image]
OK BUT LISTEN TO ME LADS!!!! I know I praise our lord and savior every second but MY DUDES this is objectively the best one of his novels I've read yet. Mr. Gaiman, sir, please stop writing perfect books. It's not fair to us writers and readers. I am not emotionally prepared to handle this.
Fun fact! My mom kept trying to get me to read this like five times when I was a kid, but I just never got around to it. Why? BECAUSE I WAS STUPID! CHILD PARKER WHY DID YOU HAVE SUCH A DUMMY BRAIN????? If you can't already tell, my review of this Gaiman novel will be a rambling mess, as per usual.
The Graveyard Book is an enchanting book. Its tales cast a spell on you, dragging you into a ghostly realm of eerie wonder. Gaiman does a beautiful job drawing you back into your childish self, as you sit back, wide-eyed and awed by the spectacular adventures, charming characters, and witty dialogue. You learn the trials and tribulations of life with Bod, as your understanding of the magical, sinister world he inhabits grows alongside him.
And sinister the world truly is. What I love the most about Neil Gaiman is the fact that his children's stories are so DAMN dark. (view spoiler)[This book literally begins with the gruesome murder of an entire family. I love to see it! (hide spoiler)] But kids love to be frightened; they love to look for trouble where they shouldn't. Gaiman's writing captures those curiosities brilliantly, and I wish so badly that I read this when I was little. Between this and Coraline, traumatizing kids is the Gaiman way! :D [image]
And when you finally reach the end of the novel, you can't help but feel so hauntingly nostalgic. The characters are all so likable, carving a place in your heart. From Bod's wise and mysterious guardian Silas, the strict but protective teacher Miss Lupescu, to the mischievous witch Liza Hempstock, I just didn't want to say goodbye.
I went to see "An Evening with Neil Gaiman" last Friday and was fortunate to have him answer one of my questions regarding the writing process. Let's just say, my dear Goodreads friends, I lost my marbles when he picked it. A top 10 Parker moment.™ I asked if it's more challenging to write for children or adults. Without hesitation, he answered kids. As he put it, kids are so much more likely to scrutinize every single word on the page, treasuring their favorite book, and annotating the hell out of it. Adults are too tired to do that. As such, he can justify every single word choice in his children's novels, but cannot say the same for his adult stories.
Well, Mr. Gaiman, I'm inclined to agree with you on that one. The Graveyard Book is an impeccably executed retelling of The Jungle Book stories, one that I feel is just as deserving to do down as a classic in children's literature. WOOP WOOP MY DUDES!!!!...more
“I hate being known as Sam. I absolutely hate it.”
iCarly was one of my favorite shows as a kid. I, like many others, adored characters like Sam Pucket“I hate being known as Sam. I absolutely hate it.”
iCarly was one of my favorite shows as a kid. I, like many others, adored characters like Sam Puckett and Gibby for their wacky schenanigans and goofy humor. I remember being disappointed when Sam&Cat was canceled, as it felt like the end of an era. More recently, when it was announced that Jennette McCurdy wouldn't be returning to the iCarly reboot, I had a similar feeling.
Now, I'm so incredibly happy that Jennette has escaped that environment. To think so much horror was lurking underneath the surface for one of the most cheerful, entertaining icons of my childhood is extremely disheartening. The title of this memoir has sparked controversy, but I couldn't agree more. Her mother was one of the vilest people imaginable, and Jennette doesn't owe her anything. She's more than Sam Puckett, and she's more than her mother's daughter.
I'm Glad My Mom Died does an extraordinary job at capturing the road to recovery. It's a harrowing narrative embedded with clever jokes and the essence of naivete. Can't recommend it more. ...more
“She was a stranger because something essential was shielded, released in tiny bursts until it became a flood---a flood of what I realized I did not k“She was a stranger because something essential was shielded, released in tiny bursts until it became a flood---a flood of what I realized I did not know. Afterward, I would mourn her as if she'd died, because something had: someone we had created together.”
My god, what a book. This is the most terrifying thing I've ever read. It's intimate and intoxicating, demanding so much of its reader's emotions. I couldn't put it down. Machado's use of horror tropes to unpack her experiences with domestic abuse is so hauntingly effective. The second-person point of view is what seals the horrific nature of this memoir. The only way we as readers could begin to understand Machado's past is to be thrown facefirst into the depths of it. Abusive relationships — both verbal and physical — can infect anyone, and members of the queer community are no less vulnerable. This story is a whiplash of emotions, frantically switching between lust, terror, adoration, and disgust. The woman in the Dream House is a loving girlfriend whose sweetness makes your heart flutter one moment, and a vile predator that draws out tears the next. While not for the faint of heart, In the Dream House is a valuable read that discusses a severely under-discussed topic. The book is a masterclass in horror, and I'm not getting over it for a long time. If you can find the strength, please read it.
(view spoiler)[A slight spoiler, but never before has the Choose Your Own Adventure format left such an impact. The disheartening reality that no matter what you do, you're trapped in a cycle of abuse, is heartbreakingly reflected in the chapter's structure. Absolutely brilliant and depressing. (hide spoiler)]...more
"I felt paralyzed, as though I were apologizing to some future audience. The line seemed like a violation of drama, of cinema, of language itself." [i"I felt paralyzed, as though I were apologizing to some future audience. The line seemed like a violation of drama, of cinema, of language itself." [image]
Hahaha, what a story Mark! This is the funniest book I have ever read. Period. I had to stop every few minutes because I just couldn't stop laughing. Every line of dialogue from Tommy Wiseau, both in real life and in his fascinating movie script, feels like it was written by an AI. Not just any AI, but an AI that fundamentally doesn't understand the English language, or humanity as a whole.
I picked The Disaster Artist up on a whim while browsing a bookstore, and that has probably been one of the best financial decisions I've made. The Room has been a constant source of comedy ever since I first discovered it a couple of years ago. Watching it makes for an experience that transcends the world of cinema, spiraling into a pit of absurdity. Nothing makes sense. Nothing!! If you haven't already seen this film, I beg that you change that fact about yourself. I promise that you will not regret it. I mean come on, look at this: [image] [image] [image] [image] [image] [image] [image] WHO DOESN'T RECOGNIZE THAT GUY??
With the movie already being entertaining as is, reading about its tumultuous production history was a hilarious ride. It's fascinating to see how these terrible, terrible scenes were created, because every awful shot has a story behind it. Tommy Wiseau's daring directorial decisions always make for a good laugh because of how utterly strange they could be. This excerpt alone just made me lose my mind: [image]
And the most surprising part about this book? How heartwarming and sad the story truly is. Greg and Tommy's friendship, for as strange and toxic it can be, is quite earnest. No one really knows Tommy's backstory, or how in the world he got $6 million to finance this doomed project, but it's obvious that he has overcome an immense amount of trauma in his life. So for all his inconsiderate, inhuman behavior, like being especially cruel towards the cast and crew, it's hard not to root for the guy. He's trying to achieve his great American dream by any means necessary. And honestly? If he set out to make something that would change the history of cinema, then he did just that. Even if his artistic vision is flawed, he has every right to make those creative choices.
So yeah, uh, please read this book.
Anyway, this is an accurate rendition of me trying to write three 3,000 word essays at once: [image]...more
“War doesn’t determine who’s right. War determines who remains.”
NOW THIS IS WHAT I CALL A GRIMDARK FANTASY! The Poppy War ga**spoiler alert** [image]
“War doesn’t determine who’s right. War determines who remains.”
NOW THIS IS WHAT I CALL A GRIMDARK FANTASY! The Poppy War gave me everything I could have wanted for a story of this scale. 10/10 world-building. A gripping rise to power. HINTS at romance, instead of actual romance. I love me some platonic relationships. Also...death! So much death! WOOOOOOOO I LOVE CRYING!!!
This book, especially the third part, is a brutal depiction of war. Battle scenes are especially bloody, with aftermaths even more horrifying. Whoever marketed this book as YA needs to do a thorough re-read of the Golyn Niis chapters. That shit reads straight out of a WWII textbook. I am traumatized. The novel also hosts an excellent breakdown of the spread and inaccuracy of propaganda. Histories are well-established, only to be proved wrong in nearly every facet. That made for such a satisfying unfolding of Rin's gradual exposure to Nikara's faults. The indoctrination of child soldiers doesn't truly dawn on you until you realize just how out of place these adolescents feel in the grand scheme of violent, bloody massacres. The military school, as entertaining as its traditions and structure are to learn about, is a sinister institution at its core.
Rin is the type of protagonist I tend to find most compelling. I've read some other reviews where people called her entirely unlikable, because of her willingness to enact destruction and genocide for sake of vengeance. Well, she's literally based on Mao Zedong and Azula from ATLA so like...yeah???? A bloodthirsty dictator's rise to power will always be 10x more interesting to me than a Wonder-Bread™ "do the right thinggggggg" teenager. Rin's descent into a war criminal is frightening and well-executed. Her accomplishments feel well-earned, and it's established early on that she's willing to do anything to achieve power. The girl literally destroys her uterus. Being thrust into a war where she witnesses atrocity after atrocity, you understand why her sanity and judgment cripple. Learning battle and strategizing sacrifices are one thing, but enacting them is an entirely different feat. The scene where she calls the people of the Federation, including the civilians, insects?? MMMMMMMMM the hypocrisy.
Also, I really like how the shamanic magic operates. Great power comes at a cost, and the gods crave worship through blood. There are actual consequences to calling upon unearthly powers. Shamans lose their minds, nations are wiped out, and the gods remain unsatiated. War breeds only destruction, as does engaging with the Pantheon. No one is invincible, and I really appreciate that this story was willing to go there.
I can't wait to read this entire trilogy. It's going to be absolute madness. I'm very curious what book club has to say about this one....more
From Craig Santos Perez's "Afterword": "The editors, after years of voyaging, have guided us safely to our destination: here, upon the shore of your aFrom Craig Santos Perez's "Afterword": "The editors, after years of voyaging, have guided us safely to our destination: here, upon the shore of your attention. This anthology is significant because it is the first compilation of twentieth- and twenty-first-century Micronesian writers. It is significant because it changes the perception that our literature is lacking. It is significant because it introduces our literature to an international audience. The anthology makes visible what was once invisible.”
Read this collection. Read this collection. Read this collection. Read this collection. Read this collection. Read this collection. Read this collection. Read this collection. Read this collection.
Do it!!
Every morning, for the past six months, I've read an excerpt from Indigenous Literatures from Micronesia. I discovered the book last year when I was writing a paper on Chamorro mythology. I've always wanted to read more Pacific Islander literature, so finding it was an ecstatic moment. When I told my mom about the book, her first comment was this: "That's real?" It is in fact, very real. Real enough to be a three-hundred-page anthology.
It warms my heart that this collection exists. Consisting of poetry, prose, and drama, the book explores the vastly diverse regions of Micronesia. From war anecdotes to familial journeys, every piece tells an important story. For the first time ever, I've been able to read works written by Guamanian authors, works written in Guam, and works about Guam. My love of literature burns all the brighter, welcoming this part of my heritage. In 2024, I'll set foot on the island for the first time when my parents renew their vows!!! Will I be running straight to the University of Guam, fangirling for Evelyn Flores? Who knows!
I never annotate books, but I post-it noted A LOT of pages in this book. So many of the stories, songs, and lessons touched me. I'm going to share this collection with any and all I can. I'm an English major, so you bet I'll be promoting this book until the day I die. Micronesian literature is real, and it's a tragedy people don't recognize it. It's as brilliant, inventive, and plentiful as any other subset. So please, buy yourself a copy. This was a deeply personal read for me, but I guarantee anyone can appreciate its beauty....more
Adding this meme because the movie comes out soon: [image]
“When we try to conceal our innermost drives, the entire being screams betrayal.”
NO THOUGHTS!Adding this meme because the movie comes out soon: [image]
“When we try to conceal our innermost drives, the entire being screams betrayal.”
NO THOUGHTS! HEAD EMPTY! ONLY LADY JESSICA! [image] Never in a million years could I have anticipated my adoration for a character from a 1960s 600+ page science-fiction book, but here we are. All of her scenes are my favorite parts, and I cry literally any time something inconvenient happens to her. I mean come on, look at her. She's got magical powers. She's got a cool knife. She's got wicked strategy skills. It's the full package really. Dear Paul, I wish I liked you as much as I love your mom, but you never stood a chance.
I heard Denis Villeneuve beefed up her role for the 2021 film adaptation, so I am over the moon. Good ol' Denis. Not only did you direct one of my favorite sci-fi films of all time(go watch "Arrival"!!!!), but now you promise me more Lady Jessica content????? That's a genius man right there. I cannot wait for October. [image] *chef's kiss*
Then again, this book is called Dune, and not The Adventures of the Bene Geressit Legend, Lady Jessica. Honestly, people are right to call this novel a masterpiece. There's a banger line on every page, and the characters are so in-depth and well-thought-out. The family drama is Shakespearean. The cultures and lore are actually compelling. Arrakis' barren landscape is so vividly described, that I legit got thirsty reading this.
Anyway, go read this before you see the movie. Timothy Champagne man's latest feature is either going to be a 3/10 or 10/10, no in-between. I hope it's the latter. DO NOT LET ME DOWN DENIS!!! If you need me, I'll be listening to Hans Zimmer's epic score and watching the main trailer on repeat....more
“Despite knowing the journey and where it leads, I embrace it and welcome every moment” - "Story of Your Life"
I don't need to preface this review with “Despite knowing the journey and where it leads, I embrace it and welcome every moment” - "Story of Your Life"
I don't need to preface this review with anything other than AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH
...*AHEM* Anyway, for those who know me, they know that the 2016 film "Arrival" is one of my favorite movies. So it's fitting that, of course, I read the source material as part of Ted Chiang's wonderful collection of short stories. Without further ado, here are some mini-reviews.
"Tower of Babylon" (5/5) - Beautiful, inventive, and enthralling world-building. The titular Tower is as awe-inspiring as it is terrifying, and the gradual journey into the heavens is a sight to behold. Ted Chiang's stories are very philosophically driven, and this is a great stepping point for anyone interested in reading his work.
"Understand" (4.5/5) (view spoiler)[- A remarkably well put together story where the prose matches the protagonist's ever-altering mindset. As the intelligence-enhancing drug changes his mind, the story itself changes in how the language operates. Essentially, Leon's Big Brain™ leads to Big Brain™ words, and that's a pretty cool thing to witness. (hide spoiler)]
"Division by Zero" (3.5/5) - Unfortunately, this just isn't a story I'm particularly interested in. While still structured excellently, someone more into mathematical principles would get a kick out of this.
"Story of Your Life" (5/5) - What more can I say about this? Really? It's a fascinating story about otherworldly encounters, but also a commentary on the inevitability of loss. It's one of those rare alien sci-fi gems not concerned with action sequences, but instead the power of language in forging a connection between two drastically different species. It makes me cry every damn time, and now I'm tempted to watch the movie again for about the billionth time.
HECTOPODS I LOVE YOUUUUUUUUUUU [image]
"Seventy-Two Letters" (3.5/5) - This starts out strongly, and just goes downhill. There is simply too much interesting content stuffed into a short story. It would likely benefit from being a full-length novel, considering the extent of social commentary that's touched upon. However, I am left wanting more from this engaging steampunk world, and that's always a good sign.
"The Evolution of Human Science" (4/5) - Short, but highly impactful. This reads like a well-researched journal article, ya know, if metahumans were real.
"Hell is the Absence of God" (6/5) - OH. MY. GOD. This is probably one of the best stories I've ever read. Period. My mind is still boggling over the heavenly power radiating from these descriptions. A world where angelic visitations are commonplace? BRUH HOW COULD THAT NOT BE INTERESTING???? Depending on the character's perspective, this simultaneously operates like a warm embrace of religious faith, and a heartbreaking horror story. Stop what you're doing and read this, right now. I want a full-length novel. I want a movie. I want a TV series. I want it all. I'm still getting over the absolute rawness of these lines(major spoiler warning tho): "So minutes later, when Neil finally bled to death, he was truly worthy of salvation. And God sent him to Hell anyway. Absolute chills man. Well done, Ted Chiang. Well done.
"Liking What You See: A Documentary" (5/5) - Only Ted Chiang is capable of making me start an internal debate over the ethics of a technological device that doesn't even exist. I was forming my defense arguments against counterpoints brought up by the varied perspectives in the story. This story is incredibly nuanced, and I appreciate it deeply for that.
Anyway, I have a college semester to suffer through now. Thanks, Ted Chiang, for helping mentally prepare me for the carnage. My friends will never forget my loud, passionate summary of "Hell is the Absence of God" in an overcrowded dining hall. <3...more
“And there in the dark, he asks if it was really worth it. Were the instants of joy worth the stretches of sorrow? Were the moments of beauty worth th“And there in the dark, he asks if it was really worth it. Were the instants of joy worth the stretches of sorrow? Were the moments of beauty worth the year of pain? And she turns her head, and looks at him, and says 'Always.'"
Gorgeous. Just gorgeous. A melancholic read that equally warms the heart. This is the second novel I've read from Schwab, and I can now understand why she's earned the love of so many readers. Her prose has a unique elegance about it. If Vicious didn't make me a fan, The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue has.
By nature of the concept, of course this book won me over. The painful dread of immortality? Check. A devilish, shamefully attractive villain? Check. Men who read books? Check. A reference to the greatest film and singer of all time? Checkmate. (i will never not be feral about labyrinth and i do not apologize) However, Schwab takes all these pieces and crafts an ironically unforgettable story about one cursed woman's defiant fight to live. I kept expecting Addie's stubbornness to frustrate me, but rather, her will to keep going always brought a smile to my face.
The most interesting part of this book is by far the historical flashbacks. Addie's dangerous dance with Luc is a game I never tired of. Their dynamic is equally jarring as it is intriguing. I can't help but say the ending brought a grin to my face. It felt like a natural extension of everything that had been building up over Addie's three-hundred years.
I could go on for a while about other aspects I loved. I haven't even touched on the unexpected relatability of Henry's struggles (breakups are hard y'all). Yet, like our protagonist, I am tired, and it is well past my delightfully early bedtime. Gotta wake up for work tomorrow. You don't see anyone pressing three coins into my palm every morning....more
“'I'm not scared of falling,' he told himself. 'The bit I'm scared of is the bit where you stop falling, and start being dead.'”
According to me, 2022 “'I'm not scared of falling,' he told himself. 'The bit I'm scared of is the bit where you stop falling, and start being dead.'”
According to me, 2022 is the Year of Neil Gaiman™. What better way to celebrate it than to continue my Gaiman book binge? Huzzah!
Neverwhere is about as close to perfect that a novel can get. The story is richly entertaining, hosting little to no dull moments. The characters are delightfully charming, with witty dialogue that keeps you chuckling. The setting is sickly dark and twisted; a gothic atmosphere that simultaneously intrigues and terrifies.
I've said this before, and I'll say it again, but Neil Gaiman's stories just make you want to curl up next to a fireplace with a nice hot cup of Earl Gray tea. His magical prose provides an accessible fantasy that a wide range of audiences can find joy in. Neverwhere is such an enchanting read, and I recommend it to anyone who can stomach some truly sinister moments. I'm not kidding, this book is darkkkk (view spoiler)[ — A MAN LITERALLY EATS A PUPPY — (hide spoiler)] but it still manages not to be the excessive kind of dark that other stories often fall victim to. Gaiman is an expert at blending humor and horror, creating an urban fantasy world quite unlike anything else you've encountered. He knows how and when to effectively break the tension, making you lightly smile before he scares the living hell out of you again. God, I just love this book.
I've also noticed a trend with Neil Gaiman's male protagonists. Richard is a clueless and slightly pathetic man, but endlessly kind and attentive towards others. This may be a fish out of water story, but Richard never annoys or irritates. If he doesn't understand how something works, then he shrugs it off and just goes along for the ride. The man knows his limits, and I respect that.
On a final note, the central antagonists — Mr. Croup and Mr. Vandemar — are genuinely terrifying villains. Everything from their slightly off-putting Victorian dialogue to the bone-chilling descriptions of their smiles just makes my skin crawl. It's been a while since I have been intimidated by literary characters, and of course, Gaiman was the author who managed to creep me out.
So please, join me in my valiant Neil Gaiman quest, and pick up a copy of Neverwhere if this review interests you. I'll see you down in London Below fellas.
"We are defined by the places we hold in the webs of others’ lives." - "Mono no Aware"
Such a beautiful collection. Ken Liu really knows how to pull on"We are defined by the places we hold in the webs of others’ lives." - "Mono no Aware"
Such a beautiful collection. Ken Liu really knows how to pull on the heartstrings. There wasn't a single dud out of any of these short stories and novellas. This book has reinvigorated my interest in sci-fi and fantasy, specifically the mega sad kinds.
"The Bookmaking Habits of Select Species" (3/5) - Oddly enough, my least favorite in this collection. I wish it could have been a more compelling opening, but as is, the alien species are quite interesting to read about.
"State Change" (4/5) - I love this soul item concept! This makes for some good fanfiction tropes lol.
"The Perfect Match" (3.5/5) - Pretty standard critique of artificial intelligence and the impact of social media, but it feels especially relevant now.
"Good Hunting" (5/5) - Ken Liu, give me an entire series based on this right now. I beg of you. The episode in "Love, Death, + Robots" was amazing, but I crave more!!
"The Literomancer" (4/5) - The first story to make me add this book to my "sad town" shelf.
"Simulacrum" (4/5) - Very nuanced approach to family estrangement. I appreciated the focus on both the father's and daughter's perspectives.
The Regular (4.5/5) - Gripping thriller, with a fantastic protagonist.
"The Paper Menagerie" (6/5) - Phenomenal. Absolutely heartbreaking and by far the best story. Reading this in class was the reason I bought the collection, and I'm grateful that I did.
"An Advanced Readers' Picture Book of Comparative Cognition" (3.5/5) - I was a little underwhelmed, but the story's structure is creative enough to make it fairly interesting.
"The Waves" (4.5/5) - It's no secret that I love stories that discuss the implications and consequences of immortality. I mean, I'm a "Doctor Who" fan after all.
"Mono no Aware" (5/5) - SAD SAD SAD SAD TOWN!!!! I definitely cried while reading this the first time.
"All the Flavors" (5/5) - As the longest story in this collection, this was a lovely historical novella. It made me very hungry haha. I adore the relationship between Lily and Lao Guan. It's so sweet, and I needed some happiness to balance out Ken Liu's tendency for ultra sadness.
"A Brief History of the Trans-Pacific Tunnel" (4/5) - Ah yes, the story that made me angry about a historical event that never happened.
"The Litigation Master and the Monkey King" (3.5/5) - A solid tale all around, even if it lost my interest a bit towards the middle.
"The Man Who Ended History: A Documentary" (5/5) - Ken Liu's choice of incorporating time travel into a story about genocide denial is brilliant. I was disgusted by the descriptions, but I'm grateful Liu brought the horrors of these historical events to my attention. This may be a fictional story, but Unit 731's crimes were certainly not....more
[image] Wow, I am appalled. It's actually disgusting that I just read this series in 2021. Netflix, how dare you? You should have made the TV show soon[image] Wow, I am appalled. It's actually disgusting that I just read this series in 2021. Netflix, how dare you? You should have made the TV show sooner. Or maybe I was just way too attached to my anti-YA-fantasy vows. Either way, I regret procrastinating on this duology so much. Thank you internet for treating me like Jesper in this pic: [image]
After reading and loving Six of Crows, I had my hopes that the follow-up, Crooked Kingdom, would be even better. Shocker, it was.
I think what gives this book an edge over its predecessor is the established setting of Ketterdam. While the heist on the Ice Court was wildly entertaining, the crows are truly at home in this city. The small interactions that the characters have with their surroundings, from Kaz's traumatic memories of the murky waterways to Inej's memorization of the city rooftops, are fascinating. Minor details such as those really contribute to such a spectacular atmosphere. I can't say that I would want to visit Ketterdam personally (I'd probably get swindled), but boy is it tempting.
My issues with Six of Crows are virtually nonexistent here. Since it's a sequel, Bardugo doesn't need to bother with lengthy exposition. Phew. Also, there is a lot of Jesper content, and I'm happy that my cravings are finally satiated. I was longing for more exploration of his thought-process, family, and (view spoiler)[secret Grisha powers (hide spoiler)], and Leigh Bardugo provided so much.
However, despite my attachment to that beautiful gift of a character, Inej takes the cake when it comes to my favorite crow. Her backstory is absolutely haunting, and she's by far the most sincere and well-meaning of the crew. I just want to give her a hug, or maybe twenty. She deserves the world. [image]
Also, the snippet of text below is perhaps one of my favorite scenes ever. Ughhhhhh, it's just so good. (view spoiler)[
“Maybe there were people who lived those lives. Maybe this girl was one of them. But what about the rest of us? What about the nobodies and the nothings, the invisible girls? We learn to hold our heads as if we wear crowns. We learn to wring magic from the ordinary. That was how you survived when you weren’t chosen when there was no royal blood in your veins. When the world owed you nothing, you demanded something of it anyway.”(hide spoiler)]
I only have one issue with this book, and that's just Nina's ending. It feels way too abrupt, but I also know that she's one of the central characters of the Nikolai duology. So, I can understand why Bardugo wanted to leave things open. Maybe I'll check it out sometime to see what the heartrender is up to.
So was Crooked Kingdom worth breaking my vows? [image] I don't think I even need to answer that at this point. Just go read it and cry already....more
"She hadn't realized how long it takes to become somebody else, or how lonely it can be living in a world not meant for you."
I don't even know where t"She hadn't realized how long it takes to become somebody else, or how lonely it can be living in a world not meant for you."
I don't even know where to begin, because The Vanishing Half is really that good. I haven't been this emotionally destroyed by a book in a loooonggggg time. Like I've said time and time again, well-written multigenerational stories just leave such massive impacts on me. Brit Bennett's poignant words swept me up into a tornado of longing, regret, and most importantly, love.
Love practically bleeds off the pages of this novel. Whether romantic or familial, the relationships in The Vanishing Half absolutely destroyed me. I shed happy tears over passages detailing the beautiful relationship between Jude and Reese, who are now one of my favorite book pairings. I wept over the pain Desiree endures, being ripped apart from her other half, a sister who abandoned her for sake of living amongst white society. I even felt sympathy for Stella, a character I can't help but compare to Clare Kendry from Nella Larsen's Passing.
While I do adore Passing, Stella's story gave me the perspective I was hoping for. The fears, dangers, and pain of what it means to pass for white and reject true heritage are portrayed in such a nuanced way. I was constantly flipping back and forth between rooting for Stella's search for belonging and condemning her blatantly racist actions. The consequences that Stella's choices leave on her daughter, Kennedy, are also fascinating to read. This was something that was lightly touched upon in Passing but never fully explored. It's unfair to compare the two novels, but I highly recommended a back to back reading of both Larsen and Bennett's works. You'll have much to think about and discuss after.
Now, it's time for me to go cry over Jude and Reese again. Please contact me immediately after you have read this. I don't think I'll ever run out of material to rant about....more
AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH [image] YAA GYASI IS A GENIUS Y'ALL! This tore out my heart and ripped it to pieces. SO. MANY. PIECES.
Witnessing the pAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH [image] YAA GYASI IS A GENIUS Y'ALL! This tore out my heart and ripped it to pieces. SO. MANY. PIECES.
Witnessing the parallel paths of Esi and Effia's lineages is an indescribable experience. This is a grand story told on such a personal scale. I mean, y'all know I love my family sagas. These kinds of books are just built different. Eight different generations are followed, and none feel lacking in regards to complex characterization or compelling themes. I truly felt like I knew and understood each character, despite how briefly they're represented. (view spoiler)[Also, watching Marcus and Majorie meet provided the satisfying ending that I felt was missing in Transcendent Kingdom. When Majorie gives Marcus that stone, MAN!! I was done for. (hide spoiler)]
This is also one of the most painful, horrific books I've ever read. Gysai's depiction of the scars of slavery and colonialism throughout the ages is heartbreaking. I was already weeping by the conclusion of Esi's chapter. Homegoing is the elite kind of sad-town novel. Gysai really sledgehammers your heart in just under 300 pages.
Anyway, I need something light and fun to close out the summer with. I wonder what that might be... ;)...more
REVISIONIST HISTORY MOMENT: - This is now a 5/5 because it's just the kind of book that needs time to sink into your mind and overtake your soul over aREVISIONIST HISTORY MOMENT: - This is now a 5/5 because it's just the kind of book that needs time to sink into your mind and overtake your soul over a period of a few months. I love you Sunja and I still cry when I think of you. <3 ------------------------------------------------ “Neither had realized the loneliness each had lived with for such a long time until the loneliness was interrupted by genuine affection.”
4.5
Oh look, another multigenerational story that made me cry. What a surprise.
This book is a beautiful character portrait. Everyone is so stunningly well-written and memorable, including the minor characters who only show up once or twice. Sunja and Isak deserve the world, and I wanted nothing but their happiness while reading. Even Hansu, a man I would personally sucker punch, had his moments of sympathy.
The only reason this isn't a 5-star read is extremely nitpicky. I liked the first half of the novel much more than the second, as I just had a more emotional attachment to the first two family generations. The latter half of the novel just didn't hit as hard, but once again, that's really just a personal preference.
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