Well, Michel Houellebecq has a thing about sex, at least I think so after the second novel.
I wouldn't call him a great novelist, but he is an interestWell, Michel Houellebecq has a thing about sex, at least I think so after the second novel.
I wouldn't call him a great novelist, but he is an interesting philosopher and sociologist. I am not sure I will read another of his novels, but I would like to read more of his thoughts (perhaps in an essay)....more
I only listened to the end because some GR friends praised it, and I was hoping something would eventually "click" or improve.
The storyline of one of I only listened to the end because some GR friends praised it, and I was hoping something would eventually "click" or improve.
The storyline of one of the characters (the concept) was promising, but many parts of it felt dull to me.
As for the second character—she was so arrogant, selfish, self-important, and snobbish for nearly the entire book that I simply couldn't believe in her supposed "transformation." I never felt the slightest sympathy for her—not even once—which apparently others did, and which I’m sure was the author’s intention. What happened to her also felt completely unrealistic to me.
I’m starting to think Jojo Moyes just isn’t the author for me. The first book of hers I read was a historical novel based on real events, and that story was genuinely interesting. I’ve seen Me Before You as a film (and that was enough for me). I’ll probably give her another try at some point, but I have a strong feeling that her style of women’s fiction just isn’t my thing....more
A wonderful story. An impressive debut. A novel about family, women, motherhood, and the choices we make. All set against the charming backdrop of natA wonderful story. An impressive debut. A novel about family, women, motherhood, and the choices we make. All set against the charming backdrop of nature—ever-present, yet never overbearing.
The protagonists may not have been entirely typical (who really gets to live so freely and have such control over their time?), but the narrative style, the challenges they faced, and the way their stories were told made for a thoughtful and enjoyable read.
I truly hope Kuznetsova keeps writing. I miss this kind of voice—tender, subtly ironic, and perceptive about both the world and the female experience.
An intellectually charged novel. The author clearly knows how to juggle philosophical movements, schools of psychology, and even scientific theories aAn intellectually charged novel. The author clearly knows how to juggle philosophical movements, schools of psychology, and even scientific theories and discoveries. I found many intriguing observations and fascinating tidbits in the book.
That said, to me, it felt overintellectualized. I kept losing track of the plot and struggled to connect with the characters. Maybe if I’d read it at my own pace instead of listening to the audiobook, I would’ve understood them better.
And there was way too much—way too much graphic detail—about sex, desire, genitalia, and the like.
An in-depth analysis of the history of bombing—from stories and sci-fi novels, through the concepts and development of bombs (and their delivery systeAn in-depth analysis of the history of bombing—from stories and sci-fi novels, through the concepts and development of bombs (and their delivery systems), to the bombings themselves—both the well-known and the lesser-known ones.
Amid all this are questions about the impact on history, societies, and individual people—soldiers, activists, the bombed, and even those seemingly unconnected to the crimes.
A frustrating read, because what happened was horrific and often predictable. It also made me angry, because “history keeps repeating itself.� The same excuses, the same problems, and the same clumsy (or deliberately harmful) solutions....more
E.M. Delafield's witty pen, her sharp observations on everyday life in England in the 1930s (middle to upper class) are priceless. Nevertheless, one cE.M. Delafield's witty pen, her sharp observations on everyday life in England in the 1930s (middle to upper class) are priceless. Nevertheless, one can also feel a bit like going in circles. I had fun reading it, although the halo of novelty (from the first part of the series) has somewhat faded....more
The topic (Ukrainian war immigrants and how they coped with war that is still going on) was hurtful but the author wrote iA beautiful, charming story.
The topic (Ukrainian war immigrants and how they coped with war that is still going on) was hurtful but the author wrote it wonderfully, with hope and understanding, but without patronizing and simplification.
A gem. I loved it and I wanted to hug the characters.
I’ll keep up with the author’s new releases and make sure to read them....more
For a moment, I thought this would be a gripping novel about contemporary India. And indeed, here and there, glimpses of different aspects of Indian lFor a moment, I thought this would be a gripping novel about contemporary India. And indeed, here and there, glimpses of different aspects of Indian life—both among the rich and the poor—could be seen. Unfortunately, it turned out to be mainly a story about a "poor" rich young man, tormented by his failure to meet the expectations of his father—a businessman and a criminal.
The author (presumably to heighten the drama) threw in scenes of violence, bizarre characters, and the constant inner turmoil of various protagonists. Perhaps this is the way Indians think and experience life—if so, then it's my fault for not appreciating the book more.
It seems I am in the minority, in not loving the novel, but what can I do? I loved Ajay's story, I hoped that Neda's story would be more complex, and I was totally disappointed by Sunny's story....more
A comedy memoir of teenage years in the 80s. of the XX century in Czechia (then The Czechoslovak Socialist Republic). Through them, one could see the A comedy memoir of teenage years in the 80s. of the XX century in Czechia (then The Czechoslovak Socialist Republic). Through them, one could see the harsh and tragic lives of people in all countries under Soviet oppression. Also, there were struggles similar to all teenage boys of every place and time.
A fascinating and rather terrifying story of one rich family.
I knew a bit about the way rich people can manipulate the USA law, nonetheless, I am alwaA fascinating and rather terrifying story of one rich family.
I knew a bit about the way rich people can manipulate the USA law, nonetheless, I am always shocked when I read of another example.
I knew also a bit about the opioid epidemic in the United States, but now I understand better how big it was (is) and how it started.
It was a well-researched and written reportage about the Sackler family and their way of marketing OxyContin, which had such a big (horrifying) impact on Americans (and how they got away with it)....more
While I was reading it I didn't know it was the first book Harper Lee wrote. I didn't know that she picked parts about characters' pasts from the drafWhile I was reading it I didn't know it was the first book Harper Lee wrote. I didn't know that she picked parts about characters' pasts from the draft of "Go Set a Watchman" and created To Kill a Mockingbird. Would it have changed my perception of the story, I don't think so. Yet, I find it fascinating how those two novel came.
Putting aside a chronology of creating, I felt like Jean Louise - I was put through taking Atticus off a pedestal. It wasn't easy and I was a bit disappointed at some point, but then, like Scout I understood that my version of him was unreal. The real Atticus was more human, more complex, and even more fascinating.
Still, I must admit that "To Kill a Mockingbird" was a more thought-through novel. "Go Set a Watchman" was a bit chaotic, and perhaps needed some rewriting, especially considering Dill Harris - I am very dissatisfied with his role (meaning no role) here. Even Jem's "part" was more significant (and acceptable).
I was gripped by the story because I love so much "To Kill...", but I can't rate "Go Set..." as high.
Undoubtedly, the author captured many aspects of France at the time—its social, economic, and legal principles. He also had a keen understanding of psUndoubtedly, the author captured many aspects of France at the time—its social, economic, and legal principles. He also had a keen understanding of psychology. Most social mechanisms were unsettlingly similar to those of today.
However, the sheer number of characters, schemes, and rules often overwhelmed me. I got lost at times, and I'm sure I missed many details.
It's a book worth appreciating, remembering, and reading—not just today, but in the future as well. Though it is certainly not an easy read in many parts, it remains valuable....more
I struggled with keeping my interest. I read two, three first tablets, skimmed one or two, then read with full interest a few last, and went back to tI struggled with keeping my interest. I read two, three first tablets, skimmed one or two, then read with full interest a few last, and went back to those I just skimmed.
As a whole, I must say they were timeless stories, asking the question we are still asking ourselves.
I have read four novels by Kazuo Ishiguro so far. Two brilliant and two really good.
These stories were well-written, too, but I didn't connect with thI have read four novels by Kazuo Ishiguro so far. Two brilliant and two really good.
These stories were well-written, too, but I didn't connect with them at all. I am afraid I didn't get the point of any of them. To me, a short story has to be not only well-constructed, but also it has to, after finishing, make me think "hmm" at least. I didn't get it from this collection. ...more
I loved the idea for the story, very true and important. And, of course, I adore Pratchett's wit.
But, for some reason, I wasn't as gripped as I typicaI loved the idea for the story, very true and important. And, of course, I adore Pratchett's wit.
But, for some reason, I wasn't as gripped as I typically was with the Discworld series. Perhaps it was a matter of the reader, because I have been listening to a different lector this time.
Steinbeck was a brilliant novelist. His characters feel real and effortless, and their stories and the way they are told make it impossible to read abSteinbeck was a brilliant novelist. His characters feel real and effortless, and their stories and the way they are told make it impossible to read about them with indifference.
"Sweet Thursday" was a continuation of Cannery Row, a reunion with familiar characters—a sentimental journey filled with humor, absurdity, and deep affection for the world and the often-overlooked people who made up a forgotten part of American society (and history).
The romance between Suzy and Doc felt a bit unconvincing—I never quite caught when or why they fell in love—but that's just a minor, insignificant detail. ...more
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