A book that often made me feel intellectually stunted. I zoned out whilst reading many paragraphs (especially regarding the religious politics of 9/10
A book that often made me feel intellectually stunted. I zoned out whilst reading many paragraphs (especially regarding the religious politics of fourteenth-century Italy), but there's no question that this book is a work of genius.
The plot itself is basic. Everything surrounding it is what truly gives it character � how the two central investigators reach their conclusions, the setting itself etc. I am in awe of Eco's intellect. This book feels like a battle between logic/reason and feeling/intuition. Emotion wins out in the end though: it concludes on a despairing note.
This is a fun read... except from the parts that really aren't fun to read. But the parts I do enjoy are more than enough to justify my high rating....more
I didn't read the final two stories in this edition, but I would say that doesn't matter too much since the only connection between the tales are theiI didn't read the final two stories in this edition, but I would say that doesn't matter too much since the only connection between the tales are their recurring characters / certain locations.
The 9 stories I did read were fun and energetic. There's a Celtic edge to it all that becomes clear when you look beyond the straightforward prose. I also think a lot of the prose in these tales is unintentionally hilarious.
I recognise the objective literary merit of these stories even if they're hard to follow sometimes. My favourite stories are 'Pwyll Lord of Dyved', 'The Dream of Maxen', and 'How Culhwch Won Olwen'. A lot happens in each story despite their length.
Overall, quite a fun read. Something I needed after reading Seamus Heaney's Beowulf....more
Jung's idea of the shadow (the parts of ourselves that we attempt to repress and run from) interests me to no end. It might be the most important concJung's idea of the shadow (the parts of ourselves that we attempt to repress and run from) interests me to no end. It might be the most important concept in psychology. We all have a shadow, and if we're not careful, it will consume us.
Robert A. Johnson states that living in conscious awareness of one's shadow will make us whole. A psychologically complete person embraces both the light and darkness of life. It is a balance. This book has reminded me of how important it is to keep that in mind. It has reminded me of the importance of shadow work, inner psychological exploration.
I am not a Christian. Robert A. Johnson very much is... but that is not a bad thing at all. I was not expecting this book to be so Christian. The best part about it is that anyone can embrace their shadow. Even atheists. The book could have been clearer in that, but I can't think of any other flaws.
It is a very existential self-help book. It is also very brief.
I sometimes think that childhood hurts more than adulthood. Growing up in poverty with neglectful, emotionally immature parents is enough to devastateI sometimes think that childhood hurts more than adulthood. Growing up in poverty with neglectful, emotionally immature parents is enough to devastate anyone.
There's no resolution to it. Just the constant battle to make sense of it all. Even if your parents love you, they can ruin you forever. They don't mean to... but it happens. Writing is a refuge in that case. This book gets that. It really struck a chord.
We are not our parents. The hurt remains, but as Jeanette Walls illustrates, confronting childhood trauma makes us better people. This book has inspired me to keep writing about the past and its darkness. About growing up in permanent survival mode.
My heart goes out to Jeanette Walls. This is a fantastic memoir....more
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