This is probably the fastest I've read a book in years. I was on page 15 this morning and now it's past midnight but I've finished the book, so that'sThis is probably the fastest I've read a book in years. I was on page 15 this morning and now it's past midnight but I've finished the book, so that's just under 300 pages in a day.
Review is up on insta — 4.5 stars rounded up to 5.
Going to need to let this one marinate in my mind for a few days before I give it a rating...
InitiReview is up on insta — 4.5 stars rounded up to 5.
Going to need to let this one marinate in my mind for a few days before I give it a rating...
Initial thoughts - James Baldwin and Toni Morrison have similar writing styles -- super simple plots, interesting and unique characters, the setting is a character, easy to read dialogue and gorgeous prose make even the most horrific and depressing themes palatable....more
I rarely find it so difficult to articulate my feelings after reading a novel - but I finished this book weeks ago and I still can't quite find the woI rarely find it so difficult to articulate my feelings after reading a novel - but I finished this book weeks ago and I still can't quite find the words to express what I want to say.
With time I've found that this might be close to a perfect novel. At its core this book is a stunning character study of five utterly unique and captivating people (Elliot, Isabel, Larry, Gray and Sophie) and how their lives intertwine over the course of several years.
I absolutely loved this novel. Isabel was my favorite and I only wish we had more about Gray. I have little sympathy or affection for the Larry's of the world. I find them aimless, selfish and tiresome. But I'm young. Maybe one day I'll have an existential crisis of my own and then I'll understand the inner turmoil Larry went through in this novel. Until then, I'm wholly sympathetic to Isabel and love her for all that she is.
**spoiler alert** I have so many thoughts about this book that I’ve been reading for two months. I’m gonna take a couple days to let it all marinade a**spoiler alert** I have so many thoughts about this book that I’ve been reading for two months. I’m gonna take a couple days to let it all marinade and then come back with some coherent sentences.
But, my immediate thoughts: (view spoiler)[Rebecca sounds like the average hoe/slut/adulterer... Did she deserve to be murdered for that? Ok she had an unusually high sex drive and was doing it with her cousin but like, it was consensual and she was also obviously keeping up her end of the bargain?? Manderley was poppin as a party palace. But like, ok let’s depict her as the devil and true villain of the book bc she cheated on her husband and hates all men. Oh and she’s bitchy enough to haunt all the people she tortured even after she died. SOUNDS LIKE MY NEW ROLE MODEL. #justice4rebecca (hide spoiler)]...more
”No doubt it is true that there is more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner repented than over all the saints who consistently remain holy, and the
”No doubt it is true that there is more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner repented than over all the saints who consistently remain holy, and the rare, sudden gentlenesses of arrogant people have infinitely more effect than the continual gentleness of gentle people. Arrogance turned gentle melts the heart.”
This is a “riches to rags” story, and now that I’ve read one, I can’t think of why they’re not more popular than its reverse. Sure everyone loves an underdog, but you know what’s really satisfying? Watching the most entitled, full-of-himself, asshole of a human being get his just deserts (and learn his lesson and better himself along the way).
Georgie, our victim, is the spoiled, privileged, and downright arrogant grandson of Major Amberson, the namesake of the main street, proprietor of businesses and benefactor of hospitals, libraries, etc. in the small, fictional town of Midland. And reading his fall from grace is one of the best times I’ve had in a while. But the thing is, Georgie’s not cruel for no reason; he’s mean and feels justified in his meanness. He has moments of tenderness and kindness too - like any human being. He loves his mother, uncle and grandfather dearly. He’s respectful to those he deems worthy of it. And when he reveals his gentler, romantic side, you can’t help but feel a little affection for him. I guess you could even say this is a “coming of age” story. Watching Georgie grow into manhood, take on responsibility and reform his bratty attitude was nothing short of wonderful.
All said and done, The Magnificent Ambersons is a story about love and all its obstacles - motherly love, unrequited love, disillusionment, pride, principles and sacrifice.
It is arguably the easiest “classic” I’ve ever read. It’s laugh out loud funny, and Georgie is so brutal, sarcastic, and DRAMATIC that hating him is an absolute pleasure. The dialogue is witty, the writing crystal clear, the characters vibrant with motive, emotion, and cattiness. This is a family that LOVES to stir up some drama. And I am 100% here for it. ...more
If you've never read Chaucer in original medieval English, I definitely suggest you give it a go. It is such a satisfying experience and loads of fun If you've never read Chaucer in original medieval English, I definitely suggest you give it a go. It is such a satisfying experience and loads of fun to decode and demystify (you usually uncover something dirty or obscene).
If the challenges of translation aren't for you, pick up a translated copy. You can have all the fun without the work. ...more
This is one of those classics that was so hyped up that, when I finally read it, I was pretty underwhelmed. Not to say that it's not an impactful storThis is one of those classics that was so hyped up that, when I finally read it, I was pretty underwhelmed. Not to say that it's not an impactful story, but it's just far more tame and reflective than I thought it would be. I think, if I hadn't already read Roots by Alex Haley, I would be greatly impressed by this book. As it stands, I was too aware of the fact that it was a white woman telling an African American slave's tale to a predominantly white audience....more
Maybe I'm underwhelmed because of the massive hype associated with Huck Finn. My reading experience could also be tainted by a strict reading scheduleMaybe I'm underwhelmed because of the massive hype associated with Huck Finn. My reading experience could also be tainted by a strict reading schedule amongst six other courses. Either way, I failed to see how this novel is the pinnacle of American Literature. I understand why it's powerful and bold, especially for its time, but overall, it's a compelling narrative about life in the south before the abolition of slavery and a solid exploration of the human conscience and inherent goodness. But it's far from being a favorite book of mine. ...more
I can't believe I've finally read Homer's The Iliad. It incited less emotion from me than I expected. It's a strange feeling when you've heard and reaI can't believe I've finally read Homer's The Iliad. It incited less emotion from me than I expected. It's a strange feeling when you've heard and read so many different, elaborate versions of a story and then you actually read the original that all the others stemmed from and realize that it was a simple narrative to begin with.
I thoroughly loved my experience reading The Iliad and it helped that my English professor is super passionate about it too. Now on to tackling The Odyssey!...more
I have no need to write to you or talk to you, you know everything before I can speak, but when one loves, one feels the need to use the same old waysI have no need to write to you or talk to you, you know everything before I can speak, but when one loves, one feels the need to use the same old ways one has always used. I know I am only beginning to love, but already I want to abandon everything, everybody but you: only fear and habit prevent me. Dear...
Who has Sarah Miles been secretly, and so recklessly, loving since the end of her adulterous affair with Maurice Bendrix? This is the premise of Graham Greene's painstakingly beautiful and lauded novel The End of the Affair.
It always makes me a little bit nervous to read a book with so many five-star reviews. A couple of my most trusted GR friends have even hailed this as the "perfect novel". That's a lot of pressure and expectation to place upon a 200-page book. And though I've been picking up and putting aside this novel since October of last year, it was only because I didn't want to do it a disservice by reading it between classes and amongst exams and schoolwork, which is why I shelved it until this summer. And I am so incredibly happy that I did. If you want the full effect of this novel, read it in as close to one sitting as you can. After page 50, a car crash or burning building couldn't tear my eyes away from this book.
And let me assure you, everything you've heard about Graham Greene's writing is true! He's a master of writing emotional prose and dialogue. I don't want you to take it lightly when I say I now regard him as one of my favorite authors. I know reading only one book is premature, but I have a hard time believing I won't love everything else he wrote.
Now, I don't want to go on about the plot or characters because I like a healthy dose of mystery when reading a novel, especially a well loved one. Reviews that give an outline or overview of the plot annoy me because I want to read reviews that convince me to read a book without giving away any details. I want to experience discovering the conflicts and characters for myself.
So I hope this review leaves you curious and that you consider buying this book or plucking it off your shelf if it's been sitting there expectantly. The next rainy day spent on the sofa or in bed, read this book; I promise you won't be bored or disappointed.
Now she perceived that to refuse the gifts of life does not ensure their transmission to those for whom they have been surrendered; and her familiar hNow she perceived that to refuse the gifts of life does not ensure their transmission to those for whom they have been surrendered; and her familiar heaven was unpeopled.
I'm convinced that Edith Wharton has written nothing short of a masterpiece. Every novel of hers that I pick up leaves me utterly speechless. I highly recommend this novella to anyone who appreciates Wharton's style, characterization and prose. To those who are new to Edith Wharton, I'd recommend beginning with something a bit brighter and lighter, like The Age of Innocence....more
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