This book is profoundly disappointing, Applebaum is good at laying out the facts, but she fails to offer any deeper analysis. I'm baffled by the way sThis book is profoundly disappointing, Applebaum is good at laying out the facts, but she fails to offer any deeper analysis. I'm baffled by the way she glosses over capitalist greed as the primary driving force behind why Western democracies support autocracies. Instead of holding them accountable for their complicity, Applebaum spends more time condemning autocracies for their wrongdoings, most of which the average reader knows already if they've been paying any attention to international events over the past five years. On top of that, the solutions she offers are laughably bad. Not only are they simplistic, they are unlikely to be implemented as long as Western democracies can still profit off autocracies. And even if they're carried out, what's preventing autocracies from finding new loopholes to exploit?...more
This is a collection of vignettes supposedly about the color blue, but is more about Maggie Nelson reflecting on her breakup. Ultimately, it's hollow This is a collection of vignettes supposedly about the color blue, but is more about Maggie Nelson reflecting on her breakup. Ultimately, it's hollow and pretentious. Nelson is desperate to impress, but doesn't have anything worthwhile to say....more
It's ironic how there's a whole chapter about Suna and Takeo learning the importance of coVol. 5 ★★★☆☆ Vol. 6 ★★★★☆ Vol. 7 ★★☆☆☆ Vol. 8 ★★★☆☆ Vol. 9 ★★★☆☆
It's ironic how there's a whole chapter about Suna and Takeo learning the importance of communication, only for problems to arise when Takeo avoids telling Yamato how he feels. Suna has always been such an enigma, but I really enjoy his presence this volume....more
Not gonna lie, I find the past several volumes underwhelming. This arc is just so predictaVol. 4 ★★★★☆ Vol. 5 ★★★☆☆ Vol. 6 ★★★★☆ Vol. 7 ★★☆☆☆ Vol. 8 ★★★☆☆
Not gonna lie, I find the past several volumes underwhelming. This arc is just so predictable. On one hand, seeing Takeo struggle with insecurities makes him very human and relatable. However, the pastry chef is so off-putting and I can't wait until he's gone. The bonus story is definitely the best part of the volume. I love getting crumbs about Takeo and Suna's friendship....more
This series is so frustrating. I wish it would stop trying to do so much. Hara and Niizuma's relationship is compelling enough as is. The Vol. 1 ★★★★☆
This series is so frustrating. I wish it would stop trying to do so much. Hara and Niizuma's relationship is compelling enough as is. The huge cast of side characters is nowhere as interesting and takes away screen time that could've been used to flesh the leads out more....more
I picked this up because people keep recommending it on Twitter. So far, we're off to a good start. The mangaka has clearly done tons of research. I aI picked this up because people keep recommending it on Twitter. So far, we're off to a good start. The mangaka has clearly done tons of research. I appreciate how she handles disability with sensitivity and empathy. The characters are compelling and it's fun to see their friendship progress....more
An early work from Natsume Ono! It's more of a collection of vignettes than a straightforward oneshot. While it's not as strong as her later works, I An early work from Natsume Ono! It's more of a collection of vignettes than a straightforward oneshot. While it's not as strong as her later works, I still enjoy it. For one, it's cool how she's always been exploring character interactions and relationship dynamics in her manga. On top of that, these stories are all about the impermanence of life and how change isn't necessarily bad, which is hitting me especially hard right now....more
I don't read tons of fantasy BL, since the worldbuilding tends to be subpar and character development usually gets neglected in favor of plot. So far,I don't read tons of fantasy BL, since the worldbuilding tends to be subpar and character development usually gets neglected in favor of plot. So far, this series strikes a good balance between everything. The mystery is intriguing, the leads are lovable, and they have a great dynamic. I'm excited to see how the romance will develop....more
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