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3.98 AVERAGE
3.98 AVERAGE
This was an impulse buy, which I rarely ever do and I really wanted to like this book. As a fan of Elif Shafak's writing style, and in the hopes of finding some calm and sanity, I wanted to treat myself to an uplifting read (as described on back).
Maybe it was the wrong week to read it, amidst the 2020 US election, the start of England's second lockdown, and everything else, but I sadly did not find that it provided a hopeful outlook. There were paragraphs that indeed provided positivity, but they were quickly tampered by a more measured attitude. I suppose I might have been looking for a quick read that would soothe some anxiety in these anxious times but the - definitely apt, reasonable, and defendable - repeated reminders that research shows our generation and future ones are faring worse than any previous ones (in Disillusionment and Bewilderment), that constant engagement leads to burnout and anxiety (in Apathy), and finally that the problems we're facing are time-sensitive and urgent (in Information, Knowledge, Wisdom), made me feel more hopeless.
I'm hoping to look back over it at some point and find the uplifting parts to be more powerful than those that made me feel despair, and I certainly will continue to read Shafak's novel as it was evident that her writing style was flowing beautifully, no matter which topic she describes.
Maybe it was the wrong week to read it, amidst the 2020 US election, the start of England's second lockdown, and everything else, but I sadly did not find that it provided a hopeful outlook. There were paragraphs that indeed provided positivity, but they were quickly tampered by a more measured attitude. I suppose I might have been looking for a quick read that would soothe some anxiety in these anxious times but the - definitely apt, reasonable, and defendable - repeated reminders that research shows our generation and future ones are faring worse than any previous ones (in Disillusionment and Bewilderment), that constant engagement leads to burnout and anxiety (in Apathy), and finally that the problems we're facing are time-sensitive and urgent (in Information, Knowledge, Wisdom), made me feel more hopeless.
I'm hoping to look back over it at some point and find the uplifting parts to be more powerful than those that made me feel despair, and I certainly will continue to read Shafak's novel as it was evident that her writing style was flowing beautifully, no matter which topic she describes.
This essay tries to capture the complex issues society has been dealing with in the last year, especially since the pandemic. While it does touch upon numerous important topics, I found it frustrating that it didn’t really lead anything, nor provide any concrete strategies.
Extremely relevant topics, expressed through storytelling and not fact listing. I loved how she pointed out such important discussions maintaining her writing style. It was like hearing her talk in one of her interviews. I didn't mind seeing certain concepts and ideas being repeated (as they were already voiced during her interviews). I always find her perspective on identity and language stunning ❤
challenging
dark
informative
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
tense
fast-paced
reflective
TURKEY
Ok I’m going to claim this one as Turkey even though the author describes herself as a “global soul”
Great short essay ! Every page I was like yaaaasss
Ok I’m going to claim this one as Turkey even though the author describes herself as a “global soul”
Great short essay ! Every page I was like yaaaasss
reflective
fast-paced
challenging
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
inspiring
reflective