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mads_jpg's review
challenging
hopeful
inspiring
slow-paced
2.5
I really liked the message of the book and definitely took away some good tactics from it (I've already limited my screen time and social media usage) but the writing itself just didn't land with me. Which is surprising given that it came at the perfect time in my life, as I've been overworked for weeks staying up past midnight ever night. I even fell asleep reading this on the tram at one point.
I found it incredibly repetitive (if I have to see the word "bamboozled" or "portal" one more time) and it frequently referenced other books to the point where I felt like I was reading them instead (Octavia Butler especially). The writing read more like a mantra or wishy-washy meditation, and that might work for some people but I just didn't connect with it. Even though the book has distinct chapters I felt like I was just rereading the last one each time. I think this would've worked better if it was either edited heavily or written as more of a memoir. That being said, I still think people should read it or at least look into the Nap Ministry.
I found it incredibly repetitive (if I have to see the word "bamboozled" or "portal" one more time) and it frequently referenced other books to the point where I felt like I was reading them instead (Octavia Butler especially). The writing read more like a mantra or wishy-washy meditation, and that might work for some people but I just didn't connect with it. Even though the book has distinct chapters I felt like I was just rereading the last one each time. I think this would've worked better if it was either edited heavily or written as more of a memoir. That being said, I still think people should read it or at least look into the Nap Ministry.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Colonisation, Grief, Classism, Racism, and Slavery
Moderate: Sexism
Minor: Death, Racial slurs, Violence, Death of parent, and Pandemic/Epidemic
peachani's review against another edition
challenging
hopeful
inspiring
slow-paced
3.75
I was halfway through this book before I realized it was not and would not be a typical self help book with suggestions in every section—so I started over. It is indeed a manifesto. To that end, it is repetitive so the point gets across. Unfortunately, that meant I skimmed through the last pages. It's probably best to read 3-4 pages at a time and reflect.
Rest as resistance is revolutionary. It is counterculture. You will meet with resistance should you choose to embrace this philosophy (and you – we – should). The author successfully lays down the foundation and it's up to us to implement it.
Sticking points for me were religion and social media. I was exposed to Christianity through an extremely white, colonialist lens. Reading this made me wonder aloud what my relationship with God would be like had I experienced Christianity through the lens of Black liberation. As for social media, the author believes it is mostly negative. I don't necessarily disagree, but I strongly believe that it can also be a force for good, for truth-telling, for community. After all, I heard about The Nap Ministry on X, formerly known as Twitter. However, it is possible those opportunities dwindle as social media platforms become ever more entwined with capitalism. The "need" for dollars strongly interferes with our behavior, turning these opportunities for connection into a desperate chase for virality, which can translate into dollars (e.g., the worst people saying inflammatory things to get money from Twitter Blue).
Overall, I found this a difficult read, despite already being in the process of embracing rest as a method of decolonization and self care. This will challenge you and your beliefs, but it's for the best.
Rest as resistance is revolutionary. It is counterculture. You will meet with resistance should you choose to embrace this philosophy (and you – we – should). The author successfully lays down the foundation and it's up to us to implement it.
Sticking points for me were religion and social media. I was exposed to Christianity through an extremely white, colonialist lens. Reading this made me wonder aloud what my relationship with God would be like had I experienced Christianity through the lens of Black liberation. As for social media, the author believes it is mostly negative. I don't necessarily disagree, but I strongly believe that it can also be a force for good, for truth-telling, for community. After all, I heard about The Nap Ministry on X, formerly known as Twitter. However, it is possible those opportunities dwindle as social media platforms become ever more entwined with capitalism. The "need" for dollars strongly interferes with our behavior, turning these opportunities for connection into a desperate chase for virality, which can translate into dollars (e.g., the worst people saying inflammatory things to get money from Twitter Blue).
Overall, I found this a difficult read, despite already being in the process of embracing rest as a method of decolonization and self care. This will challenge you and your beliefs, but it's for the best.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Pregnancy, Slavery, Death of parent, and Racism
Minor: Medical content and Racial slurs
ekcd_'s review against another edition
inspiring
reflective
relaxing
slow-paced
1.5
NTS: make a more consistent rating system.
I have more things to say about this book than there is book - sure, its short, but thats not why I have a lot to say about it.
In short (heh), this book would have been better executed as a Buzzfeed of Medium article. It was repetitive. Secondly, it was overtly religious and mystical which is simply not my bag. Had zero expectations and I was still surprised at how repetitive and flat it was.
Great message though! Just... you know.... reddit post next time?
I have more things to say about this book than there is book - sure, its short, but thats not why I have a lot to say about it.
In short (heh), this book would have been better executed as a Buzzfeed of Medium article. It was repetitive. Secondly, it was overtly religious and mystical which is simply not my bag. Had zero expectations and I was still surprised at how repetitive and flat it was.
Great message though! Just... you know.... reddit post next time?
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body horror, Grief, Kidnapping, Racism, Slavery, Violence, Death of parent, and Racial slurs
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