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3.4 AVERAGE
3.4 AVERAGE
I really wasn’t sure how to rate this book, or if two stars is truly fair. Moby Dick is one part adventure story, one part “everything you ever wanted to know about whales and whaling,” and one part “random side stories.” So here it goes…
Whale/Whaling Info
Rating: ⭐️
Somewhat interesting, but there is way too much of it. It’s not something I ever would’ve read, if I hadn’t read Moby Dick. I knew in selecting the book, it would be there, but I had no idea how long and tedious it would get. We have the (probably infamous) sperm whale squishing bit that... I don’t even know what to say about that. An obvious “does this remind you of anything” chapter that goes on so long, it becomes hilarious. Unfortunately, most of these chapters were a chore to get through.
Random Stories
Rating: ⭐️ 1/2
Each one is a hit or miss, and most feel out of place in the book. Probably the only one I truly appreciated was the story of the Essex, which is a nod to the true story that the book is partly based on. Given how long the book is already, I wish there had also been a chapter for Mocha Dick, the real albino whale that the Moby Dick character was based on. RIP Mocha, you were a true hero.
The Adventure
Rating: ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
I put this last because it honestly feels last in the book itself. While I enjoyed the story, it gets buried. It does get a bit long-winded, but I don’t think that would have been an issue if the above two parts hadn’t been there in the first place. I’d be curious to try giving the abridged version of Moby Dick a try. My biggest issue here was the end, the final battle, which...
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P
O
I
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E
R
S
...was strangely somehow long winded and too short. Long winded in that is the style of writing. Too short in that most of the characters just sort of disappear, and I don’t just mean into the sea. Even the way Ishmael survived is sort of an afterthought.
Whale/Whaling Info
Rating: ⭐️
Somewhat interesting, but there is way too much of it. It’s not something I ever would’ve read, if I hadn’t read Moby Dick. I knew in selecting the book, it would be there, but I had no idea how long and tedious it would get. We have the (probably infamous) sperm whale squishing bit that... I don’t even know what to say about that. An obvious “does this remind you of anything” chapter that goes on so long, it becomes hilarious. Unfortunately, most of these chapters were a chore to get through.
Random Stories
Rating: ⭐️ 1/2
Each one is a hit or miss, and most feel out of place in the book. Probably the only one I truly appreciated was the story of the Essex, which is a nod to the true story that the book is partly based on. Given how long the book is already, I wish there had also been a chapter for Mocha Dick, the real albino whale that the Moby Dick character was based on. RIP Mocha, you were a true hero.
The Adventure
Rating: ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
I put this last because it honestly feels last in the book itself. While I enjoyed the story, it gets buried. It does get a bit long-winded, but I don’t think that would have been an issue if the above two parts hadn’t been there in the first place. I’d be curious to try giving the abridged version of Moby Dick a try. My biggest issue here was the end, the final battle, which...
S
P
O
I
L
E
R
S
...was strangely somehow long winded and too short. Long winded in that is the style of writing. Too short in that most of the characters just sort of disappear, and I don’t just mean into the sea. Even the way Ishmael survived is sort of an afterthought.
Ok this was a beast to get through, and it was a lot of confusing and old language, but overall was an interesting analysis of the human experience. I probably could analyze this for the next 10 years but i don’t think that i will. I also think it should be disputed as the great American novel, i can think of a few others that i would like to have that title instead.
adventurous
mysterious
reflective
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Tied for the greatest book I've read. Melville is the king of figurative language and illustrates unmatched levels of detail through word alone. It is also the most complex (and therefore difficult) read I've endured, which affects my ability to recommend this book to people. However, it is worth the time investment. You will find that you understand every last detail of every setting and every character in unrivaled ability due to Melville's ability to show the reader the most obscure and nebulous settings through abstract wordplay.
Do you love listening to the stories told by small children with a special interest intermingled with the stories your roommate tells you about his super strong and hot gym partner? Are you interested in learning about every picture the author has ever seen depicting a whale? Is getting hit over the head with the obviousness of the characters names something you live for? Do you love imagined dialogue that doesn’t move the plot along? Hell, do you hate when more than 10% of the book contains the plot? Then this “how the hell is this a classic?” Novel is for you!
Join me in a petition to make nerds named Herman go to jail instead of writing about their special interests. Two stars for the love story between the narrator and Queequag.
Join me in a petition to make nerds named Herman go to jail instead of writing about their special interests. Two stars for the love story between the narrator and Queequag.
adventurous
challenging
dark
reflective
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
N/A
Strong character development:
N/A
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
This book is much like a whale, in that it's very big.
I tried…. I put in 4 hours of my life I’ll never get back…
adventurous
challenging
funny
informative
inspiring
reflective
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
N/A
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
dark
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Brilliant? Or bizarre? Or both by turns...often simultaneously? Can’t decide, but epic? Sure.