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3.01 AVERAGE
3.01 AVERAGE
This book was really two stories attempting to be shoehorned into one. There was the satirical take on our modern terrorism and how the US "fights" and treats terrorists. It was a bit over the top and many of the points were very on the nose and far from subtle, which was very amateurish in my opinion. The other story focused on Winkie, the teddy bear main character of the book, and his/her experiences as he/she gained thought, will, and sentience. This was somewhat interesting, and I wished the entire book focused more on this, but it wasn't intermixed with the first storyline well, which actually detracted from this storyline. In the end, it was a novel concept, but not really worth your time to read. I'd pass over this, even though it does look like an interesting read.
dark
funny
sad
slow-paced
Winkie’s story is so full, which allows for there to be conflicting levels of emotional tone and quality. I can see why many reviews of this book use the word “ambitious” to describe its nature. I personally wish it had been less so, and more focused. The narrative whiplash is my main gripe with the story, alongside the overly harsh treatment of the protagonist, beyond the conveyed point of disadvantage to the accused.
With all of that said, the tender moments and the intense moments had me very invested, and it was philosophically rewarding to read even though the book in its whole form was lacking focus.
With all of that said, the tender moments and the intense moments had me very invested, and it was philosophically rewarding to read even though the book in its whole form was lacking focus.
Winkie is an innocent teddy bear accused of terrible, terrible crimes.
While Winkie has always been aware of their surroundings, only recently have they been able to move and interact with them. The joy of this new found freedom comes with terrible prices, and may cost Winkie their life.
This story is told mostly through flashbacks. We see times in Winkie's life of love, acceptance, and family. But also crushing loss and neglect.
While this book did not break any new boundaries for me, it is worth the time for some. If you like crime stories, kangaroo courts, and the trials of life, then Winkie might be for you.
While Winkie has always been aware of their surroundings, only recently have they been able to move and interact with them. The joy of this new found freedom comes with terrible prices, and may cost Winkie their life.
This story is told mostly through flashbacks. We see times in Winkie's life of love, acceptance, and family. But also crushing loss and neglect.
While this book did not break any new boundaries for me, it is worth the time for some. If you like crime stories, kangaroo courts, and the trials of life, then Winkie might be for you.
It sounded so interesting, but I just couldn't bear to finish it. HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!
...
Sigh.
...
Sigh.
Impressive and a little mindblowing how selfish and blind people actually are. Good to read, you keep going.
The story of a teddy bear who, feeling neglected, decides to run away from home and ends up on trial for terrorist crimes. The first part of that sentence tells a charming story. The second part gets a little bizarre.
This book was rad. It's about a teddy bear who gets accused of being a terrorist. His trial is absurd, filled with witnesses from other famous trials through the ages, like Socrates's trial and the Salem Witch Trials and many more. It's really a philosophical book dealing with realness, love, and loneliness -- the way the best books do. Stephin Merritt has a blurb recommending the book on the back, but I didn't even notice that until I was finished.
This is an odd book. I went in expecting something akin to the movie Ted but really this was a heartfelt, silly, sad, and wonderful story of one teddy bear’s life. Winkie is such a lovable and sympathetic character and I was rooting for him pretty much from page 1. The trial section of the book was a little too long and silly, plus the occasional philosophical musings throughout the book were quite a lot, but it wasn’t too bad. One thing that is pretty uncomfortable is the amount of slurs included in this book, but that may be different for everyone. Also to effectively have a trans protagonist in a book from 2006 is the last thing I expected but I loved it a lot. Winkie is an old teddy bear who used to be a girl and also gave birth to a saint, what do you mean this book is strange? Strangely wonderful I’ve found.
I can tolerate some wackiness, but this one was way out there, even for me. Didn't get far into it before I asked myself, am I remotely interested in what happens to this bear? The answer: no.
Well...interesting concept, stuffed bear comes to life only to be charged as a terrorist. But it was too literal, too parellel to today and suffered by being too preachy. Yes, our zealous pursuit of terrorist can become an absurd witch hunt. But it just left me with an eh.