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1oca1sh1thead's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Moderate: Addiction, Alcoholism, Drug abuse, Drug use, and Death of parent
Minor: Misogyny, Racism, and Sexual content
nickynak3's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Graphic: Addiction, Alcoholism, Drug abuse, and Sexual assault
Moderate: Child abuse, Death, Misogyny, Racial slurs, Grief, Death of parent, and Abandonment
bumblemee's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
I also think that this matter of factly, analytical writing style was perfect for Beth. As well as the details she picks up on and what she chooses to focus on in general. It was really well done. That being said, I sometimes have a hard time with this type of writing because it distances me from what's going on.
Still, a certain scene that was also in the show made me tear up a bit, because in the important moments, the book did get to me emotionally.
This book was adapted perfectly by the way, at least in my opinion. I watched the show first and I expected exactly this type of writing from watching it. I don't think that happened to me before, at least not to this extend. They did an amazing job of telling the story as well, I didn't feel like the show missed anything important. So if you think the book might not be for you - for example bc you don't know anything about chess - but still want to consume the story, watch the show. It might be the better choice for you since it's less hard to get through parts you don't understand.
Graphic: Addiction, Alcoholism, Death, Drug abuse, and Death of parent
Moderate: Racial slurs and Sexual assault
lemonzest's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Graphic: Addiction, Alcoholism, Drug abuse, Racism, Religious bigotry, and Alcohol
Moderate: Chronic illness, Death, Sexism, Car accident, Death of parent, and Sexual harassment
aysha_blake's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Graphic: Addiction, Alcoholism, Drug abuse, Drug use, Racial slurs, Racism, Rape, Sexism, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Alcohol, and Sexual harassment
Moderate: Death and Death of parent
zakcebulski's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.25
I, like most people, am familiar with the game of chess, and, the mass wave of popularity is partially from the Netflix adaptation of this book.
I picked this book up when I couldn't find anything else to read at the time and this book completely floored me.
In it we follow the growth of one Beth Harmon- an orphan who is taught the basics of the Royal Game while at an orphanage in Kentucky.
Beth takes an immediate liking- nay, an addiction to chess. She swiftly rises through the chess world crushing opponent after opponent with ease.
I thought that her meteoric rise in the chess world was so fucking awesome to read through. Beth is a character who is so likable, that even her brashness, and her agitation are somewhat forgiven. Beth is a fantastically written character, who happens to be a chess prodigy.
Beth suffers from addictions throughout this book, namely tranquilizers which were given to her as a child in the orphanage, and later alcohol and elicit sex.
I thought that the exploration of addiction in this book was very well done. It is absolutely not romanticized past the point of necessity by the addicted one.
I thought that the way one vice was substituted by another was very well done, as that is how addiction works in real life- people are taken hold by one thing after another after another and ultimately it kills them.
I quite enjoyed the exploration on what it means to have an innate god-given talent, and what it means to be a prodigy, which is explored in this book. Beth is a prodigy in chess in every sense of the word, but, there are still folks who she has to prepare for and study ad nauseum to stand a chance against. I honestly liked that though Beth was outstanding at chess, there were still characters, mainly Borgov (the big bad) and Benny Watts- a former prodigy and then a rival-turned-lover and even coach. Beth must train to overcome these folks, and, eventually does, and it is with the payoff of all of the obsessive training that we get some truly sweet victories. I loved when Beth was playing Borgov and she realizes that she needs to rely on herself and her own capabilities in order to win against Borgov- it is a triumph as she has largely doused her self confidence with a steady flow of alcohol and booze.
Talking about characters- I felt that each character was fleshed out perfectly well. There are some characters who are good sports and are supportive of Beth, and some who are sexist and are indianite about losing to a girl in a "man's game". I think that while this is uncomfortable to read through, this also gives Beth the opportunity to shut these fucks up with her chess playing. The amount of times Beth advocated for herself was outstanding.
I thought that the technicality of the book was exceptionally well done. It is evident on a page by page basis that Tevis was an avid chess fan, like myself. I have to praise his prose which made the game of chess jump off of the page and feel like a truly action packed event. The references to players like Mikhail Botvinnik and Paul Morphy was awesome to read, as I have studied games by them, and their play styles to my (admittedly limited skillset) are faithfully recreated. Everything else regarding ratings, rankings, playstyles, down to the way the players carry themselves is exactly what you see while watching chess, or playing it yourself. Tevis did his research and took inspiration from real life, and I really appreciate it.
All in all, I felt that this book struck a specific node of sheer enjoyment. I flew through this book, and enjoyed every step of it.
Beth Harmon, to me, is one of the great characters of the 20th century. I thought that the exploration of sexism, addiction, and what it means to be a one time prodigy who due to aging is just a person with skill was fantastic. When I was younger I was one of those "bright kids" who is destined for greatness, and as I aged, I just became a person who was a prodigy. I think that this is a topic that resonated deeply with me.
I implore people who do and do not know a lot about chess to read this book. I think that watching the literal rags to riches and back and forth story of a young orphan all the way to the top of the chess world is outstanding and worth the price of admission alone. If you are a chess fan, then I think the program and the book will bring you a ton of enjoyment.
Graphic: Addiction, Alcoholism, Death, Drug abuse, Racial slurs, and Alcohol
sas_ram's review against another edition
- Loveable characters? Yes
5.0
It really isn't anything adventurous but the characters and the chess part make this something unique and worthwhile.
Graphic: Addiction, Alcoholism, Drug abuse, and Drug use
Moderate: Racial slurs and Death of parent
jacob_dion's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Graphic: Alcoholism, Drug abuse, and Death of parent
Moderate: Sexual assault
millierbrewer's review against another edition
4.5
Graphic: Addiction, Alcoholism, Drug abuse, and Drug use
Moderate: Death of parent
Minor: Sexual assault
suchaslay47's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Graphic: Alcoholism, Drug abuse, and Drug use
Moderate: Sexism and Sexual content