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adamgolden's reviews
192 reviews
A Wizard of Earthsea by Ursula K. Le Guin
5.0
(5/5★)
While not exactly a "thrilling" fantasy novel, I really enjoyed this book. Written in '68, this definitely has the feel of an "old-school" fantasy book, but I think it's easily up to par or better than most modern fantasy. Even though it's a relatively short book, it spans several years and explores much of the world that Ursula has thoroughly created, making for a great adventure with vivid detail in regards to it's worldbuilding. Although her work may have been overshadowed by contemporaries such as Tolkien, I feel like the Earthsea Cycle series deserves to be mentioned when talking about classic fantasy.
While not exactly a "thrilling" fantasy novel, I really enjoyed this book. Written in '68, this definitely has the feel of an "old-school" fantasy book, but I think it's easily up to par or better than most modern fantasy. Even though it's a relatively short book, it spans several years and explores much of the world that Ursula has thoroughly created, making for a great adventure with vivid detail in regards to it's worldbuilding. Although her work may have been overshadowed by contemporaries such as Tolkien, I feel like the Earthsea Cycle series deserves to be mentioned when talking about classic fantasy.
When You Are Engulfed in Flames by David Sedaris
5.0
(5/5★)
I have a feeling I'm going to enjoy pretty much anything written by David Sedaris. After reading (and thoroughly enjoying) Naked, I did wonder if his other works were of similar quality. Needless to say, I enjoyed this book just as much. Sedaris is brilliant at expressing a sarcastic tone in his writing that makes most of what he says inherently funny. The last story, about Sedaris quitting smoking and spending time in Japan for 3 months, is especially great.
I have a feeling I'm going to enjoy pretty much anything written by David Sedaris. After reading (and thoroughly enjoying) Naked, I did wonder if his other works were of similar quality. Needless to say, I enjoyed this book just as much. Sedaris is brilliant at expressing a sarcastic tone in his writing that makes most of what he says inherently funny. The last story, about Sedaris quitting smoking and spending time in Japan for 3 months, is especially great.
Dark Banquet: Blood and the Curious Lives of Blood-Feeding Creatures by Bill Schutt, Patricia Wynne
4.0
(4/5★)
The Turn of the Screw by Henry James
2.0
(2/5★)
Can't say I was a fan of this book in the slightest. While there are a couple of moments that are worthwhile, the rest of the book is an absolute bore to get through. The superfluous way that James writes combined with so-called "anticipation" that builds up to...not much, is disappointing to say the least. To think that is required reading for some students... I truly feel sorry for them. This would have turned me off from reading if I read this when I was younger.
Can't say I was a fan of this book in the slightest. While there are a couple of moments that are worthwhile, the rest of the book is an absolute bore to get through. The superfluous way that James writes combined with so-called "anticipation" that builds up to...not much, is disappointing to say the least. To think that is required reading for some students... I truly feel sorry for them. This would have turned me off from reading if I read this when I was younger.
Before A Fall: A History of PRIDE Fighting Championships by Lee Dalli, Eamonn Dalton
3.0
(3.5/5★)
Great book on the beginning and end of the infamous Japanese MMA fighting organization, PRIDE. Daly clearly has a passion for martial arts, as he paints in vivid detail some of the best matches that PRIDE had to offer. While the company will be missed, the shady Yakuza dealings, underhanded tactics, and weird freak-show fights (while fascinating) ultimately led to their downfall, even after being obtained by the UFC.
Great book on the beginning and end of the infamous Japanese MMA fighting organization, PRIDE. Daly clearly has a passion for martial arts, as he paints in vivid detail some of the best matches that PRIDE had to offer. While the company will be missed, the shady Yakuza dealings, underhanded tactics, and weird freak-show fights (while fascinating) ultimately led to their downfall, even after being obtained by the UFC.