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adamgolden's reviews
192 reviews
The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger
4.0
(4/5★)
The Catcher in the Rye seems to be a very polarizing book. The people that like it often relate to the teenage angst that Holden so accurately portrays, while the people that hate it are attempting to find a deeper meaning to the book that, in my opinion, isn't really there. The plot is very simple and straightforward, as it's essentially three days in the life of a teenager going through a "rough patch" in his life. I put that in quotations, because yes, in comparison to how cruel life can be in general, some people may consider Holden's character to be a whiny, angst-y, spoiled kid that complains too much. For the most part, he is. But so are a lot of teenagers, which is why this book has maintained it's relevancy over the past 60+ years. Reading and enjoying this book as an adult comes down to whether or not you can place yourself in the shoes of a kid that is attempting to figure out where he belongs in the world, and being an individual while doing so. If you can't relate to that, then this book probably isn't for you.
The Catcher in the Rye seems to be a very polarizing book. The people that like it often relate to the teenage angst that Holden so accurately portrays, while the people that hate it are attempting to find a deeper meaning to the book that, in my opinion, isn't really there. The plot is very simple and straightforward, as it's essentially three days in the life of a teenager going through a "rough patch" in his life. I put that in quotations, because yes, in comparison to how cruel life can be in general, some people may consider Holden's character to be a whiny, angst-y, spoiled kid that complains too much. For the most part, he is. But so are a lot of teenagers, which is why this book has maintained it's relevancy over the past 60+ years. Reading and enjoying this book as an adult comes down to whether or not you can place yourself in the shoes of a kid that is attempting to figure out where he belongs in the world, and being an individual while doing so. If you can't relate to that, then this book probably isn't for you.
Annihilation by Jeff VanderMeer
4.0
(4/5★)
Drawn in by the gorgeous covers of this book (and it's sequels), I was very pleased to find out that the content of the book itself was just as enjoyable. Focusing mostly on creating a perfectly atmospheric world that is both pristine and haunting, Vandermeer knows how to make an immersive setting. The book flips between tranquil, relaxing environments to tensely gripping, somewhat horrifying ones. The writing is detailed with a dream-like quality to it that is very surreal, which lends to the plot of the book very well. The Biologist was a relateable, likeable (to me, at least) character who's backstory was interesting enough that I wasn't craving to return to Area X, even though that is definitely the main appeal of this novel.
Drawn in by the gorgeous covers of this book (and it's sequels), I was very pleased to find out that the content of the book itself was just as enjoyable. Focusing mostly on creating a perfectly atmospheric world that is both pristine and haunting, Vandermeer knows how to make an immersive setting. The book flips between tranquil, relaxing environments to tensely gripping, somewhat horrifying ones. The writing is detailed with a dream-like quality to it that is very surreal, which lends to the plot of the book very well. The Biologist was a relateable, likeable (to me, at least) character who's backstory was interesting enough that I wasn't craving to return to Area X, even though that is definitely the main appeal of this novel.
The Princess Bride by William Goldman
4.0
(4/5★)
Growing up, The Princess Bride was always a favorite film of mine - it had the perfect mix of adventure, comedy and romance, with a quirky wit and slapstick humour that still stands the test of time today. The book for the most part is very similar, as the screenplay for the film was also written by the author, William Goldman. Unfortunately, there is one key difference that I see as a minor flaw, and that is how heavily Goldman focuses on the "abridgement" of the "original" author's story, and how he had to work around it and fight against the publisher on multiple occasions. This is humourous at first, but it gets old quickly, especially within the epilogue, "Buttercup's Baby".
While I do enjoy the commentary from Goldman about cutting out certain parts of the book because they were boring or unnecessary, part of me does wonder how great the book would have been if he just told it as his own original story (which, ironically, it is).
Growing up, The Princess Bride was always a favorite film of mine - it had the perfect mix of adventure, comedy and romance, with a quirky wit and slapstick humour that still stands the test of time today. The book for the most part is very similar, as the screenplay for the film was also written by the author, William Goldman. Unfortunately, there is one key difference that I see as a minor flaw, and that is how heavily Goldman focuses on the "abridgement" of the "original" author's story, and how he had to work around it and fight against the publisher on multiple occasions. This is humourous at first, but it gets old quickly, especially within the epilogue, "Buttercup's Baby".
While I do enjoy the commentary from Goldman about cutting out certain parts of the book because they were boring or unnecessary, part of me does wonder how great the book would have been if he just told it as his own original story (which, ironically, it is).
The Hero of Ages by Brandon Sanderson
4.0
(4.5/5★)
As the last book in this trilogy, I was expecting a lot of loose ends tied up, more lore and character development, and a satisfying ending. Fortunately for me, I got all of this and more. I can safely say that I enjoyed this one a bit more than the second book, and possibly just as much or even more than the first. In terms of character development, the characters Spook and Sazed really got their time to shine in this book, which was interesting to watch progress, especially for the latter. Vin and Elend's relationship was expounded upon further, adding more depth to it without making it an unnecessarily cheesy romance. The last couple of chapters which were painful in some ways and breathtaking in others, came together to form a satisfying conclusion to a series that I thoroughly enjoyed.
As the last book in this trilogy, I was expecting a lot of loose ends tied up, more lore and character development, and a satisfying ending. Fortunately for me, I got all of this and more. I can safely say that I enjoyed this one a bit more than the second book, and possibly just as much or even more than the first. In terms of character development, the characters Spook and Sazed really got their time to shine in this book, which was interesting to watch progress, especially for the latter. Vin and Elend's relationship was expounded upon further, adding more depth to it without making it an unnecessarily cheesy romance. The last couple of chapters which were painful in some ways and breathtaking in others, came together to form a satisfying conclusion to a series that I thoroughly enjoyed.
Astrophysics for People in a Hurry by Neil deGrasse Tyson
2.0
(2.5/5★)
Even though the word "introduction" is clearly not in the title, I still believed this to be a general introduction to astrophysics. While this may be true to people with a background in certain sciences, I wouldn't consider this a great way to delve into/truly understand astrophysics (unless you have the aforementioned background in science). Fortunately, while I don't listen to audio books often, Tyson's narration truly makes this book much more readable, as his passion for the subject and fantastic voice makes for a much more interesting read. Although the book is short, I feel like the information provided was often jam-packed at times, when it would have been helpful for some things to be elaborated on. Still an interesting read with though provoking research - just don't test me on it, because I'd surely fail.
Even though the word "introduction" is clearly not in the title, I still believed this to be a general introduction to astrophysics. While this may be true to people with a background in certain sciences, I wouldn't consider this a great way to delve into/truly understand astrophysics (unless you have the aforementioned background in science). Fortunately, while I don't listen to audio books often, Tyson's narration truly makes this book much more readable, as his passion for the subject and fantastic voice makes for a much more interesting read. Although the book is short, I feel like the information provided was often jam-packed at times, when it would have been helpful for some things to be elaborated on. Still an interesting read with though provoking research - just don't test me on it, because I'd surely fail.
Authority by Jeff VanderMeer
3.0
(3/5★)
While this book isn't nearly as gripping as the first, it's still an enjoyable addition to the series, as it delves deeper into the history of Area X (although unfortunately, without actually going there). The Biologist makes a return, always making for captivating interactions with the somewhat dull protagonist, Control. I think a more interesting book would have continued to narrate around her, but I'm glad she's at least still part of the story. While the horror genre barely applies to this book as much as it did in the first, the writing is still very tense and paranoid, and the alluring ending makes up for the mundane middle.
While this book isn't nearly as gripping as the first, it's still an enjoyable addition to the series, as it delves deeper into the history of Area X (although unfortunately, without actually going there). The Biologist makes a return, always making for captivating interactions with the somewhat dull protagonist, Control. I think a more interesting book would have continued to narrate around her, but I'm glad she's at least still part of the story. While the horror genre barely applies to this book as much as it did in the first, the writing is still very tense and paranoid, and the alluring ending makes up for the mundane middle.
Divided Soul: The Life of Marvin Gaye by David Ritz
4.0
(4/5★)
Marvin Gaye is easily one of my favorite musical artists of all time. From the early days in his career creating soulful Doo-wop music to his later days with sensual R&B and Funk, Marvin seemed to effortlessly be making hit after hit, while reinventing himself with every major release. While reading this book has honestly made me a bit less of a fan of Marvin "as a person", it contains some interesting insight into his often troubled/depressing life and egotistical nature. Marvin, just like everybody else, had his share of flaws, but those flaws helped him create music that was honest and genuine, regardless of the subject matter. If there was one musical artist that I could bring back from the dead, to see thrive in the current era, it'd undoubtedly be Gaye.
Marvin Gaye is easily one of my favorite musical artists of all time. From the early days in his career creating soulful Doo-wop music to his later days with sensual R&B and Funk, Marvin seemed to effortlessly be making hit after hit, while reinventing himself with every major release. While reading this book has honestly made me a bit less of a fan of Marvin "as a person", it contains some interesting insight into his often troubled/depressing life and egotistical nature. Marvin, just like everybody else, had his share of flaws, but those flaws helped him create music that was honest and genuine, regardless of the subject matter. If there was one musical artist that I could bring back from the dead, to see thrive in the current era, it'd undoubtedly be Gaye.
Taoism: An Essential Guide by Eva Wong
2.0
(2/5★)
Do you want to know all about Taoism? This book will tell you everything about it. Which happens to be quite a lot, once you factor in all the different sects and groups that are associated with Taoism. Unfortunately, this makes for a very laborious read, and it reads like a boring textbook. What is nice though, is that after Wong explains about a certain branches of taoism or ways of practicing it, she recommends books that you can read that delves deeper into these specific subjects. Which honestly sounds like a better idea, rather than experiencing the information overload you get from reading this book.
Do you want to know all about Taoism? This book will tell you everything about it. Which happens to be quite a lot, once you factor in all the different sects and groups that are associated with Taoism. Unfortunately, this makes for a very laborious read, and it reads like a boring textbook. What is nice though, is that after Wong explains about a certain branches of taoism or ways of practicing it, she recommends books that you can read that delves deeper into these specific subjects. Which honestly sounds like a better idea, rather than experiencing the information overload you get from reading this book.
What If?: Serious Scientific Answers to Absurd Hypothetical Questions by Randall Munroe
4.0
(4/5★)
The title of this book sums it up perfectly. With funny (stick-men) illustrations, and absurd questions you'd never thought you'd hear, much less given a scientific answer, What if? makes for a very entertaining read. I'd imagine I'd enjoy it even more if I was a math or science major, but taking that into consideration, Munroe does a wonderful job of simplifying things by making it easier for the reader to understand the more complex answers that he gives. The nerdy sense of humor and obvious passion for science Munroe has also makes this book a genuinely entertaining read.
The title of this book sums it up perfectly. With funny (stick-men) illustrations, and absurd questions you'd never thought you'd hear, much less given a scientific answer, What if? makes for a very entertaining read. I'd imagine I'd enjoy it even more if I was a math or science major, but taking that into consideration, Munroe does a wonderful job of simplifying things by making it easier for the reader to understand the more complex answers that he gives. The nerdy sense of humor and obvious passion for science Munroe has also makes this book a genuinely entertaining read.
Notes on a Nervous Planet by Matt Haig
4.0
(4/5★)
While this is technically categorized as a "self-help" book by some (a genre I usually do not partake in reading), Notes on a Nervous Planet was a surprisingly pleasant read. This isn't the type of self help book that force feeds some bullshit philosophy down your throat, it's more about certain mental exercises to help you curb anxiety and depression in the modern society that we live in. The author himself believes there are many different ways to help yourself and his way isn't the "perfect" way, as everybody is different. But I found some of the short stories and ideas he brought up to be logical and simple to incorporate into your life, and implement in a positive way.
While this is technically categorized as a "self-help" book by some (a genre I usually do not partake in reading), Notes on a Nervous Planet was a surprisingly pleasant read. This isn't the type of self help book that force feeds some bullshit philosophy down your throat, it's more about certain mental exercises to help you curb anxiety and depression in the modern society that we live in. The author himself believes there are many different ways to help yourself and his way isn't the "perfect" way, as everybody is different. But I found some of the short stories and ideas he brought up to be logical and simple to incorporate into your life, and implement in a positive way.