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adamgolden's reviews
192 reviews
Going Clear: Scientology, Hollywood, and the Prison of Belief by Lawrence Wright
4.0
(4/5★)
I've always been fascinated by Scientology, and after seeing the documentary this book was based upon, I was craving to learn more. While the book doesn't exactly contain a ton of interesting information that the documentary didn't already cover, there are tidbits here and there that added to the mythology of Scientology, or were just generally interesting. It's definitely more comprehensive in regards to the background and transformation of Hubbard, the religion's founder. Really, it still amazes me that this religion still exists and (seems to be) prospering, considering how much negative information and press there is surrounding it. Yes, the power of the church is to be taken into consideration, like the psychological brainwashing, blocking out information (i.e. censored internet), or strategically tearing apart families or lives in general if someone wants to leave the church.
The alluring part of Scientology to me is that some of it (at least in the beginning stages) is sensible and conceivably beneficial depending on the person practicing it. This is because it is based on existing, proven psychology and just basic common sense. Unfortunately, the rest of Scientology is straight up nonsense written by one of the most prolific (literally published more books than anybody else, ever) science fiction authors to ever exist.
I've always been fascinated by Scientology, and after seeing the documentary this book was based upon, I was craving to learn more. While the book doesn't exactly contain a ton of interesting information that the documentary didn't already cover, there are tidbits here and there that added to the mythology of Scientology, or were just generally interesting. It's definitely more comprehensive in regards to the background and transformation of Hubbard, the religion's founder. Really, it still amazes me that this religion still exists and (seems to be) prospering, considering how much negative information and press there is surrounding it. Yes, the power of the church is to be taken into consideration, like the psychological brainwashing, blocking out information (i.e. censored internet), or strategically tearing apart families or lives in general if someone wants to leave the church.
The alluring part of Scientology to me is that some of it (at least in the beginning stages) is sensible and conceivably beneficial depending on the person practicing it. This is because it is based on existing, proven psychology and just basic common sense. Unfortunately, the rest of Scientology is straight up nonsense written by one of the most prolific (literally published more books than anybody else, ever) science fiction authors to ever exist.
Along Came a Spider by James Patterson
3.0
(3/5★)
I don't enjoy much of Patterson's work (especially work that isn't even written by him), but I have a soft spot for the Alex Cross series, especially the first couple of books - this one in particular perhaps being one of his best, even with its flaws. The short and fast-paced chapters are, of course, a breeze to get through, and are fairly gripping, even after a second read. Besides some minor plot holes and the usual repetitive nature of his work, Along Came a Spider makes for a quick and entertaining read.
I don't enjoy much of Patterson's work (especially work that isn't even written by him), but I have a soft spot for the Alex Cross series, especially the first couple of books - this one in particular perhaps being one of his best, even with its flaws. The short and fast-paced chapters are, of course, a breeze to get through, and are fairly gripping, even after a second read. Besides some minor plot holes and the usual repetitive nature of his work, Along Came a Spider makes for a quick and entertaining read.
The Trees in My Forest by Bernd Heinrich
4.0
(4/5★)
A charming and detailed exploration of Heinrich's enchanting backyard - an expansive 300 acres of his forest in Maine. It's clear in his writing that Heinrich is passionate about his forest (which he consistently refers to as his forest), giving the reader a look into why some trees are bigger than others, grow faster, or adapt to whatever obstacles that may stand in their way. A great book about appreciating the nature that surrounds us. If only I had my own forest...
A charming and detailed exploration of Heinrich's enchanting backyard - an expansive 300 acres of his forest in Maine. It's clear in his writing that Heinrich is passionate about his forest (which he consistently refers to as his forest), giving the reader a look into why some trees are bigger than others, grow faster, or adapt to whatever obstacles that may stand in their way. A great book about appreciating the nature that surrounds us. If only I had my own forest...
Almost Transparent Blue by Ryū Murakami
4.0
(4/5★)
Easily one of the more disturbing books I've read in recent memory, Almost Transparent Blue is a hazy, plotless, grim read. The book focuses on a group of young adults set in the 1970's in Japan, following their day-to-day lives that are filled with copious amounts of drug-taking (including methamphetamines, LSD, mescaline, and heroin, among others). Murakami paints a very bleak picture of the struggles of addiction and what it can lead to - in this case, unprotected and oftentimes brutal group sex, unhealthy relationships, delirious mood swings, and violence. The way he describes the emotions and sensations of the drugs the characters are consuming are incredibly accurate and descriptive, so much so that it was almost like I felt like I was under the influence of these drugs as I was reading about them. A dismal but nonetheless enthralling novel.
Easily one of the more disturbing books I've read in recent memory, Almost Transparent Blue is a hazy, plotless, grim read. The book focuses on a group of young adults set in the 1970's in Japan, following their day-to-day lives that are filled with copious amounts of drug-taking (including methamphetamines, LSD, mescaline, and heroin, among others). Murakami paints a very bleak picture of the struggles of addiction and what it can lead to - in this case, unprotected and oftentimes brutal group sex, unhealthy relationships, delirious mood swings, and violence. The way he describes the emotions and sensations of the drugs the characters are consuming are incredibly accurate and descriptive, so much so that it was almost like I felt like I was under the influence of these drugs as I was reading about them. A dismal but nonetheless enthralling novel.
The Rajneesh Chronicles by Win McCormack
2.0
(2.5/5★)
After watching the documentary about the Rajneesh movement and being completely captivated by it, I figured I could continue to delve into the world of the Bhagwan and his loyal followers a bit more by reading a book about it. While The Rajneesh Chronicles does go into more detail, it also repeats itself....a lot. The first third of the book is great, but everything afterwards was a chore to read through considering it's repetitive and disjointed nature... However, I'd say it's still worth a read (at least the first third, anyway), especially if you don't know anything about this fascinating cult.
After watching the documentary about the Rajneesh movement and being completely captivated by it, I figured I could continue to delve into the world of the Bhagwan and his loyal followers a bit more by reading a book about it. While The Rajneesh Chronicles does go into more detail, it also repeats itself....a lot. The first third of the book is great, but everything afterwards was a chore to read through considering it's repetitive and disjointed nature... However, I'd say it's still worth a read (at least the first third, anyway), especially if you don't know anything about this fascinating cult.
Audition by Ryū Murakami
3.0
(3.5/5★)
Part of me wishes I picked up this book randomly, didn't read the summary, and read it without knowing something sinister was going to happen. For about 85% of the book, it's just a ordinary look into the life of a man who lost his wife several years beforehand, living alone somewhat happily until his son recommends that he start dating again. What ensues is the idea that he holds an audition for a fake movie role to find the perfect woman for him to fall in love with. While a couple of key characters hint at the inevitable, the ending is still shockingly gruesome and and entirely unexpected (or in my case, expected, but without the specific details about what exactly was going to happen.) Another unusual, quick read from the distorted mind of Ryu Murakami.
Part of me wishes I picked up this book randomly, didn't read the summary, and read it without knowing something sinister was going to happen. For about 85% of the book, it's just a ordinary look into the life of a man who lost his wife several years beforehand, living alone somewhat happily until his son recommends that he start dating again. What ensues is the idea that he holds an audition for a fake movie role to find the perfect woman for him to fall in love with. While a couple of key characters hint at the inevitable, the ending is still shockingly gruesome and and entirely unexpected (or in my case, expected, but without the specific details about what exactly was going to happen.) Another unusual, quick read from the distorted mind of Ryu Murakami.