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aribabwa's reviews
19 reviews
Animal Farm by George Orwell
4.0
4.6/5 stars
This is the second Orwell's book that i've read, the first one being 1984. Although they have a different story line, both of these book deal with the same kind of subject. And if you ask me "which one should i buy first?", then i would strongly suggest Animal Farm. It's not as thick as 1984, is easier to digest and the story line aren't too focused on one character. It doesn't really bore you with the world building, and is very effective to help you understand the context of 1984.
This is the second Orwell's book that i've read, the first one being 1984. Although they have a different story line, both of these book deal with the same kind of subject. And if you ask me "which one should i buy first?", then i would strongly suggest Animal Farm. It's not as thick as 1984, is easier to digest and the story line aren't too focused on one character. It doesn't really bore you with the world building, and is very effective to help you understand the context of 1984.
1984 by George Orwell
4.0
4.5/5 stars
Reading this book because people keep refer to it every time there's a discussion about The Hunger Games, lol.
At first i thought i wouldn't be able to enjoy it, because this book relies on heavy subjects like social-politics. But after i'm done reading it, i found myself thinking about the philosophical argument that Orwell made in this book over and over again. This is the kind of book that make you think for days. Also, in most dystopian book, world building is something a lot of writers lack at. Except for Orwell, he made it look so flawlessly easy that a lot of people view this book as some sort of prophecy. But, even though this is a work of fiction, i wouldn't necessarily called it a novel. This is because 1984 have a very weak and unattractive story line. The main story is actually very simple and even- boring. I think it would be better if it was written as an Essay.
Reading this book because people keep refer to it every time there's a discussion about The Hunger Games, lol.
At first i thought i wouldn't be able to enjoy it, because this book relies on heavy subjects like social-politics. But after i'm done reading it, i found myself thinking about the philosophical argument that Orwell made in this book over and over again. This is the kind of book that make you think for days. Also, in most dystopian book, world building is something a lot of writers lack at. Except for Orwell, he made it look so flawlessly easy that a lot of people view this book as some sort of prophecy. But, even though this is a work of fiction, i wouldn't necessarily called it a novel. This is because 1984 have a very weak and unattractive story line. The main story is actually very simple and even- boring. I think it would be better if it was written as an Essay.
The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde
4.0
4.6/5 stars
This is how you correctly write evil/bad/annoying characters!
God how i f*cking loath Lord Henry. He's like a lot of those narcissistic guy, who think they are the most wise, most intelligent and love to mansplain things. Then there's Basil, who sorta exist to balance the exitance of him. Both of them are the metaphor of Dorian's angel and devil. And Dorian himself, whose entire life were laid out before your own eyes. In which i could (to some extent) guess how his story line will come to an end. And yet, he still intrigue me. I can not stop reading about him, in a way people couldn't look away from a car crash. It is a must-read for anyone interested in classic literature and the darker aspects of human nature.
This is how you correctly write evil/bad/annoying characters!
God how i f*cking loath Lord Henry. He's like a lot of those narcissistic guy, who think they are the most wise, most intelligent and love to mansplain things. Then there's Basil, who sorta exist to balance the exitance of him. Both of them are the metaphor of Dorian's angel and devil. And Dorian himself, whose entire life were laid out before your own eyes. In which i could (to some extent) guess how his story line will come to an end. And yet, he still intrigue me. I can not stop reading about him, in a way people couldn't look away from a car crash. It is a must-read for anyone interested in classic literature and the darker aspects of human nature.
Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë
5.0
4.8/5 stars
It's magical, yet realistic. It's romantic, yet conscientious. This book is Charlotte Brontë's love letter to marriage, to women's bodily autonomy, and to women's independence. The towering beauty of it's language, the surprising twist at every turn. It's sad, it's tragic, it's wholesome, it's spooky, it's provocative. The first time i ever cried tears of joy from a book. It does take me a while to finish this book (thanks to everything that is going on in my life rn), but i'm definitely glad to finished it cause now i find my (current) favorite classic literature of all times.
But, with all that being said, i do have a little objection on how Charlotte Brontë conclude Jane Eyre story.
It's magical, yet realistic. It's romantic, yet conscientious. This book is Charlotte Brontë's love letter to marriage, to women's bodily autonomy, and to women's independence. The towering beauty of it's language, the surprising twist at every turn. It's sad, it's tragic, it's wholesome, it's spooky, it's provocative. The first time i ever cried tears of joy from a book. It does take me a while to finish this book (thanks to everything that is going on in my life rn), but i'm definitely glad to finished it cause now i find my (current) favorite classic literature of all times.
But, with all that being said, i do have a little objection on how Charlotte Brontë conclude Jane Eyre story.
Spoiler
i think it's best if Jane didn't marry neither Mr Rochester nor St John. If Charlotte really want her to marry someone at the end, maybe give her a third male character that isn't a walking red flag (?)
The Time Machine by H.G. Wells
5.0
5/5 stars
I brought the book out of whim without any knowledge of its content, so i wasn't expecting much. But holy hell, this book is soooo good. I love it! It's simple, it's quick, and it's a page turner. The world building does not bore me at all! Wells' prose is not excessive, yet it's still detailed, imaginative, and full of vivid imagery. His use of symbolism and allegory (especially about social and economical class difference) adds an extra layer of complexity to the story, making it more thought-provoking. A very recommended read, if you're into adventure and dystopian future.
I brought the book out of whim without any knowledge of its content, so i wasn't expecting much. But holy hell, this book is soooo good. I love it! It's simple, it's quick, and it's a page turner. The world building does not bore me at all! Wells' prose is not excessive, yet it's still detailed, imaginative, and full of vivid imagery. His use of symbolism and allegory (especially about social and economical class difference) adds an extra layer of complexity to the story, making it more thought-provoking. A very recommended read, if you're into adventure and dystopian future.
Beautiful World, Where Are You by Sally Rooney
5.0
5/5 stars
I've decided: if you love this book, i would immediately assume you're hot,
and smart,
and probably lonely.
That's it. That's the review.
I've decided: if you love this book, i would immediately assume you're hot,
and smart,
and probably lonely.
That's it. That's the review.
The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger
5.0
5/5 stars
First and foremost, i would like to thank Hozier who (unknowingly) push me to read Catcher in The Rye.
Based on other reviews and commentaries i've seen on this book, they seem to always described it as "Angsty teenager who's angry at everyone and everything because he struggle with the difficult process of transitioning into adulthood". Where, as a woman in my early twenties, i figure that i wouldn't be able to enjoy that kind of story since i'm well past my 'angsty teenager' phase.
But i was wrong. Completely wrong. And so does everyone else who said this is a book about angsty teenager. It wasn't.
It was about the trauma of death. It is about a kid losing his beloved family members and don't have the capability to cope with it in a healthy way. Then that grieve manifest into this toxic personality that ended up ruining his mental stability.
And i loved it. I loved the narration, the writing style, and the theme that J.D Salinger brought in this book. Would definitely recommend this to everyone, really.
First and foremost, i would like to thank Hozier who (unknowingly) push me to read Catcher in The Rye.
Based on other reviews and commentaries i've seen on this book, they seem to always described it as "Angsty teenager who's angry at everyone and everything because he struggle with the difficult process of transitioning into adulthood". Where, as a woman in my early twenties, i figure that i wouldn't be able to enjoy that kind of story since i'm well past my 'angsty teenager' phase.
But i was wrong. Completely wrong. And so does everyone else who said this is a book about angsty teenager. It wasn't.
It was about the trauma of death. It is about a kid losing his beloved family members and don't have the capability to cope with it in a healthy way. Then that grieve manifest into this toxic personality that ended up ruining his mental stability.
And i loved it. I loved the narration, the writing style, and the theme that J.D Salinger brought in this book. Would definitely recommend this to everyone, really.
Little Women by Louisa May Alcott
4.0
3.8/5 stars
The original story have 2 parts, one that was published in 1868 and the second part titled 'Good Wives' published a year later. The book version that i've read include both part. If i give each part its individual rating, Little Women would get 3.6/5 stars and Good Wives would get 4/5 stars.
I get the appeal of this book, why people love and adore it. It's a very wholesome story with lots of moral lesson behind it. From the importance of family, friendship, hard-work, and love, to the commentary of social system back then. And as someone who grew up with sisters, i can vouch for how realistic the relationship depicted between the March sisters is. Sadly, i don't quite like the writing style of this book. Most of the chapter felt very individual as they have its own story with it's own problem that was solved within the same chapter. It felt more like a collection of short stories rather than a novel. But, i do understand that this is something personal because if i had taken more time with this book and not try to binge read it, i would probably like it much better. Oh also, i have the wrong assumption of what the book is about. I thought Little Women is a romance novel, lol. Turns out, although it does have a sprinkle of romantical love storyline in it, this book focus more about childhood and family dynamic.
Lastly, for the plot (will definitely have spoilers):
And finally, i dont think its reasonable for Jo to marry anyone in the end. It would be better for her to stay single for the rest of her live, in my opinion, for its serve a better lesson for the readers that woman CAN live on their own. And the existence of Friedrich Bhaer seems out of nowhere and very rushed.
The original story have 2 parts, one that was published in 1868 and the second part titled 'Good Wives' published a year later. The book version that i've read include both part. If i give each part its individual rating, Little Women would get 3.6/5 stars and Good Wives would get 4/5 stars.
I get the appeal of this book, why people love and adore it. It's a very wholesome story with lots of moral lesson behind it. From the importance of family, friendship, hard-work, and love, to the commentary of social system back then. And as someone who grew up with sisters, i can vouch for how realistic the relationship depicted between the March sisters is. Sadly, i don't quite like the writing style of this book. Most of the chapter felt very individual as they have its own story with it's own problem that was solved within the same chapter. It felt more like a collection of short stories rather than a novel. But, i do understand that this is something personal because if i had taken more time with this book and not try to binge read it, i would probably like it much better. Oh also, i have the wrong assumption of what the book is about. I thought Little Women is a romance novel, lol. Turns out, although it does have a sprinkle of romantical love storyline in it, this book focus more about childhood and family dynamic.
Lastly, for the plot (will definitely have spoilers):
Spoiler
I know people complain about how Laurie should end up with Jo, but i have to agree with Miss Alcott's choice to not pair them together. Laurie is like fire, and so does Jo. She didn't need another fire to add to her own flame. Although, it's worth to note that i also disagree with Alcott's decision to pair Laurie up with Amy (I can't really explain the reasoning behind this one, i just don't like them together). Laurie should be with someone outside the March family.And finally, i dont think its reasonable for Jo to marry anyone in the end. It would be better for her to stay single for the rest of her live, in my opinion, for its serve a better lesson for the readers that woman CAN live on their own. And the existence of Friedrich Bhaer seems out of nowhere and very rushed.
The Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath
4.0
4.3/5 stars
Usually when i read a book, i tried to put myself on the main character's shoes. But not for this book. For some strange reason, i felt like there's an invisible wall that separated me from the main character, Esther Greenwood. Not because i hate her. It just that the emotions that i am feeling doesn't feel like it was a product of me empathizing with what she went through. It felt distant, like i'm reading her story from a third pov. It felt like i'm her friend, helplessly witnessing her descend into madness.
And the strangest part is, to me, her story wasn't even that hard to relate to. I know what it felt like to be 'not good enough', to constantly be overwhelmed and exhausted because you must always strive for perfection, to be paralyzed by the possibility of your uncertain future, to be trapped inside of a bell jar.
I don't know, maybe its just my brain's way of keeping myself from becoming real-life Esther Greenwood. Or maybe it's Sylvia Plath's amazing talent at writting.
Usually when i read a book, i tried to put myself on the main character's shoes. But not for this book. For some strange reason, i felt like there's an invisible wall that separated me from the main character, Esther Greenwood. Not because i hate her. It just that the emotions that i am feeling doesn't feel like it was a product of me empathizing with what she went through. It felt distant, like i'm reading her story from a third pov. It felt like i'm her friend, helplessly witnessing her descend into madness.
And the strangest part is, to me, her story wasn't even that hard to relate to. I know what it felt like to be 'not good enough', to constantly be overwhelmed and exhausted because you must always strive for perfection, to be paralyzed by the possibility of your uncertain future, to be trapped inside of a bell jar.
I don't know, maybe its just my brain's way of keeping myself from becoming real-life Esther Greenwood. Or maybe it's Sylvia Plath's amazing talent at writting.
Gulliver's Travels by Jonathan Swift
3.0
3.4/4 stars
The most enjoyable aspects of "Gulliver's Travels" is the narrative explaining societies, cultures, and politics of the places Gulliver visits. It's like listening to a friend recounting their travel experiences, but with a twist of satirical commentary throughout. The way Swift put a lot of detailed exploration of the political systems, legal disputes, and societal norms to each islands, is what keep me motivated to finish the book.
Though, one thing that is off-putting to me is the inconsistent moral values that Swift is trying to tell within this book. For example, it's clear that Swift harbored a strong disdain for certain positions of power and authority, including kings, bishops, generals and other titles associated with hierarchical structures. Yet, he's not exactly an advocates for social equality either. There's a sprinkle of racism, sexism and even eugenics ideation throughout the book. While i do understand that these believe is a products of its time, but all those thing eventually made me appreciate this book less.
The most enjoyable aspects of "Gulliver's Travels" is the narrative explaining societies, cultures, and politics of the places Gulliver visits. It's like listening to a friend recounting their travel experiences, but with a twist of satirical commentary throughout. The way Swift put a lot of detailed exploration of the political systems, legal disputes, and societal norms to each islands, is what keep me motivated to finish the book.
Though, one thing that is off-putting to me is the inconsistent moral values that Swift is trying to tell within this book. For example, it's clear that Swift harbored a strong disdain for certain positions of power and authority, including kings, bishops, generals and other titles associated with hierarchical structures. Yet, he's not exactly an advocates for social equality either. There's a sprinkle of racism, sexism and even eugenics ideation throughout the book. While i do understand that these believe is a products of its time, but all those thing eventually made me appreciate this book less.