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badbrad002's reviews
160 reviews
Papyrus: The Invention of Books in the Ancient World by Irene Vallejo
4.0
This was a fascinating, historical read about books ... which means it wasn't really about books at all, but how the ancients -and now we- document & preserve real and fictional stories for future generations. Sometimes got lost in details and oddly referenced modern films as examples more than once, but ultimately learned a lot (for instance, did you know that visitors read ALOUD in ancient libraries, because scrolls had no punctuation or spacing, and had to be "performed" to be understood)!
Brave New World by Aldous Huxley
4.0
Felt like “1984” + “Fahrenheit 451” + “The Matrix” + “The Hunger Games.” I see the importance —especially in a time of increased fascist & populist momentum —but again, perhaps due to the evolution of storytelling & entertainment, sometimes I had difficulty discerning what was happening & why. Fascinating read on paradigms, subjectivity, and “universal” definitions of variable terms.
I'm Not Broken by Jesse Leon
3.0
I wanted to like this more. Though it’s a harrowing tale and inspiring considering his situation, it felt inconsistent and lacking accountability in certain respects.
Sharks in the Time of Saviors by Kawai Strong Washburn
4.0
An engaging story about inter-generational and family relationships, the good things that happen also being cut with the bad (and vice-versa), and our connectedness with our places and the World in general. Arguably unnecessarily crass at points, and uncomfortably angry with regard to cultural dynamics —but this does highlight the rather unique tension between native Hawaiian and imperial societies. Ultimately, a beautiful showcase of the interwoven life and legends of Hawaii.
The Girl with the Lower Back Tattoo by Amy Schumer
5.0
I loved it. It's similar in style to Tina Fey's “Bossypants” and Amy Poehler's “Yes Please,” but of the three, the best in my opinion. It is very funny (notably, her footnoted childhood diary entries) and can (of course) be lewd, but it truly resonates because she is a great seller of ideas: strategically packaging genuine comedy with (often) un-funny situations that are not just entertaining but thought-provoking to the reader. Her comedy is rooted in intelligence, and that -in my opinion- is the best kind.
“Beautiful, ugly, funny, boring, smart or not, my vulnerability is my ultimate strength. There's nothing anyone can say about me that's more permanent, damaging, or hideous than the statement I have forever tattooed upon myself. I'm proud of this ability to laugh at myself -even if everyone can see my tears, just like they can see my dumb, senseless, wack, lame, lower back tattoo.”
“Beautiful, ugly, funny, boring, smart or not, my vulnerability is my ultimate strength. There's nothing anyone can say about me that's more permanent, damaging, or hideous than the statement I have forever tattooed upon myself. I'm proud of this ability to laugh at myself -even if everyone can see my tears, just like they can see my dumb, senseless, wack, lame, lower back tattoo.”
A Little Life by Hanya Yanagihara
5.0
An exquisitely-written, intense, heart-breaking, and profound (fictional) story. The novel primarily centers on four college roommates, their lives in NYC, and the ways in which their pasts affect their present and define their futures.
It questions the value of those with whom you surround yourself, the value you provide them, and the self-perceived difference between the two; how the benefits and challenges we present to each other are mutual and contribute to an equilibrium (or lack thereof) within these relationships. It poses the question -often starkly: are the adverse times in our lives as valuable as the best in delivering our present?
It highlights how subjectively success, happiness, our lives & relationships are defined; and in doing so, it challenges the traditional definition of each. It shows how this transforms as we mature, and challenges one to follow a true self instead of relying on societal expectations for definition. But it also admits that in the end, our selves and our values are derived individually, with or without external input.
The story is set in New York -which always infuses a sense of familiarity for me- but I also saw many parallels to my own life, and recognized traits in a number of characters that exist in myself. Perhaps this was intended by the Author, to showcase how we have a lot more in common with each other than we realize (or care to admit).
In short: Read. This. Book.
It questions the value of those with whom you surround yourself, the value you provide them, and the self-perceived difference between the two; how the benefits and challenges we present to each other are mutual and contribute to an equilibrium (or lack thereof) within these relationships. It poses the question -often starkly: are the adverse times in our lives as valuable as the best in delivering our present?
It highlights how subjectively success, happiness, our lives & relationships are defined; and in doing so, it challenges the traditional definition of each. It shows how this transforms as we mature, and challenges one to follow a true self instead of relying on societal expectations for definition. But it also admits that in the end, our selves and our values are derived individually, with or without external input.
The story is set in New York -which always infuses a sense of familiarity for me- but I also saw many parallels to my own life, and recognized traits in a number of characters that exist in myself. Perhaps this was intended by the Author, to showcase how we have a lot more in common with each other than we realize (or care to admit).
In short: Read. This. Book.
Encyclopedia of an Ordinary Life by Amy Krouse Rosenthal
3.0
This book was cute, and though it had thoughtful points and whimsical anecdotes throughout, the device of writing as an encyclopedia made things feel random & flat, and I had difficulty “sinking in” (which I love most when reading memoirs).
Four Futures: Life After Capitalism by Peter Frase
4.0
A quick read & interesting exploration into the post-capitalist world that is arguably already in-development. Taking into account the future's dependence on the unique trajectory of societal dynamics around: inequality, classism, scarcity, climate change, social policy, automation/technology, passive incomes, intellectual property rights, and morals, the author focuses explicitly on POSSIBILITIES and not likelihoods, namely: (1) Communism, or equality + abundance, (2) Rentism, or hierarchy + abundance, (3) Socialism, or equality + scarcity, and (4) Extremism, or hierarchy + scarcity.
It ends with a promising yet warning creed: "We can't go back to the past, and we can't even hold on to what we have now. Something new is coming--and indeed, in some way, all four futures are already here, "unevenly distributed," in William Gibson's phrase. It's up to us to build the collective power to fight for the futures we want."
It ends with a promising yet warning creed: "We can't go back to the past, and we can't even hold on to what we have now. Something new is coming--and indeed, in some way, all four futures are already here, "unevenly distributed," in William Gibson's phrase. It's up to us to build the collective power to fight for the futures we want."
The Vanderbeekers of 141st Street by Karina Yan Glaser
4.0
A cute story, set in Harlem, about family, neighbors, and community. A series, and I think good for nearly any age group --reading or being read-to!
Of Boys and Men: Why the Modern Male Is Struggling, Why It Matters, and What to Do about It by Richard V. Reeves
5.0
First & foremost, the author explicitly pushes-back on modern society's impulse of forcing a strict dichotomy: instead, he argues, we can advocate for the advancement of girls & women while simultaneously ensuring that boys & men are equipped to adapt to their changing roles and environments (which ultimately, impact girls & women). After all, they are intrinsically linked: we all live amongst and are affected by environments defined by each (both presently & in the future).
He also takes the time to show and explore how race and class exacerbate the effects and inequality of all. And that sensationalized 24hr news proliferates not so much a post-truth World, but one in which all sides sling stats --whether consciously or not, often deceptively-- that simply confirm their existing bias.
The traditional role of men --and therefore their intrinsic value-- as well as industries and job functions have dramatically changed within a short period, and without dedicated programs that acknowledge and address this, men will continue to flounder in apathy and stew in anger --which is liable to cause continued disruption and challenges to all of us. But there is a path forward, through progressive policies in education, job training, and social conditioning.
This feels like an important read for all --but especially if you've been entrusted to raise any person within these modern dynamics.
He also takes the time to show and explore how race and class exacerbate the effects and inequality of all. And that sensationalized 24hr news proliferates not so much a post-truth World, but one in which all sides sling stats --whether consciously or not, often deceptively-- that simply confirm their existing bias.
The traditional role of men --and therefore their intrinsic value-- as well as industries and job functions have dramatically changed within a short period, and without dedicated programs that acknowledge and address this, men will continue to flounder in apathy and stew in anger --which is liable to cause continued disruption and challenges to all of us. But there is a path forward, through progressive policies in education, job training, and social conditioning.
This feels like an important read for all --but especially if you've been entrusted to raise any person within these modern dynamics.