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best_rat's reviews
326 reviews
Brief Notes on the Art and Manner of Arranging One's Books by Georges Perec
funny
informative
reflective
4.0
Drive Your Plow Over the Bones of the Dead by Olga Tokarczuk
dark
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
Albeit an atmospheric read, fares as shittily as a flockful of bird droppings as a crime novel, and unfortunately, that was the intended purpose of my reading. But even more problematic than that is the constantly antagonizing, preachy tone adopted throughout the narrative and the main character's blatantly deranged psyche left uncharted. All in all, its irredeemably dichotomic and superficial understanding of ethics combined with poor attempts at quirkiness made the book a slog to get through.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal cruelty, Animal death, and Murder
Moderate: Mental illness and Sexism
Minor: Drug abuse, Gaslighting, and Religious bigotry
A Family Guide to Narnia: Biblical Truths in C.S. Lewis's The Chronicles of Narnia by Wayne Martindale, Christin Ditchfield, Christin Ditchfield
3.0
Although, being largely unfamiliar with the Bible, I enjoyed the insight I gained from this book and my mini-tasks of flipping through the relevant verses that reflect the events in the chronicles as provided, I found the work largely limited in expressing the finer details of the story with respect to character moralities and the more intricate elements such as the relationship between Greek mythology and Christian theological figures, the origins for the stance of each fantasy race with respect to faith and integrity, and the medieval historical influences Lewis obviously had had in giving characters wisdom and tactical insight.
The bullet point style of the text made it easier to digest this work quickly, but it also contributes in overlooking the abovementioned finer details of the reference work and ends up reducing its text to rigid and at times vaguely-noted parallels and that alone. Also, somewhat repetitive here and there. Obviously directed to teaching the children about the biblical canon in a clear and simple manner, hence a "family" guide. I just wish the characters were given a better study in that regards.
The bullet point style of the text made it easier to digest this work quickly, but it also contributes in overlooking the abovementioned finer details of the reference work and ends up reducing its text to rigid and at times vaguely-noted parallels and that alone. Also, somewhat repetitive here and there. Obviously directed to teaching the children about the biblical canon in a clear and simple manner, hence a "family" guide. I just wish the characters were given a better study in that regards.
The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis
adventurous
inspiring
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Dubliners by James Joyce
Did not finish book. Stopped at 33%.
Did not finish book. Stopped at 33%.
papa will duly return for you, doncha worry