bikes_and_books's reviews
18 reviews

Real Life by Brandon Taylor

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emotional reflective sad medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.0

I thought this book was well-written, with language and descriptions that were immediate and at times very insightful, but on the whole it's kinda depressing, which I suppose is the point. Alienation and the futility of trying to connect with other human beings, despite our innate desire for it, seems to be the main theme. Adding layers of racism and trauma experienced by the protagonist makes this even more difficult. But the prose is rather stunning and I recommend it if you like to study craft. 
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East West Street by Philippe Sands

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challenging dark informative sad medium-paced

4.0

A very interesting exploration of the attempt to hold Nazi war criminals to account for their crimes and a sometimes complex and jargon-y dive into the world of international criminal law, explaining in thoroughly researched detail how the concepts of 'crimes against humanity' and 'genocide' became legal doctrine, all set against the backdrop of the slow uncovering of the true human toll of those crimes on three families. 
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Interior Chinatown by Charles Yu

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funny reflective sad fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

Taking the form of a screenplay, this novel is like anything I've ever read before. It's ironic, satirical, and deeply moving. I loved every bit of it and would highly recommend reading this (well deserved) National Book Award winner immediately if not sooner. 
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Caste: The Origins of Our Discontents by Isabel Wilkerson

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challenging informative medium-paced

5.0

Required reading for anyone who gives a shit about justice or is a human being 
What Are You Going Through by Sigrid Nunez

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dark reflective sad fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

Sigrid Nunez is one of my favorite writers for her ability to weave together such diverse threads and themes in wholly unique and unpredictable ways, which she does again in this novel. But heads up, it's basically a meditation on human connection in the face of the oblivion of death, so just know that going in. That said, I found it very thought-provoking and interesting, and it contains one of the most beautiful passages of prose I've ever read. 
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Easy Company Soldier: The Legendary Battles of a Sergeant from World War II's "Band of Brothers" by Bob Welch, Don Malarkey

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emotional hopeful informative reflective sad fast-paced

4.0

My favorite of the Easy Co. memoirs. 
A Children's Bible by Lydia Millet

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adventurous funny reflective fast-paced
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

Interesting and original take on the end of the world. Kind of an allegory but still deeply rooted in 21st century socio-cultural context. GREAT voice and cool style. 
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Shuggie Bain by Douglas Stuart

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challenging dark emotional hopeful reflective sad medium-paced
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

The back cover blurb says it best - monstrous things happen in this novel but there are no monsters, only damage. An unflinching portrait of addiction, loss of innocence, loyalty, the grim prospects in Thatcher-era UK, and ultimately, love and hope. 
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