brandoneckroth's reviews
47 reviews

The Slow Regard of Silent Things by Patrick Rothfuss

4.0

A closer look into one of my favorite characters from the chronicles. This story will leave you feeling refreshed and content, knowing the way of things. Knowing the name of things. 

1984 by George Orwell

4.25

North Woods by Daniel Mason

4.5

I always try to begin the year with a book from the top-ten list of the year prior. Out of those masterpieces, North Woods heightened my intrigue the most. And it did not disappoint. The variety in prose and narrative kept me turning page after page. Stories told from countless perspectives (strangers, friends, observers) in countless mediums (letters between lovers, first-person accounts of murder, 1900s true crime publications). All which make you fall in love with an orchard in the north woods of Massachusetts that opens the door to a whole new understanding of this world and the world that comes after.

Piranesi by Susanna Clarke

adventurous challenging emotional mysterious reflective medium-paced

5.0

For nearly 300 pages, you are transported into what feels like a vivid dream of another world filled with great marble halls and statues honoring this world and others. The pace of the story was addictive, finishing it in only three sittings. Often, when I finish a book this quickly, I am sad it is over. But with Piranesi, it was different. I’ve never felt so at peace after finishing a book. It's a story of philosophical depth exploring the need for connection, personal identity, and perception vs. reality–but most important of all, the necessity of imagination. 

Animal Farm by George Orwell

challenging reflective

3.5

Hadn’t given this a fair shot since high school. Always good to pick up a classic, though a bit outdated with predictions of totalitarianism that didn’t fully come to fruition (and thank goodness to that), it’s still a solid reminder of caution towards losing your individuality. 

The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis

3.0

For the sake of it being a classic, it's an easy 5 stars. But for what it is at this age, reading a children's story before bed, it gets a 3.5. It's fun to dive into Narnia again, but you can tell it's written for those 20+ years the younger. 

The Return of the King by J.R.R. Tolkien

adventurous hopeful inspiring reflective tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

Biased by my childhood love for The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings, it will be hard for me to ever rate any of Tolkien's works less than 5 stars. But The Return of the King truly deserves every last one. Each read through, more hidden treasures are found. The ending, so beautifully woven together like a the last stitch of the warmest wool sweater. This final installment really has it all. Epic battles. Intricate plots. Philosophical ramblings by none other than Samwise Gamgee (the true hero). Love, honor, friendship, and sacrifice. Though I've always wished the story would continue (and it does in some alternative forms), there could never be a more perfect ending to a most perfect tale.