brooklyn1's reviews
29 reviews

The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin by Benjamin Franklin

informative inspiring reflective slow-paced

4.0

The Nickel Boys by Colson Whitehead

dark emotional informative reflective sad slow-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

4.0

The Light in the Forest by Conrad Richter

adventurous reflective sad slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

I liked it plenty. True Son was an endearing character and the side characters where interesting and succinctly-written. Most of the book dragged a bit in my opinion, but I would say it is worth reading for the last few chapters. 

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Content Warnings

Minor: Colonisation, Kidnapping, Murder, and Racism

The Crucible by Arthur Miller

dark tense fast-paced

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

4.0

It had a tense, quick-moving plot. I enjoyed it. 

The Scarlet Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne

challenging reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

Absolutely beautiful writing.  Hawthorne presented a very historical and atmospheric depiction of the New England Puritan society in the Massachusetts Bay Colony. I thoroughly enjoyed his exploration of sin and social control in this novel. 

The Judgment by Franz Kafka

challenging dark medium-paced

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

2.0

I didn’t find this one to evoke the same reaction as Kafka’s other stories, and even lookin at interpretations, there really does not seem to be a lot to this one. 

In the Penal Colony by Franz Kafka

challenging dark medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

An interesting and layered short story that examines themes like justice and power structures. If you enjoyed Metamorphosis, you will most likely enjoy this one as well. 

The Trial by Franz Kafka

challenging dark reflective slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

I found The Trial to be an infinitely more compelling and interesting experience to read than the Metamorphosis. I found it to be thought-provoking, especially the final third. I liked the Law and the gatekeeper parable, and after skimming some online commentary, I realize there was more depth to that than I had originally caught. And I found K. to be the perfect character to navigate this hopeless court system, so despite the slow pace, I didn't find the book to slog too much. 

Also, Mitchell's translation was commendable.  Definitely recommend. 

Harriet Tubman: Conductor on the Underground Railroad by Ann Petry

adventurous hopeful informative inspiring medium-paced

3.0

Very admirable and impressive story. Sometimes though, the book though was very slow-paced in my opinion, and hard to engage with. Still would recommend this for children to read, maybe a chapter a day instead of doing what I did by finishing it in two sittings. 

The Gifts of Imperfection by Brené Brown

emotional hopeful inspiring reflective fast-paced

4.0

Read this for a book club and was pleasantly surprised. Likable author who delivered tangible steps to implement her advice. She defended her points very well. This isn't the type of book I normally read, so it felt slow or even trite at times, but that's probably my own baggage. I would still recommend many of the folks in my life read this in order to improve their self-esteem and therefore their quality of life.