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charlieparkin's reviews
100 reviews
Turtles All the Way Down by John Green
4.0
I don't often read YA. I don't know why, because when a story like this comes along that so concisely feeds me a simple story, so compelling.
I was so interesting to read about the torturous thought pattern for someone with OCD. I loved how Aza tried to communicate how it was to be her. The feeling of being trapped inside a body and mind that doesn't co-operate, is something, regardless of diagnosis, that is universally relatable.
The existential crisis and investigation of the sense of self were beautifully explored through Aza's neurosis. I have been reading Eckhart Tolle and weirdly these, perhaps, went hand in hand. Talking about how we are fighting our thoughts, our Egos etc.
I also loved how the author referenced literature and poetry. I'm sure that this book will inspire a lot of readers and allow people to verbalize and communicate their mental health problems with more confidence :).
I was so interesting to read about the torturous thought pattern for someone with OCD. I loved how Aza tried to communicate how it was to be her. The feeling of being trapped inside a body and mind that doesn't co-operate, is something, regardless of diagnosis, that is universally relatable.
The existential crisis and investigation of the sense of self were beautifully explored through Aza's neurosis. I have been reading Eckhart Tolle and weirdly these, perhaps, went hand in hand. Talking about how we are fighting our thoughts, our Egos etc.
I also loved how the author referenced literature and poetry. I'm sure that this book will inspire a lot of readers and allow people to verbalize and communicate their mental health problems with more confidence :).
A New Earth: Awakening to Your Life's Purpose by Eckhart Tolle
5.0
I love this book, it really refreshed and reframed my thinking about life and pain. It made me feel more in control. I check in with myself all the time and remind myself of Eckhart's words.
Machines Like Me by Ian McEwan
3.0
I loved the concept of this book, this setting of an alternate 80's really intrigued me. The political context eerily echoed today's situation with May and Corbyn. The exploration of consciousness to me is always interesting and I loved the idea of Adam.
The Adam's and Eve's suicides I found a refreshing alternative in an AI plot loop, that in many other stories that explore the same thing, we normally end with machines ending us.
The main thing that let this book down for me was Mirandas and Charlie's relationship. I was not convinced by his love for Miranda. I felt like it was a selfish love and although in the end, it seemed to become truer, I was waiting for this to be a more dramatic juxtaposition with Adam's love for Miranda. I thought it could have been explored more.
The Adam's and Eve's suicides I found a refreshing alternative in an AI plot loop, that in many other stories that explore the same thing, we normally end with machines ending us.
The main thing that let this book down for me was Mirandas and Charlie's relationship. I was not convinced by his love for Miranda. I felt like it was a selfish love and although in the end, it seemed to become truer, I was waiting for this to be a more dramatic juxtaposition with Adam's love for Miranda. I thought it could have been explored more.
Why I'm No Longer Talking to White People about Race by Reni Eddo-Lodge
5.0
When my friend lent me this book, I looked at the cover and ignorantly thought this book isn't for me. The white, lower middle class, female.
Instead, I found that this book is most definitely for me.
This should be essential reading, especially the history of racism in the UK. We are never taught about our shameful history in School, on "America's" Slave Trade.
There are many more things to say, but I won't, because they are not mine to say, they are Eddi's read this book!
Instead, I found that this book is most definitely for me.
This should be essential reading, especially the history of racism in the UK. We are never taught about our shameful history in School, on "America's" Slave Trade.
There are many more things to say, but I won't, because they are not mine to say, they are Eddi's read this book!