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clairealex's reviews
734 reviews
1Q84 by Haruki Murakami
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
If this novel hadn't been recommended by someone whose taste usually agrees with mine, the 1100+ pages might have turned me off. However, my attention was held from the beginning. About halfway through it became a page-turner, though at that number of pages, no way I could finish it in one day.
What I admire most about 1Q84 is the pacing. Murakami indicates a crisis is approaching then dangles it through pages and pages of description, memory, and other detail, all of which holds its own tension. (I noted only two times that that tension was missing--not bad for so many total pages.) I also found myself swaying back and forth between two hypotheses for the ending--undecided till the very end.
For the most part, the novel is structured with chapters alternating between perspectives of Aomame and Tengo, though a third is added in the final section. These chapters are not strictly chronological, but the cues are adequate to show where to place them in time. At first the two perspectives are separate, but gradually they merge. At first the hints of overlap are subtle, then Murakami starts using names in a way that confirms suppositions. Murakami uses a few other techniques to keep a reader oriented through the long novel: minor characters are not given names, but nicknamed by features (Buzzcut, Ponytail). Also when a named character has not been active for a while, there is an unobtrusive reminder of what they had done the last time they were active.
The main value of the novel is story, but there are also ideas to ponder as characters consider meaning and reality, ideas that could be pursued more on a rereading
What I admire most about 1Q84 is the pacing. Murakami indicates a crisis is approaching then dangles it through pages and pages of description, memory, and other detail, all of which holds its own tension. (I noted only two times that that tension was missing--not bad for so many total pages.) I also found myself swaying back and forth between two hypotheses for the ending--undecided till the very end.
For the most part, the novel is structured with chapters alternating between perspectives of Aomame and Tengo, though a third is added in the final section. These chapters are not strictly chronological, but the cues are adequate to show where to place them in time. At first the two perspectives are separate, but gradually they merge. At first the hints of overlap are subtle, then Murakami starts using names in a way that confirms suppositions. Murakami uses a few other techniques to keep a reader oriented through the long novel: minor characters are not given names, but nicknamed by features (Buzzcut, Ponytail). Also when a named character has not been active for a while, there is an unobtrusive reminder of what they had done the last time they were active.
The main value of the novel is story, but there are also ideas to ponder as characters consider meaning and reality, ideas that could be pursued more on a rereading
Content Warnings
Graphic: Domestic abuse, Suicide, Xenophobia, Murder, War
Minor: Animal death, Body horror, Sexual content, Kidnapping, Death of parent, Pregnancy
How to Hide an Empire by Daniel Immerwahr
challenging
informative
medium-paced
5.0
Immerwahr says his goal is to write the part of US history about colonies that isn't in our history books. And there was very little there that I had heard before. And to what I had heard he added new detail. The first part tells the history of the US acquiring its colonies. The second part tells of changes after the second World War.Before the war, colonies were needed for raw materials. During the war synthetics were developed, making it easier to give up possessing land and governing peoples. The second part deals with more subtle control after the war through establishment of manufacturing standards and language as well as maintaining bases. Still needed were air strips and radio towers, hence bases.
Of particular interest is the treatment of deliberations about where the constitution and laws of the land apply and how much of it does. Saipan in the Northern Marianas illustrates that limbo: workers came almost two thousand miles from China to work in a factory there so that clothing could be made in a sweatshop yet marked "made in USA " because the Northern Marianas is a commonwealth of the US. Lobbyists delayed congressional action to remedy the situation for about ten years. Of Saipan, Immerwahr says, "So, for the purpose of labor law, the Northern Marianas wasn't part of the United States. For the purpose of trade, it was. And for the purpose of lobbying regulations it was a foreign government" (393).
Published in 2019, so written earlier, it doesn't deal with the new raw materials needed for current technology. But then, maybe owning land isn't necessary, maybe the more subtle approach will do.
Of particular interest is the treatment of deliberations about where the constitution and laws of the land apply and how much of it does. Saipan in the Northern Marianas illustrates that limbo: workers came almost two thousand miles from China to work in a factory there so that clothing could be made in a sweatshop yet marked "made in USA " because the Northern Marianas is a commonwealth of the US. Lobbyists delayed congressional action to remedy the situation for about ten years. Of Saipan, Immerwahr says, "So, for the purpose of labor law, the Northern Marianas wasn't part of the United States. For the purpose of trade, it was. And for the purpose of lobbying regulations it was a foreign government" (393).
Published in 2019, so written earlier, it doesn't deal with the new raw materials needed for current technology. But then, maybe owning land isn't necessary, maybe the more subtle approach will do.
Content Warnings
Moderate: War
The Gates of Gaza: A Story of Betrayal, Survival, and Hope in Israel's Borderlands by AMIR. TIBON
informative
tense
medium-paced
4.5
This book is the story of one kibbutz's experience on October 7, 2024 and its context. Although the book starts with October 7, Tibon does give background that shows the attack was a reaction to years of occupation. The book is arranged in alternating chapters: a couple hours of the ordeal on October 7 alternates with the history of the kibbutz, Nahal Oz. Tibon, as a kibbutz resident and journalist for Haaretz tells his own story and that of others he has interviewed, plus he uses the archives of the kibbutz.
The background information frequently involves Israeli/Palestinian conflict. Tibon handles these at a high level of generality, for the most part even handedly presenting the dominant perspectives of both parties without assigning blame. Of course it is impossible to be totally objective, and some Israeli attitudes show in vocabulary and assumptions: Hamas is called "terrorist" not "resistance", and Gaza is considered unoccupied after Israel withdraws settlements and troops, for example.
The background information frequently involves Israeli/Palestinian conflict. Tibon handles these at a high level of generality, for the most part even handedly presenting the dominant perspectives of both parties without assigning blame. Of course it is impossible to be totally objective, and some Israeli attitudes show in vocabulary and assumptions: Hamas is called "terrorist" not "resistance", and Gaza is considered unoccupied after Israel withdraws settlements and troops, for example.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Violence, Kidnapping
Gender Queer: A Memoir by Maia Kobabe
challenging
informative
fast-paced
5.0
The graphic format allows a story to be told more quickly and conveys a lot of emotion through the drawings. It is used quite successfully in this book.
In following Maia's struggle to identify emself I gained an understanding of the non-binary identity.
In following Maia's struggle to identify emself I gained an understanding of the non-binary identity.
The Grey Wolf by Louise Penny
adventurous
mysterious
tense
fast-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? No
5.0
While each book in the series stands alone, it is a much richer experience to read them in order and to get to know the residents of Three Pines and the various members of the Surete. This book in particular refers back to earlier books in the series, reawakening old grudges and friendships. That said, it is also dominated by the mystery being solved and the villagers play a small part.
The tension begins immediately and gradually increases as the surety works to beat the clock while pondering when to alert the public to danger (thus also alerting the perpetrators that they are onto them). For me there was a nice mix of resolutions and identities that I could anticipate and those that surprised me.
Her next one can't come quickly enough.
The tension begins immediately and gradually increases as the surety works to beat the clock while pondering when to alert the public to danger (thus also alerting the perpetrators that they are onto them). For me there was a nice mix of resolutions and identities that I could anticipate and those that surprised me.
Her next one can't come quickly enough.
Female Husbands by Jen Manion
challenging
informative
reflective
medium-paced
5.0
This book is a fascinating combination of history and close reading of newspaper and fictional texts. For the most part it is limited to sources that used the phrase "female husband"; however, it expands where relevant. Vignettes appear of the lives of individuals gleaned from various sources including birth and marriage certificates as well as current news items. Then follows discussion of what is revealed by how the person was written about.
In the absence of memoirs or letters that would reveal a person's motivation, Manion focuses on society's reaction--which makes sense since interaction is so much a part of identity. Marion surveys changes from a time when there was no legal constraint to female husbands, only a social custom barrier on to a time when laws were passed and female husbands were treated with less sympathy. She traces the coupling and uncoupling of the concepts of sex and gender.and sexuality.
In an intriguing section, feminist activists are contrasted with female husbands: the activists were judged for failing at society's standards for women, the female husbands for failing to meet standards for men. It is a nuanced study of a complex issue.
In the absence of memoirs or letters that would reveal a person's motivation, Manion focuses on society's reaction--which makes sense since interaction is so much a part of identity. Marion surveys changes from a time when there was no legal constraint to female husbands, only a social custom barrier on to a time when laws were passed and female husbands were treated with less sympathy. She traces the coupling and uncoupling of the concepts of sex and gender.and sexuality.
In an intriguing section, feminist activists are contrasted with female husbands: the activists were judged for failing at society's standards for women, the female husbands for failing to meet standards for men. It is a nuanced study of a complex issue.
The Light Eaters: How the Unseen World of Plant Intelligence Offers a New Understanding of Life on Earth by Zoë Schlanger
informative
reflective
medium-paced
5.0
This book is fascinating and well written. It has scientific caution and nuance but is storyline and keeps interest flowing. Chapter headings fit the chapters' information, and each chapter is more amazing than the previous one.s. Concepts like "intelligence" and "consciousness" and "agency" are defined in non anthropomorphic ways., for example intelligence is recognizing one's environment and responding appropriately. Chapters cover hearing, vision, communication, and cooperation with kin. Totally fascinating.
Hill Women: Finding Family and a Way Forward in the Appalachian Mountains by Cassie Chambers
hopeful
informative
fast-paced
4.0
Cassie Chambers had the benefit of an encouraging and successful family. While there was some pull to keep her in KY, she had enough support to venture to NM for an international program, then to Wellesley, then Harvard, and Yale Law School. In her life story we get a different than usual picture of Appalachian life, though there are times that she refers to experiences that we may feel more familiar with, as they exist too. She is interested in capturing the complexity of hill culture.
As she ventures beyond, she experiences the discomfort of moving into social situations where she doesn't "know the rules" or the way to dress. She tells of her fear of losing her hill identity as she gains this other outside identity. She goes to law school and returns to KY to work in family law. And in her return realizes "I know that I will never truly belong in the same way, I have grown, and I have changed, but I will always remember the hills that I came from" (368).
As she ventures beyond, she experiences the discomfort of moving into social situations where she doesn't "know the rules" or the way to dress. She tells of her fear of losing her hill identity as she gains this other outside identity. She goes to law school and returns to KY to work in family law. And in her return realizes "I know that I will never truly belong in the same way, I have grown, and I have changed, but I will always remember the hills that I came from" (368).
Things You May Find Hidden in My Ear: Poems from Gaza by Mosab Abu Toha
reflective
sad
medium-paced
5.0
The book ends with an interview. When asked about poetry, Abu Toha says, "When I think of poetry I don't think of Arabic poetry or English poetry or Spanish poetry. No, I just think of poetry as an idea, not as rigid form that I need to follow, The word for poetry in Arabic, sha'ir, doesn't refer to a particular form, it only has to do with feeling" (105-06). He uses words, compact images, and sound to create feelings. The narrative within a poem is so tight that it is hard to find a sample, but here is one from "Notebooks":
""Raindrops slip into the frying pan
through a hole in a tin roof" (88).
""Raindrops slip into the frying pan
through a hole in a tin roof" (88).
James by Percival Everett
adventurous
funny
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
I always enjoy novels that take a different perspective from that of the original story, so the idea of this one appealed to me. And the novel exceeded all my expectations. I loved James' wisdom and enjoyed his lessons on translating speech to "slave talk."
Although I am familiar with a few episodes of the Huck Film novel I have yet to read it; and this will prompt me to do so soon. I recognized several names from familiar episodes. I assume that scenes where James is separate from Huck have their parallel in those where Huck is alone in the Twain novel. I'm wondering if James ever told Huck anything about his time away after they got back together--whether such telling suggested episodes or not. i'll soon know.
The pacing kept my attention throughout; in fact in many places it is a page turner. I found the various resolutions satisfying, maybe a stretch of the imagination in some cases, but satisfying nonetheless.
(I didn't answer the characters loveably? question because not all were. Though James--though he doesn't insist on the more formal name till the end, I want to honor that insistence by using it throughout--Huck, Norman and a few others are quite lovable, many of the rest are not.)
Although I am familiar with a few episodes of the Huck Film novel I have yet to read it; and this will prompt me to do so soon. I recognized several names from familiar episodes. I assume that scenes where James is separate from Huck have their parallel in those where Huck is alone in the Twain novel. I'm wondering if James ever told Huck anything about his time away after they got back together--whether such telling suggested episodes or not. i'll soon know.
The pacing kept my attention throughout; in fact in many places it is a page turner. I found the various resolutions satisfying, maybe a stretch of the imagination in some cases, but satisfying nonetheless.
(I didn't answer the characters loveably? question because not all were. Though James--though he doesn't insist on the more formal name till the end, I want to honor that insistence by using it throughout--Huck, Norman and a few others are quite lovable, many of the rest are not.)