Scan barcode
cwg's reviews
42 reviews
Most Ardently: A Pride & Prejudice Remix by Gabe Cole Novoa
Did not finish book. Stopped at 13%.
Did not finish book. Stopped at 13%.
I wasn’t a fan of the inner monologue. It felt too…simple, I guess? Like, “I don’t like wearing dresses,” “I don’t like being called by my dead names.” It goes into Oliver’s distaste without fleshing it out making it feel…human, I suppose. Not that I’m expecting anguish from the first pages in.
General prose wasn’t for me. I did appreciate the banter between Oliver and Darcy. Characters seemed pleasant enough.
General prose wasn’t for me. I did appreciate the banter between Oliver and Darcy. Characters seemed pleasant enough.
Teach the Torches to Burn: A Romeo & Juliet Remix by Caleb Roehrig
Did not finish book. Stopped at 31%.
Did not finish book. Stopped at 31%.
Just looking for something particular. The OC character surprised me, but his presence did not warrant the chemistry I hoped for.
Erio and the Electric Doll by Mujirushi Shimazaki
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
Girl with electrical powers and an AI robot explore the world after a long period of isolation.
Whimsical art with a wonderful steampunk-like aesthetic. Interesting world building that is vaguely sci-fi.
Only sour note was that I was not entirely sold on the main characters. I didn’t feel a natural chemistry between them.
Still some good moments, though; this manga shows promise.
Whimsical art with a wonderful steampunk-like aesthetic. Interesting world building that is vaguely sci-fi.
Only sour note was that I was not entirely sold on the main characters. I didn’t feel a natural chemistry between them.
Still some good moments, though; this manga shows promise.
How to Take Smart Notes: One Simple Technique to Boost Writing, Learning and Thinking – for Students, Academics and Nonfiction Book Writers by Sönke Ahrens
informative
inspiring
medium-paced
Neat little book which provides details on taking notes, particularly with use of the Zettlekasten system (commonly referred in here as the "slip box"). It provides ways such a system can be set up digitally and physically. In addition, there's details about how to consume media and draw effective notes from it, which I found insightful as someone who had been only doing it subconsciously.
My only grievance is that I wish there were clear examples demonstrating the use of the Zettlekasten system, but otherwise I enjoyed my read. I found it provided insight within my own note-taking process.
I also agree with other reviewers saying that it's very "you should do this because of all these benefits," however I didn't mind it personally, as it helped me feel confident about the note-taking process.
My only grievance is that I wish there were clear examples demonstrating the use of the Zettlekasten system, but otherwise I enjoyed my read. I found it provided insight within my own note-taking process.
I also agree with other reviewers saying that it's very "you should do this because of all these benefits," however I didn't mind it personally, as it helped me feel confident about the note-taking process.
Dear Gene by Kaya Azuma
emotional
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
About leaving home, falling in love, and growing into yourself as a person. First volume set in the 1970s + timeskips. Sequel to Rumspringa.
I have much to say about this book (even more than what the cut below entails), but I'll simply say this: I'd definitely give if a read if you can find it/if it gets serialized in English.
Dear Gene is a manga whose mangaka treats their characters with such great tenderness and love, you can't help but love them, too.
== Plot Spoilers + Additional Thoughts under the cut.
I liked Rumspringa, but I fell in love with Dear Gene. Both feature similar themes and ideas, but I found it better executed with its slower, more elongated pacing. It's a different style of love, too---more longing rather than young passion---but it's one that I personally preferred.
The story fleshed out the one character who remained an enigma throughout Rumspringa: Gene, the older brother of Rumspringa's "antagonist," Danny, who had left following his Rumspringa.
This is the story of Gene's journey throughout the 1970s and furthermore---everything that's happened since he left. A man named Trevor bumps into Gene, after he had broken up with his to-be-wife, hires him as his housekeeper soon after. While Gene struggles with reconsolidating his past, he grows closer to Trevor, who offers him everything: income, housing, and even his study. It's with the latter that Gene desires to further his education, attending community college with Trevor's help, then, soon after, additional studies in Montreal. Before they depart, they break up; sixteen years later, they meet again, and Gene moves back in with Trevor.
This story is all told under the backdrop of 1970s NYCs, a changing, yet still staunchly conservative time---Stonewall, the Vietnam War, and the further recognition of women's rights. It's an element within the story that, while not prominent, exists throughout the series as a reminder of the times then. Trevor's struggles with happiness stem from his perspective as an outsider, unable to fit in, unfortunately propounded by his status as a homosexual.
Volume 1 provides, effectively, a portrayal of Trevor through Gene's eyes in the past; meanwhile, Volume 2 gives an illustration of Gene through Trevor's point of view with the journal, set within the moments following their get-together.
I have much to say about this book (even more than what the cut below entails), but I'll simply say this: I'd definitely give if a read if you can find it/if it gets serialized in English.
Dear Gene is a manga whose mangaka treats their characters with such great tenderness and love, you can't help but love them, too.
== Plot Spoilers + Additional Thoughts under the cut.
I liked Rumspringa, but I fell in love with Dear Gene. Both feature similar themes and ideas, but I found it better executed with its slower, more elongated pacing. It's a different style of love, too---more longing rather than young passion---but it's one that I personally preferred.
The story fleshed out the one character who remained an enigma throughout Rumspringa: Gene, the older brother of Rumspringa's "antagonist," Danny, who had left following his Rumspringa.
This is the story of Gene's journey throughout the 1970s and furthermore---everything that's happened since he left. A man named Trevor bumps into Gene, after he had broken up with his to-be-wife, hires him as his housekeeper soon after. While Gene struggles with reconsolidating his past, he grows closer to Trevor, who offers him everything: income, housing, and even his study. It's with the latter that Gene desires to further his education, attending community college with Trevor's help, then, soon after, additional studies in Montreal. Before they depart, they break up; sixteen years later, they meet again, and Gene moves back in with Trevor.
This story is all told under the backdrop of 1970s NYCs, a changing, yet still staunchly conservative time---Stonewall, the Vietnam War, and the further recognition of women's rights. It's an element within the story that, while not prominent, exists throughout the series as a reminder of the times then. Trevor's struggles with happiness stem from his perspective as an outsider, unable to fit in, unfortunately propounded by his status as a homosexual.
Volume 1 provides, effectively, a portrayal of Trevor through Gene's eyes in the past; meanwhile, Volume 2 gives an illustration of Gene through Trevor's point of view with the journal, set within the moments following their get-together.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Homophobia and Abandonment
Minor: Vomit and Alcohol
Guardian: Zhen Hun (Novel) Vol. 1 by priest
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Computer deleted my notes so I'll keep it short. Wasn't a fan at first because of something that happened during the first arc + the constant dunking on Guo Changcheng + wasn't too big on the romantic pairing, but I got over it as I got invested in the Chinese-influenced worldbuilding and plot + developments revolving around the characters.
Former sentiments may have had to do with only being able to read a few pages at a time, busy schedule, but wanted to leave nonetheless for people finding themselves in similar thoughts.
Former sentiments may have had to do with only being able to read a few pages at a time, busy schedule, but wanted to leave nonetheless for people finding themselves in similar thoughts.
Charming Young Man by Eliot Schrefer
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
I read this completely blind to the fact that it was meant to be based on a real man's life. It took me until the allusion to Madame X and the inclusion of Sargent to properly connect the dots.
Charming Young Man details Leon Delafosse's rise and subsequent fall from fame. It's effectively his story, but with some creative liberties here and there to fill in the gaps.
I liked it overall. Character dynamics between those consisting of the core cast (Leon, Marcel, and Robert) stole the show; while I wasn't personally fond of any of them, they were, nonetheless, compelling, with complexities to them which shone within their actions (Robert was certainly the most interesting of the three, and I found I have much to discuss about him relating to his relationships and perceptions of society; however, if I were to talk about him in length, I'm afraid this review would go on for too long, so I'll end it here for now). The depiction of society felt lively and was rendered well to the point where I felt it was a character of its own. I also enjoyed the era depicted, that of late 19th century Europe--an aspect purely of my own preference.
Author had mentioned that some aspects of the story were purely fictional as a means of filling in gaps. The elements I presumed fictional (mainly elements pertaining to Leon's hometown) were a nice breather to the otherwise stressful situation presented within the city. Represented characters were charming, although I felt there wasn't enough to them to substantiate deep interest into their lives. Nor the town they lived in, for that matter.
Outside the main three, characters felt static in terms of how they were used. Key progressions of the story were substantiated by characters engaging in X action at just the right time, which resulted in me feeling as though the characters were more tools than people. Details which fell outside of nonfiction felt limited in its use, as if the author had wanted to include his own personal interpretations, but hesitated to have these elements interfere too harshly with the story's autobiographical components. As such, transitions between historical events and fiction, at times, felt too convenient, as if pieces of a puzzle had neatly slid into place, allowing Leon to move onto the next stage of his story. I found the execution of the ending to be particularly guilty of this, as much as it felt needed for him.
Purely speaking based on personal preference, I wasn't a particular fan of the novel's general prose nor how certain topics were discussed within the novel. The prose struck me as slightly too simple, to the point where I feel like I could have enjoyed it better had it been more complex, as the ideas presented within the novel itself were interesting. I found character's takes on issues to read off as oddly modern for even a progressive time such as then, with how candidly they expressed distaste for certain societal constructs present within their society. I liked that those characters were firm in their beliefs, but I didn't find it to have an authentic voice belonging to a character of that time, if that makes sense.
Lots of other elements I could discuss (e.g. specific plot points, characterization, etc.), but I'll stop here.
This was my first exposure to this author. I've heard of Eliot Schrefer's other works, but I never had the opportunity to read them. I might read another novel to see if I think similarly to this one.
I have my nitpicks with this novel, but ultimately found it a substantiating read. It broke me out of my reading slump, at least. Managed to breeze through this in a few days,although it might have to do with how this novel reminded me of both Maurice and The Great Gatsby, two books I've greatly enjoyed for same the reasons brought up within this novel.
3.5?
Charming Young Man details Leon Delafosse's rise and subsequent fall from fame. It's effectively his story, but with some creative liberties here and there to fill in the gaps.
I liked it overall. Character dynamics between those consisting of the core cast (Leon, Marcel, and Robert) stole the show; while I wasn't personally fond of any of them, they were, nonetheless, compelling, with complexities to them which shone within their actions (Robert was certainly the most interesting of the three, and I found I have much to discuss about him relating to his relationships and perceptions of society; however, if I were to talk about him in length, I'm afraid this review would go on for too long, so I'll end it here for now). The depiction of society felt lively and was rendered well to the point where I felt it was a character of its own. I also enjoyed the era depicted, that of late 19th century Europe--an aspect purely of my own preference.
Author had mentioned that some aspects of the story were purely fictional as a means of filling in gaps. The elements I presumed fictional (mainly elements pertaining to Leon's hometown) were a nice breather to the otherwise stressful situation presented within the city. Represented characters were charming, although I felt there wasn't enough to them to substantiate deep interest into their lives. Nor the town they lived in, for that matter.
Outside the main three, characters felt static in terms of how they were used. Key progressions of the story were substantiated by characters engaging in X action at just the right time, which resulted in me feeling as though the characters were more tools than people. Details which fell outside of nonfiction felt limited in its use, as if the author had wanted to include his own personal interpretations, but hesitated to have these elements interfere too harshly with the story's autobiographical components. As such, transitions between historical events and fiction, at times, felt too convenient, as if pieces of a puzzle had neatly slid into place, allowing Leon to move onto the next stage of his story. I found the execution of the ending to be particularly guilty of this, as much as it felt needed for him.
Purely speaking based on personal preference, I wasn't a particular fan of the novel's general prose nor how certain topics were discussed within the novel. The prose struck me as slightly too simple, to the point where I feel like I could have enjoyed it better had it been more complex, as the ideas presented within the novel itself were interesting. I found character's takes on issues to read off as oddly modern for even a progressive time such as then, with how candidly they expressed distaste for certain societal constructs present within their society. I liked that those characters were firm in their beliefs, but I didn't find it to have an authentic voice belonging to a character of that time, if that makes sense.
Lots of other elements I could discuss (e.g. specific plot points, characterization, etc.), but I'll stop here.
This was my first exposure to this author. I've heard of Eliot Schrefer's other works, but I never had the opportunity to read them. I might read another novel to see if I think similarly to this one.
I have my nitpicks with this novel, but ultimately found it a substantiating read. It broke me out of my reading slump, at least. Managed to breeze through this in a few days,
3.5?
Content Warnings
Graphic: Homophobia, Sexual assault, and Classism
Moderate: Alcoholism, Panic attacks/disorders, Sexism, Gaslighting, and Alcohol
Minor: Child death, Death, Dementia, and Death of parent
Info Dump containing details about the book Too tired to write about the ending extensively, so I'll write brief notes here: The return to his hometown sends a strange message. I got the sense that it was to show that he's better off living in a community which accepts him over one that actively tries to isolate him. However, they also established that he *didn't* feel like he belonged in his hometown because of their traditional views regarding homosexuality. This point is even addressed within the epilogue, albeit the solution was unsatisfactory with how it was just "they like Felix so they'll turn a blind eye to their partnership. everyone has their own dirty laundry, after all." Idea is that it's better to live a fulfilling life over one that drains you. The message gets meddled when the fulfilling life was the life he tried to escape in the first place. I guess it's a change in mentality + change in circumstances regarding finances? No need to worry about money anymore b/c your family's got your back.
I also got the impression that music, while perhaps initially a passion, ultimately lost meaning for him as it became instead a means for him to earn a livelihood and later in the story fame. I further thought that the "enjoyment" he derived from it was a coping mechanism to deal with his family's financial pressures, but then he made songs about his life in the city. So I don't know. Thought they would have explored more behind Leon's musical expertise, but that was that.
Execution of Robert's asexuality is...odd.
My Brain is Different: Stories of ADHD and Other Developmental Disorders by Monzusu
4.0
Felt informative + validating, as someone who may have a developmental disorder.
Birds of Shangri-La Vol. 1 by Ranmaru Zariya
Hopes this convinces anyone to read this, haha.
Side note…
I’d say the main thing that’d turn people off is the idea of “turning“ a straight dude gay, as well as the general premise. The former is certainly a thing, especially as the MC claims he’s straight, and he’s dropped into an island of dudes whose sole purpose is to “pleasure” their clientele.
If you want my opinion…I think it sets up a tension that makes the development of their relationship more…rewarding?
The relationship between the main character and the Shangri-la “bird” has a strong emotional core, and I think it adds an element to their already complex relationship.
mysterious
Read this about a year or so ago.
Still feel it’s one of the best manga when it comes to relationship-building as well as establishing intimacy (as of now, don’t know how it’ll pan out in the future).
I came in expecting it to be purely raunchy, so it surprised me, to say the least.
What else…
I don’t know how to explain it exactly, but Birds of Shangri-la gives me the energy of this Tumblr quote:
Still feel it’s one of the best manga when it comes to relationship-building as well as establishing intimacy (as of now, don’t know how it’ll pan out in the future).
I came in expecting it to be purely raunchy, so it surprised me, to say the least.
What else…
I don’t know how to explain it exactly, but Birds of Shangri-la gives me the energy of this Tumblr quote:
“He has that sadness in his eyes that you only see in Eastern European gay porn”
Hopes this convinces anyone to read this, haha.
Side note…
I’d say the main thing that’d turn people off is the idea of “turning“ a straight dude gay, as well as the general premise. The former is certainly a thing, especially as the MC claims he’s straight, and he’s dropped into an island of dudes whose sole purpose is to “pleasure” their clientele.
If you want my opinion…I think it sets up a tension that makes the development of their relationship more…rewarding?
The relationship between the main character and the Shangri-la “bird” has a strong emotional core, and I think it adds an element to their already complex relationship.
Birds of Shangri-La, Vol. 2 by Ranmaru Zariya
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes