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dnietoperafan's reviews
184 reviews
Tomorrow Sex Will Be Good Again: Women and Desire in the Age of Consent by Katherine Angel
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
3.0
Invisible Women: Exposing Data Bias in a World Designed for Men by Caroline Criado Pérez
emotional
informative
reflective
fast-paced
5.0
What a read.
Never have I read something so necessary and important. All the data Criado Pérez has and hasn't been able to collect is shocking to say the least. With such an ease to explain, she takes your hand and walks you through the data-empty spaces society has deemed 'not popular enough' to fill. Intelligently, she asks why.
Why are we not collecting data?
Why are the needs of half the world's population deemed 'not common enough' to satisfy?
Why are we not acting when we already have the evidence and data to back up a solution?
From medical diagnosis, to appliances' designs; from society's infrastructure, to political systems; Criado Pérez draws a very clear (almost transparent) diagram on how women and female bodies are subject to indirect and direct discrimination in every corner of our lives. She urges for diversity, to fill so many data gaps that could make life better for EVERYONE. I could almost hear her screams of outrage... or maybe they were my own.
Please. Everyone. Read this book. It might be one of the most important pieces of non-fiction to grace my shelves.
Never have I read something so necessary and important. All the data Criado Pérez has and hasn't been able to collect is shocking to say the least. With such an ease to explain, she takes your hand and walks you through the data-empty spaces society has deemed 'not popular enough' to fill. Intelligently, she asks why.
Why are we not collecting data?
Why are the needs of half the world's population deemed 'not common enough' to satisfy?
Why are we not acting when we already have the evidence and data to back up a solution?
From medical diagnosis, to appliances' designs; from society's infrastructure, to political systems; Criado Pérez draws a very clear (almost transparent) diagram on how women and female bodies are subject to indirect and direct discrimination in every corner of our lives. She urges for diversity, to fill so many data gaps that could make life better for EVERYONE. I could almost hear her screams of outrage... or maybe they were my own.
Please. Everyone. Read this book. It might be one of the most important pieces of non-fiction to grace my shelves.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Sexual harassment, Rape, and Sexism
The Power by Naomi Alderman
dark
emotional
informative
reflective
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
I really wanted to like this book, I ended up with mixed feelings.
The Power is first and foremost a critique, not a 'what if' type of book. I started reading it as a 'what if' type of novel, which is how it was marketed, but I quickly realised, I don't think this was Alderman's intent. The gore, the violence, the misuse of power... I don't think Alderman believes women (as a group) would make these mistakes after knowing what it is to be on the other side of it. That's why I continued reading The Power as a critique to our current patriarchal society.
Alderman fully swaps how patriarchy currently works, and puts women in those rotten positions of power. She completely mirrors today's horrors (which I believe wouldn't happen if women suddenly got electric powers). Which is why so many people who read this book are appalled. So please, read this book knowing it's a critique and not a 'what if'.
So how come I rated it a 3-star and not a 4-star? As a story, The Power was just a bit bland for me. The plethora of characters was interesting at first, but there wasn't anything deep in them. Their development felt quite superficial, and I didn't care for them. So critique-wise, amazing book; story-wise, it could have definitely been better.
The Power is first and foremost a critique, not a 'what if' type of book. I started reading it as a 'what if' type of novel, which is how it was marketed, but I quickly realised, I don't think this was Alderman's intent. The gore, the violence, the misuse of power... I don't think Alderman believes women (as a group) would make these mistakes after knowing what it is to be on the other side of it. That's why I continued reading The Power as a critique to our current patriarchal society.
Alderman fully swaps how patriarchy currently works, and puts women in those rotten positions of power. She completely mirrors today's horrors (which I believe wouldn't happen if women suddenly got electric powers). Which is why so many people who read this book are appalled. So please, read this book knowing it's a critique and not a 'what if'.
So how come I rated it a 3-star and not a 4-star? As a story, The Power was just a bit bland for me. The plethora of characters was interesting at first, but there wasn't anything deep in them. Their development felt quite superficial, and I didn't care for them. So critique-wise, amazing book; story-wise, it could have definitely been better.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual violence, Violence, War, Gun violence, Sexual assault, Rape, and Sexual content
Moderate: Violence, Trafficking, Torture, and Religious bigotry
Minor: Sexual harassment
Dune by Frank Herbert
adventurous
mysterious
reflective
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I watched Dune's films (2021 & 2024) before reading the book, and I think that helped me really appreciate this work thoroughly. The films made me relate to the characters, their flaws, and desires. They allowed me to focus on the chain of events that led to tragedy.
With the story's skeleton clear, as I read the book, I was able to really dive into the thought processes of each character. Scenes that seemed quite fast-paced in the films, were now put under a magnifying glass. Dune's prose is full of character, it really does come alive. From political schemes and economic landscapes, to religious messiahs and cultural aspects; Dune really made me feel like an omnipresent god overlooking so many people and their personal goals.
The only reason this book is a 4-star and not a 5-star is because of its poor view surrounding women. I felt like it took away from the 'real life' feel that it definitely has when it talks about politics, economics, and cultures. Women were caricatures, whilst male characters really got that amazing development / decline that Dune is famous for. Don't get me wrong I still classify this novel as 'excellent' yet not 'outstanding', in relation to my personal standards, because of this flaw.
This book definitely deserves the hype. If you are scared to tackle it, just watch the films before you read it, so you can get that base knowledge that helped me appreciate it fully.
Furthermore, I would 100% recommend Dune to every sci-fi lover, fantasy lover, and intellectual people.
With the story's skeleton clear, as I read the book, I was able to really dive into the thought processes of each character. Scenes that seemed quite fast-paced in the films, were now put under a magnifying glass. Dune's prose is full of character, it really does come alive. From political schemes and economic landscapes, to religious messiahs and cultural aspects; Dune really made me feel like an omnipresent god overlooking so many people and their personal goals.
The only reason this book is a 4-star and not a 5-star is because of its poor view surrounding women. I felt like it took away from the 'real life' feel that it definitely has when it talks about politics, economics, and cultures. Women were caricatures, whilst male characters really got that amazing development / decline that Dune is famous for. Don't get me wrong I still classify this novel as 'excellent' yet not 'outstanding', in relation to my personal standards, because of this flaw.
This book definitely deserves the hype. If you are scared to tackle it, just watch the films before you read it, so you can get that base knowledge that helped me appreciate it fully.
Furthermore, I would 100% recommend Dune to every sci-fi lover, fantasy lover, and intellectual people.
Dune Messiah by Frank Herbert
adventurous
mysterious
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
I picked up this book right after Dune... and I'm thinking I might've been a bit hasty to do so.
This short instalment is good, don't get me wrong, but Dune Messiah just doesn't have that 'real life' feel that made Dune so attractive to me. Character development / decline goes way too quickly to really enjoy the quirks of human nature, and women were even worse caricatures and more disposable than in the first instalment.
Apart from those flaws, I found it to be a cool set up for the rest of the series. Herbert tied off all the themes he explored in Dune, and managed to set new questions to answer in further books. I also really enjoyed how we got to see inside the minds of new characters: Alia, Hayt, Scytale, and others.
It was a short read, so I would recommend it to people who want to read the rest of the series. But for people who just want a 'satisfying' ending to Paul's reign, I would stop at Dune.
This short instalment is good, don't get me wrong, but Dune Messiah just doesn't have that 'real life' feel that made Dune so attractive to me. Character development / decline goes way too quickly to really enjoy the quirks of human nature, and women were even worse caricatures and more disposable than in the first instalment.
Apart from those flaws, I found it to be a cool set up for the rest of the series. Herbert tied off all the themes he explored in Dune, and managed to set new questions to answer in further books. I also really enjoyed how we got to see inside the minds of new characters: Alia, Hayt, Scytale, and others.
It was a short read, so I would recommend it to people who want to read the rest of the series. But for people who just want a 'satisfying' ending to Paul's reign, I would stop at Dune.
The Master and Margarita by Mikhail Bulgakov
4.0
I don’t even know where to start. I liked this book, yet I had such a hard time with it. Since it’s originally written in Russian, the way sentences are redacted differ from those in English. I believe that’s the reason why I had such a hard time concentrating on it and following the story. Nevertheless, the novel itself is good. I loved some characters (mostly Woland and Behemoth, they just made me laugh tons); but I hated how when mentioning characters, Bulgakov invented for them a first name, last name, and nickname... and there are A LOT of characters in the novel, so you kind of miss track of everyone. That sucked. Anyway, the way Bulgakov manages to slip away his critique to the Soviet society is impecable. You’ll have to read it twice or thrice to be able to find every hidden critique, and I love that. He made me question a lot about religion, society, and just the human nature itself; that’s why this book deserves at least four stars. I would totally recommend, but to people who are more experienced in reading complex stories.
The Death House by Sarah Pinborough
5.0
DUDE!! This book is amazing!! From start to finish you’re hooked. The way Pinborough writes and describes everything is easy to read but also so easy to picture! I loved it! This book has an amazing suspense plot line mixed up with romance, which to be honest, merges perfectly together. The characters are likable and lovable, some of them might even be relatable depending on your personality, but there’s definitely a character for everyone. Now, why do I gave it a 5-star rating? Easy, after I finished it I cried SO MUCH. I literally had to stop, breathe, and think the ending through. To me, that’s what art is all about: being able to portray your feelings and making someone else feel them as well. This book is just great. Amazing plot line, plot twists, characters, descriptions. Just an incredible read. It is safe to say that this is my favourite novel of all time. Would I recommend it? ABSOLUTELY!!! You must read this book or at least any of Pinborough’s novels. She’s a great author and The Death House is an awesome story.
The Woman in Black: Angel of Death (Movie Tie-In Edition) by Martyn Waites
3.0
“The Woman In Black: Angel Of Death” is the official sequel to Susan Hill’s “The Woman In Black” but it was written by another author. Just to clarify this is my first time reading a horror novel and I haven’t read the original play by Hill. With this said, I believe this is a very okay book. The descriptions made me uncomfortable (which is great for a horror novel) and the overall enjoyment was good. I believe that was the greatest strength of this novel, the descriptions. Nevertheless, the characters were way too bland and it just felt like a clichè horror novel. It didn’t feel too predictable but it also didn’t sweep me off my feet. Eve was my favourite just because she was the only one with common sense! I wouldn’t read this again, but I would say it was a good way to enter the horror genre. Would I recommend it? Yeah... but just to people who want an easy entrance to horror novels. Don’t start reading expecting a fantastic read.
The Scar Boys by Len Vlahos
3.0
This book really tries to be the The Catcher in the Rye for Gen Z. I really liked it. Coming-of-age novels are kind of my jam. The Scar Boys made me really think about who your true friends are, because honestly, we will never know for sure. But anyway, this was Vlahos’ first novel and the writing style could be better (we can all improve), that’s why I gave it a 3-star rating. I really enjoyed the characters who were developed (such as Harry), and that’s why I really wanted for the rest of the main cast to be developed as well. Richie was my favourite character tbh, he lighted up the mood everytime, he had such a nice aura. I know Vlahos already released a sequel for this book, in which I HOPE he develops the rest of the gang (mostly Richie lol). I would very much like to read it and see were this story goes. I would recommend it. I enjoyed reading it and I believe you will too! It’s a very easy and short to read novel.