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elderlingfool's reviews
358 reviews
Smashed: Junji Ito Story Collection by Junji Ito
3.5
Most of these stories were just fine, especially the ones with Soichi and after that. The ones on the first part of the volume were better. The ending of the story Smashed, which is also the ending of the manga, was very funny.
My favourite stories were Earthbound and Bloodsucking Darkness.
My favourite stories were Earthbound and Bloodsucking Darkness.
Spinning by Tillie Walden
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
4.0
I have been reading some memoirs by women lately and all of them have been great. However, it's sad and scary how all of them feature sexual assault. It really happens that often.
This memoir is about the years the author spent ice skating, but it is also about her sexuality and her feelings while trying to figure out what she really wants to be and to do. The art is very simple and cute and the panels convey nice pacing and emotion in a brilliant way. I teared up a little because of two scenes in this story.
If there is one thing I am upset about is that it wasn't shown a resolution with some members of the author's family after she came out as gay. Still, they are mentioned in the acknowledgements so I guess the relationship was mended in some way.
I definitely want to read other comics by this artist.
This memoir is about the years the author spent ice skating, but it is also about her sexuality and her feelings while trying to figure out what she really wants to be and to do. The art is very simple and cute and the panels convey nice pacing and emotion in a brilliant way. I teared up a little because of two scenes in this story.
If there is one thing I am upset about is that it wasn't shown a resolution with some members of the author's family after she came out as gay. Still, they are mentioned in the acknowledgements so I guess the relationship was mended in some way.
I definitely want to read other comics by this artist.
Heartstopper Volume 5 by Alice Oseman
emotional
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
My sister just bought this volume and then she gave it for me to read. It seems like the series will end in the next volume, which looks like a good lenght.
This volume deals with sexual intimacy and the possibility of long distance relationships. As always, it is not that in depth, but it's very cozy and sweet.
It seemed to me that the art improved even though I can pinpoint exactly why it feels different and better. There's still a lack of backgrounds, but this kind of character focused narrative doesn't need them much.
Now, I'll just wait to read the finale.
This volume deals with sexual intimacy and the possibility of long distance relationships. As always, it is not that in depth, but it's very cozy and sweet.
It seemed to me that the art improved even though I can pinpoint exactly why it feels different and better. There's still a lack of backgrounds, but this kind of character focused narrative doesn't need them much.
Now, I'll just wait to read the finale.
Ducks: Two Years in the Oil Sands by Kate Beaton
informative
reflective
fast-paced
4.0
"A triste verdade, no entanto, é que as agressões sexuais - de todos os tipos - são demasiado comuns em todos os lugares para causarem sensação."
"Vi muitas pessoas adotarem imediatamente uma atitude defensiva perante a sugestão de que há violência de género em lugares como as areias petrolíferas - ou porque trabalham nessa zona e se orgulham do trabalho que fazem e das pessoas que sustentam graças a isso, ou porque conhecem e amam homens dali, e se sentem insultadas pelas instituições que os associam a algo tão detestável como uma agressão sexual."
I read this graphic novel in portuguese, translated by Alda Rodrigues, and I had to start with those quotes even though I don't know how they are written in the original.
Ducks is a graphic memoir by Kate Beaton about her two years working in the oil sands. I was expecting it to focus on the working conditions, but the major focus was on the sexism and sexual abuse. As the author states it could happen anywhere (there are two women that reveal they were raped when attending university, for example) and it is more likely to happen in an environment where there are a lot of men and very few women. The author mentions the point of view of some men: how they excuse bad behaviour because of loneliness, how talking with superiors about the sexual abuse either gets you nowhere or to being perceived as awful because a man might be fired, etc. It is a sad reality and I can't say it was a novelty to me.
Even though the memoir focuses on those topics, that are closer to the author, that doesn't mean other topics aren't addressed. It is showed the motives that make someone work in these institutions and why they decide to stay or to leave, there are mentions of drug abuse and the dangers of certain jobs, there is the internal conflict about all the deaths and damage to workers, animals and nature in general that can't be separated from the role one has in the company and more. I wish all the topics were explored more in depth even though the book is already heavy enough as it is. It would probably be better if it was two volumes instead of one. However, I understand why the author decided to state the facts and not explore much of her own thoughts and reflections about certain events. It is hard to show your personal life to the world and I know that I will never do it.
I found the author's attitudes when dealing with men very relatable and I also know how it is to work in a company with values opposite to yours. It is a privilege to be able to choose instead of thinking of the money you need to be able to make a living. In the author's case, she needed to pay her student loans, which seemed to have been an absurdly high amount of money.
To anyone that wishes to read this memoir, be aware that there are a lot of sexual harassment and sexist comments depicted. There are also two rape scenes and other mentions (thankfully not graphic). This is something I would have liked to know beforehand. I usually struggle with this when it comes to personal accounts.
"Vi muitas pessoas adotarem imediatamente uma atitude defensiva perante a sugestão de que há violência de género em lugares como as areias petrolíferas - ou porque trabalham nessa zona e se orgulham do trabalho que fazem e das pessoas que sustentam graças a isso, ou porque conhecem e amam homens dali, e se sentem insultadas pelas instituições que os associam a algo tão detestável como uma agressão sexual."
I read this graphic novel in portuguese, translated by Alda Rodrigues, and I had to start with those quotes even though I don't know how they are written in the original.
Ducks is a graphic memoir by Kate Beaton about her two years working in the oil sands. I was expecting it to focus on the working conditions, but the major focus was on the sexism and sexual abuse. As the author states it could happen anywhere (there are two women that reveal they were raped when attending university, for example) and it is more likely to happen in an environment where there are a lot of men and very few women. The author mentions the point of view of some men: how they excuse bad behaviour because of loneliness, how talking with superiors about the sexual abuse either gets you nowhere or to being perceived as awful because a man might be fired, etc. It is a sad reality and I can't say it was a novelty to me.
Even though the memoir focuses on those topics, that are closer to the author, that doesn't mean other topics aren't addressed. It is showed the motives that make someone work in these institutions and why they decide to stay or to leave, there are mentions of drug abuse and the dangers of certain jobs, there is the internal conflict about all the deaths and damage to workers, animals and nature in general that can't be separated from the role one has in the company and more. I wish all the topics were explored more in depth even though the book is already heavy enough as it is. It would probably be better if it was two volumes instead of one. However, I understand why the author decided to state the facts and not explore much of her own thoughts and reflections about certain events. It is hard to show your personal life to the world and I know that I will never do it.
I found the author's attitudes when dealing with men very relatable and I also know how it is to work in a company with values opposite to yours. It is a privilege to be able to choose instead of thinking of the money you need to be able to make a living. In the author's case, she needed to pay her student loans, which seemed to have been an absurdly high amount of money.
To anyone that wishes to read this memoir, be aware that there are a lot of sexual harassment and sexist comments depicted. There are also two rape scenes and other mentions (thankfully not graphic). This is something I would have liked to know beforehand. I usually struggle with this when it comes to personal accounts.
A Cheia by Michael McDowell
dark
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
The person that recommended this series to me told me that it is better as a whole. I believe that to be true since this entire first book feels like a beginning and there are still many questions at the end without an answer.
The book starts with two men finding a mysterious woman in a flooded hotel. No one knows how she survived for days without food and she states that she slept the entire time. What follows is a family drama involving a controlling mother, among others.
I still don't know what is Elinor's goal. It is clear from the start that she is some kind of water creature, but I have no idea why she is meddling with humans.
Even though it seems that not much happens in this book, the pacing is pretty fast. Suddenly, characters are already married and suddenly someone dies, etc.
I expected horror out of this book, but it reads more like a family drama. I wished that the characters were explored a little better because I often felt like I was being told what they were like instead of shown that through their actions and dialogue.
Somehow, I didn't expect this to be a story about a white family with only black servants. I wonder if that will be addressed more in depth in later books and I hope it is. This book also keeps mentioning how strong and clever the women are and how dumb the Caskey men are, which at times felt a little weird. I never like when a gender is put down in order to enhance the other and when it is a man doing that it can feel condescending. However, both Elinor and Mary-Love are the best characters in the book so the author got that right.
I will probably continue the series, but I will wait for the translation of the next books in portuguese. I read the translation by Francisca Cortesão and it seemed pretty good.
The book starts with two men finding a mysterious woman in a flooded hotel. No one knows how she survived for days without food and she states that she slept the entire time. What follows is a family drama involving a controlling mother, among others.
I still don't know what is Elinor's goal. It is clear from the start that she is some kind of water creature, but I have no idea why she is meddling with humans.
Even though it seems that not much happens in this book, the pacing is pretty fast. Suddenly, characters are already married and suddenly someone dies, etc.
I expected horror out of this book, but it reads more like a family drama. I wished that the characters were explored a little better because I often felt like I was being told what they were like instead of shown that through their actions and dialogue.
Somehow, I didn't expect this to be a story about a white family with only black servants. I wonder if that will be addressed more in depth in later books and I hope it is. This book also keeps mentioning how strong and clever the women are and how dumb the Caskey men are, which at times felt a little weird. I never like when a gender is put down in order to enhance the other and when it is a man doing that it can feel condescending. However, both Elinor and Mary-Love are the best characters in the book so the author got that right.
I will probably continue the series, but I will wait for the translation of the next books in portuguese. I read the translation by Francisca Cortesão and it seemed pretty good.
A Arte de Te Sentires Melhor by Matilda Heindow
4.0
I never thought I would read a self-help book, but here we are. This one is also part memoir, which is why it makes it more interesting and bearable to me. The author shares her struggles with mental health and her past experiences while giving some tips that hopefully will be useful to others. It isn't in depth, but it's a good first step to understanding what might be wrong and take better care of ourselves. Plus, the illustrations make this book pleasant to look at.
I am glad that this book briefly shows different ways that depression and anxiety can manifest because it took me a long time to be aware of it for myself since most people have a fixed idea of how depression and anxiety are like and don't realize it can present in opposite ways of what is commonly known.
This little book also made me aware of the difference between toxic positivity and genuine optimism. I guess it is easier to change the mind of someone that has never bought into the common toxic positivity phrases. Unfortunately, that isn't my case. The author states that she always got angry by those statements, but I believed them when they were said to me the first time so those have been coming from inside the house for years. At least now I know why it's never helpful and how to change it. It would have been worth it to read this just for that.
I don't know how helful this book would be to someone that is already aware of their struggles and that did research to get better and went to therapy. My guess is that this will not be very helpful or new in those cases, but it worked for me even if I already knew some of the information shared. I know I will still need reminders sometimes so it is kind of a comfort to have this readily available for when I need it.
The only thing that made me wary is that one of the options given to get better is to visit cult places. It is implied that this is for someone that is already religious and trusts the specific institution. However, I can't help thinking about how dangerous it is to go seek those places while being extremelly vulnerable, even though I know religion is a comfort to a lot of people. There are just too many opportunistic people for me to think this is a good option unless the person is fully capable of judging what is being said and done at the moment.
I am glad that this book briefly shows different ways that depression and anxiety can manifest because it took me a long time to be aware of it for myself since most people have a fixed idea of how depression and anxiety are like and don't realize it can present in opposite ways of what is commonly known.
This little book also made me aware of the difference between toxic positivity and genuine optimism. I guess it is easier to change the mind of someone that has never bought into the common toxic positivity phrases. Unfortunately, that isn't my case. The author states that she always got angry by those statements, but I believed them when they were said to me the first time so those have been coming from inside the house for years. At least now I know why it's never helpful and how to change it. It would have been worth it to read this just for that.
I don't know how helful this book would be to someone that is already aware of their struggles and that did research to get better and went to therapy. My guess is that this will not be very helpful or new in those cases, but it worked for me even if I already knew some of the information shared. I know I will still need reminders sometimes so it is kind of a comfort to have this readily available for when I need it.
The only thing that made me wary is that one of the options given to get better is to visit cult places. It is implied that this is for someone that is already religious and trusts the specific institution. However, I can't help thinking about how dangerous it is to go seek those places while being extremelly vulnerable, even though I know religion is a comfort to a lot of people. There are just too many opportunistic people for me to think this is a good option unless the person is fully capable of judging what is being said and done at the moment.
Going Postal by Terry Pratchett
adventurous
funny
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
"Go postal: to suddenly behave in a very violent or angry way."
This is one of the funniest books in the series. I did miss the surprise of having an emotional moment that makes me cry this time. I got so used to expecting that.
Moist von Lipwig and Adora Belle Dearheart are introduced in this book and they are both fantastic characters. I also liked the post office workers and the golems. It was a joy to see Vetinari and Ridcully again since they are both favourites. There are also some mentions of Watch characters that were delightful.
In this entry of the Discworld series Vetinari gives a chance to the main character, Moist, to work at the post office and make it functional again. Mr. Lipwig is a conman and it was really interesting to see his internal conflicts and his interactions with other characters. I especially liked the contrast between him and Mr. Gilt.
The commentary about government services and collectors was top notch. I especially liked this quote:
"What kind of man would put a known criminal in charge of a major branch of government? Apart from, say, the average voter."
Even though this is a very strong book in the series, I expected more from it because it is the favourite Discworld book of so many people. At first it didn't even feel like a Discworld book to me. It was probably because of the addition of chapters and the inclusion of so many new characters, but I quickly got used to that. Still, the book felt a bit too long. I only needed the scenes following the main character since those were the best and all the other inclusions didn't seem extremelly necessary to me. The exception to this is the epilogue, which mirrors the first chapter beautifully.
I am still very excited to continue my Discworld journey and witness the genius of Sir Pratchett's puns.
This is one of the funniest books in the series. I did miss the surprise of having an emotional moment that makes me cry this time. I got so used to expecting that.
Moist von Lipwig and Adora Belle Dearheart are introduced in this book and they are both fantastic characters. I also liked the post office workers and the golems. It was a joy to see Vetinari and Ridcully again since they are both favourites. There are also some mentions of Watch characters that were delightful.
In this entry of the Discworld series Vetinari gives a chance to the main character, Moist, to work at the post office and make it functional again. Mr. Lipwig is a conman and it was really interesting to see his internal conflicts and his interactions with other characters. I especially liked the contrast between him and Mr. Gilt.
The commentary about government services and collectors was top notch. I especially liked this quote:
"What kind of man would put a known criminal in charge of a major branch of government? Apart from, say, the average voter."
Even though this is a very strong book in the series, I expected more from it because it is the favourite Discworld book of so many people. At first it didn't even feel like a Discworld book to me. It was probably because of the addition of chapters and the inclusion of so many new characters, but I quickly got used to that. Still, the book felt a bit too long. I only needed the scenes following the main character since those were the best and all the other inclusions didn't seem extremelly necessary to me. The exception to this is the epilogue, which mirrors the first chapter beautifully.
I am still very excited to continue my Discworld journey and witness the genius of Sir Pratchett's puns.