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eliseraine's reviews
27 reviews
The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck: A Counterintuitive Approach to Living a Good Life by Mark Manson
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
4.0
This was my first time reading a self-help book and I thoroughly enjoyed it. The book was realistic and full of humor, and the writing style is easy to catch up on. The author some questionable takes and some points were not expounded enough that I'm not quite satisfied with. Nonetheless, I adore how this book gave me a new perspective in life, and how it served as a mirror for self-reflection.
I would totally and definitely be reading more of these kinds of books in the future!
I would totally and definitely be reading more of these kinds of books in the future!
Before the Coffee Gets Cold by Toshikazu Kawaguchi
adventurous
emotional
lighthearted
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
3.5
Frankenstein: The 1818 Text by Mary Shelley
A great book that emphasizes societal prejudice, vengeance, and seeking acceptance. Mary Shelley greatly depicted that villains aren't born evil; they are made by society. Imagine how the tables may have turned if Frankenstein accepted and guided his creation, fed him with love and joy, and defended him from the evils of our narrow-minded society. As De Lacy stated, "To be friendless is indeed to be unfortunate; but the hearts of men, when unprejudiced by any obvious self-interest, are full of brotherly love and charity."
Contrary to how this novel is depicted on movies and TV shows, the book succeeded on humanizing Frankenstein's Adam; giving him beautiful and well-written monologues. His story with the cottagers is heartbreaking. He waited for months to get to know his protectors, anticipated the eventual meet, but exchanged with expressions of shrieks and disgust. His conversation with De Lacy is one of my favorites. It was like the unexpected guidance Frankenstein should have given to him before setting him up to the world.
Overall, this book captured my heart and soul; reminding me to always be kind and accepting of people, and that there's so much more than meets the eye.
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
5.0
The birth of a villain.
A great book that emphasizes societal prejudice, vengeance, and seeking acceptance. Mary Shelley greatly depicted that villains aren't born evil; they are made by society. Imagine how the tables may have turned if Frankenstein accepted and guided his creation, fed him with love and joy, and defended him from the evils of our narrow-minded society. As De Lacy stated, "To be friendless is indeed to be unfortunate; but the hearts of men, when unprejudiced by any obvious self-interest, are full of brotherly love and charity."
Contrary to how this novel is depicted on movies and TV shows, the book succeeded on humanizing Frankenstein's Adam; giving him beautiful and well-written monologues. His story with the cottagers is heartbreaking. He waited for months to get to know his protectors, anticipated the eventual meet, but exchanged with expressions of shrieks and disgust. His conversation with De Lacy is one of my favorites. It was like the unexpected guidance Frankenstein should have given to him before setting him up to the world.
Overall, this book captured my heart and soul; reminding me to always be kind and accepting of people, and that there's so much more than meets the eye.
Normal People by Sally Rooney
emotional
tense
medium-paced
2.75
I have mixed emotions.
The gist of the novel is about the communication struggles of two consenting adults entangled in a friends-with-benefits relationship while mutually dealing with past traumas.
Although I finished it in a day, I did not enjoy the book as much as I thought. I also think that it's significantly overrated.
The characters aren't that lovable, and the plot isn't that remarkable either. However, the book's realistic plot and the way that the characters interacted make it somehow special. I see readers feeling connected to the novel and sympathizing with the characters. But for me, I think it could be better. I would love to watch the series afterwards and reminisce the crucial moments from the book.
Overall, a normal reading experience
The gist of the novel is about the communication struggles of two consenting adults entangled in a friends-with-benefits relationship while mutually dealing with past traumas.
Although I finished it in a day, I did not enjoy the book as much as I thought. I also think that it's significantly overrated.
The characters aren't that lovable, and the plot isn't that remarkable either. However, the book's realistic plot and the way that the characters interacted make it somehow special. I see readers feeling connected to the novel and sympathizing with the characters. But for me, I think it could be better. I would love to watch the series afterwards and reminisce the crucial moments from the book.
Overall, a normal reading experience
Pachinko by Min Jin Lee
emotional
inspiring
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.25
The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
sad
fast-paced
4.0
The Unhoneymooners by Christina Lauren
emotional
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
Binge-able but unremarkable
I read this book to quench my thirst for more rom-com plots, as I'd recently watched five rom-com movies in the past few days. So, I can say that this book will definitely satisfy that. I had quite a few laughs reading it, especially during their enemies-to-lovers transition, while imagining Hugh Grant as Ethan.
I particularly love the two unexpected revelations in the story. However, I felt that most moments were predictable, and the ending was very generic and unremarkable. Overall, if you're looking for a quick summer read, this book is it!
I read this book to quench my thirst for more rom-com plots, as I'd recently watched five rom-com movies in the past few days. So, I can say that this book will definitely satisfy that. I had quite a few laughs reading it, especially during their enemies-to-lovers transition, while imagining Hugh Grant as Ethan.
I particularly love the two unexpected revelations in the story. However, I felt that most moments were predictable, and the ending was very generic and unremarkable. Overall, if you're looking for a quick summer read, this book is it!
Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe by Benjamin Alire Sáenz
emotional
lighthearted
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
2.0
Misery by Stephen King
This was my first Stephen King. Considering that many people have cited this as their favorite King's book, I had very high hopes.
The book was slow, but I think it made up for it during the last bits. I wasn't scared, but rather tensed while reading the disturbing parts, especially the hobbling bit.
And although I may not be this book's number one fan [😉], I still enjoyed it and would like to explore other crime, mystery, and thriller novels.
I've also read how Paul and Annie's character signifies addiction; Paul being the addict and Annie, the drugs (her giving Paul Novril pills). And I believe that this quote exemplifies an individual giving in to addiction wonderfully.
dark
emotional
tense
medium-paced
3.0
Kind of underwhelmed...
This was my first Stephen King. Considering that many people have cited this as their favorite King's book, I had very high hopes.
The book was slow, but I think it made up for it during the last bits. I wasn't scared, but rather tensed while reading the disturbing parts, especially the hobbling bit.
And although I may not be this book's number one fan [😉], I still enjoyed it and would like to explore other crime, mystery, and thriller novels.
I've also read how Paul and Annie's character signifies addiction; Paul being the addict and Annie, the drugs (her giving Paul Novril pills). And I believe that this quote exemplifies an individual giving in to addiction wonderfully.
Had he known, before this had he really known how badly she had cowed him, or how much of his essential self—the liver and lights of his spirit—she had scraped away? He knew how constantly he had been terrorized, but did he know how much of his own subjective reality, once so strong he had taken it for granted, had been erased?