fflur's reviews
52 reviews

Requiem for a Dream by Hubert Selby Jr.

challenging dark emotional reflective sad tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

White Nights by Fyodor Dostoevsky

emotional reflective tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

Cleopatra and Frankenstein by Coco Mellors

adventurous emotional hopeful inspiring reflective tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

Yellowface by R.F. Kuang

reflective tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25

Lolita by Vladimir Nabokov

challenging dark emotional tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

Lolita is a beautifully written novel,  filled with poetic prose. The French phrases intertwined with the English enriches the text, and the rapid pace mimics the way H.H.'s thoughts flow in and out of his mind. 

I originally wanted to rate this book incredibly low, given the topic being disturbing and violently horrific. However, upon reflection, I must appreciate the author's ability to evoke such repulsion, along with a host of other negative emotions. 

While the majority of the book focused on Humbert, towards the end I found myself more focused on Dolores (aka Lolita) and her life, or what her life could have been. The description of the emptiness behind her eyes left me experiencing a hollowness, sympathy for a life stolen from her, and for a childhood unfulfilled. 

Before reading this book, potential readers should check the content warnings. The pages upon pages of descriptions of 'nymphets' and his attraction to them left me feeling physically ill. 

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Adult/minor relationship, Pedophilia, Sexual content, Sexual violence

On Earth We're Briefly Gorgeous by Ocean Vuong

dark emotional reflective sad tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

Power Systems: Conversations on Global Democratic Uprisings and the New Challenges to U.S. Empire by Noam Chomsky

challenging informative reflective fast-paced

4.5

Kim Jiyoung, Born 1982 by Cho Nam-joo

emotional reflective fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.75

Between Two Moons by Aisha Abdel Gawad

adventurous emotional inspiring reflective fast-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

5.0

Neurocomic by Hana Ros

funny informative lighthearted fast-paced

4.0

This was a very cute comic with excellent information for those without prior knowledge in neuroscience. As someone who already knows the basics of the subject, the only new information I learned were some tidbits about some of the scientists mentioned. However, it was a very fun, quick read with a very meta ending. Highly recommend for younger learners or those just getting into neuroscience/psychology!