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hopeloveslit's reviews
269 reviews
Dark Days by James Baldwin
5.0
Dark Days is a short collection of three essays by James Baldwin. I’m on a mission to read all of Baldwin’s works. I started with Giovanni’s Room, and admittedly, I was scared to read this book. It’s nonfiction, and the focus is on darker topics. I thought it’d be hard for me to get through right now. I was so wrong. Baldwin’s prose is as beautiful as ever and helps lighten the emotional load.
Dark Days is about Baldwin’s view of the United States educational system. He explores its affect on black Americans and the relationship between the races.
“I was an exceedingly shy, withdrawn, and uneasy student. Yet my teachers somehow made me believe that I could learn. And when I could scarcely see for myself any future at all. my teachers told me that the future was mine. The question of color was but another detail, somewhere between being six feet tall and being six feet under. In the long meantime, everything was up to me.”
The Price of the Ticket delves into Baldwin’s experience as a black man in America. He offers a resolute criticism of American society, history, and treatment of black Americans.
“But I am really saying something very simple. The will of the people, or the State, is revealed by the State's institutions. There was not, then, nor is there, now, a single American institution which is not a racist institution. And racist institutions - the unions, for one example, the Church, for another, and the Army - or the military - for yet another, are meant to keep the nigger in his place. Yes: we have lived through avalanches of tokens and concessions but white power remains white. And what it appears to surrender with one hand it obsessively clutches in the other.”
In The White Man’s Guilt, Baldwin argues that racial progress in America is halted not by hatred but by the guilt of white Americans. The white man refuses his history and in turn, doesn’t acknowledge the injustice and oppression black Americans faced and still face. If we remain stuck in this cycle, how will we ever progress? How can the country make a real change? This is my favorite essay from this collection. It really makes you think!
“The American situation is very peculiar, and it may be without precedent in the world. No curtain under heaven is heavier than that curtain of guilt and lies behind which white Americans hide. That curtain may prove to be yet more deadly to the lives of human beings than that Iron Curtain of which we speak so much, and know so little. The American curtain is color. Color. White men have used this word, this concept, to justify unspeakable crimes, not only in the past, but in the present. One can measure very neatly the white American's distance from his conscience - from himself - by observing the distance between White America and Black America. One has only to ask oneself who established this distance, who is this distance designed to protect, and from what is this distance designed to offer protection?”
Dark Days is about Baldwin’s view of the United States educational system. He explores its affect on black Americans and the relationship between the races.
“I was an exceedingly shy, withdrawn, and uneasy student. Yet my teachers somehow made me believe that I could learn. And when I could scarcely see for myself any future at all. my teachers told me that the future was mine. The question of color was but another detail, somewhere between being six feet tall and being six feet under. In the long meantime, everything was up to me.”
The Price of the Ticket delves into Baldwin’s experience as a black man in America. He offers a resolute criticism of American society, history, and treatment of black Americans.
“But I am really saying something very simple. The will of the people, or the State, is revealed by the State's institutions. There was not, then, nor is there, now, a single American institution which is not a racist institution. And racist institutions - the unions, for one example, the Church, for another, and the Army - or the military - for yet another, are meant to keep the nigger in his place. Yes: we have lived through avalanches of tokens and concessions but white power remains white. And what it appears to surrender with one hand it obsessively clutches in the other.”
In The White Man’s Guilt, Baldwin argues that racial progress in America is halted not by hatred but by the guilt of white Americans. The white man refuses his history and in turn, doesn’t acknowledge the injustice and oppression black Americans faced and still face. If we remain stuck in this cycle, how will we ever progress? How can the country make a real change? This is my favorite essay from this collection. It really makes you think!
“The American situation is very peculiar, and it may be without precedent in the world. No curtain under heaven is heavier than that curtain of guilt and lies behind which white Americans hide. That curtain may prove to be yet more deadly to the lives of human beings than that Iron Curtain of which we speak so much, and know so little. The American curtain is color. Color. White men have used this word, this concept, to justify unspeakable crimes, not only in the past, but in the present. One can measure very neatly the white American's distance from his conscience - from himself - by observing the distance between White America and Black America. One has only to ask oneself who established this distance, who is this distance designed to protect, and from what is this distance designed to offer protection?”
Night Shift by Stephen King
3.5
I loved Jerusalems Lot. It’s a chilling vampire short that will leave you wishing there were more pages. I highly recommend reading Salem’s Lot before this story for a better experience. (4.25/5)
Coming from someone with mild musophobia (fear of mice and rats,) Graveyard Shift creeped me out. Is that a good thing? Well, yes, we are reading horror! King will make your skin crawl with this ratty tale. (3.5/5)
Night Surf is a prequel to King’s novel ‘The Stand.’ I haven’t read it yet, but I must say, this story made me want to read it immediately. The story withholds the perfect amount of information to intrigue you. My favorite part was the ending. We don’t know what happens next, and I love using my imagination to fill in the blanks. (2.5/5)
I Am the Doorway is a creepy tale about a disabled ex-astronaut and an alien mutation he picked up in space. The ending was disconcerting. I would give anything to know what happens next. This story should’ve been a novella or at least longer!! (3.5/5)
I’m almost 100% sure The Mangler inspired King’s novel ‘Christine.’ From what I read online, this isn’t confirmed. However, this story centers around an iron that’s possessed and killing people. In other words, the original “Christine.” Nonetheless, I enjoyed this story! It’s outlandish and fun. (3.5/5)
I would have liked The Boogeyman more if Lester Billings wasn’t such a piece of sh*t. The story follows Lester recounting the tale of his children’s deaths at the hands of The Boogeyman. (2.25/5)
Gray Matter is odd, to say the least. It’s definitely one of my least favorites from this collection. (2/5)
Imagine you’re a hitman, and your next job is to kill a toy store owner. Then, toy soldiers come after you. Battleground is outlandish and highly improbable. However, I enjoyed it! It’s entertaining and requires you to suspend disbelief. (3/5)
Trucks is a tale about a group trapped inside a diner by killer trucks. This story is like a cross between King’s “The Mist” and “Christine” while being very unique. It’s so unlikely, but I love this plot. Who knew trucks could scare me? (4.25/5)
Sometimes They Come Back is a short story about a high school teacher who is haunted by three spirits. Why, you may ask? They blame him for their deaths. Although I liked this story more towards the end, I feel it’s too long. Other stories in this collection could’ve benefited from extra length. However, Sometimes They Come Back isn’t one of them. (2.25/5)
Strawberry Spring is about a weather phenomenon that occurs every eight years. A serial killer known as Springheel Jack uses the fog of ‘Strawberry Spring’ to commit a string of brutal murders. At first, I wasn’t vibing with this story. I got to the plot twist (and had a wtf moment,) reread the story, and I was simply in awe. (3.25/5)
The Ledge is a story about Stan Norris and a man named Cressner, a crime lord. Norris has an affair with Cressner’s wife and is then challenged to walk the ledge of a skyscraper. The prize? Marcia, Cressner’s cheating wife. Surprisingly, I loved this story. It’s a testament to human resilience blanketed under a cruel tale. (4.5/5)
The Lawnmower Man is such a bizarre and engrossing tale. King tells the story of a guy who orders a lawnmower service, and let’s just say things did not go as you’d expect. Honestly, how the hell does King come up with stuff like this? It’s admirable but, at the same time, so strange. (3.25/5)
Quitters, Inc. is a witty story about addiction and the drastic measures that may be needed to kick the habit for good. I didn’t know what to expect from this one, which exceeded all my expectations. (4/5)
I Know What You Need is a story about obsession and manipulation. Ed uses black magic to know the needs of others. He uses this power to make Elizabeth, his lifelong crush, fall in love with him… by any means necessary! Dark romance fans would love this story. (3.75/5)
Children of the Corn is one of my favorite Stephen King adaptations. Therefore, this story was a highly anticipated read. The plot is pretty simple. A married couple drives through rural Nebraska, and they stop in Gaitland. However, the town is rampant with killer children who murdered the town’s adults. I’ve always found this premise to be so horrific! Just imagine it. There’s something so scary about getting chased through corn by a four-foot child. (4.5/5)
The Last Rung on the Ladder yanked on all my heartstrings. Did I expect King to rip my heart into shreds? No, but it’s fine. This story is one of the most powerful pieces of literature I’ve ever read. It’s been a day since I read it, and I can’t get it out of my mind. The story follows Larry and Katrina as Larry recounts an incident from their childhood. This tale is a must-read for anyone with a beating heart. (5/5)
The Man Who Loved Flowers is a story about a man in New York. We follow him as he goes to buy flowers for his lover. I can’t say too much about this story without spoiling it completely. It’s very short, and there isn’t much to cover besides the twist. (3.5/5)
One for the Road is about two good samaritans who attempt to rescue a New Jersey man's family from Jerusalems Lot. You can jump into this story if you’ve read Salem's lot. The events take place after Salem's lot, and it acts as a sequel. (3.5/5)
The Woman in the Room is a heartbreaking story about a man debating whether to euthanize his terminally ill mother. I enjoyed this story, but it wasn’t very horrific. I can see how some might find the topic horrifying, but it just wasn’t to me. (2.5/5)
3.5 stars (average rating.)
Coming from someone with mild musophobia (fear of mice and rats,) Graveyard Shift creeped me out. Is that a good thing? Well, yes, we are reading horror! King will make your skin crawl with this ratty tale. (3.5/5)
Night Surf is a prequel to King’s novel ‘The Stand.’ I haven’t read it yet, but I must say, this story made me want to read it immediately. The story withholds the perfect amount of information to intrigue you. My favorite part was the ending. We don’t know what happens next, and I love using my imagination to fill in the blanks. (2.5/5)
I Am the Doorway is a creepy tale about a disabled ex-astronaut and an alien mutation he picked up in space. The ending was disconcerting. I would give anything to know what happens next. This story should’ve been a novella or at least longer!! (3.5/5)
I’m almost 100% sure The Mangler inspired King’s novel ‘Christine.’ From what I read online, this isn’t confirmed. However, this story centers around an iron that’s possessed and killing people. In other words, the original “Christine.” Nonetheless, I enjoyed this story! It’s outlandish and fun. (3.5/5)
I would have liked The Boogeyman more if Lester Billings wasn’t such a piece of sh*t. The story follows Lester recounting the tale of his children’s deaths at the hands of The Boogeyman. (2.25/5)
Gray Matter is odd, to say the least. It’s definitely one of my least favorites from this collection. (2/5)
Imagine you’re a hitman, and your next job is to kill a toy store owner. Then, toy soldiers come after you. Battleground is outlandish and highly improbable. However, I enjoyed it! It’s entertaining and requires you to suspend disbelief. (3/5)
Trucks is a tale about a group trapped inside a diner by killer trucks. This story is like a cross between King’s “The Mist” and “Christine” while being very unique. It’s so unlikely, but I love this plot. Who knew trucks could scare me? (4.25/5)
Sometimes They Come Back is a short story about a high school teacher who is haunted by three spirits. Why, you may ask? They blame him for their deaths. Although I liked this story more towards the end, I feel it’s too long. Other stories in this collection could’ve benefited from extra length. However, Sometimes They Come Back isn’t one of them. (2.25/5)
Strawberry Spring is about a weather phenomenon that occurs every eight years. A serial killer known as Springheel Jack uses the fog of ‘Strawberry Spring’ to commit a string of brutal murders. At first, I wasn’t vibing with this story. I got to the plot twist (and had a wtf moment,) reread the story, and I was simply in awe. (3.25/5)
The Ledge is a story about Stan Norris and a man named Cressner, a crime lord. Norris has an affair with Cressner’s wife and is then challenged to walk the ledge of a skyscraper. The prize? Marcia, Cressner’s cheating wife. Surprisingly, I loved this story. It’s a testament to human resilience blanketed under a cruel tale. (4.5/5)
The Lawnmower Man is such a bizarre and engrossing tale. King tells the story of a guy who orders a lawnmower service, and let’s just say things did not go as you’d expect. Honestly, how the hell does King come up with stuff like this? It’s admirable but, at the same time, so strange. (3.25/5)
Quitters, Inc. is a witty story about addiction and the drastic measures that may be needed to kick the habit for good. I didn’t know what to expect from this one, which exceeded all my expectations. (4/5)
I Know What You Need is a story about obsession and manipulation. Ed uses black magic to know the needs of others. He uses this power to make Elizabeth, his lifelong crush, fall in love with him… by any means necessary! Dark romance fans would love this story. (3.75/5)
Children of the Corn is one of my favorite Stephen King adaptations. Therefore, this story was a highly anticipated read. The plot is pretty simple. A married couple drives through rural Nebraska, and they stop in Gaitland. However, the town is rampant with killer children who murdered the town’s adults. I’ve always found this premise to be so horrific! Just imagine it. There’s something so scary about getting chased through corn by a four-foot child. (4.5/5)
The Last Rung on the Ladder yanked on all my heartstrings. Did I expect King to rip my heart into shreds? No, but it’s fine. This story is one of the most powerful pieces of literature I’ve ever read. It’s been a day since I read it, and I can’t get it out of my mind. The story follows Larry and Katrina as Larry recounts an incident from their childhood. This tale is a must-read for anyone with a beating heart. (5/5)
The Man Who Loved Flowers is a story about a man in New York. We follow him as he goes to buy flowers for his lover. I can’t say too much about this story without spoiling it completely. It’s very short, and there isn’t much to cover besides the twist. (3.5/5)
One for the Road is about two good samaritans who attempt to rescue a New Jersey man's family from Jerusalems Lot. You can jump into this story if you’ve read Salem's lot. The events take place after Salem's lot, and it acts as a sequel. (3.5/5)
The Woman in the Room is a heartbreaking story about a man debating whether to euthanize his terminally ill mother. I enjoyed this story, but it wasn’t very horrific. I can see how some might find the topic horrifying, but it just wasn’t to me. (2.5/5)
3.5 stars (average rating.)
The Last Time I Lied by Riley Sager
3.5
I've read five books by Sager, and the experience was dud after dud. I don't like the female characters Sager writes, and his mysteries are usually eh to me. However, I'm happy to say I truly enjoyed The Last Time I Lied. This novel is my favorite Sager so far.
There's a great level of misdirection in this story. You're led to believe one thing, and once the twists start, it's like, "How did I miss this?!" That's a well-done final plot twist. Other than the Pretty Little Liars vibe the story gave off, the twist earned this novel half a star. I guess the plot twists in thrillers fairly easily, and this one flew over my head.
There's a great level of misdirection in this story. You're led to believe one thing, and once the twists start, it's like, "How did I miss this?!" That's a well-done final plot twist. Other than the Pretty Little Liars vibe the story gave off, the twist earned this novel half a star. I guess the plot twists in thrillers fairly easily, and this one flew over my head.
Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery
4.0
“I'm so glad I live in a world where there are Octobers.”
Anne of Green Gables is one of the coziest and heartwarming books ever. I highly recommend reading this book during October *Since Anne would approve <3*
Anne of Green Gables is one of the coziest and heartwarming books ever. I highly recommend reading this book during October *Since Anne would approve <3*
Ariel by Sylvia Plath
1.0
What can I even say? Honestly, I mentally tapped out after one too many racial slurs. I’m confused as to why Plath felt the need to use racial slurs. It’s so offputting and odd in a poetry collection. I probably shouldn’t have finished reading the book. However, since it's a tiny collection and I was already far in, I couldn’t justify giving up. I read poems by Plath when I was younger, so I was excited to read this book. Now, I probably won't pick up anything she's written again.
Eclipse by Stephenie Meyer
2.0
I didn't think it possible, but Eclipse is no better than its predecessors. However, I'm so far gone, I must see this through! Off to Breaking Dawn. 😭
One Hundred Years of Solitude by Gabriel García Márquez
2.0
One Hundred Years of Solitude is a bizarre novel. Its themes are dark, and they may be a lot for some readers.
Trigger warnings: death/death of minors, inc*st, p*dophilia/child grooming, sexual content, r*pe, misogyny, sexual assault, racism, and violence.
Márquez’s magical realism is the best part of this novel. In addition to being the sole reason, I gave it two stars. Although I enjoyed parts of this story, it never lasted long. Something extreme or disturbing always took me out of the story. Overall, I think this novel wasn’t for me.
Trigger warnings: death/death of minors, inc*st, p*dophilia/child grooming, sexual content, r*pe, misogyny, sexual assault, racism, and violence.
Márquez’s magical realism is the best part of this novel. In addition to being the sole reason, I gave it two stars. Although I enjoyed parts of this story, it never lasted long. Something extreme or disturbing always took me out of the story. Overall, I think this novel wasn’t for me.
New Moon by Stephenie Meyer
2.25
After reading Twilight, I thought Meyer's writing would improve with the next book. Somehow her prose got worse. Will I read the next book? Well duh!
Oh yeah, how dare Bella call Jacob a traitor after using him AND associating with his enemy!! Girl bye.
Oh yeah, how dare Bella call Jacob a traitor after using him AND associating with his enemy!! Girl bye.
Twilight by Stephenie Meyer
2.75
“I was unconditionally and irrevocably in love with him.”
Bella and Edward have such a toxic relationship! The movies showed some of this, but the book heightens it. It’s undeniably unhealthy and intense (like most teenage first loves.) Am I bashing Meyers? Yeah, no. I devoured this book! 🤭 To be fair, my younger self resonates with Bella and her feelings for Edward. So that influenced my reading experience. Also, having been a lifetime fan of the films, I find it hard to hate the source material. 🥰 Although I have attachments to this franchise, the prose is not the best!! I can see why many readers say this book is their “guilty pleasure.” Anyways, onto New Moon! 🤭
Bella and Edward have such a toxic relationship! The movies showed some of this, but the book heightens it. It’s undeniably unhealthy and intense (like most teenage first loves.) Am I bashing Meyers? Yeah, no. I devoured this book! 🤭 To be fair, my younger self resonates with Bella and her feelings for Edward. So that influenced my reading experience. Also, having been a lifetime fan of the films, I find it hard to hate the source material. 🥰 Although I have attachments to this franchise, the prose is not the best!! I can see why many readers say this book is their “guilty pleasure.” Anyways, onto New Moon! 🤭
Carmilla by J. Sheridan Le Fanu
2.0
I loved how atmospheric this story was. However, I can't get past the homophobia. In addition to that, the complete villainization of the LGBTQ+ community through Carmilla's character.