jackdziatkowiec's reviews
204 reviews

Freshwater: A Comedy by Virginia Woolf

challenging lighthearted medium-paced

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

2.5

Includes two versions of the play. An early script, and a later revised version. Both feel like an experiment that was never meant to be published.

The Phantom Tollbooth by Norton Juster

adventurous funny lighthearted fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

Full of puns, and little nuggets of wisdom. Magical and wholesome, and absurd.

Cyrano de Bergerac by Edmond Rostand

emotional funny 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

4.5

I was completely charmed by Cyrano. He's garish and belligerent, and a pitiful romantic. I was really rooting for him.

The Misanthrope and Tartuffe, by Molière by Molière

funny lighthearted fast-paced

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

4.0

This translation was funny, witty, and everything rhymes. It's easy to read and very engaging. The Misanthrope is about unrequited love. Tartuffe is about deception, and the hypocrisy of pious men.

Favorite Poems by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

reflective slow-paced

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

4.0

This is the type of poetry I like. It's readable, concise, and every line rhymes. His narrative poetry as well, is quite nice.

Civil Disobedience, and Other Essays by Henry David Thoreau

challenging inspiring reflective slow-paced

4.0

Not much has changed in 150 years. The government finds new ways to enslave and divide its populace. Injustice and corruption prevail at every turn. The government is bought and sold to the highest bidder. Why do I need a representative to vote for me? Where is the voting app? Every 18 year old has a cell phone. We can vote for ourselves for whatever local ordinances and national addendums are put forth. The government is holding us back from having control of our rights. It's mind boggling to me that the few in political office make decisions for the millions, based solely on their own interests and profit. It's high time for a revolution! 

Also, I need to take more walks.

The Doll in the Garden: A Ghost Story by Mary Downing Hahn

sad medium-paced

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

3.0

Short and sweet.

Pirate Latitudes by Michael Crichton

adventurous dark tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

Non stop action. So much carnage. Great characters. Super fun adventure. Hoping for the movie.

The Color of Culture by Mona Lake Jones

hopeful inspiring reflective fast-paced

3.5

Simple and direct. Loving and supportive. Some of these poems hit hard.

Tuck Everlasting by Natalie Babbitt

emotional sad slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

The writing is very romantic. Feels like a memory. Lovely book.