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joelogsliterature's reviews
86 reviews
La Gallina Degollada by Horacio Quiroga, Horacio Quiroga
dark
funny
sad
fast-paced
4.75
De vez en cuando, lees algo que sabes que jamás olvidarás. Así fue para mi. Un cuento increíblemente atterador y desconcertante.
Hillbilly Elegy: A Memoir of a Family and Culture in Crisis by J.D. Vance
challenging
reflective
medium-paced
2.5
I have a hard time putting a review to this book. I may be being too hard with that two stars, but I think it might be deserved for considering the book just one step back. There’s something worthwhile here in understanding and diagnosing the problems of middle America, but the focus is also intentionally myopic as to ultimately fetishize and victimize these people.
To be clear—and I regrettably have to mention this because this book is so politically centered today—I don’t much like Vance. His current position in government worries me somewhat because he is genuinely competent while espousing beliefs and supporting policies that I think to be deeply harmful. But that has nothing a priori to do with my mixed feelings about this book, even if it relates. I’m also not opposed to giving him props where due. He’s done impressive things in his life. He writes well. Etc. etc.
This is a memoir, yes, but it’s also explicitly meant to provide insight into the plight of the white working class in and from the rust belt. Vance even sprinkles in a few academic citations to bolster his points to this effect. It’s a personal tale but an especially doctored one with an agenda. That’s not inherently bad, but what comes out of that paradigm can be. In this case, the book is ultimately a fable: embrace God, take accountability and get off your ass, and you can be like me instead of like those hillbillies I grew up with.
I’ve resisted embellishing his attitude toward his home here. In recent discourse, I’ve often heard Vance called a traitor to his roots or that he hates where he came from. I don’t think this is entirely fair, even if there is more than a hint of resentment at points. But Vance’s homeland—like any region but more than most—has a lot of problems, and his upbringing left a lot of room for understandable bitterness.
Is Vance’s a worthwhile perspective? I honestly think so. I’m from an Appalachian family of working class whites. The people I grew up with certainly can present some of these unique psychological contradictions. While sometimes feeling exaggerated and too folksy—putting on equal footing that oh-so-reliable lore with actual observations at points—the peculiar codes and extreme behavior that litters this book certainly bear resemblance to what I’ve known.
The issue is more so what Vance intentionally leaves out. Race is explicitly pushed out of this book, as if the working class whites of Appalachia had no relation to other demographics. The patterns of poverty are given little attention aside from showing them to then turn to Vance’s triumphs. Basically, the book’s a very shallow analysis of the problem.
To be clear—and I regrettably have to mention this because this book is so politically centered today—I don’t much like Vance. His current position in government worries me somewhat because he is genuinely competent while espousing beliefs and supporting policies that I think to be deeply harmful. But that has nothing a priori to do with my mixed feelings about this book, even if it relates. I’m also not opposed to giving him props where due. He’s done impressive things in his life. He writes well. Etc. etc.
This is a memoir, yes, but it’s also explicitly meant to provide insight into the plight of the white working class in and from the rust belt. Vance even sprinkles in a few academic citations to bolster his points to this effect. It’s a personal tale but an especially doctored one with an agenda. That’s not inherently bad, but what comes out of that paradigm can be. In this case, the book is ultimately a fable: embrace God, take accountability and get off your ass, and you can be like me instead of like those hillbillies I grew up with.
I’ve resisted embellishing his attitude toward his home here. In recent discourse, I’ve often heard Vance called a traitor to his roots or that he hates where he came from. I don’t think this is entirely fair, even if there is more than a hint of resentment at points. But Vance’s homeland—like any region but more than most—has a lot of problems, and his upbringing left a lot of room for understandable bitterness.
Is Vance’s a worthwhile perspective? I honestly think so. I’m from an Appalachian family of working class whites. The people I grew up with certainly can present some of these unique psychological contradictions. While sometimes feeling exaggerated and too folksy—putting on equal footing that oh-so-reliable lore with actual observations at points—the peculiar codes and extreme behavior that litters this book certainly bear resemblance to what I’ve known.
The issue is more so what Vance intentionally leaves out. Race is explicitly pushed out of this book, as if the working class whites of Appalachia had no relation to other demographics. The patterns of poverty are given little attention aside from showing them to then turn to Vance’s triumphs. Basically, the book’s a very shallow analysis of the problem.
Three Days of Happiness by Sugaru Miaki
emotional
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
3.5
I don’t usually read let alone log “light novels.” I use scare quotes because in Japan, and even on the Wikipedia article, this is just called a novel, but it got a manga adaptation and anime-looking front-cover art, so it gets the semi-perjorative. In any case, this one is pretty substantial in length (~80k words with the epilogues). It is also genuinely quite well-made and hits an emotional chord. A friend recommended it to me, promising it wouldn’t be slop. Good call.
The present scenario’s been played on several times with variation. There’s a new twist in the trichotomy of health, time or life here, and that’s both thematically and plot-important (notice the focus on the final two…), but the most refreshing part of the approach is how the characters respond. As for the more technical aspects of the writing, the translation is more-than-adequate, the resulting weaving of words light but confident. I’ll give props to the cute little literary references too, especially where Kusonoki laments having allowed his indulgent escape to media overflow his metaphorical basin.
While it’s unclear how Kusonoki could possibly have fallen so far, how his holding out hope could have led him to such a worthless life, the general idea reflected is something one sees more than they’d like to admit in the world. The inevitable confluence is clear early on, but the resolution is still sweet and meaningful. Clearly some care was given to the proper reinforcement of theme, and in this way, this really has a hint of literary fiction, though it’s too plot-focused to really give it the label.
The present scenario’s been played on several times with variation. There’s a new twist in the trichotomy of health, time or life here, and that’s both thematically and plot-important (notice the focus on the final two…), but the most refreshing part of the approach is how the characters respond. As for the more technical aspects of the writing, the translation is more-than-adequate, the resulting weaving of words light but confident. I’ll give props to the cute little literary references too, especially where Kusonoki laments having allowed his indulgent escape to media overflow his metaphorical basin.
While it’s unclear how Kusonoki could possibly have fallen so far, how his holding out hope could have led him to such a worthless life, the general idea reflected is something one sees more than they’d like to admit in the world. The inevitable confluence is clear early on, but the resolution is still sweet and meaningful. Clearly some care was given to the proper reinforcement of theme, and in this way, this really has a hint of literary fiction, though it’s too plot-focused to really give it the label.
Philosophy of Mind by Jaegwon Kim
challenging
informative
reflective
medium-paced
4.5
A fantastic introduction to the subject that could serve a number of audiences from ambitious dilettantes to graduate students wanting a quick reference or review for certain ideas. Here you find several of Kim's original arguments put in pleasant form without really losing anything. Two main examples are: (1) the wonderfully presented closure overdetermination argument against non-reductive physicalism; (2) the pairing problem objection to substance dualists is also a triumph. Both of these are broad, abstract claims that supersede specific objections. Such a tendency is seen throughout the book, with the other essential theme being perhaps that of supervenience, although here I wish he'd allowed for more use of diagrams in explicating arguments, as I think this relation is mysterious to the uninitiated, despite most of the book being very accessible.
Lots of additional readings of note are provided. My only complaint on that front is that too much is given without enough demarcation as to what is truly essential classical background (e.g. Meditations on First Philosophy, Putnam's Brains and Behavior) versus go-to references (e.g. the Oxford handbook) versus Kim's favorites versus additional perspectives. I also have some minor gripes with some presentations of science-based arguments, but they end up being immaterial by and large.
I do wish non-physicalism were given slightly more attention. It is certainly a minority viewpoint, and I think we have good reason to label it as unserious if only for verification reasons, but idealism and the like are certainly relevant. A few philosophers like Hegel and Spinoza get shafted a bit, but I get not wanting to dive into that for an introduction like this.
Lots of additional readings of note are provided. My only complaint on that front is that too much is given without enough demarcation as to what is truly essential classical background (e.g. Meditations on First Philosophy, Putnam's Brains and Behavior) versus go-to references (e.g. the Oxford handbook) versus Kim's favorites versus additional perspectives. I also have some minor gripes with some presentations of science-based arguments, but they end up being immaterial by and large.
I do wish non-physicalism were given slightly more attention. It is certainly a minority viewpoint, and I think we have good reason to label it as unserious if only for verification reasons, but idealism and the like are certainly relevant. A few philosophers like Hegel and Spinoza get shafted a bit, but I get not wanting to dive into that for an introduction like this.
Can't Hurt Me: Master Your Mind and Defy the Odds by David Goggins
inspiring
fast-paced
1.0
Mostly tripe. It was painful to listen to at certain points, but I like to read stuff that doesn't seem like it'd at all appeal to me every once in a while. I see why this works for some people, don't get me wrong, but the actionable advice here could be summed up in like five cliché bullet points. OK but the story themselves should serve as demonstrations of how effective this radical accountability and whatnot is, right? Except the (not-so)-ghost writer writes really poorly, admittedly probably to match Goggins' voice, and also it is painfully obvious that the story is doctored.
At every turn, we are vaguely assured that due-diligence has been done, but it's awfully convenient that, after his apotheosis-like second-coming wherein he makes it to Seal training, Goggins never fails except for reasons justifiable in this world he's devised for himself: failed for injury where the doctors required he stay back, failed for literal muscle shutdown, failed for daydreaming and getting lost (lul). Now obviously Goggins' story is incredible, and obviously he is a living example of the sort of hard man he advocates for being---to suggest otherwise is stupid or ignorant---but it is frustrating that there is still this need to embellish. (Mind you, he apparently served with Chris Kylee, Jocko Willinick, and Marcus Luttrell, only one of whom ever claimed to have known him.)
OK, but suppose it really is just that beautiful of a story where everything fits together perfectly in this framework. Then it would seem he's had no falters since that monumental decision to change his life. Of course, he's failed, but only in ways somewhat excusable even to his own extreme mentality. That just makes for less useful reading.
There's also fundamental inconsistency in what's being presented. We're meant to be in awe and mimic Goggins' absolute devotion, but then he feels the need to go back and suggest gradual changes, to not work through injury, and to generally avoid doing everything featured in the book. There's also a gapping hole in giving any sort of advice outside of physical challenges, except that one must make time for it. He speaks little of his studying for the ASVAB and whatnot except that he'd rote memorize obsessively, which isn't great advice.
I did think the format of the audiobook was cute. I like it for this kind of book, although the in-studio conversations could've benefitted from more polish.
It's just so funny to think of the gap between the type of person who reads and loves this (and acts on nothing) and the type of person who embodies the advice.
At every turn, we are vaguely assured that due-diligence has been done, but it's awfully convenient that, after his apotheosis-like second-coming wherein he makes it to Seal training, Goggins never fails except for reasons justifiable in this world he's devised for himself: failed for injury where the doctors required he stay back, failed for literal muscle shutdown, failed for daydreaming and getting lost (lul). Now obviously Goggins' story is incredible, and obviously he is a living example of the sort of hard man he advocates for being---to suggest otherwise is stupid or ignorant---but it is frustrating that there is still this need to embellish. (Mind you, he apparently served with Chris Kylee, Jocko Willinick, and Marcus Luttrell, only one of whom ever claimed to have known him.)
OK, but suppose it really is just that beautiful of a story where everything fits together perfectly in this framework. Then it would seem he's had no falters since that monumental decision to change his life. Of course, he's failed, but only in ways somewhat excusable even to his own extreme mentality. That just makes for less useful reading.
There's also fundamental inconsistency in what's being presented. We're meant to be in awe and mimic Goggins' absolute devotion, but then he feels the need to go back and suggest gradual changes, to not work through injury, and to generally avoid doing everything featured in the book. There's also a gapping hole in giving any sort of advice outside of physical challenges, except that one must make time for it. He speaks little of his studying for the ASVAB and whatnot except that he'd rote memorize obsessively, which isn't great advice.
I did think the format of the audiobook was cute. I like it for this kind of book, although the in-studio conversations could've benefitted from more polish.
It's just so funny to think of the gap between the type of person who reads and loves this (and acts on nothing) and the type of person who embodies the advice.
The Anthropocene Reviewed: Essays on a Human-Centered Planet by John Green
adventurous
hopeful
informative
lighthearted
fast-paced
4.0
I thought I logged this when I re-read it in 2023, but I guess not. It's one of Green's better books, in my opinion. Full of whimsy. A book of fun facts that is not <i>merely</i> so.
Harry Potter y la cámara secreta by J.K. Rowling
adventurous
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-paced
3.0
Sé que hay gente para quien La cámara secreta es el mejor libro de la serie, pero nunca he podido entender completamente esa opinión. Bueno, es divertido e introduce muchas ideas nuevas que resultan importantes luego, pero es obvio que es una secuela simple, sin mucho esfuerzo en diferenciarla del primer libro. Para mí, quizá sea el peor de la serie, aunque no es malo para lo que es. Lamentablemente, Rowling no desarrolla bien a Ginny: en este libro, ella carece de la capacidad de actuar por sí misma; existe como peón de trama. Es verdad que la trama toma una buena forma al final, e incluso hay una sorpresa importante bien hecha.
Everything is Tuberculosis by John Green
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
fast-paced
4.5
I’m generally against preordering on principle, but I had enough faith in the author and concept here to give in. Beyond genuinely having some of that elusive mixture of talent and care, I’m simply disposed to liking John’s writing and, with sample size now of two, even more so when it’s not angsty teen fiction, although I’ve been known to indulge in that too.
I’ll try to write more tomorrow, but Everything is TB works on three levels: 1.) It informs you of the necessary technical prerequisites to understanding the status quo; 2.) it paints the social history of disease and TB in particular; 3.) it relates poignant human stories. That John’s measures in freeing the world of TB have seemingly had such an outsized effect may unduly credit him for the efforts of true experts and aid workers, but it is also true that his newfound personal mission has been effective and adds something more to this book. True to his style, fun facts and frequent morsels of levity are interspersed, all culminating in hope following compassion and action.
It's a very strong book, arguably John Green's best. From the discovery of early treatments after Koch and Pasteur to the post-RIPE protocols of today, from ancient origins through to romanticizing consumption to stigmatizing it as a disease of the immoral and poor, Everything is TB sketches the whole human story of this terrible disease. It also tells the story of one young man in particular, Henry, who suffered unjustly from it. His suffering is unjust not just because all human suffering is, and not just because there is no such thing as a natural death, that every such death is an accident, an unjustifiable violation (de Beauvoir), but because the treatment was available for him from the beginning, if only the clinics in his home country of Sierra Leone had the resources.
I’ll try to write more tomorrow, but Everything is TB works on three levels: 1.) It informs you of the necessary technical prerequisites to understanding the status quo; 2.) it paints the social history of disease and TB in particular; 3.) it relates poignant human stories. That John’s measures in freeing the world of TB have seemingly had such an outsized effect may unduly credit him for the efforts of true experts and aid workers, but it is also true that his newfound personal mission has been effective and adds something more to this book. True to his style, fun facts and frequent morsels of levity are interspersed, all culminating in hope following compassion and action.
It's a very strong book, arguably John Green's best. From the discovery of early treatments after Koch and Pasteur to the post-RIPE protocols of today, from ancient origins through to romanticizing consumption to stigmatizing it as a disease of the immoral and poor, Everything is TB sketches the whole human story of this terrible disease. It also tells the story of one young man in particular, Henry, who suffered unjustly from it. His suffering is unjust not just because all human suffering is, and not just because there is no such thing as a natural death, that every such death is an accident, an unjustifiable violation (de Beauvoir), but because the treatment was available for him from the beginning, if only the clinics in his home country of Sierra Leone had the resources.
The Raven: And Other Poems and Stories by Edgar Allan Poe
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
medium-paced
5.0
One must return to Poe always. Psychologically brutal yet deeply romantic, you're left entranced to the beat of his obsession.
It's debatable whether his poems or short stories reign supreme, but both are sublime. His published works are scarce, so this little volume features most of the final versions of most of his poems. Maybe I'll go through his entire corpus sometime this year. I've never set out to do so, so I know I've missed a few works.
It's debatable whether his poems or short stories reign supreme, but both are sublime. His published works are scarce, so this little volume features most of the final versions of most of his poems. Maybe I'll go through his entire corpus sometime this year. I've never set out to do so, so I know I've missed a few works.