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kartrick's reviews
294 reviews
Kiss & Tell by Alain de Botton
funny
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
An incredibly enjoyable read, start to finish. I have never laughed out loud so much while reading a book!
My impression of Alain de Botton (as erudite, articulate, knowledgeable) from the School of Life videos I've watched was by no means incorrect, but was very incomplete. I never imagined he would be so witty!
A gem of a writer. Everything about the story---from the concept to the aspects of focus to the keen observations of human nature and smart one-liners---was of highest quality. He's also pulled off the wildest usage of adjectives and adverbs!
My impression of Alain de Botton (as erudite, articulate, knowledgeable) from the School of Life videos I've watched was by no means incorrect, but was very incomplete. I never imagined he would be so witty!
A gem of a writer. Everything about the story---from the concept to the aspects of focus to the keen observations of human nature and smart one-liners---was of highest quality. He's also pulled off the wildest usage of adjectives and adverbs!
After Dark by Haruki Murakami
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
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? Yes
4.25
A very enjoyable read, and I really loved Murakami's unique narration. It was thought-provoking in terms of the wonderful writing, perspectives and characters, but not necessarily philosophically deep (the metaphor of internal darkness didn't hit strongly for me). Might have been a 4.5, but I struggle with open-endedness.
Ignorance by Milan Kundera
emotional
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.75
This is just the book I've been needing---delves into matters that have been weighing heavy on my mind (the circumstances, attitudes and philosophies leading up to, and the consequences of, emigration). The premise of this novella struck a deep chord, and although it doesn't provide any answers to my questions it does offer considerable insight, and there's much mulling over for me to do. Kundera had already jumped to #1 on my author list with The Unbearable Lightness of Being; this book just cemented his spot further.