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linkalipski's reviews
288 reviews
Could You Survive the Ice Age?: An Interactive Prehistoric Adventure by Blake Hoena
adventurous
dark
informative
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
2.75
Queenie by Candice Carty-Williams
The book is a collection of the worst cliches and I don’t understand why. I find that it actually makes things worse rather than help cultural shifts towards abandoning unconscious biases. Here are some of the unnecessary stereotypes in the book: black characters have absent fathers/broken families and talk in street slang, the jewish character lends money, the Pakistani character flaunt his money from their thriving family business, men are all sex crazed sexist pigs, white people are racists, women bosses are cold b*tches, rich people are arrogant and immoral, BDSM practitioners are violent, etc.
I was really upset that, once again, BDSM is used to demonise the practice. The kink community does not engage in risky sex without prior discussions, even more so if acts involve potential physical injury. The violent scene reads like rape to me. It was unclear if author meant it as so because there were missing indicators in text to clarify the level of consent of Queenie and how she felt about it. To me, it was a rape scene.
Also, it is rather ironic that a character who is supposed to be a feminist, uses the term hysterical to describe a woman. I don’t know if the author meant for that irony or if she herself, does not know the origin of the term and why it should be avoided.
Overall, the writing was lacking depth so it reads like a compilation of Twitter threads on racism experiences mixed with instagram gossip. We can feel the author’s agenda as opposed to feeling like this is a real character, to whom real unfair experiences happen. That said, that’s her first book so I think it’s a good start. She has many aspects of dialogue nailed so with some maturing in the other areas of writing, I have no doubt she will write some good stories in the future.
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
This book was a birthday gift as my friend really enjoyed it but my experience was different. I didn’t enjoy the book because I find the main character to be insufferable and I don’t understand the choices of the author.
The book is dominantly dialogues. A bit too much in my opinion: I’d say 80% is dialogues, mostly the primary type but at times indirect, with 10% of the book being her inner thoughts (which is mostly imagined dialogues or self-talk) and 10% action descriptions.
The book is dominantly dialogues. A bit too much in my opinion: I’d say 80% is dialogues, mostly the primary type but at times indirect, with 10% of the book being her inner thoughts (which is mostly imagined dialogues or self-talk) and 10% action descriptions.
While the author did a good job in giving each characters distinct voices, the surrounding text lacks enough descriptors to make it unique and specific. This means that if you extract a piece, the writing doesn’t stand alone and reads very generic. A good example of that is the pool scene (page 302). In places, you could think you’re reading about a Karen being entitled and mean against children. Whereas if you add the missing text elements that are unique to this character, then you’d be reading about racism. Simple additions would have sufficed, such as describing the kind of stare the little girl has or the tone of the dialogue.
Eg, “Tabitha, come here!” Will read differently if the tone is embarrassed, through clenched teeth and an attempted smile or said with anger and exasperation or shouted with panic and alertness. Which will change the scene completely. But those indicators are constantly missing so the scenes are impoverished.
Eg, “Tabitha, come here!” Will read differently if the tone is embarrassed, through clenched teeth and an attempted smile or said with anger and exasperation or shouted with panic and alertness. Which will change the scene completely. But those indicators are constantly missing so the scenes are impoverished.
The book is very fast to read thanks to the dialogues and the rather short sentences. The style is a mix of swear words, london slang and young people speech.
A few missed errors (unless they were chosen by author although that begs the question of why) such as the use of the abbreviation “irl” in descriptive text and “he asked” after a statement.
I did not find the character to be relatable in the slightest: Queenie is rude, entitled, self-centred and selfish, an awful friend and a lazy worker. She lies too and is overly melodramatic. The drama part could be because she’s in her twenties but I find that insulting to that age group as not everyone who is young behave like they have a personality disorder. I don’t get why she was created as a character, what was the point. I experienced no joy reading her. There is no real character growth either. In fact, all ends well for her despite her shallow superficial “growth”. She expects apologies from everyone but hardly dishes them out herself and when she does, it’s not from a place of true understanding and kindness but with self-serving intent led by loneliness.
The book is a collection of the worst cliches and I don’t understand why. I find that it actually makes things worse rather than help cultural shifts towards abandoning unconscious biases. Here are some of the unnecessary stereotypes in the book: black characters have absent fathers/broken families and talk in street slang, the jewish character lends money, the Pakistani character flaunt his money from their thriving family business, men are all sex crazed sexist pigs, white people are racists, women bosses are cold b*tches, rich people are arrogant and immoral, BDSM practitioners are violent, etc.
I was really upset that, once again, BDSM is used to demonise the practice. The kink community does not engage in risky sex without prior discussions, even more so if acts involve potential physical injury. The violent scene reads like rape to me. It was unclear if author meant it as so because there were missing indicators in text to clarify the level of consent of Queenie and how she felt about it. To me, it was a rape scene.
Also, it is rather ironic that a character who is supposed to be a feminist, uses the term hysterical to describe a woman. I don’t know if the author meant for that irony or if she herself, does not know the origin of the term and why it should be avoided.
Overall, the writing was lacking depth so it reads like a compilation of Twitter threads on racism experiences mixed with instagram gossip. We can feel the author’s agenda as opposed to feeling like this is a real character, to whom real unfair experiences happen. That said, that’s her first book so I think it’s a good start. She has many aspects of dialogue nailed so with some maturing in the other areas of writing, I have no doubt she will write some good stories in the future.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism and Rape
Varlam by Michaël Prazan
The writing style is as dry and cold as the Siberian landscape he describes. A lot of political and foreign terms (often unexplained) mixed with a literate vocabulary makes for a tiring read. While his vocabulary is extremely literate, his emotional literacy is sub-par. That may have been a writing choice or a direct reflection of his person, only him knows. But while the books does describe some emotions, they are always at surface levels unless he describes his anger or anxiety. His reflection often didn’t match the underlying complexity of Gulag’s survivors emotions hinted at in his retelling. At times, I felt as if he himself didn’t read his own words for his argument seems so devoid of feelings.
For instance, why he wanted to do this documentary on the Gulags was unclear. At some point he mentions being of Polish jewish decent but that’s not presented as a motivation. Hence I could speculate that this may be a reason since mass of Polish people were deported to Gulags during WW2, but It doesn’t feel like it.
adventurous
informative
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
2.25
I’m glad I read this book but I also can’t say I enjoyed the experience.
The book structure is all over the place which is likely a poor editor’s choice. There is a constant back and forth with the documentary making timeline and with it the cat timeline. And that is the same for historical retelling. While it’s somewhat chronological overall, this constant jumping around makes it hard to follow.
The historical retelling are written in an academic style and mixed with documentary reporting. The latter is written either as passive voice when talking of the crew’s journey or as active first person when it is his personal experiences.
I can sense the intent to make the cat, the primary thread that weaves all those bits together but unfortunately I don’t think that was done successfully. The relationship with the cat and how the cat mirrors gulag survivors experiences from an emotional perspective would have been a better strategy.
The book structure is all over the place which is likely a poor editor’s choice. There is a constant back and forth with the documentary making timeline and with it the cat timeline. And that is the same for historical retelling. While it’s somewhat chronological overall, this constant jumping around makes it hard to follow.
The historical retelling are written in an academic style and mixed with documentary reporting. The latter is written either as passive voice when talking of the crew’s journey or as active first person when it is his personal experiences.
I can sense the intent to make the cat, the primary thread that weaves all those bits together but unfortunately I don’t think that was done successfully. The relationship with the cat and how the cat mirrors gulag survivors experiences from an emotional perspective would have been a better strategy.
The writing style is as dry and cold as the Siberian landscape he describes. A lot of political and foreign terms (often unexplained) mixed with a literate vocabulary makes for a tiring read. While his vocabulary is extremely literate, his emotional literacy is sub-par. That may have been a writing choice or a direct reflection of his person, only him knows. But while the books does describe some emotions, they are always at surface levels unless he describes his anger or anxiety. His reflection often didn’t match the underlying complexity of Gulag’s survivors emotions hinted at in his retelling. At times, I felt as if he himself didn’t read his own words for his argument seems so devoid of feelings.
For instance, why he wanted to do this documentary on the Gulags was unclear. At some point he mentions being of Polish jewish decent but that’s not presented as a motivation. Hence I could speculate that this may be a reason since mass of Polish people were deported to Gulags during WW2, but It doesn’t feel like it.
I learned quite a few things and now want to read Chalamov’s writing (perhaps to understand what my own grandfather survived). However, I was very bothered by his argument that Stalin’s Gulags weren’t part of a mass extermination plan. Arguing that a survivor saying “there’s good and bad” is evidence it wasn’t designed to exterminate is akin to arguing that a domestic violence survivor saying their partner had “good and bad times” is indicative that the perpetrator didn’t intend to harm them and that it was a byproduct. I think this argument shows a misunderstanding of the psychological functioning of cruel mechanism, abuse and manipulation and the complexity of responses in trauma survivors who endure the more sophisticated forms of torture and abuse.
Besides, that the gulags existed pre and post ww2, does not necessarily mean that the ones created by Stalin didn’t have an extermination function. It’s surprising to me as Russian friends of mine were taught at school in Russia of the Gulags as extermination camps. I personally view his argument as a perfect example of the brilliance of Stalin’s manipulation who managed to make his victims believe their abuse was for their own good. I understand these are complicated points that requires deep conversations but I very much felt upset at his point of view which I find to be akin to denial.
All in all.. I’m not mad I read this book. But I also think, the editor could have helped this book become better.
Besides, that the gulags existed pre and post ww2, does not necessarily mean that the ones created by Stalin didn’t have an extermination function. It’s surprising to me as Russian friends of mine were taught at school in Russia of the Gulags as extermination camps. I personally view his argument as a perfect example of the brilliance of Stalin’s manipulation who managed to make his victims believe their abuse was for their own good. I understand these are complicated points that requires deep conversations but I very much felt upset at his point of view which I find to be akin to denial.
All in all.. I’m not mad I read this book. But I also think, the editor could have helped this book become better.
His Only Wife by Peace Adzo Medie
This story could be summed up with « sexism does not make people happy and promotes cultures of unhealthy interpersonal control ».
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
It’s an interesting read and I’m glad I got to read it. It’s a way to expand ones cultural knowledge and be immersed in different ways of living.
That said, while I empathised with many of the characters because of their difficult situations, I didn’t like any of the characters. They are very authentically human but I personally wouldn’t want to be friends with any of them. I don’t know if the author meant to make them all equally unlikeable or if it’s just me… probably just me.
This story could be summed up with « sexism does not make people happy and promotes cultures of unhealthy interpersonal control ».
I don’t know how I feel about the story. Overall, I feel both frustrated and saddened that they are all just following sexist culture that clearly just creates issues. Also, I find Afi to be no more moral than the rest of them even though she is presenting as having integrity. I need time to reflect on this book before I know what I get out of it.
La démesure: soumise à la violence d'un père by Céline Raphaël
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
sad
tense
fast-paced
4.5
The book is short and easy to read (style wise) so there is no excuse not to read her memoir.
Similarly to my personal life, I felt most upset at others reactions to her, such as depicting her as a liar. Post-trauma betrayal is really difficult and it is important that she shared that reality.
There was a passage where I was holding my breath too. Her father’s violence was felt deeply in those lines.
She shared her story yet at the same she hasn’t because she cannot write all of the daily beatings for all the piano mistakes. It’s impossible and so in a way, even after telling her story, she is truly alone in her memories of it.. and that idea makes me profoundly upset. Sad for her and appreciative of her writing and also angry and disgusted at her father for robbing her of so much.
Her father’s denial is intriguing me a great deal. Not in its psychological mechanics but rather because I wonder if he actually retain awareness of his denial.
I want to know how her sister is doing, if she’s well now. I’m glad Celine has find love and a career she cherishes. I wish I could hug her 🤍
I want to know how her sister is doing, if she’s well now. I’m glad Celine has find love and a career she cherishes. I wish I could hug her 🤍
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence
Adieu Birkenau: Ginette Kolinka's Story of Survival by Ginette Kolinka
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
sad
tense
medium-paced
4.0
Survivors accounts are a must read no matter what.
This particular story is presented as flashbacks while the survivors is off to visit the camps in Poland with school children. I understand why they chose to do that way. I believe showing the contrast between what was and how things are after is important and powerful.
At the same time, it doesn’t allow to be fully immersed like other memoirs. To really emphasise the horror of the story, perhaps more time with her flashbacks would have been best.
That said, the advantage is that it’s a more « palatable » retelling which can be a good entryway into learning about Holocaust for younger readers.
I thought representing camp prisoners as black silhouetted mass was a clever illustrative choice: it really captured the ghostly aspect of their souls while representing their loss of personhood.
The scene when she returns to her mother made me weep burning tears.. the contrast was heart wrenching.
I didn’t know she was one of Telephone’s member mother and I’m glad to see that her legacy, in surviving, is both one of advocacy and of a musician son who livened up my teenage hood.
May she feel at peace and leave her guilt to rest in that cruel land and may all of those shadowy soul be at peace also. 🤍
This particular story is presented as flashbacks while the survivors is off to visit the camps in Poland with school children. I understand why they chose to do that way. I believe showing the contrast between what was and how things are after is important and powerful.
At the same time, it doesn’t allow to be fully immersed like other memoirs. To really emphasise the horror of the story, perhaps more time with her flashbacks would have been best.
That said, the advantage is that it’s a more « palatable » retelling which can be a good entryway into learning about Holocaust for younger readers.
I thought representing camp prisoners as black silhouetted mass was a clever illustrative choice: it really captured the ghostly aspect of their souls while representing their loss of personhood.
The scene when she returns to her mother made me weep burning tears.. the contrast was heart wrenching.
I didn’t know she was one of Telephone’s member mother and I’m glad to see that her legacy, in surviving, is both one of advocacy and of a musician son who livened up my teenage hood.
May she feel at peace and leave her guilt to rest in that cruel land and may all of those shadowy soul be at peace also. 🤍
Ducks: Two Years in the Oil Sands by Kate Beaton
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
tense
fast-paced
4.5
Now that I’ve finished it, I’m a little unclear regarding the title choice. Sometimes scenes jumps around and I was finding it a bit jarring but regardless.. It’s a story worth reading!
Her experience is rough. I had tears when she was bonding with her sister over sexual abuse.
I was shocked that she needed to go there to experience such sexism & harassment but then the rest of Canada is rather safe on that front. I have experienced that here in Europe since I’m pubescent, but thankfully not as a line up of dudes during -40 degrees so I count myself lucky! I relate with her experience as a woman and the toughness of the oilsands reminded of my work in a mental health hospital.
She did a good job at showing all facets of people and to paint a picture reflective of the paradoxes and complexities that is human life in a harsh environment. I wished I knew how she filled her days afterwards and how she copes now that she’s gone.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Rape, Sexism, and Sexual harassment
Le deuxième sexe, I by Simone de Beauvoir
challenging
informative
reflective
slow-paced
3.75
Her style is a bit unclear to me because I’m used to science so I can be frustrated and confused of wether that’s what others think, how she interprets what they think or what she argues they think. Therefore, I was unclear as to what is presentation, interpretation or argument.
I find the myth part difficult because she doesn’t exposes well what those authors wrote and why she selected them to be analysed so it reads like speculative interpretation at times.
I find the myth part difficult because she doesn’t exposes well what those authors wrote and why she selected them to be analysed so it reads like speculative interpretation at times.
It is philosophy so it was boring at times because the style and subjects demands to study it rather than read it. Her style is philosophical and academic, made of lengthy descriptions and reflections. She uses extremely long sentences, separated by colons and semi-colons with nuances brought upon nuances.
That said.. I loved her sass and she makes excellent points and arguments.
That said.. I loved her sass and she makes excellent points and arguments.
P167 « On voit s’affirmer le paradoxe qui se perpétue encore aujourd’hui: la femme la plus pleinement intégrée à la société et celle qui possède le moins de privilèges. »
This World Does Not Belong to Us by Natalia García Freire
dark
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
The author’s style is unique: poetic and metaphoric while describing crude or unsophisticated scenes. Themes of repugnance, bodily fluids and dirtiness are intertwined with the sacred, innocent and delicate. Hence, the story is unique and weird yet still gripping.
Reading, the first two chapters I thought it was going to be one of those ultra poetic but incomprehensible stories but I was wrong. I quickly understood what was going on and then I was hooked.
A lot is suggested rather than said, which is great, but I also wish for my unanswered questions to be solved.
The ending is as tragic as the rest of the story but isn’t revenge in my opinion so much as hopeless defeat. Which makes for a reflective ending and forces us to think of injustices and pay back differently.
The ending is as tragic as the rest of the story but isn’t revenge in my opinion so much as hopeless defeat. Which makes for a reflective ending and forces us to think of injustices and pay back differently.
The Monsters of Rookhaven by Pádraig Kenny
The villagers and the monsters all are metaphors for how denying one’s grief can do more harm than good which I think is a lovely message.
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
4.0
I felt emotionally involved and teary at times. The story is well written and I would definitely recommend it to young people.
The villagers and the monsters all are metaphors for how denying one’s grief can do more harm than good which I think is a lovely message.
(spoiler alert) I like piglet as character but was a bit unsure regarding Mirabelle being human.. I’m a bit confused on her backstory and who is responsible for her monster side. Also.. Mirabel triumph over the malice monster by eating his soul. I was taken aback by this and especially how the humans aren’t now scared of her.