marginalian's reviews
37 reviews

Dune by Frank Herbert

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adventurous medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix

2.0

An extremely aged novel with some good philosophical insights including its prescient warnings about "the notion of progress" and AI.
Dune Messiah by Frank Herbert

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adventurous dark fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.5

"If you need something to worship, then worship life - all life, every last crawling bit of it. We're all in this beauty together."

I found the novel slightly better than Dune. Some claim that this novel was written by Herbert to show how Paul was not a hero. But I found myself empathizing with Paul, despite the fact he is a despot who unleashed something he couldn't control. If the novel's aim was to warn crowds on how they easily start worshipping such despots, it fails miserably on that front and Paul comes of as a victim. Still, Paul is greatly explored further in this book and it is brilliant.
Thinking, Fast and Slow by Daniel Kahneman

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adventurous challenging informative reflective slow-paced
 An extraordinary book that gives us precise vocabulary to talk about the marvels and flaws of our thinking. The final part of the book on experiencing and remembering self, happiness, and focusing illusions was truly life-changing.  I am quite sure that it is not because of the peak-end rule and the duration neglect. :)
The Sociology Book by D.K. Publishing

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informative reflective medium-paced

4.0

A stunning introduction to sociology. I wish I had read it earlier.
Social Work: A Very Short Introduction by Jonathan Scourfield, Sally Holland

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informative fast-paced
A good introduction. Received excellent suggestions for further reading.
Good Wives by Louisa May Alcott

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emotional inspiring lighthearted reflective sad fast-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

2.0

The book was not as enjoyable as the first part. It gave me a glimpse of a forward looking family in the 19th century. But what they thought as radical is no more radical. 
Little Women by Louisa May Alcott

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adventurous emotional funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted reflective relaxing fast-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

3.5

The part 1 was certainly a delight to read!