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mentat_stem's reviews
787 reviews
Have You Decided on Your Question: A Novelette by Lyndsey Croal
dark
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
The simulation is much like what we experience when we get to know someone. We extrapolate a future in our mind.
The privacy concerns, the dangers of addiction, getting lost in what might have been.
This is a short, but clear, examination of obsession. I like the way the story is framed by the near future speculative element, but it stands on its own as a character study.
The privacy concerns, the dangers of addiction, getting lost in what might have been.
This is a short, but clear, examination of obsession. I like the way the story is framed by the near future speculative element, but it stands on its own as a character study.
The Schatten by Ashley Greathouse
dark
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.75
There's a lot of chaos in a narrative that can be excused when it becomes clear that your viewpoint character is insane.
Most of the action in this book takes place off-screen. It's recounted 3rd hand in a journal or heard from another room or glimpsed in pieces in unreliable memories.
The structure of the story reflects the bonkers elements it's trying to weave together - murder mystery, family secrets, larger mysteries and secrets, experiments, thugs, time, memory, etc. The narrative is non-linear and the narrator thinks in circles a bit. In the end, it's a rather coherent mess. Ultimately this earns the label horror, but there's way too much of everything else before the well-earned on-screen violence commences.
I'm glad that I read this. It's clear that the author was having a TON of fun weaving a dark tale.
Most of the action in this book takes place off-screen. It's recounted 3rd hand in a journal or heard from another room or glimpsed in pieces in unreliable memories.
The structure of the story reflects the bonkers elements it's trying to weave together - murder mystery, family secrets, larger mysteries and secrets, experiments, thugs, time, memory, etc. The narrative is non-linear and the narrator thinks in circles a bit. In the end, it's a rather coherent mess. Ultimately this earns the label horror, but there's way too much of everything else before the well-earned on-screen violence commences.
I'm glad that I read this. It's clear that the author was having a TON of fun weaving a dark tale.
Brutal Hearts by Cassie Daley
dark
lighthearted
medium-paced
4.0
Lots of fun nostalgia. Captures well the joys of hiking. Ramps up to an intense gore fest. Enjoyed the "present" PoV more, but the detective's PoV offered the comfort of your standard police procedural.
very interesting argument for the dangers of a truly toxic personality
Love the cover and hope the author continues their writing journey.
Love the cover and hope the author continues their writing journey.
The Free People's Village by Sim Kern
adventurous
informative
inspiring
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
5.0
I love it when fiction books add numerous nonfiction books to my TBR pile. Tons of interesting relationships. Good and bad interactions between activist groups thrust together. A viewpoint character mirrors the vanilla readers that need to read this. She grows into so much more.
The structure of the narrative channels the chaos of a punk jam session. Religion, art, politics, racism, violence, drugs, music and jaywalking are all argued about from diverse viewpoints.
The events unspool on social media in the book and I shared my excitement and thoughts on Threads as I read. I really hope this book gets in front of a ton of people.
There are some intense themes, but I think it would be amazing to see this taught in a high school.
The structure of the narrative channels the chaos of a punk jam session. Religion, art, politics, racism, violence, drugs, music and jaywalking are all argued about from diverse viewpoints.
The events unspool on social media in the book and I shared my excitement and thoughts on Threads as I read. I really hope this book gets in front of a ton of people.
There are some intense themes, but I think it would be amazing to see this taught in a high school.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Police brutality
Moderate: Rape, War, and Suicidal thoughts
Minor: Suicide attempt
Rose/House by Arkady Martine
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Vision at Patmos: Study of the Book of Revelation by Catherine Gunsalus González, Justo L. González
informative
slow-paced
4.75
Very unique reading experience. I read this in parallel with a group study of Revelation that wasn't based on this book. It definitely allowed me to add interesting points into the discussion.
The part that was special to me was that I had markings and annotations from both of my parents and one of my grandparents in the book. This isn't relevant to ANYONE else, but it was wonderful for me.
The sections of this book cover the THEMES of Revelation. It doesn't just step chapter by chapter through the Book of Revelation. It would also make a very good guide for discussion as there are suggestions for preparing for and reviewing each section.
I'm still not sure I understand Revelation, but I'm definitely more familiar with it.
The part that was special to me was that I had markings and annotations from both of my parents and one of my grandparents in the book. This isn't relevant to ANYONE else, but it was wonderful for me.
The sections of this book cover the THEMES of Revelation. It doesn't just step chapter by chapter through the Book of Revelation. It would also make a very good guide for discussion as there are suggestions for preparing for and reviewing each section.
I'm still not sure I understand Revelation, but I'm definitely more familiar with it.
The Nib #1: The Death Issue by Matt Bors, Matt Lubchansky, Eleri Harris
emotional
informative
medium-paced
5.0
Shooting Star by Joe R. Lansdale
dark
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.25