owl_the_bookworm's reviews
900 reviews

The Patriarchs: How Men Came to Rule by Angela Saini

informative reflective medium-paced

4.75

 Patriarchy, a system where men hold primary power and dominate in roles of political leadership, social privilege, and authority, has long been considered a universal and inherent part of human society. However, Angela Saini’s fascinating book, “The Patriarchs” challenges his notion by delving into the origins of patriarchy and its profound impact on human society. 

 Saini explores the many factors that have contributed to the rise of patriarchy, including the development of agriculture, the growth of urbanization, and the rise of organised religion. Patriarchy, she argues, isn’t an inherent aspect of human society but rather a cultural construct that has evolved over time, influenced by historical, social, and economic factors. 

 The Patriarchs is an ambitious book. Saini shows that patriarchy is not inevitable, but rather a social construct that can be reshaped, reworked and reinforced. Women have challenged and resisted patriarchy throughout history and will continue to do so. The seeds for resistance and transformation are in our voices. 

Poverty, by America by Matthew Desmond

informative reflective medium-paced

4.75

 Desmond uses a range of evidence to support his argument about the causes of poverty in America, including government policy, specific practices and policies, and societal attitudes towards poverty, such as excessive regulations on housing construction, segregated public schools, and lack of connection between people of different classes. “Poverty”, he says, “isn’t simply the condition of not having enough money. It’s the condition of not having enough choice and being taken advantage of because of that, and he challenges social service organizations to focus on empowering the poor and expanding their choices, rather than simply providing them with financial assistance. 

The Ministry Of Pain by Dubravka Ugrešić

dark reflective sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

The Story of Art without Men by Katy Hessel

informative inspiring medium-paced

5.0

ΗΠΑ: Από το 1776 έως σήμερα by

informative medium-paced

3.5

The Turn of the Screw by Henry James

dark mysterious medium-paced

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

4.5

A classic, gothic horror novella that makes use of ambiguity to build suspense and make the story intriguing. 

Killing Thatcher: The IRA, the Manhunt and the Long War on the Crown by Rory Carroll

informative reflective medium-paced

4.25

 I had never given much thought to the Brighton bombing before, but after reading Rory Carroll's well-researched and fascinating book, I realized that the event was a turning point in British history. “Killing Thatcher" is a detailed account of one of the most significant events in recent British history, the IRA’s infamous attack on the Grand Hotel in Brighton in 1984. 

Carroll explores several issues related to the Brighton bombing. He looks at the history of the Troubles in Northern Ireland, as well as the political context of the time, to understand the motivations behind the attack. He also examines the background of Patrick Magee, the man responsible for the attack, the manhunt and the investigation that followed. He reflects on the impact of the bombing on British politics, including its effect on Margaret Thatcher‘s leadership and the Conservative Party. 

Το εργοστάσιο των μολυβιών by Soti Triantafillou

informative reflective

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

4.5

The Plague by Jacqueline Rose

challenging informative reflective slow-paced

4.0

Jacqueline Rose’s “The Plague” is a collection of essays that explores a range of topics, including the COVID-19 pandemic, the Ukrainian war, death, equality, and equitable distribution of wealth. 

In “The Plague,” she aims to offer a unique and perceptive viewpoint on the societal implications of a pandemic and the complexities of the modern world. Drawing upon the ideas of thinkers such as Albert Camus, Freud, and Simone Weil, Rose challenges conventional notions of power dynamics and urges readers to confront the inevitability of death. 

Through her thought-provoking exploration of these complex themes, Rose encourages her readers to reflect on some of the most urgent and pressing issues we are currently facing. 

The Secret Adversary by Agatha Christie

adventurous 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? No

3.75