owl_the_bookworm's reviews
900 reviews

The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde by Robert Louis Stevenson

dark mysterious fast-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

4.0

Angry Weather: Heat Waves, Floods, Storms, and the New Science of Climate Change by Friederike Otto

challenging informative medium-paced

4.5

 There is evidence that climate change is causing more frequent and severe weather events, but it is still difficult to determine if these two storms or any other extreme weather event is directly caused by climate change. Understanding the link between climate change and these events is crucial for developing effective strategies to mitigate their impacts. One scientist at the forefront of this research is Friederike Otto, whose work in attribution science has shed light on the extent to which human-induced climate change contributes to extreme weather events, such as heatwaves, droughts, and floods. 

In Angry Weather, Otto introduces attribution science, a field of study that aims to assess the extent to which human-caused climate change contributes to extreme weather events.  Using statistical methods and computer models, scientists compare observed climate data with global climate simulations that include and exclude human influence. 

In the book, Otto argues that attribution science can help us understand the role of climate change in extreme weather events and develop strategies to mitigate their impacts in the future. She discusses several significant weather disasters that have occurred in recent years. Some of the most notable ones are Hurricane Harvey, which hit Texas in 2017 and caused widespread flooding and damage, and the European heatwave of 2019, which broke temperature records across the continent and caused numerous deaths. These weather disasters are just a few examples of the many extreme weather events that have occurred in recent years and are consistent with the predictions of climate change models. 

Attribution science plays a vital role in our response to climate change. By understanding the extent to which human-induced climate change affects specific extreme weather events, governments can formulate effective climate policies. This knowledge also helps in the development of climate-resilient infrastructure and planning for climate adaptation. When policymakers are aware of the increased likelihood of specific extreme weather events due to climate change, they can take proactive measures to reduce vulnerability and strengthen resilience within communities. 

Attribution science has significant legal and financial implications. Establishing liability for climate-related damages and providing evidence for causal claims can be crucial in holding major greenhouse gas emitters accountable. If specific weather events can be linked to human-induced climate change, it could lead to increased litigation against those responsible. This aspect of attribution science serves as a powerful tool for seeking justice and driving change. 

Attribution science is still a young field, and scientists are still trying to improve and standardize the methods that they use to conduct attribution studies. However, through ongoing research and advancements in technology, it is rapidly evolving. The attention it receives in the media raises public awareness of the impacts of climate change on extreme weather events, ultimately garnering greater support for actions to mitigate climate change. 

Angry Weather is a well-researched and accessible book that provides a comprehensive overview of attribution science and its role in understanding climate change.  It is timely and relevant, given the increasing frequency of extreme weather events around the world, and it highlights the urgency of addressing climate change and the need for immediate action. 

Shame by Annie Ernaux

reflective medium-paced

4.0

One of the reasons why Ernaux's writing is so powerful is her skill in capturing the essence of the human condition, which resonates with readers from all walks of life, enabling them to form a deep personal connection with her stories. Through her unique blend of introspection and relatability, Ernaux’s writing becomes a mirror through which we can see our own lives reflected.

Shame is a powerful and deeply ingrained emotion that can have a profound and lasting impact on one’s identity, often shaping how individuals view themselves and how they believe others perceive them. In this short memoir, Ernaux examines how one dramatic childhood experience of domestic violence within her family forever altered her perception of herself and her place in society, and further intensified her feelings of shame, making it impossible for her to conform to societal expectations.

Ernaux vividly portrays the social customs of her village, which adds to her sense of shame and alienation. The inflexibility of the Roman Catholic Church in her community only exacerbated her feelings of not belonging. The rigid expectations and moral standards imposed by the church clashed with Ernaux’s own experiences and desires, deepening her sense of shame. Furthermore, she takes the time to reflect on the discomfort and uncertainty she faced during puberty, a significant and transformative period in the life of any individual. The physical and emotional changes she experienced only served to intensify her sense of shame, leaving her feeling disconnected from her peers and incapable of conforming to societal norms, ultimately leading her to feel like an outsider, unworthy of acceptance. This internalized shame not only affected Ernaux’s relationships but also hindered her personal growth and pursuit of her dreams.

Shame is a painful emotion. However, it can serve as a wake-up call, motivating individuals to have a deeper understanding of themselves, make positive changes in their behaviour and strive for personal development.

The Fraud by Zadie Smith

informative medium-paced

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

3.75

 The Fraud by Zadie Smith is a captivating historical fiction novel that transports readers to 19th-century England, delving into the intricacies of a celebrated criminal trial, the Tichborne case. With meticulous attention to detail, Smith weaves a tale that revolves around Eliza Touchet, a Scottish widow who finds herself entangled in the life of William Ainsworth, a popular Victorian novelist.

William Ainsworth, who was Charles Dickens’ friend and a more successful author in their early years, is portrayed as a waning literary figure who is fighting to stay relevant. He serves as a symbol of the challenges faced by writers during Victorian England, as new literary movements and tastes began to emerge.

The big trial and the unfolding social and psychological drama are what drive the plot of the novel. Eliza Touchet's interest is piqued by one of the primary witnesses in the trial, the enigmatic figure of Andrew Bogle, an elderly Jamaican who holds the secrets of a past shrouded in the brutality of slavery. 

Smith delves into the darker aspects of the era, shedding light on the British colonial slave trade and the abolitionist movement. Drawing upon historical events and the experiences of characters like Andrew Bogle, Smith portrays the harsh realities of colonization and the complexities of navigating a society where racism and prejudice are deeply ingrained.

No exploration of Victorian England would be complete without acknowledging the influence of the iconic Charles Dickens. Smith deftly utilises his character to delve into the contradictions and complexities of Victorian England. It was an era of major transformations in most aspects of English life, from scientific, economic, and technological advances to changes in class structures and the role of religion in society. Authors like Thomas Carlyle began to direct their attention toward social issues, highlighting the dehumanizing effects of the Industrial Revolution.

Dickens' role as a social commentator and his critique of the worst excesses of Victorian society are explored through the lens of Eliza Touchet. Dickens is credited with bringing novelists to a new level of moral and political stature, something that Eliza Touchet objects to on ethical grounds. Dickens, while celebrated for being sympathetic to the plight of the poor and disadvantaged in British society, has also been criticized for his attitudes, which have been perceived as racist and xenophobic.

Through Mrs Touchet, Smith is challenging Victorian ideas of gender and sexuality. The Victorian era was characterised by rigid gender roles and societal expectations of women. Domesticity, motherhood, and the preservation of moral standards were considered paramount. However, despite the restrictions, women made some progress in the 19th century. While they did not have the right to vote, sue, or, if married, own property, as Britain transformed into an industrial nation, Victorian feminism emerged as a significant political force. 

The Last Bluff: How Greece came face-to-face with financial catastrophe & the secret plan for its euro exit by Eleni Varvitsioti, Victoria DendrInou

informative medium-paced

4.5

Mild Vertigo by Mieko Kanai

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

4.0

Natsumi's life revolves around her family and the mundane tasks that accompany her role as a housewife. From preparing meals to tending to her husband and children, every action becomes a symbol of the monotonous and isolated life she leads.

Originally written in 1997 by Mieko Kanai and recently translated into English by Polly Barton, Mild Vertigo delves into the depths of isolation, the challenges of a monotonous life, and the intricacies of family relationships.

By painting a vivid picture of Natsumi's repetitive daily routine, Mieko Kanai masterfully captures the essence of monotony and the suffocating feeling of being trapped in a never-ending cycle.  The unconscious mental narrative style allows the reader to dive into the depths of Natsumi's mind, experiencing her internal monologue and feeling the weight of each monotonous act in real time. Her musings, fears, and desires reflect the mundane nature of her daily life and provide a glimpse into the depths of her longing for something more meaningful.

Within this domestic sphere, which serves as a microcosm of alienation, Kanai examines the intricate dynamics of family relationships. Natsumi's interactions with her husband and children serve as a backdrop for studying the multifaceted nature of familial bonds and the human need for connection and belonging. At the heart of the novel lies Natsumi's relationship with her husband and the intricacies of marriage, exploring the challenges of maintaining intimacy and connection over time.

Mild Vertigo is a dreamlike and introspective journey of a woman who contemplates her own existence and the challenges of forging connections in a world that can feel disconnected. Hence the title of the novel. It reflects the protagonist's internal state of mind, which is often dizzying and disorienting.

The Valley of Fear by Arthur Conan Doyle

adventurous mysterious fast-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

3.75

Crack-Up Capitalism: Market Radicals and the Dream of a World Without Democracy by Quinn Slobodian

informative reflective medium-paced

4.75

 Crack-Up Capitalism by Quinn Slobodian is a fascinating book that explores the phenomenon of “crack-up” capitalism, which is the fracturing of conventionally understood national power and boundaries into distinct zones. Slobodian critically examines the authoritarianism and exploitation that often masquerades as “liberty” within conservative think tanks and online discourse. By delving into the ideas of influential figures like Milton Friedman and the utopian visions of radical libertarians, Slobodian provides a thought-provoking analysis of the changing landscape of capitalism in today’s world. 

The MANIAC by Benjamín Labatut

challenging informative reflective

• 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

5.0

 

In the realm of science, few names evoke as much intrigue and admiration as John von Neumann. A polymath of unparalleled brilliance, his significant contributions to mathematics, physics, and computer science have left an indelible mark on the world. In The Maniac, Benjamín Labatut takes the reader on a captivating journey through the evolution of von Neumann’s mind and his groundbreaking body of work that has reshaped the very foundations of science. Von Neumann’s mathematical powers were so exceptional that Hans Bethe, a Nobel laureate and a friend of his, once said: “I have sometimes wondered whether a brain like von Neumann’s does not indicate a species superior to that of man”. 

One of the central themes explored in “The Maniac” is the very limit of human understanding. Through the experiences and narratives of family members, friends, colleagues, and adversaries, Labatut, explores von Neumann’s life and work, and how his voracious thirst for knowledge, driven by his desire to understand the world around him, pushed the boundaries of what was thought to be achievable. However, this relentless pursuit also exposes the inherent dangers of technology and the potential for it to outpace human comprehension. The book’s unique and challenging writing style, blending fact and fiction, serves as a poignant reminder that the line between genius and madness can often be blurred. 

Another theme explored in the book is how closely science and politics were intertwined during the Cold War. Von Neumann’s involvement in accelerating American investment in nuclear weapons highlights the complex ethical implications that arise when scientific progress becomes intertwined with political interests. 

Within the context of “The Maniac,” the title itself refers to MANIAC (Mathematical Analyzer Numerical Integrator and Computer), an early computer and successor to the groundbreaking ENIAC. MANIAC represents a significant milestone in the history of computing. It was developed by John von Neumann and built under the direction of the Greek-American physicist and mathematician, Nicholas Metropolis, at the Los Alamos Scientific Laboratory. This technological marvel not only showcases von Neumann’s contributions but also illustrates the ever-evolving relationship between science, technology, and human progress. 

While not directly connected to John von Neumann, the story of AlphaGo can be seen as a reflection of his work and the broader themes explored in “The Maniac.” AlphaGo, an artificial intelligence program, exemplifies the potential of human intelligence and its ability to push the boundaries of knowledge and understanding. However, it also raises profound questions concerning the ethical implications of such advancements and the extent to which technology may surpass human control. 

The Maniac paints a vivid portrait of the human cost associated with scientific progress. Through a masterful blend of fact and fiction, Labatut enlightens us on the limits of knowledge, the dangers of technology, and the human cost of scientific progress. But as we turn the final page, we are also left with a profound appreciation for the complexities of genius and a renewed sense of awe for the transformative power of the human mind. 

Moby Dick by Herman Melville

adventurous reflective 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

5.0