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polyreader's reviews
331 reviews
In Praise of Shadows by Jun'ichirō Tanizaki
2.0
Tanizaki's 'essay' (which I would argue is more an opinion piece than an essay) has some beautiful meditative points, though it just didnt quite reach the depths I was expecting. I hold Japanese culture close to my heart, so I was expecting to feel a little more connected to In Praise of Shadows.
I quite enjoyed his descriptions of such topics as: simplistic, authentic Japanese food, outdoor, mediative toilets, dim, candlelit dining and shadows as an important aspect of beauty. Though I did get a little bored of his 'everything new should be replaced with the old' repetitions, and the analysis of women's appearance, skin tone and objectification.
I was tossing and turning between 2 and 3 stars, but as it was written so long ago, by a man who was in his later years and lived a completely different life to me, I gave him a little more credit.
I quite enjoyed his descriptions of such topics as: simplistic, authentic Japanese food, outdoor, mediative toilets, dim, candlelit dining and shadows as an important aspect of beauty. Though I did get a little bored of his 'everything new should be replaced with the old' repetitions, and the analysis of women's appearance, skin tone and objectification.
I was tossing and turning between 2 and 3 stars, but as it was written so long ago, by a man who was in his later years and lived a completely different life to me, I gave him a little more credit.
Fun Home: A Family Tragicomic by Alison Bechdel
4.0
My first graphic novel experience. I must say I do prefer the written form so I can use my imagination more intensely, but this was so perfectly formed I enjoyed it nonetheless. An intimate telling of coming out - understanding ones sexuality and the enormous impact our parents have on shaping us. I would recommend this to most people.
Sputnik Sweetheart by Haruki Murakami
4.0
“The Earth, after all, doesn't creak and groan its way around the Sun just so human beings can have a good time and a bit of a laugh.”
How Not To Be a Boy by Robert Webb
3.0
The audiobook was great because it was read by Robert himself. Lots of humour throughout, some interesting points about the negative ways in which the patriarchy effects men and not just women. My favourite part was toward the end when his wife and daughters entered the story.
Surpassing Certainty: What My Twenties Taught Me by Janet Mock
4.0
3.5 stars! I love Janet Mock. This memoir was open, honest and engaging. The audio version was lovely to listen to, she speaks so eloquently.