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samihami's reviews
94 reviews
Tales of Mystery and Imagination by Edgar Allan Poe
adventurous
challenging
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? N/A
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
2.5
I understand that Edgar is historically important and was revolutionary in the culture of literature and writing but I just couldn’t wait to finish this collection.
There were stories that I genuinely enjoyed (The Gold Bug, The Premature Burial, The Black Cat-which I have read before individually, and Some Words with a Mummy) but most were boring, confusing, or just off.
He tries to set a scary and dark mood but many times it was flat or straight up sill (an orangutan is the murderer?! Seriously?! ).
I will give him another chance, of course, but I’m not impressed and the charm of his name has disappeared for me.
There were stories that I genuinely enjoyed (The Gold Bug, The Premature Burial, The Black Cat-which I have read before individually, and Some Words with a Mummy) but most were boring, confusing, or just off.
He tries to set a scary and dark mood but many times it was flat or straight up sill (
I will give him another chance, of course, but I’m not impressed and the charm of his name has disappeared for me.
The Midnight Library by Matt Haig
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
sad
fast-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
3.0
This wasn’t for me.
The idea and message are okay but the writing really set the book back.
It was repetitive, simple and annoying.
At some points in the end it also seemed dismissive of the experience in depression. Basically telling people to change their perspective and cheer up because ‘it’s actually not so bad’.
I didn’t care about Nora or her lives, it was a bit strange and confusing.
I would consider this a children's book dressed as an adult. It really didn’t strike me as adult fiction.
The idea and message are okay but the writing really set the book back.
It was repetitive, simple and annoying.
At some points in the end it also seemed dismissive of the experience in depression. Basically telling people to change their perspective and cheer up because ‘it’s actually not so bad’.
I didn’t care about Nora or her lives, it was a bit strange and confusing.
I would consider this a children's book dressed as an adult. It really didn’t strike me as adult fiction.
Normal People by Sally Rooney
dark
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.75
This surprised but not in a good way.
After reading Rooney’s BWWAY, I simply didn’t think of this one as impressive as it is presented.
I didn’t connect to the characters thus didn’t care for their adversities and joys.
The main relationship felt undeveloped.
The book is sometimes advertised as academia, which I think is false. There’s some of it but not enough for it to be academia to be frank.
The writing was good. However the flashback intermissions were sometimes unrelated and poorly timed that I only got confused and lost track of the plot.
I like that the author has a pattern to certain tropes and characters (eg writers, long email correspondence) so you can compare how they are done throughout the author’s work.
I can see what Rooney is trying to achieve here and I can see why it has gotten so much positive feedback, but I simply don’t think it lives up to its reputation.
If you wish to read Sally Rooney, I wouldn’t start with this.
After reading Rooney’s BWWAY, I simply didn’t think of this one as impressive as it is presented.
I didn’t connect to the characters thus didn’t care for their adversities and joys.
The main relationship felt undeveloped.
The book is sometimes advertised as academia, which I think is false. There’s some of it but not enough for it to be academia to be frank.
The writing was good. However the flashback intermissions were sometimes unrelated and poorly timed that I only got confused and lost track of the plot.
I like that the author has a pattern to certain tropes and characters (eg writers, long email correspondence) so you can compare how they are done throughout the author’s work.
I can see what Rooney is trying to achieve here and I can see why it has gotten so much positive feedback, but I simply don’t think it lives up to its reputation.
If you wish to read Sally Rooney, I wouldn’t start with this.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Domestic abuse
There’s domestic abuse, SA, alcohol, cigarettes, depression and anxiety, ED, abandonment, bullying, body shaming, toxic relationships, relationship abuse, aggressive behaviour and language
Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
sad
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? Yes
4.75
Zedvin has delivered and served. This book is so well written as it dives into human nature in unique and--to an unsettling extent--realistic ways which I haven't encountered before.
For those who dislike misunderstanding trope, this book might not be your favourite, but I am a strong believer in that it offers something to everyone.
The characters are diverse and complex in ways that I started to wonder if it were a fiction or not.
I also enjoyed the pacing and the time this story considers.
Though, some may argue the ending wasn't good, I felt it was appropriate and true to the nature of the story.
What can I say? I wish I could read it again tomorrow, and tomorrow, and tomorrow.
For those who dislike misunderstanding trope, this book might not be your favourite, but I am a strong believer in that it offers something to everyone.
The characters are diverse and complex in ways that I started to wonder if it were a fiction or not.
I also enjoyed the pacing and the time this story considers.
Though, some may argue the ending wasn't good, I felt it was appropriate and true to the nature of the story.
What can I say? I wish I could read it again tomorrow, and tomorrow, and tomorrow.
American Gods by Neil Gaiman
adventurous
challenging
funny
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
Neil Gaiman has his way with words that has me on my knees. His (our) world is full of mysteries and little adventures. I’m always drawn into his novels and this one truly had me deep down. I loved every second of it and am sorry it had to end. Though, does anything ever really end? (iykyk) Thank you Neil for this masterpiece (especially that sexy alien scene where she “swallows” the guy with her vagina )
Good Omens by Neil Gaiman, Terry Pratchett
adventurous
challenging
dark
funny
informative
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
5.0
Neil and Terry got together and delivered. No space is wasted and everything comes full circle. Even when in parts with no action, you get world commentary and comedic insights into daily life. This is definitely the book I will reread (multiple times at least).
Orlando by Virginia Woolf
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
relaxing
tense
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? It's complicated
4.5
I adore this piece of work.
It was for sure a rollercoaster reading it but I enjoyed every bit of it.
At first I thought it's be just a commentary on the transgender experience in late 19th century and early 20th century; however, it never failed to surprise me. The commentary onchange of cultures, specifically the dramtic change that cam ewith Industrialisation of Britain and the various ways of living from rich England to Turkey to humble, almost porr, savages and wanderers .
The symbolism of the Oak Tree is beautiful, definitely keep your attention to it through out.
Woolf is a magician of words and I have fallen for her spells. Immaculate, can't recommend enough.
It was for sure a rollercoaster reading it but I enjoyed every bit of it.
At first I thought it's be just a commentary on the transgender experience in late 19th century and early 20th century; however, it never failed to surprise me. The commentary on
The symbolism of
Woolf is a magician of words and I have fallen for her spells. Immaculate, can't recommend enough.
Birthday Stories: Selected and Introduced by Haruki Murakami by Haruki Murakami
adventurous
challenging
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? N/A
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
3.0
I'm not a big fan of some of them and most fell flat for me. Though I do have favourites and I definitely enjoyed some too. I believe everyone will find their own in this collection. Rewfreshing concept which I enjoyed, just not every story was of my taste. But then again, that's kinda the point.
I found my own, I believe you will too.
I found my own, I believe you will too.
Maus: Souborné vydání by Art Spiegelman
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
5.0
This is a piece of art (no pun intended) I will remeber for a long time, if not the rest of my life.
Everyone should read this at least once in their life. The depth of the characters (though real people) and the dive into human relationships is authentic and endearing. I appreciate that the author strayed away from romantisising vistims of holocaust and decided to picture his father the way he is though it sometimes completes the Jewish stereotype or it puts him at bad light.
The depiction of animals is perfect for the story and tells a great deal of history.
If you're hesitating, this is your sign to pick it up. You won't have regrets.
Everyone should read this at least once in their life. The depth of the characters (though real people) and the dive into human relationships is authentic and endearing. I appreciate that the author strayed away from romantisising vistims of holocaust and decided to picture his father the way he is though it sometimes completes the Jewish stereotype or it puts him at bad light.
The depiction of animals is perfect for the story and tells a great deal of history.
If you're hesitating, this is your sign to pick it up. You won't have regrets.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence, Police brutality, Antisemitism, Murder, and War
Hamlet by William Shakespeare
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0