shetef's reviews
119 reviews

Revolusi: Indonesia and the Birth of the Modern World by David Van Reybrouck

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dark informative reflective slow-paced

5.0

An eye-opening overview of a time and place with much more far-reaching influence on later events than I ever realized.
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The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier & Clay by Michael Chabon

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adventurous emotional inspiring sad slow-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

5.0

I read The Yiddish Policemen's Union earlier this year and that was probably my favorite book I read in 2024 at the time. Happy to say that this book gives YPU a serious run for its money.

It's hard to succinctly summarize how I felt about this. I haven't read a lot of books that have so many layers, so many expertly woven themes. Like YPU, I'm glad I read this now rather than when I first noticed it at my hometown public library. I don't think I would have fully understood or appreciated it at the time.
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Addiction by Design: Machine Gambling in Las Vegas by Natasha Dow Schüll

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challenging dark informative slow-paced

5.0

Chilling and relevant over a decade later. Found this book through Jimmy McGee's "Pay to Win" series on YouTube about the influence of machine gambling design on video games.
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Brotherhood of Kings: How International Relations Shaped the Ancient Near East by Amanda H. Podany

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challenging informative slow-paced

5.0

An excellent exploration of a topic I didn't know I would enjoy so much. This book helped me realize how fascinated I actually am with ancient Near Eastern history.
The Name of the Rose by Umberto Eco

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challenging dark mysterious reflective slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

Do you like murder mysteries?

Do you also like extended dialogues on Christian theology and semiotics?

Do I have a book for you
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The Accomplice by Curtis "50 Cent" Jackson

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dark tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

I don't think I've read a lot of books that simultaneously make my eyes roll back into my head while also demanding my attention. This is not a very good book:
  • the dialogue feels inauthentic
  • the characters are flat
  • the plot, while serviceable, has some elements that make me struggle to suspend disbelief

but at the same time, I can't pretend I didn't have fun with parts of this. Wouldn't recommend this to most people and I probably won't read any future sequels but it might be fun for a (however unintentional) laugh.
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James by Percival Everett

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adventurous emotional hopeful medium-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

5.0

I hope this is assigned in schools in addition to Huck Finn someday. Truly a masterpiece.
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Redneck Volume 1: Deep in the Heart by Donny Cates

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dark emotional medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

Very cool premise helped out a lot by Estherren's art. The Bowman vampires feel deeply human in their hurt and generational pain. Excited to pick up the next volume. 🧛
The Rose of Versailles Volume 1 by Riyoko Ikeda

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

4.25

This is a classic of shōjo and I can see why. Ikeda has a real talent for drama. There's some interesting queerness here too though I'm not sure how much is intentional. Minor nitpick: I love the art but a lot of these women end up looking very similar.
Artificial Condition by Martha Wells

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adventurous funny reflective medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? N/A
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.25

Enjoying this series a lot so far. This didn't grab me quite as much as All Systems Red but I'm still on the Murderbot train.