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ssgcedits's reviews
161 reviews
On the Road by Jack Kerouac
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.75
An all-time favourite and one I am always glad to re-read. It is beautifully written, it depicts the time to an almost hyper-realistic degree, and there isn't a dull moment from start to finish. I wish women had a more active role in it instead of being mainly used to show how adventurous and 'successful' the men are, but, again, it does reflect the time almost too well.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Addiction, Alcoholism, Drug use, Violence, Blood
Moderate: Domestic abuse, Drug abuse, Sexual violence
Minor: Misogyny
The Hobbit: or There and Back Again by J.R.R. Tolkien
adventurous
dark
funny
hopeful
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
For the longest time, I found Tolkien's books a bit intimidating. Now I only wish I had picked The Hobbit sooner. It's just a timeless, classic adventure with so much humour and commentary in the mix. It's a very cosy read that makes you feel young even reading it as an adult--as if you are sitting by the fire listening to ancient legends. Sure, it lacks a bit of diversity. I am sure a woman is not harder to picture than a dragon. Still, the comfort and wonder of Bilbo's adventure warm my heart.
Artful by Ali Smith
dark
reflective
sad
slow-paced
5.0
A beautiful account of the grieving process intersected with beautifully written reflections on art, beauty, nature, life and death. Ali Smith is a master combining essay-style with narrative, the pain of the loss and the life that must go on. The two instances that struck me most were: 1) the point when the protagonist is finally able to move her husband's chair--something about moving or changing things after a deep loss is so significant, like a turning point or at least a moment of strength; 2) when she goes beyond talking to him and actually starts having visions of him, like a sort of ghost--again, something so common to grieving is feeling like that presence is somehow still there, still watching and just not responding out of some kind of stubbornness. It is very moving and perfectly put together. Artful made me fall in love with Ali Smith.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Grief, Schizophrenia/Psychosis
Moderate: Death
In Dubious Battle by John Steinbeck
adventurous
emotional
informative
sad
tense
fast-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
John Steinbeck is just one of the greatest, most brilliant authors in the English language. There really isn't much more to say other than I am so glad he chose to focus on the working class. This is a striking portrait of America's agricultural workers in the aftermath of the great depression. It is sublime.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcoholism, Death, Gun violence, Violence, Blood
Moderate: Misogyny
The Unbearable Lightness of Being by Milan Kundera
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
medium-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
4.25
I am a bit tired of gross men which is why I can't give this a higher rating. Otherwise, this is a genius exploration of relationships and the motivations and inner monologues of those in them. It is marvellously written to the point that some passages have stayed with me years on. A few of the characters also go through important and often overlooked episodes of Czech/European history. Very much worth the read.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal death, Body horror, Infidelity
Moderate: Misogyny, War
Dubliners by James Joyce
dark
informative
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
This book does a good job of capturing the culture and social issues of industrial Dublin. It is very sad and at some points hard to read, but it is too important to set aside. The writing style is just sheer beauty.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcoholism, Religious bigotry, Abandonment
Moderate: Child death, Chronic illness, Misogyny
More Than This by Patrick Ness
adventurous
challenging
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Amazing premise, great writing, terrible trauma. Not going through it again--ever. For such a complex story the lukewarm ending is quite disappointing. But, honestly, I don't think I could take another page of this nightmare world.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Violence, Schizophrenia/Psychosis , Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Religious bigotry