troystory's reviews
199 reviews

The Idiot by Fyodor Dostoevsky

3.0

So, I'm not quite sure what to think of this. I didn't exactly like or dislike most of it, and I couldn't care less about the majority of the characters. It felt like a really long written soap opera to me, and I kind of hated the fact that I could never figure out what the plot was. But, on the other hand, this was a lovely translation to read and it flowed very well, which I appreciated. Also, I do have to admit that the characters felt very believable and there were some that I thoroughly enjoyed (Aglaya, Lizaveta, Rogozhin, Lebedev). My absolute favourite part was the very last chapter, though. No spoilers, but it is such a good plot twist and it was so intense and most importantly, it made sense. It hit me so hard. I didn't see it coming at all.

Family Don't End with Blood: Cast and Fans on How Supernatural Has Changed Lives by Lynn S. Zubernis

5.0

As a bit of backstory, I bought this book three years ago, and I've only just gotten around to it now. I know, I know, TBR lists drag on and on... But I've been making a conscious effort lately to get through it! Recently, I started rewatching Supernatural. Ever since I first saw it, it's held a special and important place in my heart, but only this year have I been able to watch it again. And I remembered just how much I love this show, how much it means to me, how much the characters have helped me. So, I figured it was about time to read this book.

There is so much power in fiction, in stories and characters and worlds, and I think that's something I've known for a long time. I have always been a fangirl, even when I didn't know what that term meant. I have always felt a strong connection with characters across different fandoms. It's nice to read essays from people who have felt just as empowered and changed by fiction as I have.

Even if you aren't a fan of Supernatural, I think this is a must-read. It really puts the power of fiction into perspective and makes it clear just how much things like television shows can help people. To be completely honest, I was on the verge of tears the entire time I was reading this. It's touching in ways I can't describe. (Not to mention, the essays manage to put into words things I have been feeling but didn't know how to explain.)

As with most great things in my life, I found Supernatural by chance. I didn't originally think I'd like it, because I'm not a fan of horror. But I am so, so grateful for this show, for the characters, for the fans and actors, and for the way it has helped shape who I am. There is no better way to end this terrible year than by rediscovering my passion for Supernatural.

The Amazons: Lives and Legends of Warrior Women Across the Ancient World by Adrienne Mayor

4.0

Overall, I really enjoyed this book. It's incredibly interesting, and I've honestly never come across such a comprehensive history of women warriors. I didn't even know the Scythians were that cool until now! My only complaints are that it is very big, so it's hard to get through, and that sometimes sections feel incomplete, like their main ideas haven't been wrapped up. But otherwise, this is a really fascinating read that I'm sure has things everyone can enjoy. Personally, I found the bits about real women warriors more interesting than the bits about mythic women warriors, but it's not like there's a part I didn't like. Also, side note, I loved that this book didn't just focus on the Greeks, but included stories and history and legends from many different cultures.

The Toll by Neal Shusterman

4.0

Wow, this book was a ride. I rushed through it because most of the time, I was so caught up and invested in what was happening that I hated the idea of not knowing. And... The end had me literally on the edge of my seat, but I'm not too sure how satisfied I am with it. It's not bad, for sure, it's just... Nothing I ever would have imagined. But moving on from that. The whole trilogy is a gem, and the final book is definitely not a let-down. It's just as riveting as the other two, if not more. I loved all the new characters - it's tough to add new people at the end of a series, but the characters all felt real and like they belonged. They were right for this story, if that makes sense. My absolute favourite thing is the way the book weaved different timelines, that was incredibly satisfying. I loved seeing them come together. Beyond being very good and entertaining, these books are thought-provoking, and I highly recommend that everyone read them. They are such a delight. Truly one of the best, if not the best, YA trilogies I've ever had the pleasure of reading.

The City We Became by N.K. Jemisin

5.0

Okay, so. I don't think I even have the words to describe how much I love this book. Like honestly, the best thing I have to say about it is that I never wanted to put it down. I got so involved in the story that my heart was literally racing, I was panicked and worried and horrified when the characters were, I was on the edge of my seat the whole time. It's so well written, and the world is absolutely incredible. I really can't wait for the rest of the trilogy, I'm so excited to see more of this amazing world. It was such a refreshing book too. It was so diverse and inclusive but in an effortless sort of way, like... Like it was just about people and people are diverse and Jemisin never made it seem like "forced diversity", the way some books do. These people felt real and believable, and I could connect with all of them - they weren't ruled by stereotypes, nor were they constantly trying to disprove stereotypes. They were just people, and I loved and appreciated that so much. What else is there to say about this book that others haven't? I don't think I'd have the words. It is just so powerful, and I really think everyone needs to read it. Even if you're not normally a fan of fantasy, I think this could honestly change that. And before I forget, I have to say that this book drips with love for New York. It feels like it's written by someone who knows the city, who lives it and loves it and sometimes hates it, who really experiences what it's like to exist somewhere so unique. And oh, how this book makes me long to live somewhere that I love as much. It's really is just such a worthwhile read. You won't regret this one.

The Last Wish by Andrzej Sapkowski

5.0

I came across this book by watching the show first - and now that I've finished it, I can't wait to read the rest of the series. It's so well written and the comedy is always on point, and I love the characters and the world and the intricacies of the stories. I'm not usually one for fantasy, but The Witcher may have changed my mind. I'm pretty sure that Geralt might actually be one of my all-time favourite fictional characters.

The Iliad of Homer by Homer

5.0

The Iliad is one of those books, for me, that gets better every time you read it. You always pick up on new things. I absolutely love this translation, I feel like it's faithful to Homer while being fairly easy to understand. It's just such a joy to read.

Stand in the Trench, Achilles: Classical Receptions in British Poetry of the Great War by Elizabeth Vandiver

5.0

Words cannot describe just how much I love this book. It's truly one of the most fascinating things I've ever read - I enjoyed it so much, and the things Vandiver talked about were incredibly interesting. I'm so glad I happened upon this book! Luckily it was written in a very easy to understand way, so I could actually comprehend what I was reading. Highly recommended to anyone with even a mild interest in First World War poetry. This really shines on a light on it.

The Metamorphosis by Franz Kafka

4.0

Honestly the only thing I can really say about this book is that it's delightfully weird. Reading essays around it definitely helps make it clearer and you can appreciate more, but on its own its also enjoyable as just some fun surrealism.

Brave New World by Aldous Huxley

3.0

While it was confusing at times, I did enjoy this book. It was such an interesting and poignant look at our own society and what we would probably call a utopia - and at first glance, it does seem like a paradise. I really, really loved the creepy, disturbing undertones (wouldn't this make an excellent horror movie?) that drove home the fact that this place wasn't quite as ideal as it seemed. Another little detail I loved - that this new world existed beyond London and England, and that it seemed like the entire world was like this. I hate when dystopian books don't acknowledge the world outside the city or country they take place in, so I really appreciated that. I think everyone should read this book - it's just such a great commentary on society and our ideals, and it's a classic for a reason.