Scan barcode
troystory's reviews
199 reviews
The Odyssey by Homer
5.0
This is quite possibly the best translation of The Odyssey I've ever had the pleasure of reading - after it, I cannot go back to any other edition. While the simplicity of the text may be off-putting at first (to those of us, who - like me - think that all translations of classical works have to be a pretentious type of elegant), it works so, so well in the context of the poem. Emily Wilson's writing is crisp and clear, bold where it needs to be, and it has such amazing imagery too. It flows really nicely, and it's easy to read, which I think is very important, especially in a translation.
A side note: it's worthwhile to read the introduction and the translator's note. If you've never read The Odyssey before, or don't know much about it, there is some information in there that can really add to the text when you read it. Even for me, someone who knows a lot about the classical world, there were things that I found beneficial.
I can't recommend this enough. It's an absolute masterpiece, and a classic in its own right.
A side note: it's worthwhile to read the introduction and the translator's note. If you've never read The Odyssey before, or don't know much about it, there is some information in there that can really add to the text when you read it. Even for me, someone who knows a lot about the classical world, there were things that I found beneficial.
I can't recommend this enough. It's an absolute masterpiece, and a classic in its own right.
The Three Theban Plays: Antigone; Oedipus the King; Oedipus at Colonus by Sophocles
5.0
Wow, are these good tragedies. My favourite was definitely Oedipus the King, just because of the sheer absurdity of the tragedy and it was very Extra (as the Greeks were, obvs), but they were all engaging and thoughtful and interesting. I appreciated the subtle wisdom in the tragedies, the lines that really spoke to me, the heartbreaking ending of Antigone's story (rip). These are classics for a good reason! Even if you have no intention to study these tragedies or analyze them, they're worth a read (or two, or three...). Highly recommended!
The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain
3.0
I read Huck Finn for English, and I'm just gonna put it this way: the class ruined it for me. It's a considerably good book - it has its funny moments, its wise philosophy, its interesting characters and rare riveting storylines. However, it mostly felt like it dragged on. It got really boring sometimes, and I felt like there wasn't a climax, or even a conflict beyond the first few chapters. I didn't hate it, so I guess I still liked it.
The Umbrella Academy: Dallas by Gabriel Bá, Gerard Way
5.0
I absolutely adore this comic series. Every issue is amazing, well-written, and fun to read- and don't even get me started on the art. I love the clean lines, the simple designs, and the balance of minimalist backgrounds and bold colours. I was sad when Klaus "died", but I really loved the whole God is a cowboy storyline, it was very entertaining. I'm excited for volume 3!
Seriously, I highly recommend this series to comic fans old and new, and of course fans of the Netflix show.
Seriously, I highly recommend this series to comic fans old and new, and of course fans of the Netflix show.
Black Widow Vol. 2: Tightly Tangled Web by Nathan Edmondson
5.0
Let me start this off by saying I'm a huge fan of Phil Noto's art. It's visually stunning, absolutely gorgeous, AND it doesn't sexualize Black Widow. Hello, perfection! Seriously, I'm very grateful to read a comic where Natasha has normal body proportions, her suit is practical, and she's never posing or dressed for the male gaze.
Apart from that, I love this comic. A lot. It has a great storyline that carries on for all the issues in this collection and beyond, it incorporates many different elements and characters without seeming too overwhelming, and have I mentioned the art yet?
This is really a gold-standard comic series. Honestly. Give it a try!
Apart from that, I love this comic. A lot. It has a great storyline that carries on for all the issues in this collection and beyond, it incorporates many different elements and characters without seeming too overwhelming, and have I mentioned the art yet?
This is really a gold-standard comic series. Honestly. Give it a try!
The Umbrella Academy, Vol. 1: Apocalypse Suite by Gerard Way
4.0
Before I even knew this series existed, I watched the Netflix show. It was brilliant, and I still haven't gotten over it (hello, new obsession), so once I heard it was based off comics, I decided I'd read them. My experience with comics has been mainly through Marvel, so obviously my idea of what a typical comic series should look like is shaped from that.
I really enjoyed reading this volume, and I'm very excited to read the second one (and the third, when it comes out!). It was very fast-paced in comparison to other series I've read, but I didn't think that ruined the story, or made it not good. And even though the art is very different from the more realistic, watercolour-type or anime-esque stuff I've seen in Marvel, I loved how stylistic and clean it was. It was engaging and funny and well-written. Overall, I think this is an excellent series.
For fans of the show, I 100% recommend reading the comics.
I really enjoyed reading this volume, and I'm very excited to read the second one (and the third, when it comes out!). It was very fast-paced in comparison to other series I've read, but I didn't think that ruined the story, or made it not good. And even though the art is very different from the more realistic, watercolour-type or anime-esque stuff I've seen in Marvel, I loved how stylistic and clean it was. It was engaging and funny and well-written. Overall, I think this is an excellent series.
For fans of the show, I 100% recommend reading the comics.
Confronting the Classics: Traditions, Adventures, and Innovations by Mary Beard
5.0
I have never doubted Mary Beard's talent and skill, and rightfully so. Each chapter, which focuses on a different topic, is masterfully and engagingly written. I was captivated by everything she was saying, and it was (mostly) free from the overly-complicated writing or smug biases I've read in other history books. She presents important arguments and satisfying discussions of them, and I came away feeling like I learned a lot.
This book's strength, however, lies in its ability to make you reconsider your own perspectives and examine everything you've taken as 'true'. For people who question the importance of Classics, or for those with a romantic sentiment for it, this book is a good guide. It's made me even more enthusiastic and excited to study the subject!
This book's strength, however, lies in its ability to make you reconsider your own perspectives and examine everything you've taken as 'true'. For people who question the importance of Classics, or for those with a romantic sentiment for it, this book is a good guide. It's made me even more enthusiastic and excited to study the subject!
The Book Thief by Markus Zusak
5.0
I remember hearing this was a good book, and all I knew about it (which was vague, to say the least) was that it took place during WW2 and it was about a girl who stole books. And I was pleasantly surprised to learn it was about so much more. I won't go into detail about the plot here, because that's what the book's summary is for.
I don't think I have the words to describe how amazing this book is. It's captivating, heartbreaking, well-written, and most importantly, it's the kind of story that sticks with you. I don't think I'll ever forget Liesel and Hans, Rudy and Rosa, Max and, of course, the narrator. And beyond being beyond wonderful, it's one of those books that give you a glimpse into the kindness and love human beings are capable of. I can't recommend it enough.
What are you waiting for? Go read The Book Thief!
I don't think I have the words to describe how amazing this book is. It's captivating, heartbreaking, well-written, and most importantly, it's the kind of story that sticks with you. I don't think I'll ever forget Liesel and Hans, Rudy and Rosa, Max and, of course, the narrator. And beyond being beyond wonderful, it's one of those books that give you a glimpse into the kindness and love human beings are capable of. I can't recommend it enough.
What are you waiting for? Go read The Book Thief!
How Do We Look: The Body, the Divine, and the Question of Civilization by Mary Beard
5.0
Where do I even begin with this? Mary Beard is probably my absolute favourite author, and every book of hers I've read was exceptionally well-written, captivating, and enlightening. She has such a way with words, I adore reading her work.
I'll be honest, I didn't know she released a new book until I was at the bookstore, and the gorgeous cover caught my eye. I got the book without really knowing what it was about, and I was pleasantly surprised about the subject. It was very good, and I highly recommend it, as always.
I'll be honest, I didn't know she released a new book until I was at the bookstore, and the gorgeous cover caught my eye. I got the book without really knowing what it was about, and I was pleasantly surprised about the subject. It was very good, and I highly recommend it, as always.