I can handle a good bit of violence, but this book is a difficult read, especially the first few chapters (lots of trigger warnings for sure.), However, if you can get past these first few chapters, this book is pretty amazing and interesting.

While this book is not my very favourite, I can definitely appreciate the writing and can see why it's a cult classic. The controversy with the ending chapters (an extra ending chapter was published in Britain, but not published in the US) makes a HUGE difference in the interpretation of the book--I can understand the US editor's issues with the additional chapter, but I agree with Burgess that it's an important ending for the book, and can see why he pushed to have it included.

This is a beautiful piece of dystopian lit, though, and made me want to study this genre literature more in depth when it was just gaining popularity in 2010. :)

I've always been fascinated with this movie, but as usual, the book is way better. ;)

I'm not exactly sure what this book is about at the core, but I think one could make the argument that it's borderline dystopian lit--at least, it's a dystopia for the 'main' character. I think the reason I resonated with this book so much is because I lived in a small town and experienced some similar feelings that Gilbert experienced--everyone waiting for his/her ship to come in, fascinated with the 'outside' world, etc.. I enjoyed the different isolation themes. Great story; semi abrupt, open-ended ending; I recommend it.

When I read this book, I had not read Oryx and Crake because I didn't realize it was a sequel. This was part of the reason I thought it was a weaker book of hers, but still - I read it in a few hours and gave it 4 stars.

Atwood does an excellent job of painting a unique dystopia, and the story serves as a warning and a prophecy to the present. The cult (would you call it that? It felt more like an organization in the end) was interesting - while the characters (excellent character development) were connected because of the cult (and other reasons) I felt a dissonance between them as well. This wasn't a bad thing. There were layers to this book and an aura of mystery.

I appreciate Atwood's "iceberg" writing (not revealing the full picture) - this book had so much layering and mystery.

Nevertheless, I finished this book in a few (spread out) hours, so who I am I to give criticism?


Pairings: The Poisonwood Bible; A Clockwork Orange; The Giver; Futurama

I can't believe that I've enjoyed ALL of the short stories I've read by Hawthorne! I feel similar when reading Thomas Hardy (hate his prose, love his poetry).

**SPOILERS**

The parallel between himself and Moses encountering God is clear and an interesting experiment. I expected something more like Picture of Dorian Gray. This was more direct––and I liked it.

Hawthorne can build anticipation well.

I liked the abrupt ending. At first I wondered why he skipped so much of the Minister's life, but the extra details aren't needed--we know (or have an idea) what he endured.

Comparisons: something by Hemingway?

This book had okay writing, but was very predictable. Sloppy writing in parts, and just...meh.

I read this while I was in Europe/UK so it is dear to my heart.

The drama about this series being anti-Christian is quite overdone.

I enjoyed them a lot, and I really liked the ending--they are not what I expected at all, and I'm not sure what to think. I think that there were some bits of weak writing in this book, but Pullman's imagination and grasp of the way things are and the way people think is incredible.

I'm still processing with this book, but I think that Pullman is definitely onto something when it comes to the way he seems to view religion (which may not reflect his true feelings, but still.). I think that many of his words would actually be helpful to Christians.

I saw the parallels in this 'rebuttal' of Narnia, and while they're definitely there, I think that it's overall weak. Fantastic story, but the "rebuttal" aspect was a small part to the whole of his agenda.

Great series; highly recommended!

I tried reading this previously, and I just couldn't get into it.

I tried it a second time and slugged through it. This book is well-written and cute, but it's just not my style/preference/what I tend to gravitate towards reading. I think I would've enjoyed it in the installments (how it originally started, to my understanding) rather than the book form. I also kept getting angry with Bridget. ;) I'm glad I finally read it though - I had been meaning to read it for quite some time. I don't think I'll read the other books, though.