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calarco's Reviews (760)
Anansi Boys was one fun ride. Taking place in the same literary universe as Gaiman's knockout American Gods, Anansi Boys interweaves West African folklore with downright ridiculous family drama.
At its core, the novel eloquently details the messiness and beauty of family interrelations. It also explores the aftermath of loss, and how individuals are left to grapple with family legacies once their parents are gone. That and whole lot of confusion, Hitchcock-esque birds, limes, embarrassment, plus one pissed off ghost punching a tiger.
An excellent story, but then again, all stories belong to Anansi.
At its core, the novel eloquently details the messiness and beauty of family interrelations. It also explores the aftermath of loss, and how individuals are left to grapple with family legacies once their parents are gone. That and whole lot of confusion, Hitchcock-esque birds, limes, embarrassment, plus one pissed off ghost punching a tiger.
An excellent story, but then again, all stories belong to Anansi.
If you are a big Murakami fan, his first published novel is worth a read.
Hear the Wind Sing allows the reader a glimpse at what are now considered quintessential Murakami tropes, including: mysterious women, dealing with loss and weightlessness, and descriptions of food (though sadly not as captivatingly in-depth as his later work).
Unlike his later novels which tend to fall into the genres of surrealism and absurdism, this narrative is comparatively straight forward. It is still very much in the format of a meandering stream of consciousness, but events seem to be read and interpreted at face value.
That being said, compared to his other works, notably A Wild Sheep Chase (the final volume of the trilogy of the Rat), or its sequel Dance, Dance, Dance (and yes that is a sequel to the third book of trilogy, not be confused with a quadrilogy, oh Murakami), Hear the Wind Sings is admittedly well crafted but forgettable.
All in all, if you have burned through Murakami's big numbers and want more, by all means give it a read. If you are new to his work, I have to recommend starting with A Wild Sheep Chase. Truly, Sheep Man makes all the difference.
Hear the Wind Sing allows the reader a glimpse at what are now considered quintessential Murakami tropes, including: mysterious women, dealing with loss and weightlessness, and descriptions of food (though sadly not as captivatingly in-depth as his later work).
Unlike his later novels which tend to fall into the genres of surrealism and absurdism, this narrative is comparatively straight forward. It is still very much in the format of a meandering stream of consciousness, but events seem to be read and interpreted at face value.
That being said, compared to his other works, notably A Wild Sheep Chase (the final volume of the trilogy of the Rat), or its sequel Dance, Dance, Dance (and yes that is a sequel to the third book of trilogy, not be confused with a quadrilogy, oh Murakami), Hear the Wind Sings is admittedly well crafted but forgettable.
All in all, if you have burned through Murakami's big numbers and want more, by all means give it a read. If you are new to his work, I have to recommend starting with A Wild Sheep Chase. Truly, Sheep Man makes all the difference.
Of the Rat Trilogy, this was easily the weakest volume.
Within the book was a quote that seemed to sum up the experience of reading this novel with great accuracy, "So why was I racing through the darkness? To keep a date with fifty pinball machines. It was idiotic. A dream. A dream without substance."
As in a typical Murakami novel, Pinball features a protagonist who is going through the motions, even as events around him seem to go haywire. This particular unnamed narrator also happens to be dealing with regret and a specific form of restlessness stemming from a disconnected and unsatisfying life.
We follow this character, juxtapose to the Rat, but each of their journeys are remarkably inconsequential, and ultimately forgettable. Perhaps most annoying is the detached arrogance that each character seems to embody, which made the whole process of reading this even more taxing.
This is easily the lowest rating I have ever given Murakami. Some better recommendations of his earlier work would have be Hard-Boiled Wonderland and the End of the World, A Wild Sheep Chase (the third volume of the Rat Trilogy), or even the outrageously popular Norwegian Wood.
Within the book was a quote that seemed to sum up the experience of reading this novel with great accuracy, "So why was I racing through the darkness? To keep a date with fifty pinball machines. It was idiotic. A dream. A dream without substance."
As in a typical Murakami novel, Pinball features a protagonist who is going through the motions, even as events around him seem to go haywire. This particular unnamed narrator also happens to be dealing with regret and a specific form of restlessness stemming from a disconnected and unsatisfying life.
We follow this character, juxtapose to the Rat, but each of their journeys are remarkably inconsequential, and ultimately forgettable. Perhaps most annoying is the detached arrogance that each character seems to embody, which made the whole process of reading this even more taxing.
This is easily the lowest rating I have ever given Murakami. Some better recommendations of his earlier work would have be Hard-Boiled Wonderland and the End of the World, A Wild Sheep Chase (the third volume of the Rat Trilogy), or even the outrageously popular Norwegian Wood.
Another great read from Rainbow Rowell.
Most great love stories tend to focus on beginnings, with drama escalating over how a young couple comes together. Rarer, are stories that detail the messy middle of a long-term relationship between two "middle-aged" individuals, and this novel details the turmoils of Georgie and Neal so vividly and authentically.
I suppose that is an odd way to describe a book about a magic phone, but it's hard not to get emotionally invested in the characters of a Rowell novel. Her characterization and ability to buildup dramatic emotional pays off quite nicely.
My one critique would be labeling this novel as a work of "sci-fi." The mechanism behind how the phone functions is never explained, and really only exists as a plot device.
Still, it is definitely worth a read.
Most great love stories tend to focus on beginnings, with drama escalating over how a young couple comes together. Rarer, are stories that detail the messy middle of a long-term relationship between two "middle-aged" individuals, and this novel details the turmoils of Georgie and Neal so vividly and authentically.
I suppose that is an odd way to describe a book about a magic phone, but it's hard not to get emotionally invested in the characters of a Rowell novel. Her characterization and ability to buildup dramatic emotional pays off quite nicely.
My one critique would be labeling this novel as a work of "sci-fi." The mechanism behind how the phone functions is never explained, and really only exists as a plot device.
Still, it is definitely worth a read.
Bloodchild and Other Stories is not only another knock out from Octavia Butler, but may very well be the best collection of short stories I have ever read.
While the titular story was amazing, "The Evening and the Morning and the Night," "Amnesty," and "The Book of Martha" all left me winded in the best way. Her two essays were also excellent inclusions, and important reading for anyone who not only wants to write for a living, but pursue any field really. As always, her message resonates broadly and profoundly, "Persist."
Perhaps the best take away from this collection (specifically, the second edition) are the afterwords included at the end of each story. It was a real treat catching a glimpse of the inner workings of Butler's thought process.
Overall, as with most of her work, Butler creates captivating narratives that offer insightful speculation on the human condition, but more importantly - new ways of understanding.
While the titular story was amazing, "The Evening and the Morning and the Night," "Amnesty," and "The Book of Martha" all left me winded in the best way. Her two essays were also excellent inclusions, and important reading for anyone who not only wants to write for a living, but pursue any field really. As always, her message resonates broadly and profoundly, "Persist."
Perhaps the best take away from this collection (specifically, the second edition) are the afterwords included at the end of each story. It was a real treat catching a glimpse of the inner workings of Butler's thought process.
Overall, as with most of her work, Butler creates captivating narratives that offer insightful speculation on the human condition, but more importantly - new ways of understanding.
I am often skeptical of history books covering especially long stretches of time, but A History of Japan was not terrible.
That being said it was not perfect either. Though informative, the prose could be dry. As with many history books, the sections on archaeological history were lacking. Also missing was information on women and Japan's ethnic minorities. I would have been especially interested in Japanese interactions with the Ainu, specifically in reference to the country's acquisition of Hokkaido.
Still, it is important to remember this book was initially published in 1972. A further examination on how the "current events" of the 60s and 70s may have effected the way Japan's history was parsed and assessed throughout the book could be interesting (especially in regards to the focus on Japan's changing power dynamics and administrative styles).
Overall, it was not amazing, but I learned some things and can say it was at least okay.
That being said it was not perfect either. Though informative, the prose could be dry. As with many history books, the sections on archaeological history were lacking. Also missing was information on women and Japan's ethnic minorities. I would have been especially interested in Japanese interactions with the Ainu, specifically in reference to the country's acquisition of Hokkaido.
Still, it is important to remember this book was initially published in 1972. A further examination on how the "current events" of the 60s and 70s may have effected the way Japan's history was parsed and assessed throughout the book could be interesting (especially in regards to the focus on Japan's changing power dynamics and administrative styles).
Overall, it was not amazing, but I learned some things and can say it was at least okay.
If I could sum up this book in one word it would be - "fun."
In addition to the fast-moving plot delivered via a prose that is simultaneously hilarious and suspenseful, the characters are amazing. Lila and Rhys are superbly entertaining in nearly every scene, and their compulsive natures really help to keep things fresh. Kell, seemingly bland (if not whiny) at first, also proves to be more complex than expected, if not... "darker." Sorry.
Also very well done, was the manner in which the exposition was carefully revealed and explained. We learn of the different Londons as Kell travels through them, and then learn of the rules that govern magic as obstacles arise. Not many fantasy series delve into understanding the underlying mechanisms of magic; Harry Potter may have never wondered how exactly he was able to manifest magical spells into reality through words and wands, but I sure did, so this book was a real treat for anyone else being kept up at night by these questions.
This is the first book that I chose to read due to reviews written on this website, and I am happy that the community delivered. One review in particular, by the author herself, is definitely worth a look. Otherwise, having only read Vicious by V.E. Schwab, I was pleasantly surprised by how light the overall arc of A Darker Shade of Magic turned out. There are definite dramatic turns that occur, with potentially dark consequences (some of which I might not be fully understanding until I read the next book of the series), but because of the overall tone of the book these instances are really able to stand out.
I look forward to more.
In addition to the fast-moving plot delivered via a prose that is simultaneously hilarious and suspenseful, the characters are amazing. Lila and Rhys are superbly entertaining in nearly every scene, and their compulsive natures really help to keep things fresh. Kell, seemingly bland (if not whiny) at first, also proves to be more complex than expected, if not... "darker." Sorry.
Also very well done, was the manner in which the exposition was carefully revealed and explained. We learn of the different Londons as Kell travels through them, and then learn of the rules that govern magic as obstacles arise. Not many fantasy series delve into understanding the underlying mechanisms of magic; Harry Potter may have never wondered how exactly he was able to manifest magical spells into reality through words and wands, but I sure did, so this book was a real treat for anyone else being kept up at night by these questions.
This is the first book that I chose to read due to reviews written on this website, and I am happy that the community delivered. One review in particular, by the author herself, is definitely worth a look. Otherwise, having only read Vicious by V.E. Schwab, I was pleasantly surprised by how light the overall arc of A Darker Shade of Magic turned out. There are definite dramatic turns that occur, with potentially dark consequences (some of which I might not be fully understanding until I read the next book of the series), but because of the overall tone of the book these instances are really able to stand out.
I look forward to more.
I was pleasantly surprised by this acid trip of a fairy tale.
Shockingly, for all of the chaos that ensues, no one is truly villainized. That is not to say that the characters do not act selfishly, irrationally, or badly--they all do one of these things at some point. But as love and compassion remain the themes of the narrative, these values also serve as the lens through which characters are portrayed.
The dream-like nature of the prose, coupled with a lack of character self-reflection, does make this a textbook case of style over substance. I enjoyed the journey, and felt invested in the characters, but the borderline saccharine conclusion did feel somewhat hollow.
That being said, this read will take you no more than an hour, give or take. You have nothing to lose picking it up at the library and deciding for yourself.
Shockingly, for all of the chaos that ensues, no one is truly villainized. That is not to say that the characters do not act selfishly, irrationally, or badly--they all do one of these things at some point. But as love and compassion remain the themes of the narrative, these values also serve as the lens through which characters are portrayed.
The dream-like nature of the prose, coupled with a lack of character self-reflection, does make this a textbook case of style over substance. I enjoyed the journey, and felt invested in the characters, but the borderline saccharine conclusion did feel somewhat hollow.
That being said, this read will take you no more than an hour, give or take. You have nothing to lose picking it up at the library and deciding for yourself.
It is rare to see trans stories, especially within the YA genre, so Luna was quite eye-catching. I kept in mind that Julie Anne Peters is herself a cisgender woman, but given her history of responsible queer story-telling, I figured Luna was worth a shot. Also, to clarify, I am well aware that people are more than capable of writing compelling narratives and characters that fall outside of their own gender identity/personal experience (Middlesex by Jeffrey Eugenides being a good example), but if I was going to share my honest, anxiety-riddled stream of consciousness impression, I figured Goodreads would be as good a place to do it.
That being said, I really enjoyed Luna, and am still rooting for her even now that the story has ended. Told from the POV of her younger sister, Regan, the reader is given (for many - much-needed) exposition on trans terms and information.
Much of the story takes place in the present, but it is intercut with memories of Regan's childhood. As she bumbles through the winding curves of memory lane, she is better able to comprehend who her sister is in the present. It was also an interesting look at how one can misinterpret past events when people do not act according to their societal expectations. Denial ain't just a river in Egypt.
Perhaps Luna's biggest strength, is how it presents imperfect characters in a sympathetic light. You want people to accept young Luna for who she is, but are able to see that the reality of living in a culture of strict gender expectations does not allow for the situation to unfold in a straight forward manner. Even protagonists need time and space to emotionally process complex events and feelings.
Overall, I would definitely recommend this book.
That being said, I really enjoyed Luna, and am still rooting for her even now that the story has ended. Told from the POV of her younger sister, Regan, the reader is given (for many - much-needed) exposition on trans terms and information.
Much of the story takes place in the present, but it is intercut with memories of Regan's childhood. As she bumbles through the winding curves of memory lane, she is better able to comprehend who her sister is in the present. It was also an interesting look at how one can misinterpret past events when people do not act according to their societal expectations. Denial ain't just a river in Egypt.
Perhaps Luna's biggest strength, is how it presents imperfect characters in a sympathetic light. You want people to accept young Luna for who she is, but are able to see that the reality of living in a culture of strict gender expectations does not allow for the situation to unfold in a straight forward manner. Even protagonists need time and space to emotionally process complex events and feelings.
Overall, I would definitely recommend this book.
This book was a punch to the gut in the best way possible; Between the World and Me was not only an excellent insight into the human condition, but helped me to understand my own feelings and frustrations as an American.
While written by a truly brilliant mind, as this was intended as a letter to his young son, Ta-Nehisi Coates delivers harsh truths with the loving and tender desperation only a parent can impart with their child when teaching them of the difficult realities of the world within which they must grow and live. He shares hard-learned warnings with a desire to understand and explain the greater socio-economic mechanisms that facilitate modern-day injustices.
I could not possibly say it better than Toni Morrison, "This is required reading."
While written by a truly brilliant mind, as this was intended as a letter to his young son, Ta-Nehisi Coates delivers harsh truths with the loving and tender desperation only a parent can impart with their child when teaching them of the difficult realities of the world within which they must grow and live. He shares hard-learned warnings with a desire to understand and explain the greater socio-economic mechanisms that facilitate modern-day injustices.
I could not possibly say it better than Toni Morrison, "This is required reading."