gossamer_lens's Reviews (1.48k)

I loved the different vignettes that Bradbury gives in each chapter. The way of interconnecting them was clever and while intriguing in the beginning, It just didn't really speak to me about halfway through.

I have owned this book for about 9ish years now. The best thing I can say about it is that it made... some points. 

When it comes to the idea of "common sense" usually nuance is lost for the sake of being to the point and straightforward. However, no matter how much Paine claims that his thoughts are common sense... they not only are lacking in nuance but also in being to the point. While I appreciate a good ramble, I do not appreciate them when they are aired out as being straightforward and of mutual understanding to all people. While there is some interesting political theory to be explored in Common Sense, it becomes less interesting as you must step around antisemitism, racism, and a complete lack of nuance. He makes it very clear he thinks his view is the only right view if you think upon it... but with the ability to look back at history the import of this book only dissipates. 

I've appreciated the writings of many white men. But ones that use the term "slavery" as a metaphor while real slavery was alive and well in their own country... I just have no interest in reading the works of. 

I am looking forward to being able to free up some space on my shelf.