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2.01k reviews by:
ninetalevixen
I received an advance review copy from Houghton Mifflin Harcourt through Netgalley; all opinions are my own and honest.
Disclaimer: I'm technically not even a millenial but a Gen Zer, though I'm on the cusp and in some ways relate more to millenials (especially at present: contemplating post-college adulthood).
It can be discouraging to address systemic issues rather than the symptoms produced, especially since the former can't be addressed with lists of ~self care~ tasks. (Which, as Petersen notes, often feel like additional chores in and of themselves, increasing rather than alleviating stress and burnout.) But productive discussions have to begin with accurately defining the problem; this also delivers on the book's premise without resorting to pop science or inflammatory opinion.
I applaud the efforts to take an intersectional view, rather than further perpetuating it's so hard to be white, cis, straight, upper middle class (I'm not saying privilege negates your struggles, but it certainly changes the equation). That said, apart from examples and anecdotes, it seems to boil down to it's so hard to be poor and/or PoC — not untrue, but not particularly insightful or helpful. And it also felt clunky, borderline performative, to have each respondent introduced with their race and socioeconomic class (and occasionally as "queer" or "neurodivergent" or "single working mom"), especially in some cases where it wasn't relevant to a widely-applicable quote or experience.
Stylistically there's a kind of monotony to the book, with all the chapters structured the same and seemingly little variation in tone. It's not necessarily an inherent failing, but it certainly made for a dry read, and consequently I found the book interesting but not particularly engaging.
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CONVERSION: 7.75 / 15 = 3 stars
Prose: 5 / 10
Intellectual Engagement: 5 / 10
Credibility: 7 / 10
Organization / Structure: 6 / 10
Emotional Impact / Interest: 3 / 5
Rereadability: N/A
Memorability: 1 / 5
Disclaimer: I'm technically not even a millenial but a Gen Zer, though I'm on the cusp and in some ways relate more to millenials (especially at present: contemplating post-college adulthood).
It can be discouraging to address systemic issues rather than the symptoms produced, especially since the former can't be addressed with lists of ~self care~ tasks. (Which, as Petersen notes, often feel like additional chores in and of themselves, increasing rather than alleviating stress and burnout.) But productive discussions have to begin with accurately defining the problem; this also delivers on the book's premise without resorting to pop science or inflammatory opinion.
I applaud the efforts to take an intersectional view, rather than further perpetuating it's so hard to be white, cis, straight, upper middle class (I'm not saying privilege negates your struggles, but it certainly changes the equation). That said, apart from examples and anecdotes, it seems to boil down to it's so hard to be poor and/or PoC — not untrue, but not particularly insightful or helpful. And it also felt clunky, borderline performative, to have each respondent introduced with their race and socioeconomic class (and occasionally as "queer" or "neurodivergent" or "single working mom"), especially in some cases where it wasn't relevant to a widely-applicable quote or experience.
Stylistically there's a kind of monotony to the book, with all the chapters structured the same and seemingly little variation in tone. It's not necessarily an inherent failing, but it certainly made for a dry read, and consequently I found the book interesting but not particularly engaging.
-----------
CONVERSION: 7.75 / 15 = 3 stars
Prose: 5 / 10
Intellectual Engagement: 5 / 10
Credibility: 7 / 10
Organization / Structure: 6 / 10
Emotional Impact / Interest: 3 / 5
Rereadability: N/A
Memorability: 1 / 5
Yaaaaas, Jaime POV! He is as awesome as I dreamed, and enough of a good man that I don't feel guilty rooting for him. So much betrayal, blood, loss - I mean, just look at the Red Wedding.
Possibly better than the first, in terms of plot, setting, main players, etc. have all been established and we can start getting into details. Enjoyed the new insight into the known characters and meeting new ones. Excited to see what happens next.
Started a little confusing, but when it got to Bran's chapter I totally immediately fell in love with Jon Snow. Arya's admirable, really easy to relate to; Tyrion's funny but complex; Jaime is fascinatingly dark. Definitely a series worth continuing; I'm starting to understand all the hype.
Just under 5 stars, in all honesty.
Definitely the best ASoIaF novel yet; it focused on all my favorite characters and storylines.
Definitely the best ASoIaF novel yet; it focused on all my favorite characters and storylines.
Better than I'd expected; Daenarys is growing on me. Loved Arya's arc in particular - in my opinion, she's learned and grown more than just about any of the other characters.