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pineconek's Reviews (816)
This was a pleasant surprise and a really interesting read.
Let's start with the bad: the prose is occasionally overwritten in a way that reminds you that you're reading and may take you out of the story. I saw in other reviews that this bothered many people but, for me, this only emphasized that the omniscient but uncaring narrator was our main character. Theres a lot of really weird description of bodies in a way that feels gross but also clinical. While I don't personally feel that aliens are involved (but you can make your mind up about that), the occasionally omniscient narrator kind of feels like an alien observing these weird humans he's fascinated by but ultimately indifferent towards.
I guess prefacing that paragraph with "let's start with the bad" wasn't quite right then, since the "bad" added in some intrigue and extra layers for me. I think this really is a book that's going to be a different experience for each reader, and definitely isn't everyone's cup of tea. I found it engrossing (and gross), compulsively fascinating, and am ultimately happy to have read it. I recommend it if you're intrigued by ambiguity, enjoy character driven slow burn horror, and go in without too many expectations/without knowing too much about the book.
Let's start with the bad: the prose is occasionally overwritten in a way that reminds you that you're reading and may take you out of the story. I saw in other reviews that this bothered many people but, for me, this only emphasized that the omniscient but uncaring narrator was our main character. Theres a lot of really weird description of bodies in a way that feels gross but also clinical. While I don't personally feel that aliens are involved (but you can make your mind up about that), the occasionally omniscient narrator kind of feels like an alien observing these weird humans he's fascinated by but ultimately indifferent towards.
I guess prefacing that paragraph with "let's start with the bad" wasn't quite right then, since the "bad" added in some intrigue and extra layers for me. I think this really is a book that's going to be a different experience for each reader, and definitely isn't everyone's cup of tea. I found it engrossing (and gross), compulsively fascinating, and am ultimately happy to have read it. I recommend it if you're intrigued by ambiguity, enjoy character driven slow burn horror, and go in without too many expectations/without knowing too much about the book.
I think ottessa and I would be friends in real life but I think I'd need to tell her "you're at a 9 and I need you at a 4".
Here's why, even though I've dislikes 2 ottessa moshfegh books, I'll pick up another: her prose is gorgeous, the concepts are interesting, and the narrative is engaging. But I'll suspect I'll dislike the reading process and frequently hope that I'm close to the end of the book.
This book is basically "would living in the dark ages suck? Yes and here's a comprehensive guide on all the ways it could suck, especially if there's magic realism around eye-related body horror". I'd make a list of content warnings but the whole book is a content warning.
Ok before I accidentally close the goodreads app halfway through writing a review for the second time tonight, I'll wrap this up. This book is super weird but well written and you might be into that. Recommended if you think living in the dark ages would have indeed sucked but would love to see it illustrated in full.
Here's why, even though I've dislikes 2 ottessa moshfegh books, I'll pick up another: her prose is gorgeous, the concepts are interesting, and the narrative is engaging. But I'll suspect I'll dislike the reading process and frequently hope that I'm close to the end of the book.
This book is basically "would living in the dark ages suck? Yes and here's a comprehensive guide on all the ways it could suck, especially if there's magic realism around eye-related body horror". I'd make a list of content warnings but the whole book is a content warning.
Ok before I accidentally close the goodreads app halfway through writing a review for the second time tonight, I'll wrap this up. This book is super weird but well written and you might be into that. Recommended if you think living in the dark ages would have indeed sucked but would love to see it illustrated in full.
2022 reread: I haven't read this since 2010 and forgot a lot of the details. That said, this was probably my favourite required reading from highschool and it lived up to my memories. I'm surprised by how modern this reads and how relevant the ideas remain.
Recommended widely, but especially if you read it as a teen and are curious about how your adult eyes would see this book.
Recommended widely, but especially if you read it as a teen and are curious about how your adult eyes would see this book.
What does it say about me that I find games of death fascinating?
Battle Royale, the book, is a novelization of the movie which itself is an adaptation of the manga. In spite of this double translation between mediums, the book is remarkably enjoyable to read (if you don't mind violence). I really appreciated how many character's psyches we got insight into. The book is in conversation with the reader, showing dozens of options for responding to these absurd circumstances, and asking us: well, what would you do?
Recommended if you can stomach the basic premise (the book doesn't shy away from details), enjoy exploring the motivation and psychology of a wide cast of characters, and are looking for a fast-paced read.
Battle Royale, the book, is a novelization of the movie which itself is an adaptation of the manga. In spite of this double translation between mediums, the book is remarkably enjoyable to read (if you don't mind violence). I really appreciated how many character's psyches we got insight into. The book is in conversation with the reader, showing dozens of options for responding to these absurd circumstances, and asking us: well, what would you do?
Recommended if you can stomach the basic premise (the book doesn't shy away from details), enjoy exploring the motivation and psychology of a wide cast of characters, and are looking for a fast-paced read.
There's something comforting about Moreno-Garcia's work that I can't quite put my finger on.
The daughter of Dr Moreau is a loose retelling of the Island of Dr Moreau. I say loose as it moves away from themes of playing god (in short, taking the focus of dr Moreau) and inches more towards themes of found family and humanity (shifting the focus to his creations). This is cleverly set up against a backdrop of turmoil in Mexico, including a complex conflict against the indigenous and colonialist populations.
Like Mexican Gothic, this is a solid 3.5 stars for me. I enjoyed the experience but didn't consider it riveting or life-changing and would only recommend this book to certain people. Specifically, if you like Victorian literature and enjoy relative predictability in your stories/books that are what they say on the tin, love retellings and assertive female leads, and enjoy good writing these are exactly the books for you. While that doesn't quite apply to me, I see the merit.
Recommended if you enjoy things with Victorian romance/courtship vibes, enjoy stories of class struggles and betrayal, and love beautiful writing.
The daughter of Dr Moreau is a loose retelling of the Island of Dr Moreau. I say loose as it moves away from themes of playing god (in short, taking the focus of dr Moreau) and inches more towards themes of found family and humanity (shifting the focus to his creations). This is cleverly set up against a backdrop of turmoil in Mexico, including a complex conflict against the indigenous and colonialist populations.
Like Mexican Gothic, this is a solid 3.5 stars for me. I enjoyed the experience but didn't consider it riveting or life-changing and would only recommend this book to certain people. Specifically, if you like Victorian literature and enjoy relative predictability in your stories/books that are what they say on the tin, love retellings and assertive female leads, and enjoy good writing these are exactly the books for you. While that doesn't quite apply to me, I see the merit.
Recommended if you enjoy things with Victorian romance/courtship vibes, enjoy stories of class struggles and betrayal, and love beautiful writing.
The ending of this book is extremely relatable (and this is not a spoiler I promise) : the evil has been defeated, I remember very little of it, and I never want to deal with it (IT) ever again.
I've enjoyed many a King novel but this one made me want to put pencils in my eyes. Bloated, overwritten, exhausting, boring (yeah, I said it). If I never hear another racial slur said by a ten year old it will be too soon. If I never read another sex scene featuring children, it will be too freaking soon. This is King at his very worst.
My life was legitimately better before reading this book and I urge you not to bother. I finished it out of spite and am considering roasting my copy on a literal fire.
More thoughts here: https://youtu.be/PzkEfMJg21M
I've enjoyed many a King novel but this one made me want to put pencils in my eyes. Bloated, overwritten, exhausting, boring (yeah, I said it). If I never hear another racial slur said by a ten year old it will be too soon. If I never read another sex scene featuring children, it will be too freaking soon. This is King at his very worst.
My life was legitimately better before reading this book and I urge you not to bother. I finished it out of spite and am considering roasting my copy on a literal fire.
More thoughts here: https://youtu.be/PzkEfMJg21M
I went into this book with low expectations but looking for a good time. A good time is what I found in this unrealistic modern thriller (we've got Facebook! We have Find my Friends! We have wireless printers!).
I don't mind unrealistic stories provided that they remain internally consistent. So while this book featured a plucky 17 year old has infinite freedom, a series of incompetent adults and suspects keen to divulge information, as well as parental dialogue is more cheesy than a hallmark movie, it was a fun ride.
And that's really how I would describe this book: in spite of some dark themes, it's ultimately a fun amateur detective book. The mixed media delivery was particularly excellent in audiobook format, which featured a full cast recording and fun sound effects. While not a book that will stick with me forever or that hits deep, it definitely scratched an entertainment itch - 3.5 stars rounded up.
Recommended if you're looking for an entertaining thriller with an amazing audiobook production and don't need realistic plots to remain entertained.
More thoughts here: https://youtu.be/PzkEfMJg21M
I don't mind unrealistic stories provided that they remain internally consistent. So while this book featured a plucky 17 year old has infinite freedom, a series of incompetent adults and suspects keen to divulge information, as well as parental dialogue is more cheesy than a hallmark movie, it was a fun ride.
And that's really how I would describe this book: in spite of some dark themes, it's ultimately a fun amateur detective book. The mixed media delivery was particularly excellent in audiobook format, which featured a full cast recording and fun sound effects. While not a book that will stick with me forever or that hits deep, it definitely scratched an entertainment itch - 3.5 stars rounded up.
Recommended if you're looking for an entertaining thriller with an amazing audiobook production and don't need realistic plots to remain entertained.
More thoughts here: https://youtu.be/PzkEfMJg21M
Nature is so cool.
That's basically the take-away from this book. Ed Yong's writing is, as always, stunning and his narration of the audiobook is nothing short of perfect. This book is extremely well-researched and organized and provides us with a comprehensive overview of what we know (and don't know) about animal senses. I most appreciated the myth-busting as well as the emphasis on non-anthropocentric perspectives. The ending of the book was particularly interesting as it emphasized how much light and sound pollution, on top of all "traditional" pollution, further disrupts and affects the biosphere.
Recommended widely, but especially if you've wondered if all colours look the same to everyone, what the big deal about polarized light is, how precise is echolocation, what are whale songs for, why are mosquitos so good at finding us, and so much more. The audiobook production is particularly stunning!
More thoughts here: https://youtu.be/PzkEfMJg21M
That's basically the take-away from this book. Ed Yong's writing is, as always, stunning and his narration of the audiobook is nothing short of perfect. This book is extremely well-researched and organized and provides us with a comprehensive overview of what we know (and don't know) about animal senses. I most appreciated the myth-busting as well as the emphasis on non-anthropocentric perspectives. The ending of the book was particularly interesting as it emphasized how much light and sound pollution, on top of all "traditional" pollution, further disrupts and affects the biosphere.
Recommended widely, but especially if you've wondered if all colours look the same to everyone, what the big deal about polarized light is, how precise is echolocation, what are whale songs for, why are mosquitos so good at finding us, and so much more. The audiobook production is particularly stunning!
More thoughts here: https://youtu.be/PzkEfMJg21M
Hourglass is a collection of short diary entries disguised as a lyrical poem disguised as a novella. The book is written in short pragraphs (usually less than 3 sentences, if that) arranged in very short chapters that tell stories of modern love and loss, Characters remain sparsely described and largely unnamed (or the names don't matter) which leads to this being more of an impressionistic art piece rather than a book.
I really wanted to like Hourglass but I don't think I was the correct audience for it as experimental writing isn't quite for me. That said, I found it engaging and refreshing in its brevity. Reading this book felt like going to a slam poetry night where I didn't have much in common with the speaker but could see how the material could be emotionally poignant for other people. This was similar to the experience I had reading Ocean Vuong's on Earth We Are Briefly Gorgeous, where some portions felt both over and underwritten in a way that didn't land with me but that I've seen other people enjoy.
Recommended if you are interested in millennial love and heartbreak, enjoy lyrical styles akin to Ocean Vuong, and are ok with "no plot just vibes" when it comes to your novellas.
Thank you to NetGalley for a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review!
More thoughts here: https://youtu.be/PzkEfMJg21M
I really wanted to like Hourglass but I don't think I was the correct audience for it as experimental writing isn't quite for me. That said, I found it engaging and refreshing in its brevity. Reading this book felt like going to a slam poetry night where I didn't have much in common with the speaker but could see how the material could be emotionally poignant for other people. This was similar to the experience I had reading Ocean Vuong's on Earth We Are Briefly Gorgeous, where some portions felt both over and underwritten in a way that didn't land with me but that I've seen other people enjoy.
Recommended if you are interested in millennial love and heartbreak, enjoy lyrical styles akin to Ocean Vuong, and are ok with "no plot just vibes" when it comes to your novellas.
Thank you to NetGalley for a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review!
More thoughts here: https://youtu.be/PzkEfMJg21M
How do you talk about a book in a non spoilery way when its entire premise is "narrator wakes up and doesn't know who he is or how he got there"?
The author really succeeded in having me care about the characters, be intrigued by the science (there's so much physics and cell biology in here! And as far as I know, it's plausible!), and have a few laughs. It's definitely somewhat of a cheesy read and has predictable moments but all in all is a very enjoyable journey.
The most spoilery thing I will say is this: this is Charlotte's Web for adults. No I will not elaborate.
Recommended if you like space (big and scary), friendship (sweet and confusing), science (smol and squishy).
More thoughts here: https://youtu.be/PzkEfMJg21M
as well as: https://youtu.be/BhctPMZLT54
The author really succeeded in having me care about the characters, be intrigued by the science (there's so much physics and cell biology in here! And as far as I know, it's plausible!), and have a few laughs. It's definitely somewhat of a cheesy read and has predictable moments but all in all is a very enjoyable journey.
The most spoilery thing I will say is this: this is Charlotte's Web for adults. No I will not elaborate.
Recommended if you like space (big and scary), friendship (sweet and confusing), science (smol and squishy).
More thoughts here: https://youtu.be/PzkEfMJg21M
as well as: https://youtu.be/BhctPMZLT54