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199 reviews by:
samdalefox
informative
reflective
medium-paced
This book is brilliant and necessary. The idea of the book is to teach readers about how the law works and what the laws says, written by a Barrister (a legal expert) in the attempt to combat misinformation about the legal system in the UK. There are 10 chapters in total:
- Yourself and your home
- Your family
- Your health
- Your work
- Our human rights
- Our access to justice
- Our liberty
- Equality and due process
- Democracy
- Epilogue: our future
Each chapter is concise and well laid out, with famous examples to illustrate the point the author is trying to make. Though I disagree with the author on a few of points they made, their arguments are well written and of course, importantly, factually correct. There is a goldmine of sources provided throughout the entire book substantiaing their claims so you can read further if you wish. I was familar with much of the law discussed, since I'm fortunate enough to have a Master's degree in Law. However I particularly enjoyed and learnt lots in the work/employment chapter, the access to justice chapter, and the Epilogue because it is here that the author finally makes some concrete suggestions on how to improve the existing system. Every English and Welsh person can benefit from reading this book, even if just to better understand their own legal position within our countries. (It still irks me that no solicitor explains why Scotland and NI have a separate legal system, but the author did provide a useful diagram at the end of the book listing the hierachy and relationship between the various English and Welsh courts).
I agree wholeheartedly with the book's premise and aims, wonderfully summed up by the author:
"The remedy lies in public legal education. Our rights can only be removed and false narratives pumped throughout our culture as long as we lack the tools to identify what is happening."
The only reason that I've deducted 0.25 stars is that I do think the writing could be more accessible. Although often funny, the language is flowery, and it does assume some knowledge of certain legal terms which could easily have been explained. I did read this via libby so perhaps I missed a glossary at the end of the e-book, in which case, I may consider bumping this up to 5 stars.
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
I found this a difficult book to rate. There are so many amazing aspects to it (listed below), yet I was getting impatient as was a bit let down by the end. If I had to sum it up to a new potential reader, think 'Where The Crawdads Sing' but about a Nigerian woman who emigrates to America.
As with long literary novels, Americanah has all the usual pros going for it: excellent character development, and rich scene setting and storytelling over the lifetime of the characters, so you really get to know them. I read this via audiobook and I found that listening to the different accents and knowing how to ponounce African names correctly enhanced my enjoyment significantly.
Pros that are significant to this book in particular: a candid telling of different immigration experiences, an insight into identity crises (quietly but powerfully told through the character Dike), cultural and historical commentary on Nigeria and American in the early 21st Century, and a whole breadth of exploration of race and being a non-American Black woman - from family dynamics, to hair, to accents, to education, to religion, to food, to aesthetics, to colorism, to sex and relationships, this book is a comprehensive insight into a Nigerian Black woman's life supported wonderfully by her blog entries specifically posing questions and observations about race.
The cons are mostly personal to me, I don't think they detract from the writing of the book. The one I was most disappointed with is how Ifemelu (the protagonist) seems constantly defined by her relationships to men. This of course, could be the point, because of the clear consistent love between her and Obinze, or a criticism of hetero patriarchal culture - expressed clearly in the closing chapters in Lagos when Ifemelu writes about her friend Ranyinudo. I just wish throughout the narration of her life, we got a little more about Ifemelu, and not just Ifemelu-and-her-boyfriend-at-the-time. I was also getting frustrated towards the end when Ifemelu and Obinze were circling each other BUT NOT ACTUALLY DOING ANYTHING UNTIL THE LAST BLOODY MOMENT.
As with long literary novels, Americanah has all the usual pros going for it: excellent character development, and rich scene setting and storytelling over the lifetime of the characters, so you really get to know them. I read this via audiobook and I found that listening to the different accents and knowing how to ponounce African names correctly enhanced my enjoyment significantly.
Pros that are significant to this book in particular: a candid telling of different immigration experiences, an insight into identity crises (quietly but powerfully told through the character Dike), cultural and historical commentary on Nigeria and American in the early 21st Century, and a whole breadth of exploration of race and being a non-American Black woman - from family dynamics, to hair, to accents, to education, to religion, to food, to aesthetics, to colorism, to sex and relationships, this book is a comprehensive insight into a Nigerian Black woman's life supported wonderfully by her blog entries specifically posing questions and observations about race.
The cons are mostly personal to me, I don't think they detract from the writing of the book. The one I was most disappointed with is how Ifemelu (the protagonist) seems constantly defined by her relationships to men. This of course, could be the point, because of the clear consistent love between her and Obinze, or a criticism of hetero patriarchal culture - expressed clearly in the closing chapters in Lagos when Ifemelu writes about her friend Ranyinudo. I just wish throughout the narration of her life, we got a little more about Ifemelu, and not just Ifemelu-and-her-boyfriend-at-the-time. I was also getting frustrated towards the end when Ifemelu and Obinze were circling each other BUT NOT ACTUALLY DOING ANYTHING UNTIL THE LAST BLOODY MOMENT.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Racial slurs, Racism, Sexual assault, Sexual harassment
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
N/A
Strong character development:
N/A
Loveable characters:
N/A
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
I don't tend to re-read books (Lord of The Rings being a notable exception). However one of the prompts on my reading challenges this year was to revisit a book I enjoyed. I decided to revist The Library of Babel because 1) it's incredibly short, so doesn't cut into my other reading goals, and 2) I distinctly remember being in absolute awe after I first read it. I wondered how it might feel upon second reading. I definitely didn't have the same reaction as first time, maybe because the impact was lessened. Like the second time you see Fight Club for example, the big twist or, more accurately here, the big philosophical concept is expected so doesn't pack the same punch.
The Library of Babel ultimately can be described as a story that exposes the absurd futility of humanity's attempt to understand everything, when there is so much to comprehend; an potentially infinite amount. I enjoy this conceptualisation of infinity, or an asymptote curve of knowledge aquisition. I also enjoy the exploration of essentialism vs existentialism of the people within the library... The 'factions', the ones who are drawn to chance, the methodical ones, the violent ones, the ones who lost the will to live.
Another StoryGraph user 'Graceigrace1178', has a longer review covering more philosophical elements focussing on nihilsm. And I particuarly like this quote from another review I found on the internet:
The Library of Babel ultimately can be described as a story that exposes the absurd futility of humanity's attempt to understand everything, when there is so much to comprehend; an potentially infinite amount. I enjoy this conceptualisation of infinity, or an asymptote curve of knowledge aquisition. I also enjoy the exploration of essentialism vs existentialism of the people within the library... The 'factions', the ones who are drawn to chance, the methodical ones, the violent ones, the ones who lost the will to live.
Another StoryGraph user 'Graceigrace1178', has a longer review covering more philosophical elements focussing on nihilsm. And I particuarly like this quote from another review I found on the internet:
This book is mind-blowing - just the ideas presented question your understanding of the Universe, life we live in, and most importantly the languages we use and the limitations of knowledge; and whether it’s possible to find the answer to any of the existential questions - do we live in endless Library and all we have said and will say have already been written?
It deserves praise for the amount of discussion it can ignite and variety of philosophical concepts it introduces. Plus the imagery of the library itself and the architexture is stunning! 9 pages long, free PDF on the internet, this is an easily accessible gem of a book.
hopeful
informative
inspiring
sad
medium-paced
The title is slightly misleading. This is not a handbook in how to actively plan and participate in Extinction Rebellion (XR) protest activities. If you'd like to get involved with direct non-violent action, get in touch with your local XR group! UK site: https://extinctionrebellion.uk/act-now/local-groups/. Global site: https://rebellion.global/. This is however a powerful, accessible introduction into who XR are, what they are protesting about (the climate crisis), what their goals are, and what sort of actions can we take as individuals and society to achieve this.
The book is split into two Parts. Part 1 covers the science and Part 2 covers practical tools on civil disobedience and explains how direct non-violent action has been an effective strategy historically. Each part is split into several short essays.
The pros:
The book is split into two Parts. Part 1 covers the science and Part 2 covers practical tools on civil disobedience and explains how direct non-violent action has been an effective strategy historically. Each part is split into several short essays.
The pros:
- There was a good range of essays and authors
- There were several unique topics I thought were introduced that were particuarly interesting and I have not previously seen before with respect to environmental literature: The essay about harm reduction, the essay about coping with despair, the essay about community, love, and making protest fun, the essay about cities, and the essay about the art workshop.
- I am so glad that it was spelled out in black and white that XR agrees that climate justice must necessarily also be social justice - see the gilets jaunes essay and cities essay for more.
The cons:
- Some points are repeated across different essays, the repitition was a bit offputting
- The science was lighter than expected, which may be a good thing to help accessibility, but I was shocked to see zero referencing. At least provide a citation list of the papers and public resources mentioned so people can easily find them themselves.
- Not an awful lot on actual civil disobedience strategy
This is for you if:
- You too feel despair and existential dread at how our sick Capitalist society is killing the planet and agree that the usual campaigning methods such as demonstrations and signing petitions are totally inappropriate in the face of total climate and societal breakdown.
- You think XR are annoying, targeting the wrong people by disrupting normal workers' lives, and that civil disobedience doesn't work. This book explains the reasoning behind their actions which may persuade you to support them. And if you still don't, that's fine, but I'd love to hear your alternative suggestion to pressuring the people in power to react proportionately to the climate emergency. Apathy is not a good excuse.
challenging
reflective
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
It will come as no surprise to people that I'm a fan of Orwell's work. He uses clear and simple language and imagery to paint an accessible political picture Totalitarianism. Despite being written at the end of WWII and is clearly a scathing mockery of Stalin's USSR, I believe the 'Animal Farm' fable is increasingly relevant today.
The story describes why Totalitarianism/Authoritarism occurs (those selfishly seeking power and those unable or unwilling to stop this power) and how it occurs (violence, gaslighting, exploitation, scapegoating). The story highlights that Totalitarianism power is morally the same irespective of original economic ideology (Communist vs Capitalist), and in my opinion gently endorses Socialism and Community through The Major, the first year of the farm, and the 'Beasts of England' song. Different Totalitarian states have different justifications for their rule, but Animal Farm suggests that all totalitarian regimes are fundamentally the same: those in power care only about maintaining their power by any means necessary, and they do so by oppressing the individual and the lower classes. Orwell therefore very clearly highlights the importance of an educated and critically thinking lower classes. Another StoryGraph user 'humlejenta' has a longer review that covers these points in greater depth.
The famous ending"The creatures outside looked from pig to man, and from man to pig, and from pig to man again; but already it was impossible to say which was which.” neatly summarises the horror and is still relevant to this day. All of us are under some sort of economic oppressing class. Britian in particular is currently sleepwaking towards Authoritarianism and has deeply embedded capitalist class divisions. I am reminded of two quotes which summarises the spirit of Animal Farm: "For to be free is not merely to cast off one's chains, but to live in a way that respects and enhances the freedom of others" - Nelson Mandela. And, "The oppressed, instead of striving for liberation, tend themselves to become oppressors.” - Paulo Freire. Becoming the new oppressing class is not freedom. Being oppressed by a different ideological regime is not freedom.
I recommend this book to everyone. Recognise the danger signs and act quickly. Embrace socialism and your community. Ask questions, educate yourself, and think critically of those in power.
The story describes why Totalitarianism/Authoritarism occurs (those selfishly seeking power and those unable or unwilling to stop this power) and how it occurs (violence, gaslighting, exploitation, scapegoating). The story highlights that Totalitarianism power is morally the same irespective of original economic ideology (Communist vs Capitalist), and in my opinion gently endorses Socialism and Community through The Major, the first year of the farm, and the 'Beasts of England' song. Different Totalitarian states have different justifications for their rule, but Animal Farm suggests that all totalitarian regimes are fundamentally the same: those in power care only about maintaining their power by any means necessary, and they do so by oppressing the individual and the lower classes. Orwell therefore very clearly highlights the importance of an educated and critically thinking lower classes. Another StoryGraph user 'humlejenta' has a longer review that covers these points in greater depth.
The famous ending
I recommend this book to everyone. Recognise the danger signs and act quickly. Embrace socialism and your community. Ask questions, educate yourself, and think critically of those in power.
Content Warnings
Minor: Animal death, Death
challenging
dark
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
N/A
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
I'm a big fan of short stories. Especially dark surrealist feminist ones. Carmen Maria Machado ticks all of these boxes and more. Her brand of unsettling horror reminds me a bit of 'The Dominant Animal' by Kathryn Scanlan, though Machado has more fleshed out stories and a greater breadth of narrative. I particularly enjoyed the bisexual/lesbian representation, and many of her stories were painfully personally relatable in how society (especially men) access and control women's bodies.
There were a couple of stories I don't think I really understood (Mothers and Difficult at parties), but I thought were good nonetheless. Contrary to most other peoples' reviews, I loved 'Especially Henious'! I found it worked well by reading through it very quickly, so you absorb everything all at once, rather than reflecting on each tiny individual entry. Like binge watching TV. My overall rating is an average taken from individual ratings, listed below.
The four stories I rated the highest are probably notable in that they had less explicit sexual content. This may be a personal preference in where I'm at mentally now, but I'd also offer a small critique on this point. Although the sexually explicit content clearly serves a purpose in describing these acts of/against/to women and their bodies, I would like to see some attention given to women and their bodies beyond the sexual and reproductive. How else are they and their bodies exploited for labour or pleasure? How else are women maimed/limited e.g. through hyper-feminity such as false nails and long hair? How about a story about an asexual woman, is she seen as invisible because explicity because she is not sexual? (Thinking of 'Real women have bodies'). Overall, I'd recommend to feminists, LGBTQIA+, and fans of the disturbing short stories genre.
The husband stitch 3.5⭐️
Inventory 4⭐️
Mothers 3⭐️
Especially heinous 4.5⭐️
Real women have bodies 4⭐️
Eight bites 4⭐️
The resident 4.5⭐️
Difficult at parties 3⭐️
=3.81 average
There were a couple of stories I don't think I really understood (Mothers and Difficult at parties), but I thought were good nonetheless. Contrary to most other peoples' reviews, I loved 'Especially Henious'! I found it worked well by reading through it very quickly, so you absorb everything all at once, rather than reflecting on each tiny individual entry. Like binge watching TV. My overall rating is an average taken from individual ratings, listed below.
The four stories I rated the highest are probably notable in that they had less explicit sexual content. This may be a personal preference in where I'm at mentally now, but I'd also offer a small critique on this point. Although the sexually explicit content clearly serves a purpose in describing these acts of/against/to women and their bodies, I would like to see some attention given to women and their bodies beyond the sexual and reproductive. How else are they and their bodies exploited for labour or pleasure? How else are women maimed/limited e.g. through hyper-feminity such as false nails and long hair? How about a story about an asexual woman, is she seen as invisible because explicity because she is not sexual? (Thinking of 'Real women have bodies'). Overall, I'd recommend to feminists, LGBTQIA+, and fans of the disturbing short stories genre.
The husband stitch 3.5⭐️
Inventory 4⭐️
Mothers 3⭐️
Especially heinous 4.5⭐️
Real women have bodies 4⭐️
Eight bites 4⭐️
The resident 4.5⭐️
Difficult at parties 3⭐️
=3.81 average
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexual content
Minor: Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Lesbophobia
hopeful
informative
reflective
Mason's 'How to stop Fascism' is optimistically split into three parts: History, Ideology, and Resitance. The first two parts of the book (History and Ideology) are long, make up the majority of the book, and to be honest, they're a bit of a slog. They are extremely well researched and sourced, and are an excellent in depth reccount of fascism's history and ideology. Honestly, although I think everyone could benefit from reading these sections, Mason doesn't make it easy to do so. He's repetitive at times, the language is not easy, and critically, assumes an existing knowledge of leftist literature. For example, unless you are specifically involved with leftist politics already, you probably won't understand the fundamental differences between a Communist and a Democratic Socialist.
For those that find the first two sections overwhelming, Mason gives an excellent summary in Part 3 'Resistance', in Chapters 7 and 8. I'd recommend reading from pages 190-223, these pages are actually useful and easy to read. He summarises Fascism's history and ideology, and more importantly (in my opinion) actively recognises opportunities for anti-facist resistance. In this slimmer section, Mason does identify some points in time where resistance is crucial, but his only solid recommendation of actual strategy is to form a modern day 'Popular Front', perhaps organised around a Green New Deal. This section is disappointingly sparse. I am beginning to understand the Left's criticisms of Mason. He does an awful lot of talking about the problems, and offers little to no discussion of solutions. Although self-identifying as a Marxist, his suggestion of a unified Popular Front necessarily involves concessions from Communists as his argument highlights that any successfully anti-fascist movement must engage the middle classes and liberals. I understand why this is unpalletable to the left, but I think he argues his point well.
I do recommend this book, but bear in mind the accessibility points made above. Mason does an excellent job of hitting home how and why Fascism is a force not to be underestimated. If nothing else, this should act as a call to action and solidarity.
For those that find the first two sections overwhelming, Mason gives an excellent summary in Part 3 'Resistance', in Chapters 7 and 8. I'd recommend reading from pages 190-223, these pages are actually useful and easy to read. He summarises Fascism's history and ideology, and more importantly (in my opinion) actively recognises opportunities for anti-facist resistance. In this slimmer section, Mason does identify some points in time where resistance is crucial, but his only solid recommendation of actual strategy is to form a modern day 'Popular Front', perhaps organised around a Green New Deal. This section is disappointingly sparse. I am beginning to understand the Left's criticisms of Mason. He does an awful lot of talking about the problems, and offers little to no discussion of solutions. Although self-identifying as a Marxist, his suggestion of a unified Popular Front necessarily involves concessions from Communists as his argument highlights that any successfully anti-fascist movement must engage the middle classes and liberals. I understand why this is unpalletable to the left, but I think he argues his point well.
I do recommend this book, but bear in mind the accessibility points made above. Mason does an excellent job of hitting home how and why Fascism is a force not to be underestimated. If nothing else, this should act as a call to action and solidarity.
Content Warnings
Minor: Genocide
funny
hopeful
informative
reflective
fast-paced
A capsule history/primer/memoir about wlw (woman-loving-woman) life in the 21st century UK. The book was easy to read with a relaxed, enjoyable style and is well organised - I think you could read the chapters out of order and not miss out. Although it uses queer terminology throughout, the terms are explained and are very accessible. I think this would be an excellent introductory reading for cis het people looking to learn about lesbian and bisexual women. I turned down several pages where I thought I could show this to my mum, friends, or therapist, to help them better understand certain issues.
Pros - Jones covers queer life comfortably and comprehensively for such a short book. The book's chapters each cover an area of life e.g. clubs, TV, fashion, dating, mental health etc. Though mostly her own experience and quotations of others' anecdotes, Jones presents sources for her claims and also provides . further reading list. She acknowledges her own privileges and highlights intersections of other people who will have different experiences to her. I liked that she included a future looking chapter, the embracing of change, development, and fluidity was lovely to read.
Cons - Because it's written predominantly from the author's experience, the narrative is white, cis, middle class, London focused. Jones also identifies as a lesbian. Athough lesbian and bi wlw experiences and culture do of course overlap, I found the text more focused on lesbian than bi experience. This is not a bad thing at all, just a bit disappointing for me as a bi gal hoping for more bi specific reading. I could relate to some of what Jones said, but that plus the age difference (of only a few years!), not as much as I expected. But that's the point isn't it - everyone's experience of being queer is different.
This is a solid book and I would recommend. Note: the content warnings I've listed are minor and the author gives clear content warnings at the beginning of the relevant chapter so you can skip it if you want.
Pros - Jones covers queer life comfortably and comprehensively for such a short book. The book's chapters each cover an area of life e.g. clubs, TV, fashion, dating, mental health etc. Though mostly her own experience and quotations of others' anecdotes, Jones presents sources for her claims and also provides . further reading list. She acknowledges her own privileges and highlights intersections of other people who will have different experiences to her. I liked that she included a future looking chapter, the embracing of change, development, and fluidity was lovely to read.
Cons - Because it's written predominantly from the author's experience, the narrative is white, cis, middle class, London focused. Jones also identifies as a lesbian. Athough lesbian and bi wlw experiences and culture do of course overlap, I found the text more focused on lesbian than bi experience. This is not a bad thing at all, just a bit disappointing for me as a bi gal hoping for more bi specific reading. I could relate to some of what Jones said, but that plus the age difference (of only a few years!), not as much as I expected. But that's the point isn't it - everyone's experience of being queer is different.
This is a solid book and I would recommend. Note: the content warnings I've listed are minor and the author gives clear content warnings at the beginning of the relevant chapter so you can skip it if you want.
Content Warnings
Minor: Biphobia, Homophobia, Mental illness, Sexual content, Transphobia, Lesbophobia
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challenging
emotional
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
I'm still not sure I have the right words to do Flowers for Algernon justice. I loved this book. I was emotionally and intellectually invested from the start, and absolutely devastated by the end. One of the few books that have made me cry. One of the few books I will definitely re-read. Just Google quotes from the book for a taster.
Themes exploring: disability, mental capacity, discrimination, society's (and self) value of productivity over everything else, IQ, EQ, memory, ethical questions about scientific experimentation, philosophical questions around identity and existence, the human nature of connections to self, others, and animals, the human nature of 'othering' e.g. bullying vs compassion. A key question explored: Is ignorance really bliss? A key takeaway: compassion, love, and connection is more important than pure intellect.
The story is easy to read and superbly written, I didn't want to put it down. You really get a sense of Charly's thoughts and state of mind throughout. The changing grammar, lexicon, complexity of language, connection of ideas, frustration at himself, others, the world, all beautifully reflect his development.
I don't know what else to say. One of my favourite books of all time. I would definitely recommend. If anyone would like to buy me the perfect gift: a first edition copy of Flowers for Algernon please.
Themes exploring: disability, mental capacity, discrimination, society's (and self) value of productivity over everything else, IQ, EQ, memory, ethical questions about scientific experimentation, philosophical questions around identity and existence, the human nature of connections to self, others, and animals, the human nature of 'othering' e.g. bullying vs compassion. A key question explored: Is ignorance really bliss? A key takeaway: compassion, love, and connection is more important than pure intellect.
The story is easy to read and superbly written, I didn't want to put it down. You really get a sense of Charly's thoughts and state of mind throughout. The changing grammar, lexicon, complexity of language, connection of ideas, frustration at himself, others, the world, all beautifully reflect his development.
I don't know what else to say. One of my favourite books of all time. I would definitely recommend. If anyone would like to buy me the perfect gift: a first edition copy of Flowers for Algernon please.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Bullying, Child abuse, Emotional abuse, Mental illness
Minor: Ableism, Animal death, Sexual content, Abandonment