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jedisuckerpunch's reviews
203 reviews
None of This Is True by Lisa Jewell
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
5.0
I listened to the audiobook version and it was the most hooked I'd been in ages. And the way it ends. You're always expecting for a twist to happen and when it does, you're still surprised.
Thoroughly enjoyed the book. I love it when when you finish reading a book and then have to think about the entire thing, each and every thing that was said and done, to determine the truth. I want more of this.
Thoroughly enjoyed the book. I love it when when you finish reading a book and then have to think about the entire thing, each and every thing that was said and done, to determine the truth. I want more of this.
A Nervous Breakdown by Anton Chekhov
4.0
ah, this is my first russian lit, and if Chekhov is consistently like this in his other works, he may just be my new favorite.
there's three short stories in this book, A Nervous Breakdown, The Black Monk and Anna Around The Neck. I am mostly going to write this review about A Nervous Breakdown simply because it was my most favorite one of the lot. The Black Monk too is really good, but I could resonate more with A Nervous Breakdown.
in this short story, the protagonist's abrupt collision with a reality both true and morally askew sparks an inner turmoil. the man is so affected by it, he really can't think of anything besides it. the book essentially talks about the clash between societal norms and personal ethics, resulting in a mental breakdown.
Chekhov captures the paradoxical coexistence of pleasure and indifference amidst suffering. through the protagonist's descent into madness, he unveils society's apathy towards everyday injustices in this world, that is simply, accepted as the norm.
reading this reminded me of my time in Bombay. while many speak fondly of the city and romanticize living there, my own experience was marred by a pervasive sense of unease. everywhere i turned, i was confronted with the stark realities of poverty and suffering. people slept on the streets, makeshift shelters erected amidst the smallest nook and crannies underneath bridges and highway tunnels. children sought refuge from the rain in pots and pans, their plight ignored by passersby who simply carry on, as if such suffering were commonplace. i, too, found myself momentarily distracted from my discomfort with a refreshing mint lime, only to swiftly resume my journey, the momentary reprieve giving way to a numbing indifference. it's a cycle that is constant. but then again, if i raised hysterics over this matter, i'd be considered some sort of odd ball, when in reality, the problem in itself needs to be addressed. not my oddball-ness. i was there when an international convention (i think it may have been the g20 summit) was being held, and for that, they donned the roads and highways with flowers and plants, and tried to cover up the obvious poverty by building high rise walls and vertical sheets. do you see what I'm saying? idk if i have done a good job explaining this, but this is all i can do at the moment.
in short, i think i dig anton chekhov.
there's three short stories in this book, A Nervous Breakdown, The Black Monk and Anna Around The Neck. I am mostly going to write this review about A Nervous Breakdown simply because it was my most favorite one of the lot. The Black Monk too is really good, but I could resonate more with A Nervous Breakdown.
in this short story, the protagonist's abrupt collision with a reality both true and morally askew sparks an inner turmoil. the man is so affected by it, he really can't think of anything besides it. the book essentially talks about the clash between societal norms and personal ethics, resulting in a mental breakdown.
Chekhov captures the paradoxical coexistence of pleasure and indifference amidst suffering. through the protagonist's descent into madness, he unveils society's apathy towards everyday injustices in this world, that is simply, accepted as the norm.
reading this reminded me of my time in Bombay. while many speak fondly of the city and romanticize living there, my own experience was marred by a pervasive sense of unease. everywhere i turned, i was confronted with the stark realities of poverty and suffering. people slept on the streets, makeshift shelters erected amidst the smallest nook and crannies underneath bridges and highway tunnels. children sought refuge from the rain in pots and pans, their plight ignored by passersby who simply carry on, as if such suffering were commonplace. i, too, found myself momentarily distracted from my discomfort with a refreshing mint lime, only to swiftly resume my journey, the momentary reprieve giving way to a numbing indifference. it's a cycle that is constant. but then again, if i raised hysterics over this matter, i'd be considered some sort of odd ball, when in reality, the problem in itself needs to be addressed. not my oddball-ness. i was there when an international convention (i think it may have been the g20 summit) was being held, and for that, they donned the roads and highways with flowers and plants, and tried to cover up the obvious poverty by building high rise walls and vertical sheets. do you see what I'm saying? idk if i have done a good job explaining this, but this is all i can do at the moment.
in short, i think i dig anton chekhov.
Girl with a Pearl Earring by Tracy Chevalier
4.0
this may be my favorite book of the lot I've read this year (so far).
this book is about Griet, a young girl, who has been sent to work as a maid, for Vermeer's family. if you're a dum dum like me, and unfamiliar with his name, he's the one who painted the famous painting, The Girl with the Pearl Earring. of course, Griet is fictional, and so are many other characters, but throughout the book you will come across scenes where there is mention of his other famous works, being painted.
I've always felt that the act of being a subject of a painter, and being painted, is very..intimate. bordering even on eroticism, at least for me. this perspective is also shown in the portrait of a lady in fire (the movie). it's the kind of intimacy, where, without undressing, without touching, the knows every inch and curve of your body..it is almost like someone invisible caressing you, and then tracing it out on paper. it's also a very vulnerable state to be put in. this part is perfectly depicted in the book, but with not so much usage of words, rather with actions - the hesitation, the restraints, the silence. very similar to what we see in portrait of a lady in fire.
and this is the part i enjoyed the most. i did feel like the ending was a little bit disappointing, but that's okay, the book really does make up for it.
this book is about Griet, a young girl, who has been sent to work as a maid, for Vermeer's family. if you're a dum dum like me, and unfamiliar with his name, he's the one who painted the famous painting, The Girl with the Pearl Earring. of course, Griet is fictional, and so are many other characters, but throughout the book you will come across scenes where there is mention of his other famous works, being painted.
I've always felt that the act of being a subject of a painter, and being painted, is very..intimate. bordering even on eroticism, at least for me. this perspective is also shown in the portrait of a lady in fire (the movie). it's the kind of intimacy, where, without undressing, without touching, the knows every inch and curve of your body..it is almost like someone invisible caressing you, and then tracing it out on paper. it's also a very vulnerable state to be put in. this part is perfectly depicted in the book, but with not so much usage of words, rather with actions - the hesitation, the restraints, the silence. very similar to what we see in portrait of a lady in fire.
and this is the part i enjoyed the most. i did feel like the ending was a little bit disappointing, but that's okay, the book really does make up for it.
McGlue by Ottessa Moshfegh
challenging
dark
mysterious
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
3 stars even though i liked the book. i think I'm over this dark phase of ottessa moshfegh. everything I've read so far has characters that reveal their truest, darkest side, and it's too real sometimes. doesn't do well for my mental health.
she's a spectacular write, brilliant, to be able to capture characters like that. i read an interview where she said she was glad to be done writing mcglue, it was a dark time for her as well. and it truly is.
the book is about a drunk sailor who wakes up only to be found accused for the murder of one his closest friends. he does or does not recall murdering him. and the whole book is written from his perspective, him being drunk, sobering, failing, an it feels like a fever dream. no, it actually feels like trying to go through a foggy mind, while drunk - throughout the whole book. its amazes me how she can capture that feeling and make the reader feel nauseous and drunk while reading it. truly brilliant writer.
she's a spectacular write, brilliant, to be able to capture characters like that. i read an interview where she said she was glad to be done writing mcglue, it was a dark time for her as well. and it truly is.
the book is about a drunk sailor who wakes up only to be found accused for the murder of one his closest friends. he does or does not recall murdering him. and the whole book is written from his perspective, him being drunk, sobering, failing, an it feels like a fever dream. no, it actually feels like trying to go through a foggy mind, while drunk - throughout the whole book. its amazes me how she can capture that feeling and make the reader feel nauseous and drunk while reading it. truly brilliant writer.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Addiction and Alcoholism
Moderate: Suicidal thoughts
The Penelopiad by Margaret Atwood
medium-paced
4.0
Thoroughly enjoyed this one. I'm trying to understand, what Margaret Atwood did to make this more entertaining than Neil Gaiman's Norse Mythology. I thought I'd enjoy reading Norse myths more, but I'm so intrigued about Greek Mythology at the moment JUST because of this book.
And can someone please tell me why do I keep seeing the river lethe mentioned everywhere these days? I first saw it mentioned in hoziers song, and ever since, I've been seeing it mentioned in a lot more places, including this book!
Excellent retelling of a story. Albeit an interesting prerogative when it's from the 12 maids viewpoint - a perspective that most people wouldn't stop to think about.
And can someone please tell me why do I keep seeing the river lethe mentioned everywhere these days? I first saw it mentioned in hoziers song, and ever since, I've been seeing it mentioned in a lot more places, including this book!
Excellent retelling of a story. Albeit an interesting prerogative when it's from the 12 maids viewpoint - a perspective that most people wouldn't stop to think about.
Norse Mythology by Neil Gaiman
informative
medium-paced
3.0
Great start for someone who wants to know more about Norse mythology. Reminded me of when I was a child laying in bed with my mom and she was putting us to sleep by telling us the mahabaratha stories.
Intimacies by Katie Kitamura
slow-paced
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
3.0
i wanted to like this book so much because of the few similarities i had with the main character.
being a third culture kid and then moving to your home country in mid 20's. then finding out that you do not belong there, but neither do you belong to the place you were born and raised. moving to Europe, to Belgium and then to the Netherlands. navigating all that is of Europe and the culture and still...feeling like you do not belong. the feeling of having a sense of belonging and wanting to stay rooted has never been more pronounced in my life currently.
and while there were shared similarities with the main character of this book, and it was discussed at certain times, it felt like..nothing.it almost felt like...uncle colm from derry girls talking about stuff that happened but then that story is actually funny if you pay attention. i was constantly left thinking, what is the point of it, these interactions? maybe it went through over my head. it felt like watching those silent mumblecore movies - which is my favorite kind, but this was just not it.
being a third culture kid and then moving to your home country in mid 20's. then finding out that you do not belong there, but neither do you belong to the place you were born and raised. moving to Europe, to Belgium and then to the Netherlands. navigating all that is of Europe and the culture and still...feeling like you do not belong. the feeling of having a sense of belonging and wanting to stay rooted has never been more pronounced in my life currently.
and while there were shared similarities with the main character of this book, and it was discussed at certain times, it felt like..nothing.it almost felt like...uncle colm from derry girls talking about stuff that happened but then that story is actually funny if you pay attention. i was constantly left thinking, what is the point of it, these interactions? maybe it went through over my head. it felt like watching those silent mumblecore movies - which is my favorite kind, but this was just not it.
Passing by Nella Larsen
informative
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
5.0
there is this line that stood out to me, at one point the author talks about "the burden of being a particular race".
this book was my introduction to the concept of passing. so, safe to say, i was intrigued by the concept. i think if you've been an expat at any point in your life, you could very well relate. but also, this is more than that. this is a story from a racial perspective and when you do belong to the country you live in. this is the story of two black women, who pass as white women. one does it for mere convenience - not out of necessity, and the other does it as a way of living.
i was rather hooked throughout the entire book up until the ending. the ending is ambiguous, and that makes it perfect because you're left wondering about what really happened. but aside from that, you are also constantly thinking about Irene. questioning her morals, when she is a very strong character who has strong opinions of morality and what is right. Irene who could do no wrong. Very interesting characters, and brilliantly written.
this book was my introduction to the concept of passing. so, safe to say, i was intrigued by the concept. i think if you've been an expat at any point in your life, you could very well relate. but also, this is more than that. this is a story from a racial perspective and when you do belong to the country you live in. this is the story of two black women, who pass as white women. one does it for mere convenience - not out of necessity, and the other does it as a way of living.
i was rather hooked throughout the entire book up until the ending. the ending is ambiguous, and that makes it perfect because you're left wondering about what really happened. but aside from that, you are also constantly thinking about Irene. questioning her morals, when she is a very strong character who has strong opinions of morality and what is right. Irene who could do no wrong. Very interesting characters, and brilliantly written.
Eileen by Ottessa Moshfegh
dark
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I had a hard time giving this a solid rating. Was it a 3? Was it a 5? I don't know. So I'm going to give it something in between but this can change.
On the surface, this book is about someone is really lonely, and has an unhealthy obsession with a person. But if you really want to go deeper than that, the 90 percent of the book is about Eileen. You're in her head all the time and you see how she perceives things. It's a character study and a really well done one. Sometimes you get tired of being in her head, because I'm a mood reader(this might not be the right usage of it but imma use it like this) and tend to feel the feelings of the characters especially when it is narrated in a way where you feel like you're inside their head, and very aware of how they're feeling. So some days, I'd feel really put out with this book, tired is more of the word.
I understand how some people may be let down by the end, and feeling like it was a book mostly about nothing but if you go in expecting more than character and an absurd plot, it's not. Like the characters says at one point, this is Eileen's story. And it literally is.
Now, about the writing. This is my second book from Ottessa Moshfegh. And she really knows how to write characters filled with self loathing but also, not the kind that is apparent. The one that goes unnoticed and is really, not talked about much.
On the surface, this book is about someone is really lonely, and has an unhealthy obsession with a person. But if you really want to go deeper than that, the 90 percent of the book is about Eileen. You're in her head all the time and you see how she perceives things. It's a character study and a really well done one. Sometimes you get tired of being in her head, because I'm a mood reader(this might not be the right usage of it but imma use it like this) and tend to feel the feelings of the characters especially when it is narrated in a way where you feel like you're inside their head, and very aware of how they're feeling. So some days, I'd feel really put out with this book, tired is more of the word.
I understand how some people may be let down by the end, and feeling like it was a book mostly about nothing but if you go in expecting more than character and an absurd plot, it's not. Like the characters says at one point, this is Eileen's story. And it literally is.
Now, about the writing. This is my second book from Ottessa Moshfegh. And she really knows how to write characters filled with self loathing but also, not the kind that is apparent. The one that goes unnoticed and is really, not talked about much.
Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir
adventurous
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
I never thought I'd be upset about losing an alien friend but I was.