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kobegold's review against another edition
2.0
Really really cool book that I enjoyed more than I thought I would (which is saying something if I gave it 2 stars). I definitely enjoyed the research after and learning about all the things that went over my head when actually reading the book.
sammyflounders's review against another edition
Must read it again. There is so much more information to be gained with a second read. I must go to all the whaling museums now! Amazing read. I'm hooked. I must learn more.
gwendolynwood6's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
informative
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Holds up pretty well! The beginning was shockingly hilarious. So many more asides and whale facts than I could have expected. Kind of loved how wacky the narrator was. First book in a moment where the characters felt really & truly memorable, ahab almost the least of them. Obviously kind of racist.
martin_christopher's review against another edition
3.75
I mostly did this as an audio book--mainly because I needed something to chip away at on my commute...
I was slightly surprised at how modern some elements felt given the age of the novel. In particular, the book was actually funny when it was intending to be--I don't know why that surprised me, but it did--comedy in classics often doesn't tend to land for me--something lost across time maybe, haha...
It also surprised me at how much it feels like a text book; the narrative itself is woven between long stretches of facts and details about whaling itself. Some of these experimental chapters go on a bit too long, and it often distracts just a tad from the enjoyment of the story, but for the most part I liked them being there. Honestly, for most typical readers part of me might just recommend going with an abridged version if you just want the story under your belt, and aren't too worried about deeper analysis or squeezing everything out of it you can.
All that said, I felt it was a good book for sure and I'm glad I finally experienced it.
Much love! MC
I was slightly surprised at how modern some elements felt given the age of the novel. In particular, the book was actually funny when it was intending to be--I don't know why that surprised me, but it did--comedy in classics often doesn't tend to land for me--something lost across time maybe, haha...
It also surprised me at how much it feels like a text book; the narrative itself is woven between long stretches of facts and details about whaling itself. Some of these experimental chapters go on a bit too long, and it often distracts just a tad from the enjoyment of the story, but for the most part I liked them being there. Honestly, for most typical readers part of me might just recommend going with an abridged version if you just want the story under your belt, and aren't too worried about deeper analysis or squeezing everything out of it you can.
All that said, I felt it was a good book for sure and I'm glad I finally experienced it.
Much love! MC
mollybwell's review against another edition
5.0
This is much better than I remember. I read it eagerly and Melville is a funny writer. I would recommend a re-read of it by anyone who dreaded reading it in high school.
Melville's writting is very poetic and sometimes it feels archaic and difficult. When it is read aloud (books on tape)it sounds wonderful and easy to the ear. I will read it again...someday. I have many questions and look forward to investigating literary criticisms about the characters and specific chapters.
Melville's writting is very poetic and sometimes it feels archaic and difficult. When it is read aloud (books on tape)it sounds wonderful and easy to the ear. I will read it again...someday. I have many questions and look forward to investigating literary criticisms about the characters and specific chapters.
varisha's review against another edition
5.0
This book took me months to read. In a way it become part of my life. Occasionally picking it up and just going through a few chapters without any rush to get over it and just awing at the choice of words and the hidden meaning behind every little detail.
I remember reading the first few chapters of it and my mind being blown apart. Because I've never entailed such writing, such beautiful descriptions and such scrumptious way of thinking. The first few chapters made me realize I'm in a for a long ride. And it is definitely was going to be a five star read.
My point is to savour the book slowly rather than just a wish to get it over your reading list. Such passions do not entail a good ending as moby dick depicted.
I remember reading the first few chapters of it and my mind being blown apart. Because I've never entailed such writing, such beautiful descriptions and such scrumptious way of thinking. The first few chapters made me realize I'm in a for a long ride. And it is definitely was going to be a five star read.
My point is to savour the book slowly rather than just a wish to get it over your reading list. Such passions do not entail a good ending as moby dick depicted.
jasperge's review against another edition
adventurous
informative
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
morning_room's review against another edition
4.0
i liked the part where the whales gave glory to god ⛲️
docrevilo's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
cpaul89's review against another edition
3.0
I probably don't need to say anymore words, because Melville used them ALL.
This book was as arduous as the Pequoid's journey. Ok, that's an exaggeration ... barely.
Did you know that this book is like 67% information about whales? Also, he talks about Sperm a lot.
Am I glad I got through it? Yes.
Do I need a companion guide to understand how this has stood the test of time? Also, yes.
Do I recommend reading it? Nah. But it is a good candidate for audiobook.
I think a cool way to present this story could be a movie within a documentary. It's kind of how the book is laid out.
The ending really is spectacular though.
This book was as arduous as the Pequoid's journey. Ok, that's an exaggeration ... barely.
Did you know that this book is like 67% information about whales? Also, he talks about Sperm a lot.
Am I glad I got through it? Yes.
Do I need a companion guide to understand how this has stood the test of time? Also, yes.
Do I recommend reading it? Nah. But it is a good candidate for audiobook.
I think a cool way to present this story could be a movie within a documentary. It's kind of how the book is laid out.
The ending really is spectacular though.