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harry_lemon's reviews
159 reviews
The Art Thief by Michael Finkel
informative
reflective
tense
fast-paced
4.75
4.75⭐
Fascinating!
As an art lover, this was a great read for me. I loved how Michael Finkel was able to create a captivating narrative that documented this story; it read like fiction, which I think is a skill unto itself. This book held great insights into the human condition in relation to art, understanding what "art" is, and also provides a twisty, unique story of the world that should be heard.
Fascinating!
As an art lover, this was a great read for me. I loved how Michael Finkel was able to create a captivating narrative that documented this story; it read like fiction, which I think is a skill unto itself. This book held great insights into the human condition in relation to art, understanding what "art" is, and also provides a twisty, unique story of the world that should be heard.
And the Band Played On: Politics, People, and the AIDS Epidemic by Randy Shilts
dark
emotional
informative
slow-paced
4.0
4⭐
Heart-breaking, anger-inducing, powerful.
First, I have to say, listening to this through Audible was absolutely needed for me. I'm not downplaying Randy Shilts' writing, but it tended to border on drudgery.
That all said, this was an absolutely sweeping work of reportage that documents this emergence, response, and experiences of the AIDS epidemic in the early- to mid-1980s. One thing that makes this such a wonderful work of nonfiction is that Shilts documents, not only what was occurring in the United States, but on the global scale. He masterfully puts various narratives and perspectives into a fairly linear chronological schema, displaying the facts and emotions that were rampant during this time of uncertainty.
This was a bit of a slog, but the overall work was absolutely essential for any person of the LGBTQIA+ community. It's important to understand, recognize, and respect our predecessors' history to build upon their legacies. I'm so grateful to have read this.
Heart-breaking, anger-inducing, powerful.
First, I have to say, listening to this through Audible was absolutely needed for me. I'm not downplaying Randy Shilts' writing, but it tended to border on drudgery.
That all said, this was an absolutely sweeping work of reportage that documents this emergence, response, and experiences of the AIDS epidemic in the early- to mid-1980s. One thing that makes this such a wonderful work of nonfiction is that Shilts documents, not only what was occurring in the United States, but on the global scale. He masterfully puts various narratives and perspectives into a fairly linear chronological schema, displaying the facts and emotions that were rampant during this time of uncertainty.
This was a bit of a slog, but the overall work was absolutely essential for any person of the LGBTQIA+ community. It's important to understand, recognize, and respect our predecessors' history to build upon their legacies. I'm so grateful to have read this.
The Holiday Trap by Roan Parrish
funny
lighthearted
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? It's complicated
3.75
3.75⭐
Cute, nice. Good for the holidays.
I'm glad I was able to finish this before the end of the holiday season. This was a nice little romp; think "The Holiday" meets "Single All The Way." This follows two characters escaping their respective homes around the holidays, exploring love, belonging, and discovering their true authentic selves.
While I like the majority of what this book offers, the writings style was not my cup of tea. The dialogue seemed clunky at times and some of the character interactions were a little trite. I almost rated this a bit lower because of this, but then there was a massive shift toward the 3/4 mark. If it hadn't been for this massive climax moment, I probably wouldn't have enjoyed it as much. Also, I think the endings could have been a bit different, considering what these characters are doing, but overall I think it was cute.
All in all, I'd say this was a diverse, pro-queer holiday read and I think others would enjoy this one as well. Happy Holidays!
Cute, nice. Good for the holidays.
I'm glad I was able to finish this before the end of the holiday season. This was a nice little romp; think "The Holiday" meets "Single All The Way." This follows two characters escaping their respective homes around the holidays, exploring love, belonging, and discovering their true authentic selves.
While I like the majority of what this book offers, the writings style was not my cup of tea. The dialogue seemed clunky at times and some of the character interactions were a little trite. I almost rated this a bit lower because of this, but then there was a massive shift toward the 3/4 mark. If it hadn't been for this massive climax moment, I probably wouldn't have enjoyed it as much. Also, I think the endings could have been a bit different, considering what these characters are doing, but overall I think it was cute.
All in all, I'd say this was a diverse, pro-queer holiday read and I think others would enjoy this one as well. Happy Holidays!
A Little Life by Hanya Yanagihara
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
slow-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
4.5
This was a real doozy...
Let's go through some cons, then the pros... This book deals with a lot - and I mean A LOT - of difficult subjects that are not going to be for everyone: self-harm, suicidal ideation, suicide attempts, substance abuse, sexual abuse, emotional and psychological abuse, just to name a few. While Yanagihara's writing ability is really descriptive, it borderlines on flowery; there were a few sections, especially towards the end of the book, that I felt were a bit repetitive and circular. Similarly, there are some plot points that recur throughout the book. While I do marvel at the ability of Yanagihara to describe in great detail the lives of the primary characters - Jude, Willem, JB, and Malcolm - there were points where I skimmed paragraphs, purely to make it to the next plot point. These cons are not necessarily bad things, just observations and something for future readers to contemplate before picking up this book.
That all said, Yanagihara is a masterful writer. Her style of prose is very well-thought out, detailed, and intricate. The sheer scope of the book is a marvel, traveling throughout the majority of the lives of these four characters, through various trials, tribulations, and triumphs. Her ability to give dimension to so much of this novel is something to be praised. With the difficult topics, she still offers powerful themes to reflect on: love, friendship, jealousy, perseverance, justice, fairness, fame, success, family, loss, and many, many more. Jumping forward, backward and sideways through time, one sees the intricacies and delicate balance of life; how cause and effect can be simultaneously one.
I'm not sure I can whole-heartedly recommend this book, but I will say that Yanagihara's story is something that will remain with you for a long time.
Let's go through some cons, then the pros... This book deals with a lot - and I mean A LOT - of difficult subjects that are not going to be for everyone: self-harm, suicidal ideation, suicide attempts, substance abuse, sexual abuse, emotional and psychological abuse, just to name a few. While Yanagihara's writing ability is really descriptive, it borderlines on flowery; there were a few sections, especially towards the end of the book, that I felt were a bit repetitive and circular. Similarly, there are some plot points that recur throughout the book. While I do marvel at the ability of Yanagihara to describe in great detail the lives of the primary characters - Jude, Willem, JB, and Malcolm - there were points where I skimmed paragraphs, purely to make it to the next plot point. These cons are not necessarily bad things, just observations and something for future readers to contemplate before picking up this book.
That all said, Yanagihara is a masterful writer. Her style of prose is very well-thought out, detailed, and intricate. The sheer scope of the book is a marvel, traveling throughout the majority of the lives of these four characters, through various trials, tribulations, and triumphs. Her ability to give dimension to so much of this novel is something to be praised. With the difficult topics, she still offers powerful themes to reflect on: love, friendship, jealousy, perseverance, justice, fairness, fame, success, family, loss, and many, many more. Jumping forward, backward and sideways through time, one sees the intricacies and delicate balance of life; how cause and effect can be simultaneously one.
I'm not sure I can whole-heartedly recommend this book, but I will say that Yanagihara's story is something that will remain with you for a long time.
The Stranger by Albert Camus
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.25
2.25⭐
Meh, maybe this one just isn't for me...
I'm impressed with the writing style and I enjoyed the second half of the book with its introspection/contemplation of life, death, and morality.
However, I do not think this book is that interesting. I was struggling to get through the first half of the book, purely because it was so boring.
Maybe this book wasn't meant for me, but I feel like there are so many other fascinating and powerful ways of addressing these topics.
Meh, maybe this one just isn't for me...
I'm impressed with the writing style and I enjoyed the second half of the book with its introspection/contemplation of life, death, and morality.
However, I do not think this book is that interesting. I was struggling to get through the first half of the book, purely because it was so boring.
Maybe this book wasn't meant for me, but I feel like there are so many other fascinating and powerful ways of addressing these topics.
Days at the Morisaki Bookshop by Satoshi Yagisawa
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
3.75⭐
Studio Ghibli vibes, with a book-lover's aesthetic.
While this was a very quick read, it was quite entertaining. This book runs more on vibes than plot, which is good for some readers, but not my general go-to. I'm intrigued to read the second book to see how that one is, perhaps seeing how the plot evolves.
If you're looking for a low impact, chill book that has some good little blurbs on life, love, loneliness, and relationships, this is a great book for you. Highly recommend, especially if you're looking to get out of a reading slump.
Studio Ghibli vibes, with a book-lover's aesthetic.
While this was a very quick read, it was quite entertaining. This book runs more on vibes than plot, which is good for some readers, but not my general go-to. I'm intrigued to read the second book to see how that one is, perhaps seeing how the plot evolves.
If you're looking for a low impact, chill book that has some good little blurbs on life, love, loneliness, and relationships, this is a great book for you. Highly recommend, especially if you're looking to get out of a reading slump.
Circe by Madeline Miller
informative
mysterious
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
4⭐
Madeline Miller is this age's Homer.
Ms. Miller does it again with "Circe." Another great retelling of the life and hardships of Circe. I'm glad that I was able to read this and learn more about this character, which I think is the point with Miller's work: she's bringing some of the lesser known aspects or stories of these Greek icons to the fore and enlightening us to their inherent struggles. Not only that, she humanizes them in a way that makes them as mortal as us.
Great themes of love, motherhood, survival, loneliness, and forging one's path. A wonderful read and a powerful story.
Madeline Miller is this age's Homer.
Ms. Miller does it again with "Circe." Another great retelling of the life and hardships of Circe. I'm glad that I was able to read this and learn more about this character, which I think is the point with Miller's work: she's bringing some of the lesser known aspects or stories of these Greek icons to the fore and enlightening us to their inherent struggles. Not only that, she humanizes them in a way that makes them as mortal as us.
Great themes of love, motherhood, survival, loneliness, and forging one's path. A wonderful read and a powerful story.
The Girls by Emma Cline
dark
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.25
4.25⭐
If you don't hate men after this book, you've missed the plot...
This book is deeply insightful and powerfully written. It gets a bit dark at certain points in the story, but I think it does a great job of depicting what cult life is like, as well as diving into the psyche of a girl-turned-woman.
The writing was fantastic and very deep without coming across as esoteric and thick. The only reason I'm not giving it a higher score is because I feel like this book isn't necessarily meant for me. BUT! I highly recommend this book to any female/female-identifying readers; I think so many can benefit from this story and find some relatability with the characters.
If you don't hate men after this book, you've missed the plot...
This book is deeply insightful and powerfully written. It gets a bit dark at certain points in the story, but I think it does a great job of depicting what cult life is like, as well as diving into the psyche of a girl-turned-woman.
The writing was fantastic and very deep without coming across as esoteric and thick. The only reason I'm not giving it a higher score is because I feel like this book isn't necessarily meant for me. BUT! I highly recommend this book to any female/female-identifying readers; I think so many can benefit from this story and find some relatability with the characters.
Trust by Hernán Díaz
informative
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
5⭐
This book has definitely earned its Pulitzer!
I saw a few comments and reviews from others who thought this book was too boring, which I found disheartening. While I agree that the topic of this book might not be for everyone, I disagree in saying this book is boring.
Firstly, I have to immediately give kudos and praise for Hernan Diaz's writing style in this book. I was intrigued at how the book was going to be in the beginning half, but once I made it to the third inner-book, I was hooked. Fascinating, intriguing and a masterful form of storytelling.
Second, anyone who has the ability to make the stock market and financing interesting deserves all of the praise in the world. I'm still confused as to how this book was actually able to make me interested in the financial world. Amazing!
Finally, this book is absolutely though provoking and insightful. Deep, philosophical views into the world of money, love, relationships and the physical world around us. How do we, and society at large, think about the physical symbols of these ethereal concepts?
I can't say enough good things about this book and how much it has made me think. Bravo, Diaz!
This book has definitely earned its Pulitzer!
I saw a few comments and reviews from others who thought this book was too boring, which I found disheartening. While I agree that the topic of this book might not be for everyone, I disagree in saying this book is boring.
Firstly, I have to immediately give kudos and praise for Hernan Diaz's writing style in this book. I was intrigued at how the book was going to be in the beginning half, but once I made it to the third inner-book, I was hooked. Fascinating, intriguing and a masterful form of storytelling.
Second, anyone who has the ability to make the stock market and financing interesting deserves all of the praise in the world. I'm still confused as to how this book was actually able to make me interested in the financial world. Amazing!
Finally, this book is absolutely though provoking and insightful. Deep, philosophical views into the world of money, love, relationships and the physical world around us. How do we, and society at large, think about the physical symbols of these ethereal concepts?
I can't say enough good things about this book and how much it has made me think. Bravo, Diaz!
Lincoln in the Bardo by George Saunders
informative
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
3⭐
Solid concept, not the best writing style.
This was my first time reading a George Saunders work. While I did like the concept and enjoyed this interesting take on history (not to mention that this story was largely inspired by one particular historical event), I don't think that I like how the story was written.
I think the writing style is unique, but switching between the historical accounts and references into a character POV is a little jarring. Additionally, I found the story hard to comprehend because it was hard to understand who was talking at any given point. Which character was describing the scene I was reading, what's their individual personality and how does it affect what I'm reading?
Besides my qualms about the writing, again, I think the story itself is good. I liked Saunders' ability to evoke different identities and his world building was fascinating. The story deals with important themes of death, grief, and comprehending self, but you can find these topics in other books and ones that are better written.
Solid concept, not the best writing style.
This was my first time reading a George Saunders work. While I did like the concept and enjoyed this interesting take on history (not to mention that this story was largely inspired by one particular historical event), I don't think that I like how the story was written.
I think the writing style is unique, but switching between the historical accounts and references into a character POV is a little jarring. Additionally, I found the story hard to comprehend because it was hard to understand who was talking at any given point. Which character was describing the scene I was reading, what's their individual personality and how does it affect what I'm reading?
Besides my qualms about the writing, again, I think the story itself is good. I liked Saunders' ability to evoke different identities and his world building was fascinating. The story deals with important themes of death, grief, and comprehending self, but you can find these topics in other books and ones that are better written.