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harry_lemon's reviews
159 reviews
Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets by J.K. Rowling
adventurous
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-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
4.5
4.5⭐
The SASS of these 12-year-olds...
I absolutely loved re-reading this book, especially because I get to read things I missed as a child or things that went over my head. Such a wonderful experience.
Honestly, I have to say this book is probably better than Philosopher's Stone. I like how the world developed off of what was established from the first book, as well the characters grew and changed slightly. I loved the shift in the Trio being a little sassier, like Ron's comments honestly had me laughing out loud they were so snarky!
Such a great revisit, can't wait to re-read the rest.
Also, I still detest the author's political and social views. I separate her from the works.
The SASS of these 12-year-olds...
I absolutely loved re-reading this book, especially because I get to read things I missed as a child or things that went over my head. Such a wonderful experience.
Honestly, I have to say this book is probably better than Philosopher's Stone. I like how the world developed off of what was established from the first book, as well the characters grew and changed slightly. I loved the shift in the Trio being a little sassier, like Ron's comments honestly had me laughing out loud they were so snarky!
Such a great revisit, can't wait to re-read the rest.
Also, I still detest the author's political and social views. I separate her from the works.
The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett
lighthearted
mysterious
relaxing
medium-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
5.0
5⭐
Come for the story; stay for the gardening tips...
I was so surprised by this! I can't believe I didn't read this growing up, but I'm so glad I got to enjoy it now. The story was sweet and pure, loving and enjoyable. (This might be my red flag: I was waiting for something truly awful to happen. I'm glad it didn't though).
I loved the dynamics between the characters and how beautifully written the whole thing was. I can't say enough good things about this book, it was such a breath of fresh air.
Come for the story; stay for the gardening tips...
I was so surprised by this! I can't believe I didn't read this growing up, but I'm so glad I got to enjoy it now. The story was sweet and pure, loving and enjoyable. (This might be my red flag: I was waiting for something truly awful to happen. I'm glad it didn't though).
I loved the dynamics between the characters and how beautifully written the whole thing was. I can't say enough good things about this book, it was such a breath of fresh air.
Now Do You Know Where You Are by Dana Levin
slow-paced
3.5
3.5⭐
I don't know...
First, I love the title; it was such a great hook that got me interested. But, then, I got started...and I don't know.
I think some of the poems are quite good, and I appreciate the themes Dana Levin includes, however I just don't know if her style is for me. It might come just come down to taste, so I won't discourage from reading this work, but I just felt alright about the whole thing.
I don't know...
First, I love the title; it was such a great hook that got me interested. But, then, I got started...and I don't know.
I think some of the poems are quite good, and I appreciate the themes Dana Levin includes, however I just don't know if her style is for me. It might come just come down to taste, so I won't discourage from reading this work, but I just felt alright about the whole thing.
How to Communicate: Poems by John Lee Clark
emotional
informative
reflective
medium-paced
5.0
5⭐
Oh my god...
This collection of poetry is an absolutely awe-inspiring work of emotional vulnerability. John Lee Clark, as a deafblind individual, crafts impactful poems that immerse the reader in an alternative form of life that so rarely gets attention. Clark conveys emotional depth, humanity, sadness, and hope within his work, and I can only be so grateful for his contribution to the world of poetry with his words.
Oh my god...
This collection of poetry is an absolutely awe-inspiring work of emotional vulnerability. John Lee Clark, as a deafblind individual, crafts impactful poems that immerse the reader in an alternative form of life that so rarely gets attention. Clark conveys emotional depth, humanity, sadness, and hope within his work, and I can only be so grateful for his contribution to the world of poetry with his words.
Path of Totality: Poems by Niina Pollari
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
5.0
5⭐
Wow!
I wasn't aware of Niina Pollari's work prior to this, but having read "Path of Totality" I am such a fan of her as a poet and a human being. Her recounting such a powerful moment in her life is so brave and inspiring, I marvel at her ability to fully encompass the human experience around grief, change, and all facets of love. Side note: "Embarrassed" really did something to me; jaw=dropped.
Wow!
I wasn't aware of Niina Pollari's work prior to this, but having read "Path of Totality" I am such a fan of her as a poet and a human being. Her recounting such a powerful moment in her life is so brave and inspiring, I marvel at her ability to fully encompass the human experience around grief, change, and all facets of love. Side note: "Embarrassed" really did something to me; jaw=dropped.
Beyond Belief: Poems by John Koethe
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
4.5
4.5⭐
This was such a wonderful read.
I've yet to read John Koethe's work before, but when I sat to begin this, I was immediately taken at his style of poetry. I love his semi-poetic, semi-prose style of writing; it really felt so wonderful to read and his themes are powerfully displayed. Aging, mortality, life experiences, contemplation of one's position in the world; all of these themes are great and easily relatable to the everyday reader. Considering the time when this collection was published, this was a perfect read for the pandemic, but all of these poems are still relevant today, exemplifying Koethe's ability to discuss the large questions we may have looming the backs of our minds.
This was such a wonderful read.
I've yet to read John Koethe's work before, but when I sat to begin this, I was immediately taken at his style of poetry. I love his semi-poetic, semi-prose style of writing; it really felt so wonderful to read and his themes are powerfully displayed. Aging, mortality, life experiences, contemplation of one's position in the world; all of these themes are great and easily relatable to the everyday reader. Considering the time when this collection was published, this was a perfect read for the pandemic, but all of these poems are still relevant today, exemplifying Koethe's ability to discuss the large questions we may have looming the backs of our minds.
A Room of One's Own by Virginia Woolf
informative
inspiring
reflective
slow-paced
5.0
5⭐
Ms. Virginia Woolf: F*ck the patriarchy!
If you are a writer, specifically non-hetero cis white male, you absolutely need to read this book! Woolf not only tells a story within this work, but inspires the reader to create their own and speak with their voice. This work shines as a beacon for those who are unsure of what story they are telling; she reminds them that what you have to say is important. Doubt, insecurity and anxiety are the killers that have been instilled because of the male tradition. She speaks powerfully and inspiringly, almost as though it were a call to action. Fantastic, I can't recommend this enough.
Ms. Virginia Woolf: F*ck the patriarchy!
If you are a writer, specifically non-hetero cis white male, you absolutely need to read this book! Woolf not only tells a story within this work, but inspires the reader to create their own and speak with their voice. This work shines as a beacon for those who are unsure of what story they are telling; she reminds them that what you have to say is important. Doubt, insecurity and anxiety are the killers that have been instilled because of the male tradition. She speaks powerfully and inspiringly, almost as though it were a call to action. Fantastic, I can't recommend this enough.
Second Empire by Richie Hofmann
emotional
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
slow-paced
4.5
4.5⭐
Richie Hofmann, do you ever flop?
I was so excited to get another collection of Hofmann's poetry; I mean I was anxiously waiting for my book to arrive in the mail. As soon as I got it, I devoured. This was a great collection of works that just embody love, lust, self-reflection, and the passage of time. I love Hofmann's ability to transport me to a destination and give me a visually captivating understanding of that world. Fantastic.
I'd say "A Hundred Lovers" is still my favorite, but man this was a close second. Wonderful!
Richie Hofmann, do you ever flop?
I was so excited to get another collection of Hofmann's poetry; I mean I was anxiously waiting for my book to arrive in the mail. As soon as I got it, I devoured. This was a great collection of works that just embody love, lust, self-reflection, and the passage of time. I love Hofmann's ability to transport me to a destination and give me a visually captivating understanding of that world. Fantastic.
I'd say "A Hundred Lovers" is still my favorite, but man this was a close second. Wonderful!
Violet Bent Backwards Over the Grass by Lana Del Rey
emotional
reflective
slow-paced
5.0
5⭐
brb, going to stream Lana's entire discography real quick...
I can't lie, I was a little nervous going into this, just because it can be so rare when celebrities or artists release poetry, but wow was I wrong! Lana Del Rey basically owns my entire body, mind, and soul. This collection of poetry is great for summer reading; it made me feel like I was laying on the grass, feeling the sunlight bake my skin and I was eating orange slices. Chef's kiss!
Honestly, the haikus were not for me. I would have happily taken a couple more poems in lieu of those. But, that's my only nit to pick.
brb, going to stream Lana's entire discography real quick...
I can't lie, I was a little nervous going into this, just because it can be so rare when celebrities or artists release poetry, but wow was I wrong! Lana Del Rey basically owns my entire body, mind, and soul. This collection of poetry is great for summer reading; it made me feel like I was laying on the grass, feeling the sunlight bake my skin and I was eating orange slices. Chef's kiss!
Honestly, the haikus were not for me. I would have happily taken a couple more poems in lieu of those. But, that's my only nit to pick.
Swann's Way by Marcel Proust
challenging
slow-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? No
2.5
2.5⭐
Bruh....we made it...
Welp, that happened. Sorry to Monsieur Proust, but I don't think that I'm capable of reading the rest of his books.
To be clear, his writing and commiserations can be absolutely gorgeous! Can they be long-winded? Yes. Is there a message behind them? Usually. Do I want to continue reading the series to hear more of his thoughts on various topics. No.
If you loved these books, I'd love to hear why you did, because, to me, this was all style and very little substance.
Bruh....we made it...
Welp, that happened. Sorry to Monsieur Proust, but I don't think that I'm capable of reading the rest of his books.
To be clear, his writing and commiserations can be absolutely gorgeous! Can they be long-winded? Yes. Is there a message behind them? Usually. Do I want to continue reading the series to hear more of his thoughts on various topics. No.
If you loved these books, I'd love to hear why you did, because, to me, this was all style and very little substance.