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harry_lemon's reviews
159 reviews
How Not to Drown in a Glass of Water by Angie Cruz
Did not finish book. Stopped at 21%.
Did not finish book. Stopped at 21%.
While I found the story interesting and the premise important, I just couldn't connect to the story through the writing choice. I didn't feel like I should care about the protagonist. Probably just not for me.
Saint Sebastian's Abyss by Mark Haber
challenging
mysterious
tense
slow-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? Yes
4.0
4⭐
What the f*ck even is art?
I'll be very honest, the writing was a little too meandering for me, reminding me of Jon Fosse's "A Shining," (derogatory). However, if you look past that and see the underlying themes, this book is fantastic.
As an art history major in school, this was a wonderful look into the absurd, sometimes comical, world of art criticism. Mark Haber touches on themes of mortality, art, friendship, and makes you consider what you see when you look at a piece of art. I personally enjoyed the deep lore of this book; I was honestly convinced some of these characters existed. Overall, a pretty amazing short read that is engaging and thought-provoking.
What the f*ck even is art?
I'll be very honest, the writing was a little too meandering for me, reminding me of Jon Fosse's "A Shining," (derogatory). However, if you look past that and see the underlying themes, this book is fantastic.
As an art history major in school, this was a wonderful look into the absurd, sometimes comical, world of art criticism. Mark Haber touches on themes of mortality, art, friendship, and makes you consider what you see when you look at a piece of art. I personally enjoyed the deep lore of this book; I was honestly convinced some of these characters existed. Overall, a pretty amazing short read that is engaging and thought-provoking.
Turbulence by David Szalay
fast-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? It's complicated
3.75
3.75⭐
Where have you come from and where are you going?
I loved this concept of interweaving lives of people through travel. I've always loved "people watching" at airports, curious about where they came from, where they were going, why they were going, etc. This book did a wonderful job of giving snapshot looks into these character's lives and giving the reader just enough information to tell a portion of their story.
Some of the plots were a little clunky, in my opinion, but overall I loved the effect and I think it makes one really think about what it means to be one of many; we're all trying to get somewhere.
Where have you come from and where are you going?
I loved this concept of interweaving lives of people through travel. I've always loved "people watching" at airports, curious about where they came from, where they were going, why they were going, etc. This book did a wonderful job of giving snapshot looks into these character's lives and giving the reader just enough information to tell a portion of their story.
Some of the plots were a little clunky, in my opinion, but overall I loved the effect and I think it makes one really think about what it means to be one of many; we're all trying to get somewhere.
Hyperphantasia by Sara Deniz Akant
emotional
reflective
sad
fast-paced
3.75
3.75⭐
Surreal.
I'm not quite sure how I feel about this collection of poems. While I'll admit I love what the story represents and I think that some of these poems could be deeply impactful for others, I'm not quite sure if this was for me.
I do think, though, that there are some out there who can benefit from reading some of these deeply personal and powerful poems about loss, grief, self-acceptance, and trauma. That's the power of poetry: you're able to see yourself in the written words on the page and find that connection in shared experiences.
Surreal.
I'm not quite sure how I feel about this collection of poems. While I'll admit I love what the story represents and I think that some of these poems could be deeply impactful for others, I'm not quite sure if this was for me.
I do think, though, that there are some out there who can benefit from reading some of these deeply personal and powerful poems about loss, grief, self-acceptance, and trauma. That's the power of poetry: you're able to see yourself in the written words on the page and find that connection in shared experiences.
The Hurting Kind by Ada Limón
inspiring
reflective
slow-paced
4.0
4⭐
I need to go out and touch grass now...
Ada Limon is a powerhouse when it comes to poetry. Her ability to examine and interpret nature in a unique way is a talent, and being able to convey these thoughts and feelings in a beautiful way is demonstrative of her capability as a poet.
This collection of poems was a bit of a slow burn for me. Though I did not particularly "feel" this book toward the beginning, by the end I was sold on the arc of the story and enwrapped in what Limon was conveying. Nit-picking: I do wish some of the poems were shorter or some were edited out, as I didn't feel every poem was necessary. That aside, I do still think this was a powerful work and a must-read for any who enjoy looking at out world through a fresh perspective.
I need to go out and touch grass now...
Ada Limon is a powerhouse when it comes to poetry. Her ability to examine and interpret nature in a unique way is a talent, and being able to convey these thoughts and feelings in a beautiful way is demonstrative of her capability as a poet.
This collection of poems was a bit of a slow burn for me. Though I did not particularly "feel" this book toward the beginning, by the end I was sold on the arc of the story and enwrapped in what Limon was conveying. Nit-picking: I do wish some of the poems were shorter or some were edited out, as I didn't feel every poem was necessary. That aside, I do still think this was a powerful work and a must-read for any who enjoy looking at out world through a fresh perspective.
Mothman Apologia by Rae Armantrout, Robert Wood Lynn
dark
reflective
medium-paced
4.5
4.5⭐
I freaking love poetry with story!
Wow, this was a little bit of a random book for me, but I'm so glad I read this. Robert Lynn has such a spectacular, accessible way of addressing his reader. I could feel as though he were communicating directly to me. Most importantly: I appreciate poets who weave together a story throughout their works. Yes, the individual poems are beautiful on their own; but when they contribute to an overall narrative, it just takes the whole experience to another level. Discussing themes of loss, pain, change, life and death, and so much more, these are both impactful and beautiful to behold.
I freaking love poetry with story!
Wow, this was a little bit of a random book for me, but I'm so glad I read this. Robert Lynn has such a spectacular, accessible way of addressing his reader. I could feel as though he were communicating directly to me. Most importantly: I appreciate poets who weave together a story throughout their works. Yes, the individual poems are beautiful on their own; but when they contribute to an overall narrative, it just takes the whole experience to another level. Discussing themes of loss, pain, change, life and death, and so much more, these are both impactful and beautiful to behold.
suddenly we by Evie Shockley
dark
emotional
informative
reflective
slow-paced
5.0
5⭐
I don't know if words can describe this book...
To say Evie Shockley is a merely a poet is like saying an opera diva is a singer. This book was a piece of art. So many of these poems resonate on such deep levels. Even though these predominantly focus on the experiences of being a Black woman in modern society (and, at the time, during COVID-19), these poems relate on a human level, making one question how they interact in their society and how you contribute to change. Some poems pack a punch through oral recitation, others are visual works of art; but none of these are unimportant and all of them deserve praise and attention. Brava, Evie Shockley.
I don't know if words can describe this book...
To say Evie Shockley is a merely a poet is like saying an opera diva is a singer. This book was a piece of art. So many of these poems resonate on such deep levels. Even though these predominantly focus on the experiences of being a Black woman in modern society (and, at the time, during COVID-19), these poems relate on a human level, making one question how they interact in their society and how you contribute to change. Some poems pack a punch through oral recitation, others are visual works of art; but none of these are unimportant and all of them deserve praise and attention. Brava, Evie Shockley.
This Wound Is a World by Billy-Ray Belcourt
emotional
informative
fast-paced
4.5
4.5⭐
If you're a fan of Ocean Vuong, you NEED to read this!
This was such an amazing collection of poems from Billy-Ray Belcourt. I found his style of poetry enwrapping and powerfully put. Getting to hear from this queer, Indigenous perspective was so impactful. Strong themes of questioning one's identity, racial and sexual, make these poems stand out so wonderfully. If you love Ocean Vuong's work, you absolutely need to get into Billy-Ray Belcourt; you will not be sorry!
If you're a fan of Ocean Vuong, you NEED to read this!
This was such an amazing collection of poems from Billy-Ray Belcourt. I found his style of poetry enwrapping and powerfully put. Getting to hear from this queer, Indigenous perspective was so impactful. Strong themes of questioning one's identity, racial and sexual, make these poems stand out so wonderfully. If you love Ocean Vuong's work, you absolutely need to get into Billy-Ray Belcourt; you will not be sorry!
So Late in the Day: Stories of Women and Men by Claire Keegan
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- 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
4.5
4.5⭐
Ms. Clare Keegan, respectfully, how dare you be this good...
I cannot believe I waited this long to consume Clare Keegan content. This collection of short stories was just hit after hit. I think my favorite of the three is the titular "So Late In the Day," such a powerful telling of love, relationships, and understanding one's self going into a relationship. Absolutely amazing work, I cannot wait for her next book to come. (Side Note: I fear the day this woman writes a full-length novel, because honestly, you might need to check on me...)
Ms. Clare Keegan, respectfully, how dare you be this good...
I cannot believe I waited this long to consume Clare Keegan content. This collection of short stories was just hit after hit. I think my favorite of the three is the titular "So Late In the Day," such a powerful telling of love, relationships, and understanding one's self going into a relationship. Absolutely amazing work, I cannot wait for her next book to come. (Side Note: I fear the day this woman writes a full-length novel, because honestly, you might need to check on me...)
Time Is a Mother by Ocean Vuong
medium-paced
4.0
4⭐
Ocean Vuong, the icon that you are...
I swear, I have no idea how Ocean Vuong is able to write these things that are so impactful, so succinctly. I don't know if I necessarily loved this collection of works as much as "Night Sky With Exit Wounds," but there were some absolute powerhouse works in this collection of poetry. I am - and will always be - an Ocean stan!
Ocean Vuong, the icon that you are...
I swear, I have no idea how Ocean Vuong is able to write these things that are so impactful, so succinctly. I don't know if I necessarily loved this collection of works as much as "Night Sky With Exit Wounds," but there were some absolute powerhouse works in this collection of poetry. I am - and will always be - an Ocean stan!