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harry_lemon's reviews
159 reviews
My Government Means to Kill Me by Rasheed Newson
emotional
informative
inspiring
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
4.5⭐
Woah...
This told the powerful, moving, and inspiring story of a Black, queer individual making their way in New York in the midst of AIDS. I loved this work for how it not only built a realistic setting and circumstances, but also included footnotes as a form of education to the reader on topics that are absolutely necessary to comprehend the current state of affairs for Black and queer people. For a debut novel, Rasheed Newson crafted a deep, crucial and telling work that shows that though much time has passed since the AIDS epidemic, there is still work to be done on multiple fronts of society.
Woah...
This told the powerful, moving, and inspiring story of a Black, queer individual making their way in New York in the midst of AIDS. I loved this work for how it not only built a realistic setting and circumstances, but also included footnotes as a form of education to the reader on topics that are absolutely necessary to comprehend the current state of affairs for Black and queer people. For a debut novel, Rasheed Newson crafted a deep, crucial and telling work that shows that though much time has passed since the AIDS epidemic, there is still work to be done on multiple fronts of society.
Joni Mitchell: In Her Own Words by Joni Mitchell
informative
fast-paced
3.75
3.75⭐
Perfectly fine.
I'm a total fan of Joni Mitchell and was interested in this because it offered the artist's own opinion on their songs and life through their own words. However, while I feel I got a lot of interesting tidbits and factoids that gave a new dimension, by the third interview, I was sort of eyeing the door on when it would end. I love Joni as an artist, and her work is unmatched, but some of the directions of questions or parts of the interviews seemed like a throwaway. That all said, I think if you are an avid fan like me, you'll enjoy this work.
But, a word of caution: read the book, don't listen to it as an audiobook; it got very repetitive very quickly and I was sort of tired hearing the narrator repeat lyrics of Joni's songs (which obviously is not her fault). I'm sure it makes more of an impact on the page versus hearing a speaker repeat song lyrics like they're poetry.
Although, some may enjoy that. Oh well, to each their own...
Perfectly fine.
I'm a total fan of Joni Mitchell and was interested in this because it offered the artist's own opinion on their songs and life through their own words. However, while I feel I got a lot of interesting tidbits and factoids that gave a new dimension, by the third interview, I was sort of eyeing the door on when it would end. I love Joni as an artist, and her work is unmatched, but some of the directions of questions or parts of the interviews seemed like a throwaway. That all said, I think if you are an avid fan like me, you'll enjoy this work.
But, a word of caution: read the book, don't listen to it as an audiobook; it got very repetitive very quickly and I was sort of tired hearing the narrator repeat lyrics of Joni's songs (which obviously is not her fault). I'm sure it makes more of an impact on the page versus hearing a speaker repeat song lyrics like they're poetry.
Although, some may enjoy that. Oh well, to each their own...
The Secret History by Donna Tartt
dark
emotional
informative
mysterious
tense
medium-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⭐
This book has massive "big brain energy."
Ms. Donna Tartt signed, sealed and delivered on this one. Such a powerfully deep novel about friendship, love, growing up, life and death, understanding the world around us, and finding our true selves.
Though it was a little hard to get in to at the beginning, once the drama started, I was hooked. The characters were deeply thought out, the story was intense, so many twists and turns I had no idea what was going to happen next.
My only, ONLY, qualm was that there were so many potential plot points that could have been added to make the story that much more intense or dramatic, primarily involving Richard and his backstory.
I have so many thoughts about this book, I need to take some time to digest; wow, this was an absolute must for any lover of dark-academia-style books.
This book has massive "big brain energy."
Ms. Donna Tartt signed, sealed and delivered on this one. Such a powerfully deep novel about friendship, love, growing up, life and death, understanding the world around us, and finding our true selves.
Though it was a little hard to get in to at the beginning, once the drama started, I was hooked. The characters were deeply thought out, the story was intense, so many twists and turns I had no idea what was going to happen next.
My only, ONLY, qualm was that there were so many potential plot points that could have been added to make the story that much more intense or dramatic, primarily involving Richard and his backstory.
I have so many thoughts about this book, I need to take some time to digest; wow, this was an absolute must for any lover of dark-academia-style books.
George Michael: A Life by James Gavin
dark
informative
reflective
slow-paced
3.75
3.75⭐
Hmmm....
I have to remind myself sometimes that biographies can be very in-depth - almost too in-depth - and can seem to drag on a for a while. Though I appreciate that author's dedication to telling so much of the story of George Michael, of course I think some quotes or tidbits could stand to be edited out.
If I'm looking at the content of Michael's life, as it is presented, I have mixed emotions. I see both the humanity of him, yet also feel angry at how he chose to live his life. So much happened in his existence that I feel left wondering "what could have been." I guess that might be a good sign of a solid biography...
Overall, I'd say this was a solid work. Will I be revisiting this work? Probably not; once was enough. Do I still find it as powerfully informative and poignant for others? Absolutely.
Hmmm....
I have to remind myself sometimes that biographies can be very in-depth - almost too in-depth - and can seem to drag on a for a while. Though I appreciate that author's dedication to telling so much of the story of George Michael, of course I think some quotes or tidbits could stand to be edited out.
If I'm looking at the content of Michael's life, as it is presented, I have mixed emotions. I see both the humanity of him, yet also feel angry at how he chose to live his life. So much happened in his existence that I feel left wondering "what could have been." I guess that might be a good sign of a solid biography...
Overall, I'd say this was a solid work. Will I be revisiting this work? Probably not; once was enough. Do I still find it as powerfully informative and poignant for others? Absolutely.
The Vanishing Half by Brit Bennett
emotional
mysterious
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
3.75⭐
Alexa, play "The girl, so confusing version with Lorde"
I have mixed feelings about this book. I'll start by saying that this book was extremely well-written; this was my first time reading Brit Bennett's work and I will definitely be reading "Mothers" in the near future. I loved the complex and intricate relationship between the main characters, Desiree and Stella, seeing how they interact and engage each other, even though not in direct ways.
However, I think part of the problem in my reading was that I found myself comparing the work a little too much to "Passing" by Nella Larsen. I found many of the themes and conversations paralleled in the works that I found it a little repetitive. I think if I hadn't already read "Passing" I might have enjoyed this work a lot more. That said, I liked that Bennett added new dimensions to the characters that added layers to their stories and made it different enough from "Passing" that I still found the overall work engaging. In summation, I think this work is a great piece to read and delved into extremely important topics of sisterhood, motherhood, self-identification, race identity, and self-acceptance.
Alexa, play "The girl, so confusing version with Lorde"
I have mixed feelings about this book. I'll start by saying that this book was extremely well-written; this was my first time reading Brit Bennett's work and I will definitely be reading "Mothers" in the near future. I loved the complex and intricate relationship between the main characters, Desiree and Stella, seeing how they interact and engage each other, even though not in direct ways.
However, I think part of the problem in my reading was that I found myself comparing the work a little too much to "Passing" by Nella Larsen. I found many of the themes and conversations paralleled in the works that I found it a little repetitive. I think if I hadn't already read "Passing" I might have enjoyed this work a lot more. That said, I liked that Bennett added new dimensions to the characters that added layers to their stories and made it different enough from "Passing" that I still found the overall work engaging. In summation, I think this work is a great piece to read and delved into extremely important topics of sisterhood, motherhood, self-identification, race identity, and self-acceptance.
The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
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? Yes
4.5
4.5⭐
Wow, absolutely worth the hype!
I've had this book on my TBR list for a while. I should not have let it sit for so long. This book was an absolute marvel and all the Taylor Jenkins Reid fans may count me in their ranks.
This story was not what I was expecting. Some dramatic twists and turns that kept me engaged the whole way through, spectacular character development, and discussions on so many valuable and important topics. A true marvel.
Side Note: If you read this and felt like you want to read a non-fiction biography similar to this, I'd highly recommend "Marilyn Monroe: The Private Life of a Public Icon" by Charles Casillo. This work gives a great, in-depth look into the personal life and struggles of Marilyn Monroe.
Wow, absolutely worth the hype!
I've had this book on my TBR list for a while. I should not have let it sit for so long. This book was an absolute marvel and all the Taylor Jenkins Reid fans may count me in their ranks.
This story was not what I was expecting. Some dramatic twists and turns that kept me engaged the whole way through, spectacular character development, and discussions on so many valuable and important topics. A true marvel.
Side Note: If you read this and felt like you want to read a non-fiction biography similar to this, I'd highly recommend "Marilyn Monroe: The Private Life of a Public Icon" by Charles Casillo. This work gives a great, in-depth look into the personal life and struggles of Marilyn Monroe.
Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens
emotional
hopeful
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
5.0
5⭐
Alexa, play "Carolina" by Taylor Swift....
Wow. This book was amazing! To be fair, it was a little bit of a slow start, but once I fell in love with Kya, I was hooked. Absolutely amazing work and could not recommend it more! (Side note: If you love the "folklore" and "evermore" albums by TS, this is an essential read for you!)
I have to mention: seeing so many 1 star reviews for this book because they couldn't get behind it...I'm confused. To say they can't classify what genre this book falls in is so wild to me.
To all the 1 star reviewers of this book...
The girls that get it, get it. And the girls that don't, don't. If you don't get it, I guess you're not that girl 💅🏽
Alexa, play "Carolina" by Taylor Swift....
Wow. This book was amazing! To be fair, it was a little bit of a slow start, but once I fell in love with Kya, I was hooked. Absolutely amazing work and could not recommend it more! (Side note: If you love the "folklore" and "evermore" albums by TS, this is an essential read for you!)
I have to mention: seeing so many 1 star reviews for this book because they couldn't get behind it...I'm confused. To say they can't classify what genre this book falls in is so wild to me.
To all the 1 star reviewers of this book...
The girls that get it, get it. And the girls that don't, don't. If you don't get it, I guess you're not that girl 💅🏽
Invisible Man by Ralph Ellison
dark
mysterious
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
4⭐
Oof, this was a doozy.
Even though this book was first published in the 1950s, this story is as timely as ever. The story of the nameless narrator moving through America as a black man is a truly powerful story. What's more, his story is as prominent for non-Black readers as it is for Black readers. I found so many fascinating themes and ideas that really made me ponder how I move through the world, looking at our shared experiences and what it means to truly be human.
I do have to knock this down to a 4-star, purely because I felt that there were parts that were quite lengthy and I did get quite bored at times. However, I do think the overall story leaves an impression on the reader that I think makes it worthwhile to read. Honestly, everyone should read this book.
Oof, this was a doozy.
Even though this book was first published in the 1950s, this story is as timely as ever. The story of the nameless narrator moving through America as a black man is a truly powerful story. What's more, his story is as prominent for non-Black readers as it is for Black readers. I found so many fascinating themes and ideas that really made me ponder how I move through the world, looking at our shared experiences and what it means to truly be human.
I do have to knock this down to a 4-star, purely because I felt that there were parts that were quite lengthy and I did get quite bored at times. However, I do think the overall story leaves an impression on the reader that I think makes it worthwhile to read. Honestly, everyone should read this book.
Sense and Sensibility by Jane Austen
emotional
lighthearted
relaxing
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
4.5⭐
While I absolutely loved this, it's hard to compete with the GOAT that is Pride and Prejudice.
This book had such strong potential to dethrone my favorite, Pride and Prejudice, especially in the beginning with the character introductions. Even though it is a fantastic read, I didn't absolutely love it as much as it's more popular sister. That said, I think any fan of Austen would adore this book and love the characters and storyline.
It's a little lengthy (of course), but the story was engaging and I was eager to see how things all shaped up for Elinor and Marianne Dashwood. I love how these two act as counterparts: mind and heart, sense and sensibility. It's quite a genius idea of having two characters that have these inherent modes of viewing the world and relationships because the reader can align themselves with either of the sisters and see things through new perspectives from the other. I like to think I'm more Elinor, but I'm probably more of a Marianne...read into that what you will haha.
Overall, another wonderful Austen work. It'll be a minute before I read another, just so I can give myself time to marinade in the story, but I look forward to the next one!
While I absolutely loved this, it's hard to compete with the GOAT that is Pride and Prejudice.
This book had such strong potential to dethrone my favorite, Pride and Prejudice, especially in the beginning with the character introductions. Even though it is a fantastic read, I didn't absolutely love it as much as it's more popular sister. That said, I think any fan of Austen would adore this book and love the characters and storyline.
It's a little lengthy (of course), but the story was engaging and I was eager to see how things all shaped up for Elinor and Marianne Dashwood. I love how these two act as counterparts: mind and heart, sense and sensibility. It's quite a genius idea of having two characters that have these inherent modes of viewing the world and relationships because the reader can align themselves with either of the sisters and see things through new perspectives from the other. I like to think I'm more Elinor, but I'm probably more of a Marianne...read into that what you will haha.
Overall, another wonderful Austen work. It'll be a minute before I read another, just so I can give myself time to marinade in the story, but I look forward to the next one!
The Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck
Did not finish book. Stopped at 6%.
Did not finish book. Stopped at 6%.
Dnf at pg. 32
I think what this book stands for is absolutely important, however, I just can't really get past Steinbeck's style of writing. I found myself skimming sentences, hoping to get to the "meat" of the book, but found I couldn't be bothered to care. Sorry to this man.
I think what this book stands for is absolutely important, however, I just can't really get past Steinbeck's style of writing. I found myself skimming sentences, hoping to get to the "meat" of the book, but found I couldn't be bothered to care. Sorry to this man.