jackdziatkowiec's reviews
246 reviews

The Raven and Other Writings by Edgar Allan Poe

Go to review page

dark mysterious reflective medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

Doom and gloom in all its macabre glory. Perfect October read.
Introducing Foucault: A Graphic Guide by Chris Horrocks

Go to review page

challenging dark medium-paced

2.0

A lot of random facts and dates. Haphazard and convoluted. I didn't retain any information. I didn't know anything about this man before I started reading, and I still don't.
Hazel Fine Sings Along by Katie Wicks

Go to review page

hopeful lighthearted fast-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? No

3.5

I usually go for something more damaging to my psyche. This was a good palette cleanser. I like Hazel Fine, and I'm glad I got to go on this adventure with her.
Favorite African Folktales by Nelson Mandela

Go to review page

adventurous dark fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.0

In terms of cultural history, these stories are priceless.
Five Dialogues: Euthyphro, Apology, Crito, Meno, Phaedo by Plato

Go to review page

challenging reflective slow-paced

3.0

Towards the end, it gets long winded. I read The Trial and Death of Socrates before this, and I liked it better. It was more concise.
The Reluctant Fundamentalist by Mohsin Hamid

Go to review page

reflective tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.5

The ending was a bit abrupt, but I liked that it was open to interpretation, and depends on our personal biases.
The Misanthrope, and Other Plays by Molière

Go to review page

funny reflective medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

I prefer the Richard Wilbur translations. This word for word translation loses most of the humor, rhyme, and rhythm of Moliere.
Brokeback Mountain by Annie Proulx

Go to review page

sad slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

Old Yeller by Fred Gipson

Go to review page

emotional tense 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? No

3.25

Bear attacks, bull fights, hog battles, and much more!
The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time by Mark Haddon

Go to review page

emotional mysterious fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

Reminds me of 'Room'. Written from the point of view of a child trying to understand the world around him.