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williamgideon's reviews
166 reviews
Bröd och mjölk by Karolina Ramqvist
challenging
emotional
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Eating disorder and Vomit
Moderate: Abandonment
Minor: Self harm
Braiding Sweetgrass: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge and the Teachings of Plants by Robin Wall Kimmerer
Did not finish book. Stopped at 40%.
Did not finish book. Stopped at 40%.
library loan ran out 😭
Alexander den store by Bengt Liljegren
Did not finish book. Stopped at 37%.
Did not finish book. Stopped at 37%.
The content is interesting but the narrator made it boring
Hex by Jenni Fagan
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
fast-paced
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Confinement, Death, Misogyny, Sexual violence, Violence, and Murder
Like a Love Story by Abdi Nazemian
emotional
hopeful
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Homophobia and Terminal illness
Piranesi by Susanna Clarke
adventurous
challenging
mysterious
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? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Confinement, Kidnapping, and Gaslighting
Kallocain by Karin Boye
challenging
dark
hopeful
reflective
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
I have to admit I was really bored with this book, mostly because of the writing style, which is trying to emulate that pf a scientist's reports. As the narrative unfolds, the book gets more and more interesting. The first half is very slow but I think it's quite rewarding because of the themes explored throughout. This book is often compared to 1984, but it also reminded me of Frankenstein. I think the narratives are really similar(science, responsibility etc). Overall really enjoyed!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Domestic abuse
Spectrums: Autistic Transgender People in Their Own Words by Maxfield Sparrow
informative
fast-paced
3.25
Naturally, the essays/poems differ in quality depending on the writer. There were some that stood out, but mostly I felt like this book didn't go very in depth. I think this book is really good for someone who is struggling to accept being trans/ND or someone trying to understand(for example a parent). But to me it felt like each writer wasn't given that much room to work with.
Norse Mythology by Neil Gaiman
adventurous
funny
informative
mysterious
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
I had already known and loved these stories many times before starting this audiobook, but I was intrigued by what Gaiman's writing could add. I ended up really enjoying his telling of the myths. His writing really animates the Gods, he gives them emotions and reactions that are sometimes quite funny. His audobook narration also added a lot to this book.
While this was a fun way to hear them, I will say I have read other versions of these stories that I preferred. For example, I had quite an issue of his telling of the myth of Freyr's proposal to Gerd. In his version, Gerd instantly agrees after being told of Freyr by Skirnir. But in every version I have heard, Gerd refuses several times. Skirnir offers her gold, Gerd answers she already has plenty of gold, etc. I felt Gaiman's way of telling this myth really strips Gerd of her agency, and that confidence which I love so much in her. Her strength is why I love that myth so much, so I was a little sad to see how he chose to tell it.
While this was a fun way to hear them, I will say I have read other versions of these stories that I preferred. For example, I had quite an issue of his telling of the myth of Freyr's proposal to Gerd. In his version, Gerd instantly agrees after being told of Freyr by Skirnir. But in every version I have heard, Gerd refuses several times. Skirnir offers her gold, Gerd answers she already has plenty of gold, etc. I felt Gaiman's way of telling this myth really strips Gerd of her agency, and that confidence which I love so much in her. Her strength is why I love that myth so much, so I was a little sad to see how he chose to tell it.
One Day I Will Write about This Place: A Memoir by Binyavanga Wainaina
informative
reflective
medium-paced
3.75
I had no idea who Binyavanga Wainaina was when I picked up this book. In my opinion, the book ended up not being so much about his life, like a traditional memoir, but more about the world around him. The book is filled with sensory impressions, of the way the author sees the places he goes to and the people he meets. I think it was a really interesting read and that Wainaina was a very talented author. He invents new words and phrases to suit his needs, he is very playful on the page but also very serious about the topics.