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mikkiokko's reviews
101 reviews
The Year of Magical Thinking by Joan Didion
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
4.0
I quite liked the internal journey of grief Didion took me on. I found it comforting when she was able to verbalize the feeling that seem untouchable when grieving. I also liked how she used repetition because to me it evoked the regret and urgency I experience in grief. I do wish that she gave us a little more insight into her relationship with John and Quintana to make her relationships with them feel more heavy and defeating when they are absent or threatened. I also like how approachable this book is, for such a heavy subject it manages to be a read that I think a lot of people could take on and extract a lot from. Finally, I think Didion is GREAT at making places feel extremely tangible and almost alive.
Overall, a pleasant introduction to Didion and I am excited to read more of her work!
Overall, a pleasant introduction to Didion and I am excited to read more of her work!
Prophet Song by Paul Lynch
dark
emotional
informative
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
5.0
This is an excellent book.
I liked how closely this book followed and focused on a civilian in a dystopian. By that I mean that we never fully learn what the regime(s) want or espouses, what we see instead is mostly how it affects one family and especially one woman. In fact, most of the book takes place within their home which makes the unraveling of everything in the world feel so personal. With it all taking place so close it also helps to communicate the difficulty in leaving home when there is terror. I feel like that is a concept often lost in dystopian or war fiction, and even in the news. Often when we see a crisis, a war, a genocide, etc. people on the outside say "Well, just leave. Flee." without grasping how difficult that really is, and I think that this book realizes that truth greatly.
I am extremely intrigued to see how this book continues to fit itself into the world as time moves on because while this book speaks urgent truths about current matters like the genocide of Gaza, it is also a book that directly says it is timeless. It calls out the fact that anything like its plot can happen at anytime and how foolish it is to think that someone's world is not always ending. It is truly timeless, an impressive feat.
Some favorite quotes:
(I'll blur them, not because they are major spoilers, but just in case you'd like to save them for yourself)
History is a silent record of people who could not leave, it is a record of those who did not have a choice, you cannot leave when you have nowhere to go and have not the means to go there, you cannot leave when your children cannot get a passport, cannot go when your feet are rooted in the earth and to leave means tearing off your feet.
...and the prophet sings not of the end of the world but of what has been done and what will be done and what is being done to some but not others, that the world is always ending over and over again in one place but not another and that the end of the world is always a local event, it comes to your country and visits your town and knocks on the door of your house and becomes to others but some distant warning, a brief report on the news, an echo of events that has passed into folklore,...
I liked how closely this book followed and focused on a civilian in a dystopian. By that I mean that we never fully learn what the regime(s) want or espouses, what we see instead is mostly how it affects one family and especially one woman. In fact, most of the book takes place within their home which makes the unraveling of everything in the world feel so personal. With it all taking place so close it also helps to communicate the difficulty in leaving home when there is terror. I feel like that is a concept often lost in dystopian or war fiction, and even in the news. Often when we see a crisis, a war, a genocide, etc. people on the outside say "Well, just leave. Flee." without grasping how difficult that really is, and I think that this book realizes that truth greatly.
I am extremely intrigued to see how this book continues to fit itself into the world as time moves on because while this book speaks urgent truths about current matters like the genocide of Gaza, it is also a book that directly says it is timeless. It calls out the fact that anything like its plot can happen at anytime and how foolish it is to think that someone's world is not always ending. It is truly timeless, an impressive feat.
Some favorite quotes:
(I'll blur them, not because they are major spoilers, but just in case you'd like to save them for yourself)
...and the prophet sings not of the end of the world but of what has been done and what will be done and what is being done to some but not others, that the world is always ending over and over again in one place but not another and that the end of the world is always a local event, it comes to your country and visits your town and knocks on the door of your house and becomes to others but some distant warning, a brief report on the news, an echo of events that has passed into folklore,...
This Other Eden by Paul Harding
dark
emotional
informative
sad
tense
slow-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
The themes and concept of this book were great. The exploration of government officials and outsiders deeming that a small community is in need of "fixing" then taking action that destroys and displaces these people's fruitful lives was very powerful. In fact, I think that the book was at it's strongest in the end when the most destructive and violent things were happening simply. I could feel these people getting discarded and forgotten and how hopeless it all felt because it was just happening and no one cared. All of the characters were also very interesting, but especially Esther Honey. Uncovering just how much she'd been through and the views she's come to have of the world really help tie the past generations of this island into the current ones; making the community feel very real and in harmony with itself.
BUT, oh my god, I could not get into this writing style at all. There were times where things were described well but for the most part it would feel too scattered. It was like every sentence was a stream of consciousness and make it extremely hard to follow or connect with the text. The use of punctuation further confused me a lot while I was reading because it blurred the lines of almost every sentence. I understand that writing style is completely subjective, and I hope this style works for more people, it just did not work for me. Which, I am disappointed by because there was so much that I did like about this book that was kind of spoiled in the end.
Still, a good book.
BUT, oh my god, I could not get into this writing style at all. There were times where things were described well but for the most part it would feel too scattered. It was like every sentence was a stream of consciousness and make it extremely hard to follow or connect with the text. The use of punctuation further confused me a lot while I was reading because it blurred the lines of almost every sentence. I understand that writing style is completely subjective, and I hope this style works for more people, it just did not work for me. Which, I am disappointed by because there was so much that I did like about this book that was kind of spoiled in the end.
Still, a good book.
Artificial Condition by Martha Wells
adventurous
funny
relaxing
tense
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
People of the world, the quality has NOT dropped!
Great as ever! I loved the exploration of Murderbot's fear in this book and the line where the title comes from, look idc what Murderbot says that was fantastic! I also loved the contrast between Murderbot facing its fears of all things human while being, quite literally, the most badass high-powered robot ever put to fiction. ART was also a lovely addition that made my heart warm! And WITCH don't even talk to me about what ART said at the end!!! Did I get teary eyed? Yeah, and what are you gonna do about it? Overall, I CANNOT wait to read the next one!! Thank you Martha for your work!
(Still G.I coded as fuck)
Great as ever! I loved the exploration of Murderbot's fear in this book and the line where the title comes from, look idc what Murderbot says that was fantastic! I also loved the contrast between Murderbot facing its fears of all things human while being, quite literally, the most badass high-powered robot ever put to fiction. ART was also a lovely addition that made my heart warm! And WITCH don't even talk to me about what ART said at the end!!! Did I get teary eyed? Yeah, and what are you gonna do about it? Overall, I CANNOT wait to read the next one!! Thank you Martha for your work!
(Still G.I coded as fuck)
All Systems Red by Martha Wells
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
relaxing
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? It's complicated
How fun! This was such an enjoyable read, and yet still made me get a little bit emotional at times. Murderbot is so sarcastic and funny, making it an enjoyable MC to follow, BUT at the same time it has a super tiny little heart as well, which makes the reader care for it too! The plot was also quite good and the ending has me wondering more and how this could all connect to the world at large later on in the series!
Also yes, this book is VERY G.I coded
Also yes, this book is VERY G.I coded
The Boy with a Bird in His Chest by Emme Lund
emotional
reflective
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
This was such an interesting novel!
The concept was one that I found endlessly fascinating, but then the writing just kept me coming back for more! I really like how this book explores the concept of feeling like you have to disappear from the world then the struggle to learn and accept that you have the right to take up space. Additionally, the writing was quite delicious at times! The most interesting writing was when it made me feel like I was high just reading it, it was quite the experience.
One of the only things I wishes was a little different about this book was that at times parts/sayings could feel a little too repetitive. But, when they played out in the end it was still satisfying.
The concept was one that I found endlessly fascinating, but then the writing just kept me coming back for more! I really like how this book explores the concept of feeling like you have to disappear from the world then the struggle to learn and accept that you have the right to take up space. Additionally, the writing was quite delicious at times! The most interesting writing was when it made me feel like I was high just reading it, it was quite the experience.
One of the only things I wishes was a little different about this book was that at times parts/sayings could feel a little too repetitive. But, when they played out in the end it was still satisfying.
The Princess and the Grilled Cheese Sandwich by Deya Muniz
emotional
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
relaxing
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
I FEEL NOTHING BUT PURE AND UNABASHED HEART-MELTING JOY!!!
This was some of the cutest crap I've ever read. I LOVE IT!! The art, simply exquisite. The story, CUTE AS HELL!! Honestly, if you need to feel joy for once pick this book up! It's that simple! I love that two girls just got to be in love, look cute in dresses, and eat grilled cheese sandwiches! 10/10. Love to see it!
AND on top of that there was some great commentary on identity, power, influence, and the flawed structures within society. I mean, folks, what more could we ask for?!?!?
ALSO the Nintendo Switch among the old-timey royal victorian castle goodness made me cackle :)
FINALLY READ THE AUTHOR'S NOTE AT THE END THAT CRAP ALMOST MADE ME CRY IT WAS SO CUTE HOLY CRAP DUDE!
This was some of the cutest crap I've ever read. I LOVE IT!! The art, simply exquisite. The story, CUTE AS HELL!! Honestly, if you need to feel joy for once pick this book up! It's that simple! I love that two girls just got to be in love, look cute in dresses, and eat grilled cheese sandwiches! 10/10. Love to see it!
AND on top of that there was some great commentary on identity, power, influence, and the flawed structures within society. I mean, folks, what more could we ask for?!?!?
ALSO the Nintendo Switch among the old-timey royal victorian castle goodness made me cackle :)
FINALLY READ THE AUTHOR'S NOTE AT THE END THAT CRAP ALMOST MADE ME CRY IT WAS SO CUTE HOLY CRAP DUDE!
Seven Days in June by Tia Williams
emotional
funny
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
I went out of my element with this one as I am not a big romance reader, and I am happy to report that I liked it! It made me appreciate romance a little more. I liked that their romance was complicated, but still passionate. The only thing that did not work for me was the writing style. That is not to say that the book or writing is bad, it is just my personal preference. If you like romance, I highly recommend! I think you'll like it! :)
A Man of Two Faces: A Memoir, a History, a Memorial by Viet Thanh Nguyen
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
5.0
Wow! Wow! Wow!
A Man of Two Faces is a memoir, but also a massive recounting, analysis, and critic of Nguyen's life, his mother's life, his family's life & history, the author's experience with trying to become a writer, and America's history & colonialism. This book is of average length at 354 pages, but packs in so much more than you would ever expect without being convoluted. A Man of Two Faces made me happy, mad, think, analyze, cry, and laugh. It is a book that has an important conversation and confrontation for everyone around the world to participate in, and it truly treats the reader as a participant with the 2nd person narration. The structure of this book is unconventional, but it is pulled off masterfully by Nguyen. For how much it captures it easily drops the reader into what I think is the point of the book; which is to share and understand each other's grief. What a wonderful piece of work!
(p.s there are many great mentions of other's work in this book that I cannot wait to read!)
A Man of Two Faces is a memoir, but also a massive recounting, analysis, and critic of Nguyen's life, his mother's life, his family's life & history, the author's experience with trying to become a writer, and America's history & colonialism. This book is of average length at 354 pages, but packs in so much more than you would ever expect without being convoluted. A Man of Two Faces made me happy, mad, think, analyze, cry, and laugh. It is a book that has an important conversation and confrontation for everyone around the world to participate in, and it truly treats the reader as a participant with the 2nd person narration. The structure of this book is unconventional, but it is pulled off masterfully by Nguyen. For how much it captures it easily drops the reader into what I think is the point of the book; which is to share and understand each other's grief. What a wonderful piece of work!
(p.s there are many great mentions of other's work in this book that I cannot wait to read!)
White Nights by Fyodor Dostoevsky
emotional
sad
fast-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? It's complicated
White Nights could be very good, if the 26 year old man wasn't in love with a 17 year old girl.
The age gap ruins so much of what could be a very interesting story about loneliness, dreams not coming true, unrequited love, and happiness that comes from brief moments of connection with someone else even if it does end up being spoiled. Instead, the age gap turns this into a naive young girl trying to get out of a not so ideal home life being lured in opposite directions by two much older men. This age gap especially ruins the narrator because instead of empathizing and understanding his yearning he just becomes creepy as hell. I think this story would be much much better if the characters were all young and around the girls age because there is something to be told and learned about experiencing unrequited love at a young age. So, do I hate this story? No. But do I think it has a massive flaw that spoils the story.
The age gap ruins so much of what could be a very interesting story about loneliness, dreams not coming true, unrequited love, and happiness that comes from brief moments of connection with someone else even if it does end up being spoiled. Instead, the age gap turns this into a naive young girl trying to get out of a not so ideal home life being lured in opposite directions by two much older men. This age gap especially ruins the narrator because instead of empathizing and understanding his yearning he just becomes creepy as hell. I think this story would be much much better if the characters were all young and around the girls age because there is something to be told and learned about experiencing unrequited love at a young age. So, do I hate this story? No. But do I think it has a massive flaw that spoils the story.