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baielleebooks's reviews
60 reviews
Play It as It Lays by Joan Didion
dark
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.25
This is the first book I've ever read of Joan Didion's, and I mentally underlined so many extracts and left with a great deal of admiration for her sharp and piercing writing style. Control and restraint are exercised beautifully in how she structures her writing.
Depression and nothingness is written about so powerfully in the novel. The characters sorrounding Maria made me feel a palpable repulsion. The scenery in the novel made me feel like an uncomfortable dry heat was enveloping me as I read the pages.
I have lots of thoughts pricking themselves into my conscious having just finished the book, and the themes, characters and issues the novel raises are something I want to ruminate on for the days to come. Play It As It Lays is haunting, chilling, and has amplified my love for writing and storytelling.
Depression and nothingness is written about so powerfully in the novel. The characters sorrounding Maria made me feel a palpable repulsion. The scenery in the novel made me feel like an uncomfortable dry heat was enveloping me as I read the pages.
I have lots of thoughts pricking themselves into my conscious having just finished the book, and the themes, characters and issues the novel raises are something I want to ruminate on for the days to come. Play It As It Lays is haunting, chilling, and has amplified my love for writing and storytelling.
Invisible Women: Data Bias in a World Designed for Men by Caroline Criado Pérez
Did not finish book. Stopped at 16%.
Did not finish book. Stopped at 16%.
While reading Criado-Perez's assertion for improved single-sex toilets, in an increasingly hostile and transphobic political landscape, I was left feeling suspicious. After looking for clarity on her views on current toilet provisions and trans rights in general, I came to the conclusion that I can't read this book in good conscience.
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There is a cruel irony that in writing a book entitled 'Invisible Women', Criado-Perez completely nullifies trans women and non binary people from her social research and evidence.
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While this book does contain insights, and does speak to the issue of the intrinsic maleness of quote-on-quote 'objective statistics', not discussing trans women's experiences in issues such as toilet use and street safety leaves the reader with a very limited scope.
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Her distinction between sex and gender is also quite misguided. As someone competent in academic and political research, one can question her motives there.
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I can appreciate that this book does present very coherent points, and parts of it could be harnessed for social good, but Criado-Perez's non inclusion of trans women, rights and issues in this book leaves me unable to read further.
-
There is a cruel irony that in writing a book entitled 'Invisible Women', Criado-Perez completely nullifies trans women and non binary people from her social research and evidence.
-
While this book does contain insights, and does speak to the issue of the intrinsic maleness of quote-on-quote 'objective statistics', not discussing trans women's experiences in issues such as toilet use and street safety leaves the reader with a very limited scope.
-
Her distinction between sex and gender is also quite misguided. As someone competent in academic and political research, one can question her motives there.
-
I can appreciate that this book does present very coherent points, and parts of it could be harnessed for social good, but Criado-Perez's non inclusion of trans women, rights and issues in this book leaves me unable to read further.
The Lost Daughter by Elena Ferrante
dark
emotional
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
I have a real affinity for this story. After watching the film, I had a slow-burning appreciation that turned into a real fascination with the themes and moral disjunctures analysed in the novel.
Leda is an obviously prickly character, with an extremely contentious past and present but I grew a real affection for her. She seems engaged always in a series of arduous lessons in learning how to love. Elena Ferrante does a great job of positioning her reader into Leda's disconcerted psyche. The book, as the blurb reviews affirms, is a strong mediation on motherhood and has much to say.
Wolfed this down during a long journey, and it is a story I have an urge to reccomend to people. The pace is quick, the transitioning in timelines at times could've been a little more seamless, but nevertheless the book delivers one hell of a gut-punch in 140 pages.
Leda is an obviously prickly character, with an extremely contentious past and present but I grew a real affection for her. She seems engaged always in a series of arduous lessons in learning how to love. Elena Ferrante does a great job of positioning her reader into Leda's disconcerted psyche. The book, as the blurb reviews affirms, is a strong mediation on motherhood and has much to say.
Wolfed this down during a long journey, and it is a story I have an urge to reccomend to people. The pace is quick, the transitioning in timelines at times could've been a little more seamless, but nevertheless the book delivers one hell of a gut-punch in 140 pages.
His Only Wife by Peace Adzo Medie
funny
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? No
4.25
The blossoming of Afi's character and her growth in realising her assertive nature was endearing throughout the novel. What I loved was the contentious gossip network that the characters lived within.
Afi's mother was a strong character, as was Aunty (a great case study of how people wield the strategy of point scoring while performing acts of service) and I also particularly liked Evelyn's character, Richard's shortcomings and Yaya's simmering villainry.
The descriptions of Accra and Ho and the homes the characters lived in were also extremely textured and well-written.
Pacing wise, I personally would've appreciated slowing in parts to have a deeper absorbion of the story's timeline. There was a slight tendency for the details to be lost. But this slight criticism of mine only pays testament to the fact that I really liked the story.
Reese Witherspoon I like your taste darling, your appraisal of the novel resonated with me and then some!
Afi's mother was a strong character, as was Aunty (a great case study of how people wield the strategy of point scoring while performing acts of service) and I also particularly liked Evelyn's character, Richard's shortcomings and Yaya's simmering villainry.
The descriptions of Accra and Ho and the homes the characters lived in were also extremely textured and well-written.
Pacing wise, I personally would've appreciated slowing in parts to have a deeper absorbion of the story's timeline. There was a slight tendency for the details to be lost. But this slight criticism of mine only pays testament to the fact that I really liked the story.
Reese Witherspoon I like your taste darling, your appraisal of the novel resonated with me and then some!
Boy Parts by Eliza Clark
dark
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
As someone who is beginning to relish in darker, more complicated characters, Irina was a great sinister lillypad to leap from.
I enjoyed Boy Parts in exploring the ultimate fruitlessness of Irina's
hedonism, and I did not expect the twist that came. I also enjoyed Flo, and the trickly intracacies of a certain kind of lived liberal feminism.
Certain aspects of the plot somewhat jut out, and the book does not always contain airtight storylines. Nonetheless, as a novel, the book surprised and repulsed me, in only the ways a strong novel could.
I enjoyed Boy Parts in exploring the ultimate fruitlessness of Irina's
hedonism, and I did not expect the twist that came. I also enjoyed Flo, and the trickly intracacies of a certain kind of lived liberal feminism.
Certain aspects of the plot somewhat jut out, and the book does not always contain airtight storylines. Nonetheless, as a novel, the book surprised and repulsed me, in only the ways a strong novel could.
The Transgender Issue: An Argument for Justice by Shon Faye
hopeful
informative
medium-paced
4.5
The Transgender Issue is a beaming light of crystal clear analysis in an increasingly hostile social climate.
Quietening the feral noise of anti-trans perspectives, Shon Faye eloquently unpacks the profound social and structural issues affecting trans people and does so with soul and intellectual might. I have no doubt I will be referencing this book in the future, and it has opened my eyes, particularly regarding the topics of trans youth, sex work and the mechanisms of vitriolic anti-trans "feminism".
The conclusion is a powerful affirmation of hope, and with voices like Shon Faye's, that hope presses on.
Quietening the feral noise of anti-trans perspectives, Shon Faye eloquently unpacks the profound social and structural issues affecting trans people and does so with soul and intellectual might. I have no doubt I will be referencing this book in the future, and it has opened my eyes, particularly regarding the topics of trans youth, sex work and the mechanisms of vitriolic anti-trans "feminism".
The conclusion is a powerful affirmation of hope, and with voices like Shon Faye's, that hope presses on.
Assembly by Natasha Brown
dark
informative
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Ripped through this book like there was no tomorrow! It was a book that made me reflect and gave an insight into the moral politics (or lack thereof) of the corporate world and those operating in upper-class spaces. I've learnt in a fuller sense about race in the workplace and the complex emotional labour that occurs. Assembly provided me with a more holistic understanding of how these issues that are lived out and experienced, and it's a book I want to return to.
Piranesi by Susanna Clarke
emotional
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.25
As someone who purports to be not at all fond of the fantasy genre, boy do I have egg on my face after reading this fantastic book. Great storytelling, the main character is so deeply charming and drives the story and the world-building is magical. All the while it is complex, and emotional and shows the contentious relationship between power and knowledge.
This Much is True by Miriam Margolyes
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
4.5
Miriam Margolyes' voice in her deeply funny autobiography comes through as sharp as a tack. The plethora of chapters provides bursts of insight, naughtiness, and a unique sense of humor. She is truly one of a kind, and the book has amplified my love for her.
Just Kids by Patti Smith
emotional
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
5.0
Patti Smith here embodies the essence and the power of what it means to be an artist. She masterfully captures the spiritual strength of her and Robert Mapplethorpe's relationship, as she traces their unique life course in bohemian New York. I adored this book.