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ssgcedits's reviews
159 reviews
Moby-Dick: Or, the Whale by Herman Melville
adventurous
challenging
dark
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
I knew I was picking up one of the greatest books in the English language, and I was not disappointed. Despite its reputation as a gloomy, sombre book, I actually found the overwhelming majority of it quite cheerful, poetic, and grandiose, if not simply informative. There are, of course, all manner of signs and omens, but really, it's in the last 20 pages that it turns irredeemably dark.
This is a long essay on whaling, as well as a story. It is about human connection and unity, as well as hunting. And for a book about hunting, it does wonders of singing the praises of its prey. In the end it is quite satisfying that the hatred of man is destroyed by one clever, much stronger animal. I am only sorry for the death of Queepeg, who Ishmael portrays so fondly. Otherwise, long live Moby Dick!
This is a long essay on whaling, as well as a story. It is about human connection and unity, as well as hunting. And for a book about hunting, it does wonders of singing the praises of its prey. In the end it is quite satisfying that the hatred of man is destroyed by one clever, much stronger animal. I am only sorry for the death of Queepeg, who Ishmael portrays so fondly. Otherwise, long live Moby Dick!
Botanical Folk Tales of Britain and Ireland by Lisa Schneidau
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
It was very relaxing to read this lovely little book of fairytales. I dipped into it through the year and really got a feel of each honoured plant and changing landscape. I also really appreciate the research that has gone into pulling tales from different parts of Britain and Ireland and the diversity that was achieved. Some tales end well, others not so much. Some are eerie and a bit spooky, others silly and even inspiring. It was a perfect before-bed read. Ending the book in December actually felt a little festive. I would recommend it to anyone who loves both plants and a bit of magic as much as I do.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death, Kidnapping, and Abandonment
Zeus by S. Ellan
emotional
reflective
fast-paced
4.5
It was a great pleasure to work on this poetry collection. It is more daring and modern than its predecessor, Pan. I'd recommend it to anyone who enjoys slam poetry and stream-of-consciousness writing, as well as nature writing.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Schizophrenia/Psychosis
Song of Myself by Walt Whitman
challenging
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
slow-paced
4.5
This poem is the inspiration for every other bit of poetry I love. I am glad I went to the source and got to experience the immersive journey that is this beautiful stream of consciousness. I know it is often interpreted as an ode to the American soul, but it goes beyond that; it is an ode to the human soul. It still impresses me that something so intensely and structurally modern could have been written in 1855. It is no wonder that this is such a foundational piece of literature, and it has also become foundational to me personally.
The Vegetarian by Han Kang
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
This book was impossible to put down or stop thinking about. I love the different perspectives and felt as drawn to this woman as each of the characters. The contrast of convention vs subversion is sharp in this one, so much so that you're lead to question the sanity of the supposedly sane. This is a masterpiece.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Eating disorder, Emotional abuse, Rape, and Forced institutionalization
Moderate: Body shaming, Toxic relationship, and Vomit
Minor: Suicidal thoughts
Becoming Shameless by Eden Simchah
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
fast-paced
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body shaming, Domestic abuse, Eating disorder, Emotional abuse, Homophobia, Mental illness, Rape, Sexual assault, Toxic relationship, Lesbophobia, and Gaslighting
Moderate: Fatphobia, Misogyny, and Religious bigotry
Revolutionary Feminism: The Mind and Career of Mary Wollstonecraft by Gary Kelly
informative
reflective
medium-paced
4.0
Kelly did not just write a biography or an analysis of Mary Wollstonecraft's writing. He wrote those into a brilliant social analysis of 18th century Britain. It is brilliant in that it puts this Wollstonecraft's ideas into context, but also follows the social processes that took place from early Enlightenment to early Romanticism, drawing connections to modern views as well. Kelly's description of class relations, the way ideas flowed and how the social debate of the French Revolution affected attitudes, politics and even the every day life of British society is eye-opening even to a historian who has lived there. I would recommend this book to anyone who wants learn more about Wollstonecraft and the British cultural revolution.
Content Warnings
Minor: Death, Mental illness, Miscarriage, Misogyny, Violence, Suicide attempt, Abandonment, and War
John by Cynthia Lennon
emotional
informative
reflective
sad
fast-paced
4.0
A warm, loving, nuanced perspective of Lennon's life and art. It is a must-read for any fan. For all the painful events here compiled, no resentment is directed at any of the people involved. It is also a precious record of a unique time period that ties together the glamorous and the mundane.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body shaming, Confinement, Domestic abuse, Drug use, Suicidal thoughts, Toxic relationship, Grief, and Pregnancy
Moderate: Death, Drug abuse, Gun violence, Death of parent, Murder, Abandonment, and Classism
Love: Vintage Minis by Jeanette Winterson
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.25
A beautiful reflection on love, its many forms, virtues and downfalls. Winterson analyses some of her own writing, life experiences, and others' reactions and reviews, placing them in the wider context of the contemporary world. The result is an ode to human connection in the form of a literary tapestry.
My favourite passage:
My favourite passage:
Lovers are not at their best when it matters. Mouths dry up, palms sweat, conversation flags and all the time the heart is threatening to fly from the body once and for all. Lovers have been known to have heart attacks. Lovers drink too much from nervousness and cannot perform. They eat too little and faint during their fervently wished consummation. They do not stroke the favoured cat and their face-paint comes loose. This is not all. Whatever you have set store by, your dress, your dinner, your poetry, will go wrong.