REVIEW: Of Mice and Men (John Steinbeck)

 

*spoiler review*

My first John Steinbeck, another selective pick from Goodreads' recommendation.

This book is an easy read, it flows, there are not too many but enough characters. We can imagine the people, the setting, and even the smells emitting from the rundown place and denim, a lot of denim. 

The story is simple enough, in a regular, continuous timeline about George and Lennie. I can't help but get some Rain Man vibe at the beginning of the book. There are some funny moments as well, but overall, there are so many sad issues, and good god, there are so many dog killings! NOO!

Sadly, the life struggles portrayed in this book are not limited to the time of the Great Depression. We are getting better somehow, but not everytime, not everywhere, and most problems still persist in the same or different permutations. 

Lennie is a mentally disabled companion of George, a quick-witted and small-built man, who tries to keep both of them alive after escaping a place where Lennie was accused of doing something indecent. They are holding on to the dream that they will have their own land with pigs, chickens, rabbits and an alfalfa farm. They recall the dream every day, it is Lennie's favorite time to make George tell him again. Unfortunately, despite being harmless, innocent and endearing, Lennie keeps getting into trouble because he has problems processing his interaction with others and controlling his own strength and reaction. 

It is very sad to read about him recoiling, afraid and trying to convince himself and others that he doesn't mean to hurt anyone while clinging to the carcasses of dead mouse, puppy and eventually human, those he wants to love and is curious about, harming them despite never having any intention to do so. It doesn't help that he exists in the world without much understanding about his condition, and he gets all the blame. 

George understands him well and struggles so hard always to be there regardless of how Lennie ruins his own life and enjoyment, he has mistreated Lennie in the past as well before coming to an understanding. There is a sad realization about the need for companionship. Even though George despises Lennie in a way for always getting him in trouble, he is the only reliable companion he has. The book tells us about loneliness and the need to have something or someone to hold on, a place they can call their own where they can safely stay, and the exhaustion of uncertainty. This is also reflected in another character like Crooks, who is treated as nothing by most, not a human being who has needs and wants, just because he is black. 

And Candy, it is rough to read how the old man is trying to be brave when his only companion is taken away from him, relating fully to his own condition. And Candy is every single one of us. How will our families and society view us when we outlive our usefulness? Something stinky and useless like an old dog?

George does what Candy regrets not doing. It is a very heartbreaking and sad ending. 

Rating: 4 healthy sturdy rabbits out of 5 alfalfa farms

I'll be happy to check the author's other works. Hopefully, there will be no more puppies harmed.

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REVIEW: The Reader (Bernhard Schlink)

*spoiler review*

Just before Covid era, I picked up this book from a tiny shelf at the corner of a cottage on a weekend getaway. I have to shamelessly admit that my knowledge about books out there are very limited. Well, this looks familiar, I thought. And that was because I had watched the movie a couple of years ago, not knowing it's also an adaptation.

It helps a lot that I like the movie. In fact, I'm very sure that this review is biased because of the movie. All characters come to life, including the settings and the dialogues. It's even more biased because I like the works of the actors too (Ralph Fiennes is in my radar ever since The Schindler's List, The Constant Gardener and English Patient, Kate Winslet since Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, Little Children, Revolutionary Road and The Dressmaker).

The plot itself is a complete journey, and we have a lot to get from there. It is told from Michael's point of view in three main segments. 

The first segment tells us about his early relationship with Hanna, he is left heartbroken after the latter leaves without explanation. 

Second, he witnessed a trial involving Hanna as a concentration camp guard. Michael struggles between feeling hurt, betrayed, and keeping a secret that could free but expose Hanna, which is something that she clearly doesn't want. It threads the thin ice of a delicate subject and, at the same time, gives us food for thought; what would you do?

I often ponder this question myself when I see news about horrible things that happen everywhere. We can judge all we want, but would we be any better if we were in their shoes? We probably could and should, but how if our loved ones are threatened and have to pay as well, could we still be brave and right?

The third segment is the ending, when Michael finally decides to reconnect with his past.

Anyway, there is one thing I can't really agree with. I have known quite a number of successful acquaintances who are illiterate, and I am not ancient. I am not sure how realistic is Hanna's situation in her time and place, but it's not a stretch. It is probably rare because this character chooses to be imprisoned and misunderstood over admitting her illiteracy. I find this very in character, yet very out of character at the same time.

All the impression that I get from Hanna is she is very proud and strong, brave and independent. I can see this character fighting tooth and nail for her beliefs and protecting her pride. However, I can also see this character overcomes all the obstacles, including PICKING UP A VERY SIGNIFICANT SKILL!!! And if reputation is so important to her, what about the reputation of burning innocent people? It contradicts her very independent and honest quality.

But setting that aside, which is quite hard as that is the drive of the overall story, I find a complete reading experience from it, even though the book is much thinner and lighter than I thought it would be if I had to guess from the movie. 

There are many strong elements of the book.

Michael's character, his life struggles after Hanna and when they cross paths again. His effort to maintain his detachment, keeping his distance, guilt and yet, at the same time, give her a very precious and loving understanding and motivation, all those are also reflected in his inability to have proper relationships that are always shadowed by this. 

Hanna's ending with a decision that cosigns her stubbornness and her ultimate happiness and heartbreak upon meeting Michael.

And most of all, the reader as the meta-message, I can't imagine not being able to read and explore the vast world beyond pages. Being read to is so intimate, an effort that takes time, patience and passion. These represent the vulnerability and affectionate intimacy of the characters.

I am flip-flopping between 4 and 5, but the heck with it, I remember loving the movie and the read.

5 bicycle trips out of 5 river dips

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REVIEW: The Picture of Dorian Gray (Oscar Wilde)

 

First of all, I really like the title. And after reading the book, I like it even more because of how fitting it is.

This is the second book I chose and read based on Goodreads' recommendation. Didn't know anything about it, besides having been a fan of Oscar Wilde's quotes since a teenager, I used to sprinkle them a lot in my younger day's blog about mundane life's observations.

The book was fascinating to me, I went in without expectation and came out impressed. I have to put in a disclaimer that I'm not a fan of classics. I like To Kill a Mockingbird, which is as classic as I get. Although I am a fan of Sherlock Holmes, I have to admit loving the modern adaptation more than the original. 

More than two decades ago, I tried reading Shakespeare, and after a few pages, I decided I was not sophisticated enough and couldn't handle the style. So I was surprised that I enjoyed this book as much as I did, although Chapter 11 almost sent me to a fit of frustration. 

Dorian Gray is an intriguing character, I would say he is narcissistic, but he is an overwhelmed philosopher and romantic at other times. His mood changes drastically throughout the book, but it's not out of character. He is easily influenced, perhaps, and one can't undermine the importance of Henry's influence in his early life. Henry himself is a fascinating character, a sexist, a classical jerk if you must, but he is an entertaining, witty character and carries himself so well that he fits like a middle puzzle piece into his time. He loves nothing but himself. The opposite character of Basil and James are more relatable to most people than the terrifying aristocrats behind a good mannerism and flowery language. And oh, personally, I can fit my whole year's social life into their one night; it's even exhausting to read. Wait, make it three years.

The book took me on a journey beyond time. Again, I am not a fan of this language style, but it felt so fitting, and I found myself highlighting many of the sentences as again, the author is my favorite quote machine. I can't say it was a totally enjoyable journey though. As mentioned, there are a lot of, forgive my low-class language, blabbers. Pages and pages and pages of monologues were something I raised my eyebrows at, but again, I enjoyed that as it's fitting to the style and story, except one chapter.

Chapter Eleven left me with a loud exclamation of: 'OH GOOD HEAVENS! STILL???', when I reached the embroidery part after I read pages and pages of hundreds of things that served a single purpose. I admire the author's knowledge beyond the presence of Google, but do I need to read about another type of precious stone, pistachio-colored peridot? Which is just a tiny fragment to explain the character's phase? Certainly not. No. Not. It definitely knocked my enjoyment as I groaned and scratched my eyeballs, but not as bad as a star's reduction, based solely on my admiration. I'm fascinated with the level of knowledge, if only it didn't clog the story flow.

But chapter 11 aside, everything else wraps me inside the story.

I think this is a masterpiece of its time. Even though I predicted it as it went along, the story is so well written as we dived into the head of Dorian Gray. I don't agree with him, but it's fascinating to read his change of mood and how he thinks. I was expecting the story to drag, but besides the dreaded Chapter Eleven, I dedicated my free time to finish it without delay.

I am quite sure I have dated back my classic knowledge to this book.

Rating: 5 pistachio-colored peridots out of 5 opium dens

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REVIEW: The Giver (Lois Lowry)

*Spoiler review

I knew nothing about The Giver by the time I decided to read it just a couple of days earlier, picking it from recommendations by Goodreads, based on what I have already read.

I feel quite guilty with my final rating because up until the last few chapters, I had it between 4-5 rating, so I'll try to justify (if possible) about why I settle at 3.

The book is well written, it is easy to read, very interesting, and I didn't put it down when I had the time. Reading the bizarre world revealed page by page totally unspoiled is fascinating to me. 

It starts as an ordinary story, a small family, school kids, then things start to get weird when we learn about the age group, the role of the kids/adults, and I think when it's up to 'The Stirring' part, the idea is already very well established in my head.

Then we dive deeper once The Giver is introduced to us, and it's intriguing to see how Jonas starts to see the world differently based on what he knows. The writing is beautiful, it brings me there whenever it describes the new settings and feelings for Jonas. He comes to understand about ignorance, products of brainwashing and the lack of free will from everyone around him. He starts to understand that even though it seems ideal, the world he is living in may not be the world worth living. He is tortured by what he knows and others don't, what he feels and the burden of knowing and having those memories.

So, those are great and heartwarming. The saying that ignorance is bliss never feels more relevant. How many times I have heard terms like what you've never had you never miss, heck, I even have that term in my story.

And this is why I love the book, it has a different, unique and brilliant way to show us that. Hidden inside those is the fact that Jonas can learn everything so easily means that we always have it in us. So I enjoyed every page of it until it was suddenly gone. The book had come to an end.

Reading with kindle, for me, unless I actively check it, I'm not really sure how many pages I have left, unlike a physical book.

So all of a sudden, I have finished the book. But...? It was late at night, so today I checked the information about the book and found out that there are sequels. I don't really venture into reading too much about them, just in case I want to read those sequels, except that they could be read as standalone books but in the same universe, and the second book is seven years apart from The Giver.

Personally, even though reading the book was a very enjoyable experience, something integral is missing here. I think a book should have a strong essence by itself even though it is part of a series, even though it has sequels (but seven years?). We see a lot of these in books and TV series, there is always something solid we can grip from the first book or season One, something valuable that sets the world, some answers, I think that is missing from The Giver and unfortunately, that is my main reason that I have to settle as 3 stars. I probably will get a satisfying answer from the sequel, but to me, a book should be reviewed as its own.

I have to admit that I feel conflicted by it, because I really do like the book.

From the Giver, I learned that this is a different world than what we live in, where everyone is robbed of their free will, desire and freedom. They have become these robotic humans who do their roles as crafted. Sameness, is what the book calls it, a society without colors that is sheltered from everything bad and (good) in life. But then we are told that those things exist, and we are told that there are some genetic manipulations, it was mentioned once, about Fiona's hair. So, what are those? What or who is behind the creation of this world? Why does it exist? What is the purpose? Why?

I get that it's possible that it's up for the reader's interpretation, but that is only fun when we have more clues.

I try to find the answer myself and fail miserably. Maybe, they are created as the 'wheel' for the actual world out there. Working cows, that are manipulated and maintained the way they are for the purpose of the 'real' world. But then, it was told that they barely sustain their own society. Having more kids would mean hunger, so they are not the 'wheel', as it seems like they barely survive themselves. 

We are also told here and there that there are questions and dissatisfactions, Jonas's mother commenting about the mundane life of Birthmothers, a student who ran away, Rosemary and the memory she released just ten years ago ,and reliance on control by the pills that can be easily manipulated. From here, at least we know the concept of Sameness is weak at best, they seem to still have a lot of awareness that not everyone is created equal. I find it difficult to believe that society is still running the way it is, and not many people are getting wiser. 

And Jonas's father must be a psychopath.

The twists and the revelations in this world are mostly about something we have already known, like the release. It is barely a twist because we know it. So besides the introduction of this bizarre world, we barely know anything about it, and we are not told anything about the outside world's connection (that is established as a 'normal' world, that may or may not exists anymore).

If this world has a purpose and the normal world exists, don't you think having someone like The Giver is the biggest unnecessary loophole they could create?

Rating: 3 new name tags out of 5 bicycles

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REVIEW: The Time Traveler's Wife (Audrey Niffenegger)

Humans are social creatures. Regardless of how we manage, control or even deny, we do need some relationships. And relationships come with baggage; they make us stronger, weaker, more vulnerable, exposed, safe. Until now, I think those baggage are paradoxes Well, maybe it's not the right word, but happiness in a relationship comes together with heartbreak and sorrow, especially when the loved ones are taken away from us.

So, from this book, I have many unanswered questions, and I assume it's the case with most people.

• Do you want to have the chance to know who your soulmate/companion in life is?
• Are you going to go through that relationship even though you know it will bring you tremendous heartbreaks besides happiness?
• Do you want to have knowledge about when you are going to go?
• Do you want to have knowledge about when your loved ones would go?

The Time Traveller's Wife is not a romance, I think. At least not the overly sweet, meaningless and irritating romance. It's based on a simple idea, but the author manages to craft out a thoughtful story based on the relationship of two people. It is heartbreaking, and there are many times when you can feel the helplessness of the characters. 

Henry (well played by Eric Bana in the movie adaptation) suffers from Chrono-Impairment Disorder (fictional medical condition) that causes him to involuntarily travels through time after a freak accident that killed his mother. He doesn't have control in his time travel, so he has to make do with what he can, acquiring skills to pick locks pickpockets because he would arrive in whatever time not being able to carry anything, not even the clothes on his back. He also can't control how long he will stay.

The meeting with the female protagonist Claire is an interesting time jump haywire itself, with the rest of the book telling stories about the challenge that they face with this condition. It includes their struggle to conceive because the babies get the father's genetics that causes them to time travel away from the safety of the mother's womb (I wonder if there are crime investigations somewhere that involve abandoned fetuses?) 

Personally, I think there is a troublesome situation with Claire.

I am not a fan that she insists on trying to conceive, I do understand her motivations, but it doesn't make me agree with it. Being Henry, it must be devastating, especially when he knows the challenge of being a time traveler for a kid, especially a girl. 

This is the quote from Henry:

"When I am out there, in time, I am inverted, changed into a desperate version of myself. I become a thief, a vagrant, an animal who runs and hides. I startle old women and amaze children. I am a trick, an illusion of the highest order, so incredible that I am actually true."

It also doesn't help that there are too many times when Claire is frustrated with... Henry's inability to stop being what he is? I get that, her frustration and reasoning are well documented. Still, she gets the memo since she was a kid.

When Henry gets into the wrong end of the time travel that makes him suffer frostbite and amputation, that adds to my previous point. He basically sees the end coming, he has lost a very significant capability to survive his time travels, and it is something he would never wish to his child.

But other than that, I find this book touching and thought-provoking. I watched the movie before knowing it's a book adaptation, and there are pro and cons from both.

Rating 4 lottery winnings out of 5 futures.

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REVIEW: Paws for Thoughts (Lois Strachan)

I have a soft spot for dogs' stories. However, I stay away from them now since I read books like The Art of Racing in the Rain, Marley and Me, and movies like Togo, Quill and Hachiko. (Spoiler: Nope, can't take it. I am not setting myself to be reminded again that our best friends are not immortal).

I chose Paw for Thoughts because I was sure it is safe from the blurb, and I am really curious about guide dogs. It has a cover of a dog, it's about dogs, and tells me something I don't know. I was sold.

But besides some smiles and chuckles here and there for my favorite species, I'm left with some dissatisfaction.

Personally, it doesn't feel like a 'proper' book. Maybe I have certain expectations to begin with, but to me, it is a collection of short blog posts, and that is indeed the case. Of course, there is a common denominator that all the blog posts are about this guide dog named Fiji, told from Fiji's point of view, about her everyday life and duty, but that's about it. The 'chapters' are jumpy in, and there are barely any correlations in terms of content, because THEY ARE blog posts put together. 

I get that as non-fiction, there are no extravagant plots, storylines or characters. Still, there is a need to have glue, something that binds the whole thing together as a big story, maybe more of Fiji relating all those stories to her training, for example. Maybe.

And this leads me to another thing that can be improved.

There is not much information about what attracts me to this book in the first place. I am curious about the training, even though it's 'fictionally' told by a dog. There are a couple of chapters that are done well, so I know they work, but barely enough.

I understand that there is another book and other sources by the author, which probably gives me what I initially wanted from this book, but I am reading this book, not the other one. I wonder if they should complement each other as one book instead of this one being standalone. It is also distracting and quite excessive when I keep reading about the reference to the other book or source and can't help but get the advertisement vibe.  

Having said that, this has the potential to be a cute, lighthearted and inspiring story about the most wonderful creature and the tremendous contributions they give to us.

It also gives me some insight; I get to know about the amazing skills they can learn and do, and I am happy to know that they still get to be dogs. I can imagine the level of trust and bonding needed and how wonderful our relationship with them has become.

Rating: 3 Squirrels out of 5 Gardens 

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REVIEW: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes (Suzanne Collins)

Because I enjoyed the original trilogy, I was excited to see this one out.

Spoiler review.

The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes is the prequel to the Hunger Game trilogy, set around sixty-four years before the first book. It tells stories from President Snow's point of view, back when he was a teenager, before the upcoming 10th Hunger Game.

Suzanne Collins has built an intriguing dystopian world. In the trilogy, we only read snippets of history and make our own conclusions from bits and pieces of information and our imagination. So it's interesting to me that she chooses this timeframe when it's still fresh from war, rebellion, and the Hunger Game has just started. 

I have to derail and give my take on a couple of prequel suggestions that I have read:

- A prequel based on the second Quarter Quell (the one won by Haymitch). Haymitch is a fascinating character for me. In fact, he is the character that I relate the most with. He went on to be a depressed drunk because all his loved ones are most likely annihilated since he was one of the first to 'challenge' the Capitol. He remained the only victor of District Twelve until the trilogy's protagonists came along. 

While he is definitely an intriguing character, and I would love to read more about him and his game, I don't think there is enough material to build a book around it. I could be wrong, and it's totally valid that there are many other things that can be explored even though we know the outcome of this character quite well, but he is not as ancient as President Snow. (I hope I don't find white roses in my yard later)

- An alternate book from the point of view of Peeta Mellark. 

No. I don't think this is a good idea for a new book at all. He is a straightforward character, it could work if he were the main protag initially, not when we already have a complete story from other more interesting characters.

- An alternate book from the point of view of Finnick O'dair.

Now I don't remember if I read this somewhere, or it's in my own head. I think this one could be interesting. Even though we know the character starting book two, he has a very good background story and definitely could be a well-rounded character. We don't know him too much, just enough to make him appealing. 

So after those, I think the timeline choice of this book is great. We get to see the after-war's life, even from the point of the winning side. Snow was an educated young man coming from a well-respected family but trying hard to hide his struggles and diminishing status. He became the mentor of a tribute from the tenth Hunger Game, Lucy Gray.

The game was different from what we know from the trilogy. The tributes were treated like low-class low-quality gladiators. They were barely fed and taken care of, having the status of cheap entertainment, housed in a zoo and exhibited like animals. Most were malnourished and too weak to fight. We were shown early implementations of the game, mostly pioneered by Snow, that raised the status of the game and treatments of the tributes, although the terrible main idea remains the same.

I often wonder (and sometimes think of it as the weakness of the series) why the Capitol people are so sheltered, shallow and blind (except Plutarch). At the very least, this book shows us the initial reception of the game, the dictatorship and the government's oppression, evil people in power like Dr. Gaul. If I were to compare it to the real world, it would make a lot of sense. We still see it now.

Although I think it's not naturally intended, Snow's soft spot for Katniss is based on his interaction and relationship with Lucy Gray. Too much of a coincidence? Maybe, but it's not that unbelievable too. There are some missing links (Tigris), but I think it's not much of a setback as it's easy enough to draw some conclusions.

Snow's journey is an interesting journey of a heroic figure turning villain. However, the author puts a lot of effort into the built-up and pulls quite a drastic character change at the end. It's a reasonable outcome, but more could be done for it, especially since we know the result of the evaluation of the main character.

Rating 4 cabbage soups out of 5 Capitols.

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A Flood of Reviews

Since my attempt in writing, I have rekindled my love for reading as well, and it has been enjoyable so far. 

I try to crawl out of my comfort zone and be more active in writing communities. It hasn't been easy. Most of the time, I'm not even sure what I am doing. My attempt on Twitter and Facebook are also pitiful. I have detached myself from social media for a number of years simply because I didn't have time, and they are getting really weird. But now, I'm trying to jump back as a faceless aspiring indie author, and yes, I am still confused. This is the price of being an introvert and trying to live under a rock. GAH.

One of the communities that I join is Goodreads, and I have written a bunch of reviews. Most of them are about books from well-established authors but lately, I have started to review new authors. So I'm posting all those reviews here as well, hence the flood of posts. I will find a balance between Review posts and Others. Will do. 

P.S. Sometimes I forget to put spoiler warning on my review.

REVIEW: A Soldier's Quartet (Colin Baldwin)

Added: possible spoiler

A good book doesn't need extravaganza twists, elaborate imaginations, dragons, or bombastic characters.

I read Soldier's Quartet without knowing what to expect. This is not my usual genre, but I also don't shy away from it, many of my top-rated movies belong to the same genre.

I didn't expect to be moved by it, a classic simple story told in a beautiful and engaging way, but I found myself captured and eagerly flipping pages.

The storytelling. Colin presents the story from different eras and sides. They will connect to one another in smooth ways that never feel forced. I remember it's been a while since I read books with similar styles. It works well when an author manages to pull it, and this book is a great example. We are looking at the present-day of a man who tries to find the background story of a mysterious letter that moves him and flashbacks to the reality behind the letter told from different narratives. It could be risky, as we readers are given the revelation of the whole story. But again, the strength of this book is not about the mystery, but the deeper meaning of simple things that are often overlooked in wars, although they are actually the most important factors.

Personally, there is no other more suitable time than now to read this book. (Review written in early March 2022). Devastated by the news about Ukraine, I found myself thinking about why we never really learn anything from history, and the situation out there is the perfect example. Those who declare wars are hardly on the front line, especially in modern times. They are not the ones who suffer, but those 'little,' 'insignificant' lives that only registered as numbers for those playing the game of war. Whenever I see little victories from the defensive side, or to put it bluntly, the side I'm rooting for; I can't help to think about the loss of the souls from the enemy side too. Did they really want to be there? Did they believe in something that is merely propaganda, or were they simply tossed into it? A loss is a loss. There are families and loved ones. There are fears and tears, broken hopes, robbed futures. I always think there are no winners in wars. What do winners celebrate among broken ruins and dead bodies?

A Soldier's Quartet highlights that, revolves around the broken-hearted father who lost his son in the war. It covers everything without leaving anything behind; the pride and patriotism, the crisp idealistic idea of war to the loss of the meaning that one is not even sure what are they fighting about and who the actual enemy and the bad guys are, the lost and devastation of the ones left behind, and the prolonged scar that changes a human forever.

They are all written beautifully, some of the powerful scenes that leave lasting impressions to me: the first time I was shown about the quartet's ceremony of Wolfgang, early in the book and the meeting of Frank and Otto. Imo, these are powerful examples of 'show, not tell.' The quartet ceremony came so early that I was caught off guard, but as I read on, it was well placed, and I went on to understand what the book is trying to convey, just like what I mentioned in the beginning, this is a simple story that is made so special by the way it is written, it's never meant to be a historical mystery or anything else.

There is a scene in one of my top-rated war movies, Saving Private Ryan, that illustrates the similarity to Frank and Otto's meeting. Spoiler for the movie too (I watch this more than two decades ago, but this scene is still fresh in my mind); this group of soldiers is relaxing, joking and talking about their lives back home during the calm time, when something causes the wall of ruins around them to crumble and reveals a group of enemies behind it, who happens to do the same thing, taking a break from war. Everyone raises their weapons and is frightened, shouting, scared for their lives, but no one pulls the trigger because they are just similar ordinary people who end up in the war on different sides and long to go back to their 'actual' lives.

Besides many characters and different narratives, the author provides helpful navigation especially at the beginning of the book when readers are still unfamiliar with the characters and storyline. One of the great examples is the one carefully written as conversations between the main character and his very good-looking neighbor :) in playful banters, a nice bookend in the beginning and end between these two characters. It also throws in snippets of another war that we have known too well, a powerful message of the continuous horror of that era (or forever?).

The time stamps and the breaks between chapters and the arrangement of the chapters are positioned strategically; we have the privilege to know what the characters of the book don't, but not in the way that it spoils the essence of the story.

Overall, I find this book really well written and touching, it gives me insight into a lot of things that I don't know, including the beautiful settings, cultures, music. Many times I felt I was walking among them, hearing and quietly observing everything. The title is also really fitting in multiple ways.

You know what is still great in life? Picking up a book and loving it.

Rating: 5 Tenaciousness out of 5 Concerts

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REVIEW: The Arden (L.S. Popovich)

Popovich brings us to the alternate future that looks back to our past and is full of mystery at the same time. A trio pushed by circumstances decides to rent a place together and find themselves sucked into a vortex of the future.

*This is a spoiler review* I won't spoil the plot, but I will mention some contents about the book, some readers don't consider them spoilers, but I do. 

Overall, I enjoy the book, the idea, the creativity, the potential thought-provoking world; there are parts that I stumbled with, overloaded or wanting more. I will review it in fragments to try to explain that.

The future world, The Arden is full of imagination and rich in descriptions; it gives us a refreshing look at the speculative future that ironically sets humans back in time. Buildings are in ruins, technologies are frowned upon, and we are 'back' to believing that elements and objects have spiritual essences.

The horror of the world is revealed along with the protagonist's journey, and the most interesting concept to me is the Lethe. It sounds so mythical at first, but as I read on, it makes sense of how it fits into this world and even the actual world.

I'm not a fan of magniloquence, and I wouldn't say that this book is a sure example of it, but it certainly gives me a lot of that vibe. However, in Arden, the style actually works quite well, it's descriptive, elaborate, fitting to the world that we are made to see, and it gives me my favorite term; I have to say I have chances to meet a lot of tangerine gargoyles in real life and will refuse to call them differently from now on.

The funny bits. I appreciate the funny bits that catch you off guard at the time you least expect them, and they can be easily missed but not by me, as I like that kind of subtle wittiness, they give me chuckles; the analogies, comments, descriptions, like those funny lines that are delivered in flat expression that actually add to the humor for those who get them.

I suppose this is the first book of a series planned, as there should be a lot more story to tell, it ends quite abruptly, and there are questions to answer.

The story flows at a good pace, although imo, some parts can be slowed down or picked up as I personally got quite clear indications about which part is less important because we change scenes quicker and which part I have to pay attention. It works somehow, but maybe I enjoy guessing or learning more, which enables me to make some additional connections that increase the appreciation of the world and the journey. 

The part that could work better, there is a big chunk of exposition around the third quarter of the book, which I found somehow 'heavy'. It contains interesting backgrounds and information, but it is presented more as a coincidental overload of information that clogs the particular part of the book. Imo, it would work better to be woven throughout the story or revealed in other ways, perhaps as assumptions, theories by characters, descriptions, or mere passing by remarks that reward observant readers. The circumstances of these expositions also feel a bit detached, and the supporting characters involved are very obvious plot devices. I wouldn't mind knowing more about the 'current' world; there is an interesting gap to fill between the progression of the familiar world - the current world in the book to super-seed implementation, for example. Or perhaps, my imagination of Kaneda finding a lot of poor souls in Arden that would explain a detached sub-plot, maybe a confused shopkeeper riding a turquoise trojan horse. Maybe.

The characters. I grow to become fond of Saras, one of the most important characters, but I hardly get a chance to know him because in this book, he is not even the second-tier character. Unfortunately I didn't get attached to the main character; I enjoy the prologue but find myself trying to find the connection to the same character portrayed throughout the book, there are, but I expect more with more connections to the story. Having said that, I do like his struggles, masked vulnerability, fear of inadequacy. I find his fear of Lethe very realistic and relatable.

Rating: 4 Tangerine gargoyles out of 5 Ardens

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REVIEW: Flower for Algernon (Daniel Keyes)

I originally read the translated version of Flower of Algernon. At that time, I wasn't really familiar with books written in English. The translated version had a very different cover and title, and I remember it is called Charlie The Dumb Genius (translated). It still resides in one of the corners of the bookshelf in my family's house. 

Nevertheless, it was still a journey. There are not many things that beat the feeling of picking up a couple of random books, bringing them home and hoping that you will have a good time reading them. I devoured the book within two days, and it hit me in various strategic spots. I was happy, sad, excited, overwhelmed, and the book left me thinking and devastated, which is a good thing. I want to read and watch works that leave long-lasting impressions after I finish with them. 

After that, I found out that Charlie The Dumb Genius is a translation, and I picked up the copy of Flowers for Algernon, not one or two but a couple of copies because I wanted others to read it too. Until now, it's still one of my favorite books.

Flowers for Algernon is believable. It explores more on the human side than the science of the plot. The main characters are well written, and I could follow their journey clearly. After more than a decade, I still remember the story and how it made me feel. 

Rating: 5 Flowers out of 5 Algernons

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REVIEW: Mockingjay (Suzanne Collins)

Mockingjay is the conclusion of The Hunger Games series.

The review contains spoilers.

This time we are introduced to District 13, a district that was only known as history, flattened and non-existent since the last rebellion. The truth is, it is surviving underground and has a treaty with President Snow from the Capitol to leave each other alone.

Mockingjay has different settings and feelings from the first two books. We are introduced to bleak and bare underground settings; even the residents of District 13 are unremarkable, brainwashed, robotic, and controlled by the government up to the minutes of when and how long they should eat their meals. But that is how they survive in their non-existent status when everyone else thinks they have been destroyed.

There are a lot of interesting scenes in this book, including some war strategies that again teach us one important thing; people are numbers, everyone is represented with how they contribute to the war and how disposable they are. We see both sides using children and vulnerable civilians (medic) as bait and shield, two factors in society that should, never, ever be targeted in a war. 

Side note: there is one intriguing element mentioned in the passing, District 13 looks at the refugees from other districts as a 'possibility for future' in terms of breedings, offsprings, for the continuity of their population that was heavily affected by a plague. Again, number, is what we are.

Another element that is very true in reality is that we are fed with propaganda everywhere; it takes a lot for someone to recognize and view it objectively. The ending of this book between the two presidents and the protagonist is very powerful, and it illustrates exactly what I mentioned earlier. Are you on the side of the devil or another side of the devil? Try to change the angle and see it from another point of view.

The movie, even though it was split into two, IMO, failed to convey quite a number of important things from the book. To name a few:

- The Capitol prisoners in District 13.

- Death of the Capitol lady significance.

- Finnick's story that is reduced to mere background.

To think they have two movies and missed these important scenes is very disappointing to me. They are essential to the story, show the two sides of the same coin, and highlight the nightmares and conspiracy that exist in high society in our current world. I can think of multiple examples of Finnick's story happening recently and currently. I don't think I'm the only few who respect the importance.

In the end, the author makes a bold choice, but I think it's the right one. In the complete series of the book, after what the protagonist has gone through throughout the years, she failed to do what she was initially set to do before being thrown into the role and world she had no intention to be in, protecting her sister. It's disturbing, sad, but there is nothing new. Even the victors are scarred and destroyed by the war.

In war, only one thing is true: THERE SHOULDN'T BE WARS

Update: change my initial 4 stars to 5 because I was influenced by the movie but this is about the book!

Rating: 5 Roses out of 5 District Thirteens

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REVIEW: Catching Fire (Suzanne Collins)

This is my favorite book of the series, together with the movie adaptation.

While the first book centers around the game and the main characters' hometown, this one explores the expansion of the world. It slowly reveals other districts, and I like the journey out of the Capitol. While it's probably not easy to box areas into their specialties in the real world, it's not a far fetch too, especially in the Capitol's congregation system. For example, we have District 4 with their fishing industry, District 3 with their technology, District 8 with their textile; all these are mentioned in the passing but have and will become important points in the stories.

The powerful moment that is beautifully adapted into the movie is the speech scene on the platform when we see Rue's family and the incident in this District 11, the district that is dear to the main character because this is where her ally comes from. That is the moment I was sold for the adaptation.

We continue to follow the character's struggles as the Capitol's confrontation gets more direct and frontal. I appreciate this trope a lot, just like why Lannister is my favorite house. To put it simply, I enjoy reading about 'in-your-face' stabby villains, I enjoy sharp confrontational dialogs without the need to conceal the mutual dislikes of the characters, and yet, they are scaling each other up with respect while trying to appear unthreatened. In this case, it's between a teenage girl and the most powerful and cunning leader, a very stark opposite. And again, I need to emphasize that I don't get negative teenager's vibe, which is something I avoid like a plague, and that's why I enjoy the series.

I don't want to get too much into the movie adaptation, which has the advantage of portraying other angles that the main character is not aware of in the book, but they are implied directly and in between the line. In this book, those are adequate enough to tell the overall stories. Personally, I enjoy reading books written this way, inside a character's head. It's realistic that we don't always know everything, but there is enough information that readers are able to draw and stitch them into a complete story, just like real life. Some are assumptions, and some are proven facts.

Another factor that I really enjoy in this book is the victors. No, not the glamorous presentations, but it's interesting to read about things after winning the game. While it's shiny and polished on the front, the reality is just other rotten secrets behind, hidden from the ignorant Capitolians (?) who are too sheltered to read between the lines.

Other than that, the new characters are interesting; the introduction of Finnick, Joanna, Bette capture my attention straight away, while Plutarch shines in the movie.

There is one huge questionable aspect for the second half of the book for me, that it is sooooo easy for Katniss to die in the arena, Plutarch must be nuts to put that much faith in a few possibly rusty victors. But I would advise a willing suspension of disbelief that any other way would be less possible/more dangerous, and you are set to enjoy the book/movie.

Rating: 5 Forcefields out of 5 Arenas

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REVIEW: The Hunger Games (Suzanne Collins)

My pet peeve about this series is that it's often lumped with other young adult series that were adapted into movies around the same time, cough, Twilight and Harry Potter. It doesn't help that the last book is split into two films, just like them.

To me, THG is different, it is much more mature and has much more thought-provoking factors. It is speculative fiction, a dystopian world, which is one of my favorite genres. As a plus point, it manages to tell stories from a teenager's point of view without it being unbearable and hormone-driven.

In the fictional future, twelve distinctive districts serve the main Capitol; they are being harshly controlled as punishment for rebellion seventy-four years ago. Each year, every district has to send male and female tributes to compete in Hunger Game, a fight to the death in an arena. It is presented as a reality show for the people of Capitol. Yes, the reality shows that those we have in the current world: some unrealistic, over-the-top, entertainment-driven, fashion, producer manipulations, it has all those. To the Capitol, most are portrayed as ignorant, rich and shallow. Kids fighting to the death is prime-time entertainment to them.

I would say that the first movie doesn't do it justice, and is shot in annoying shaky camera (this adds a lot to the negative IMO). Besides the technicality, it doesn't represent the richness of the book. In the book, we follow the character's physical and mental struggle, and we are fully informed about the history, and what shapes the character into the person she is in the arena. There are a lot of things you don't get from the movies, and I think the books are much more superior.

THG is easy to read, going at a great pace. It's thought-provoking, and the idea was born from the actual world: bread and circuses.

Rating: 5 Berries out of 5 Cornucopias

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REVIEW: A Dance with Dragon (George R.R. Martin)

A Dance with Dragons is the last 'proper' book in the Song of Ice and Fire series, and it has been way too long. I understand that writing requires mood, but it's another thing to leave your reader or the fan of the series high and dry when the stories are not completed yet.

Other than the rant, the book. I find myself enjoying Daenerys's time in Meereen, while I'm indifferent about the character, I somehow enjoy slow-burn and there are many things that I find fascinating. We are frequently entertained by stories of patriotic warriors, heroes, fighters in shows and books that end with their glory, but there are not many who explore the story: now what?

Do those said heroes maintain their legacy, do they live up to the expectation?

In real life, more often than not, maintaining something is far more difficult than obtaining it, especially with relationships, careers, even the challenge of consistently passionate and caring about something. So I guess that's why Meereen is interesting for me, to see a character who has gone her way and does many things impossible, trying and breaking her composure just to maintain what she has obtained. Before GoT is reduced to mainstream fantasy-action, these are the factors that make me appreciative of the series.

On other characters, it's also extremely intriguing to see the continuation of the previous book, the writer expertly brings us inside the heads of characters with delusion of grandeur, the one on redemption path, and of course, stubborn Starks. 

Unfortunately, the TV Series popularity, the last couple of seasons' quality and the non-existence of the new books have eroded my interest. I'm not sure if I will be there when the new book is out.

Rating: 5 Scales out of 5 Dragons

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REVIEW: A Feast for Crows (Georger R.R. Martin)

 

To many others, this is their least favorite book in the series; I have seen people rate it that way. But to me, it's actually my top two, if not my number one.

I love the Lannisters, yes, many find them despicable, and yes, they are that, but they are also very fascinating.

I will write about other houses, but since book 4 is primarily told by Lannister's POV, this review will be mainly about them. I like being inside the head of Cersei and Jamie. Jamie is a character that surprises me the most in the series (I refuse to talk about him in the TV Series). For the first three books, I always regarded him as this mysterious, terrifying character, and I paid attention to him, even when he was only in the background. I just had the feeling that this guy is someone to watch about, and not in a good way.

So when were are finally allowed to be in his head, I am fascinated. The concept of a three-dimensional villain is not really a thing that was familiar to me around the time I read The Feast of Crow, especially because it's so rich and believable. I also embrace the way Cersei thinks and find myself agreeing with her more often than not, not sure what it says about me.

As mentioned, Lannisters are interesting people. There is one thing I really like about them, they are the kind of enemy that will stab you, but you know too well that they will stab you because they don't hide it behind pretense, sweet demeanor, and smiles the way Tyrells are. I love to hate them, and they are my favorite chapters. My top three favorite chapters/characters: Jamie, Cersei, Tyrion.

The shock values that this series offer, there is nothing more surprising to me than the one in the first book (if you read this, you know what it is) and the one at the end of this book. I remember being in the bathroom, and screaming, WHAT NOW!

Well, it was a torturing time. I didn't know anyone who read the book back then, there was no one to share, so I just frantically waved the book around to the suspicious stare of my family member. But I'm glad I read them so long ago, without being influenced by the popularity and the TV show's audience, which is honestly kind of ruining many aspects for me.

Rating: 5 Smallclothes out of 5 Chamberpots

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REVIEW: A Storm of Swords (George R.R. Martin)

This is my second favorite book in the series, after The Feast of Crows. To be fair, it's interchangeable, but if I had to choose, I would choose The Feast of Crows.

This is the time when the readers are hooked, after getting familiar with the world and plentiful of characters, and it's the time when everything has come together in chaotic conflicts where everyone is scattered and miserable with their own problems. This is also the book when one of the most infamous events occurs.

Personally, I'm not a fan of the said event, it didn't affect me the way it affects others, and I actually predicted the end of the book, if I remember correctly, the one in the epilogue. It took away a lot of impact for me, and I was not that impressed in the first place.

But what I love about the book, as mentioned earlier, is the time when all shit has hit the fan, in the ways that I could finally able to follow comfortably. It's also the book when we eventually left some torturing adventures (more on those on book two's review).

I enjoy the Tyrion chapter a lot, and even though they are both my least favorite characters, the switching of Arya and Catelyn's point of view is a masterpiece of storytelling.

Rating: 5 Chainmail suits of 5 Redweddings

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REVIEW: A Clash of Kings (George R.R. Martin)

This is my least favorite book from the series, I remember struggling a lot to keep my interest.

The reason is that there are so many new characters that I haven't cared about yet, but the readers were brought on a long journey with them. My personal experience is with Theon, to me, the lengthy introduction about the character and place had brought me into pages and pages of reading experience where my mind hardly retained many things. One of the factors could be because Theon is not the character that I am really interested in, I don't relate with him, I can't say I agree with the way he is thinking and carrying himself at all, the same thing with almost everyone in the Pyke. I would be interested more in his uncle's storyline, but that would be in other books.

Book two is also the collective of other mind-numbing journeys for other characters. Daenerys in Qarth is forever unbearable to me, so is Jon with the questionable quest with the wilding. I find the wildings much more interesting than Jon Snow, but then again, to me, almost everyone is more interesting than Jon Snow, well, besides other Starks.

However, having said all this, this book is still entertaining, it would never survive on its own, and it's never meant to be anyway.

Rating: 4 Ironmen out of 5 Horseridings

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REVIEW: A Game of Thrones (George R.R. Martin)

 

They say the first book is the most important book in the series, and George R.R. Martin knows full well how to keep readers interested. I am one of the lucky ones to read this book in the golden time: when all books up to Dance of Dragon were out and before the TV series was made.

The Prologue is not exactly my forte, and to be honest, and I almost didn't want to deal with that. However, the curiosity got the better of me, and I continued reading. Upon that, I entered a world filled with rich imagination and well-written characters.

Personally, I am not a fan of Fantasy, even though I have enjoyed some works in this genre. However, to me, overall, The Song of Ice and Fire is so realistic that I have become a fan of the books. Yes, throw in magic, dragon, spiritual beings, but besides all those, there are many great things to intrigue me to no end. The plethora of characters is one of the book's strong suits, and of course, the realism. I was right at the time when I stopped appreciating all the rosy cliche and wonderful unrealistic world, and this series was something very fresh for me.

I borrowed the first book from a colleague, who left it lying on her table without touching it forever, but then I went to the book store and carried a stack of all of them back.

Everyone who is familiar with the series knows one of the greatest events that is very thought-provoking and advanced for its time. It has been done way too many times now, but if you are reading this book without prior knowledge, you'd be blessed like me; wide-eyes and didn't know what hit me.

Rating: 4 Whitewalkers of 5 Winterfell

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REVIEW: The Art of Racing in the Rain (Garth Stein)

This is one of the books I picked up without any recommendation or knowing anything about it. It certainly changes me in a significant way that I swear I will never pick up another book with dogs in it.

The Art of Racing in the Rain is told from the perspective of Enzo, a loyal dog who follows his owner's life and tells us the way it is. It's not so much about racing, but it has so much essence that pulls multiple strings in my heart; it doesn't help that I love dogs. There are multiple very powerful scenes that are told in a way that doesn't undermine the readers' intelligence.

As a dog owner and a friend to many stray dogs out there, there are times when I thought I could read their minds. When I entertained the thought of being given a skill, my first instinct was 'I want to talk with my dog.' However, with further consideration, I am convinced that we understand each other fine. We just lock eyes, and both of us know what we are going to do, so I allocate my wish that he will be with me forever. That is why reading this book feels so familiar, Garth Stein makes it so believable, so much so that it breaks my heart in pieces, in a good way.

Rating: 5 dogs out of 5 racecars

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REVIEW : Sherlock Chronicles

I am a big fan of Sherlock Holmes's modern adaptation by Mark Gattis and Steven Moffat, title Sherlock. While it is technically fanfiction (there is nothing wrong about fan fiction), they bring out refreshing new angles to the character that I personally relate to in many ways. 

Yes, we get all the mysteries, cases, deductions, but above all, we get the great character realizations; they make you feel, make you think, and strangely, it kind of justifies the quirky, nerdy, anti-social and the 'high functioning sociopath' side of a lot of people as far as I know. There is a lot to be debated about all those (especially the sociopath factor). Still, when you, regardless of how little, feel justified and see a bit of self-reflection in a character, there is a tendency for one to get attached to it.

So yeah, I scoured everything Sherlock, and one of those is this book, Sherlock: Chronicles. It tells almost every little thing about the series, including the careful and meticulous setting details, the implementation of the original book to a modern setting, the castings, stories, easter eggs that only hard-core fans are able to pinpoint and many more. The strong suit of the series is not only the Titular character, which is played brilliantly by the talented Benedict Cumberbatch, but also the other characters, like of course Martin Freeman as John Watson, and Mark Gattis himself as Mycroft Holmes, a great presence that we don't really have from the original book. And one of the greatest villain interpretations, Moriarty in Andrew Scott.

The book covers Season One, Two and Three, which are the best seasons because Season Four is highly debatable, and personally, I don't put it in the same league as the first three seasons. Unfortunately, it doesn't cover the Special edition of The Abominable Bride because that one is an excellent representation of its original Victorian Sherlock.

If you love the BBC Sherlock series, this book provides a great insight into behind-the-scene. It is rich in content, pictures and colors. The hardcover is a delight to have and printed in outstanding quality.

Rating: 5 Sherlock out of 5 221 Baker Street

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