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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