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bookbowlchallenge's reviews
9 reviews
The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho
adventurous
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I do not give out 5 stars often, but this one wholeheartedly deserves it. The last 5 star review I gave was for John Steinbeck's East of Eden. This is fitting as there are several similarities between these books.
Like East of Eden, The Alchemist reads like a fable. However, whereas Steinbeck's characters serve as cardboard standees for biblical characters, Coelho's characters are fleshed out and loveable. The plot is quick, and captivating. The story manages to enchant and surprise at the same time. I found it incredible that this story unfolds in a mere 182 pages. It could easily be filled in to be a 600+ page epic, but I'm conflicted - I would easily devour 600 pages of this story and yet at the same time, I find Coelho's compact storytelling to be exactly appropriate for this tale. Coelho expertly fleshes out the characters with ambition, inner conflict, and growth in small short passages.
Coelho's writing is phenomenal and inspiring. This book is filled with profound quotes and passages that you could mull over for hours. In fact, many quotes made their way into my personal journal for me to ponder and reflect on. Are the quotes a bit cheesy? Yes, absolutely. You definitely have to be in the right frame of mind to receive the messages in this book. On the surface level, The Alchemist is just a short story about a boy looking for treasure. But looking deeper, you find a call-to-action to search for your own purpose in life. If you aren't in the right mindset when you read this, it will likely come across as preachy or cringe-y with 'inspirational poster' type messaging. Luckily, I was in the perfect frame of mind to receive and be inspired by this story.
This feels like a book I could come back to any time I'm feeling lost, uninspired, unmotivated, or adrift. I'm grateful that I own a copy to come back to.
5/5
The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton
adventurous
dark
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
This was my second read of The Outsiders - the first being in seventh grade at the age of 13 or 14 and now again as I approach the age of 30. I had hoped that the experience would feel new, or at least different, and this was indeed the case. Superficially at first, since many of the trivial details of the characters and plot were lost to my memory, but also in the deeper themes and complex emotions that arose while reading.
At 13, I found kinship in the character of Ponyboy, a troubled preteen, who due to no fault of his own, is a member of the outcasts of society and is a victim to a system that only perpetuates his misery. While that specific description wouldn't describe my upbringing (like, at all) I did relate to the feelings of 'life is unfair' and the petty frustrations that Ponyboy often expresses.
Now in my late twenties, I can only chuckle at Ponyboy, and through him, my former self. My present self sees Ponyboy as the older characters (such as Darrel) see him. Perhaps as my teacher or even the author sees him. He's just a child. He lives in a world of chaos, violence, and horror and yet still has the same trivial frustration and complaint with life that many 14 year olds do - feeling that you are not in control of your own life. A feeling that, at 14, is impossible to know is temporary and that everyone has felt it.
Overall the read was enjoyable. The plot was a bit extreme and simple, but the plot isn't what defines this book. What really makes this story special is the commentary that transcends the decade it was written. The 'Them vs Us'. The finding of purpose. The realization that we are all different and simultaneously all the same. The examples of masculinity in many forms. These are the themes that make The Outsiders timeless and, in my case, ageless.
3.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death and Violence
East of Eden by John Steinbeck
5.0
The two words I would use to describe East of Eden, are 'Simple' and 'Cyclical', in the best way.
The story is a retelling of the Bible story of Cain and Abel. A character in East of Eden remarks, "this is the best-known story in the world because it is everybody's story". Of course not everyone will experience fratricide, but everyone in the world can relate to the pain of rejection, or the worry of not being loved, or the sting of betrayal. Indeed, these themes play out in East of Eden cyclically across generations, with different characters taking over the torch of the biblical roles.
The themes in East of Eden are simple and uncomplicated. Good vs Evil. Willpower vs Destiny. Wisdom vs Foolishness. As the story plays out in front of you, you might dread to continue because you know how it will end. Continue on, I urge! East of Eden continues to surprise and to unseat the predictable.
Due to the biblical, cyclical, and fable-like quality, don't expect massive character development. In a singular paragraph Steinbeck describes a child's personality. That description remains entirely unchanged as the character grows into an adult. They each personify the traits that Steinbeck has assigned to them, and once assigned, are fixed. The core of the story isn't in character evolution, it's in character interaction.
My one note is regarding the segments that shift into first-person. While there are implicit ties back to the main storyline (a name, a relationship hinted at, etc), I hoped for a more explicit merging, especially since Steinbeck has gone through the trouble of writing those segments at all.
Overall, I enjoyed the simple, thematic storytelling of this novel. I agree that this is a great work of literature and I do recommend it.
5/5
The story is a retelling of the Bible story of Cain and Abel. A character in East of Eden remarks, "this is the best-known story in the world because it is everybody's story". Of course not everyone will experience fratricide, but everyone in the world can relate to the pain of rejection, or the worry of not being loved, or the sting of betrayal. Indeed, these themes play out in East of Eden cyclically across generations, with different characters taking over the torch of the biblical roles.
The themes in East of Eden are simple and uncomplicated. Good vs Evil. Willpower vs Destiny. Wisdom vs Foolishness. As the story plays out in front of you, you might dread to continue because you know how it will end. Continue on, I urge! East of Eden continues to surprise and to unseat the predictable.
Due to the biblical, cyclical, and fable-like quality, don't expect massive character development. In a singular paragraph Steinbeck describes a child's personality. That description remains entirely unchanged as the character grows into an adult. They each personify the traits that Steinbeck has assigned to them, and once assigned, are fixed. The core of the story isn't in character evolution, it's in character interaction.
My one note is regarding the segments that shift into first-person. While there are implicit ties back to the main storyline (a name, a relationship hinted at, etc), I hoped for a more explicit merging, especially since Steinbeck has gone through the trouble of writing those segments at all.
Overall, I enjoyed the simple, thematic storytelling of this novel. I agree that this is a great work of literature and I do recommend it.
5/5
Cutting for Stone by Abraham Verghese
4.0
This book didn’t come with a TW/CW so I’ll give it one: Blood. Graphic descriptions of childbirth, caesarean section, FGM, self-harm, suicide, and sexual encounters. Mentions of abortion, infant/child death, and r*pe. Detailed medical descriptions of various conditions, surgeries, and procedures.
That list alone makes the book sound terrifying, but my reading experience was anything but. The main characters are some of the best written characters I’ve encountered in a while. Verghese expands on the question, “what makes this character who they are? What experiences have they had to make them this way”. While reading, you feel this deep sense of intimacy and empathy for these amazing characters.
I loved the peaceful coexistence between science/medicine and faith. Even as a non-religious reader, I found myself smiling at the divine intervention and ‘signs’ from late relatives that freckle this story.
In addition to my adoration of the characters, I appreciated Verghese’s loving descriptions of the setting. A great sense of pride seeps from the pages, and you can’t help but be engrossed in the beauty and culture of Ethiopia.
Now for the dislikes: The abrupt TW and medical content would be difficult for some squeamish readers.
I mentioned my love of the characters, so I’ll try not to contradict myself. While I liked the characters, I wish there had been some more diversity in the women. There are definitely two female archetypes established. 1. Maternal and pure or 2. Hyper sexual, deviant and promiscuous. Once you notice the formula, it’s hard to not notice how similar the female characters are within those two boxes.
The passage of time from chapter to chapter wasn’t obvious. I often found myself flipping back trying to answer, “wait, how old are the boys now?” and not finding the answer. This could just be my own failing, but a more explicit mention of the year or character age would have been welcome.
Warning: I was exceptionally hungry while reading the mouthwatering descriptions of the plentiful and authentic Ethiopian and Indian fare. I hope you have an Ethiopian restaurant to patronize after reading.
4/5
That list alone makes the book sound terrifying, but my reading experience was anything but. The main characters are some of the best written characters I’ve encountered in a while. Verghese expands on the question, “what makes this character who they are? What experiences have they had to make them this way”. While reading, you feel this deep sense of intimacy and empathy for these amazing characters.
I loved the peaceful coexistence between science/medicine and faith. Even as a non-religious reader, I found myself smiling at the divine intervention and ‘signs’ from late relatives that freckle this story.
In addition to my adoration of the characters, I appreciated Verghese’s loving descriptions of the setting. A great sense of pride seeps from the pages, and you can’t help but be engrossed in the beauty and culture of Ethiopia.
Now for the dislikes: The abrupt TW and medical content would be difficult for some squeamish readers.
I mentioned my love of the characters, so I’ll try not to contradict myself. While I liked the characters, I wish there had been some more diversity in the women. There are definitely two female archetypes established. 1. Maternal and pure or 2. Hyper sexual, deviant and promiscuous. Once you notice the formula, it’s hard to not notice how similar the female characters are within those two boxes.
The passage of time from chapter to chapter wasn’t obvious. I often found myself flipping back trying to answer, “wait, how old are the boys now?” and not finding the answer. This could just be my own failing, but a more explicit mention of the year or character age would have been welcome.
Warning: I was exceptionally hungry while reading the mouthwatering descriptions of the plentiful and authentic Ethiopian and Indian fare. I hope you have an Ethiopian restaurant to patronize after reading.
4/5
Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus
4.0
Lessons in Chemistry was a casual, enjoyable read. Garmus does a great job crafting interesting and strong characters. I especially liked strong-willed Elizabeth. While a bit socially clueless, she was intelligent, direct, and stubborn in the best way. Dr. Mason was another favorite. Especially when we contrast him against the other men in the novel, Dr. Mason shines as a strong ally to Elizabeth. He is kind and honest. He motivates and encourages Elizabeth, while still disclosing the difficulties of what she is about to go through.
Of course, Six-Thirty was another shining star. He was charming and I enjoyed reading his sections. His intelligence and consciousness does take you out of the realism, but I didn't mind.
With an impossibly intelligent dog among the cast, why then was I so bothered by the impossibly intelligent toddler, Mad? I suppose with Six-Thirty, it is understood that we are suspending a bit of disbelief. Similar to how we often give our pets a 'voice' at home. But with Mad, I feel that her prodigious intelligence was a bit too stretched. I struggled to connect with her character.
Tiny spoiler:
Garmus clearly did her research before writing this novel. The science and chemistry content was enjoyable even as a layperson. I didn't find it to be too advanced or dense, while still honoring the field. I also appreciate how Garmus included rowing in the book. It's clear that she personally has a passion for it.
I would recommend this book to anyone looking for a fun read that still packs an emotional punch. TWs ahead, though, beware! I laughed and cried - and I love a book that can make me do both! It was easy to root for the characters throughout the story. This book will satisfy the reader who likes all loose ends neatly tied up by the final pages. Overall, it was enjoyable.
4.5/5
Of course, Six-Thirty was another shining star. He was charming and I enjoyed reading his sections. His intelligence and consciousness does take you out of the realism, but I didn't mind.
With an impossibly intelligent dog among the cast, why then was I so bothered by the impossibly intelligent toddler, Mad? I suppose with Six-Thirty, it is understood that we are suspending a bit of disbelief. Similar to how we often give our pets a 'voice' at home. But with Mad, I feel that her prodigious intelligence was a bit too stretched. I struggled to connect with her character.
Tiny spoiler:
Spoiler
My other small gripe is the eyerolling pregnancy reveal. I'm so tired of this played out trope of woman + vomiting = pregnant. This is clearly a pet peeve of mine that others may not share, but still, bothersome enough to mention.Garmus clearly did her research before writing this novel. The science and chemistry content was enjoyable even as a layperson. I didn't find it to be too advanced or dense, while still honoring the field. I also appreciate how Garmus included rowing in the book. It's clear that she personally has a passion for it.
I would recommend this book to anyone looking for a fun read that still packs an emotional punch. TWs ahead, though, beware! I laughed and cried - and I love a book that can make me do both! It was easy to root for the characters throughout the story. This book will satisfy the reader who likes all loose ends neatly tied up by the final pages. Overall, it was enjoyable.
4.5/5
Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir
4.0
Project Hail Mary was an enjoyable, quick, casual read and what I would call a great introduction to sci-fi. The characters quickly won me over and the plot was gripping. I thought the character Rocky was particularly unique and charming. There were some moments that I was frantically scanning the pages in desperation to find out what happened next. A remarkable feat from Weir.
If you are a fan of space, mathematics, biology, or science in general, this book should appeal to you. Weir appears to be well-researched and thorough without bogging you down in the details. Of course, the characters do conveniently take care of more nuanced science, technology, and communication troubles with ease. As with most sci-fi: no need for the reader to dive too deep into it, lest you start to find holes.
I especially enjoyed the first few chapters and the game of 'what the heck is going on' that the reader and our main character play together. It reads like an escape room where clues are slowly uncovered and the entire picture falls into place slowly as we explore the setting.
My one criticism that could have taken this to a 5 star read: I wish Weir would have expanded on deeper themes, such as loneliness and isolation. There was great potential there to allow the reader to feel some very intense emotions and allow the novel to become more profound overall. Unfortunately the themes remained surface level.
This book is excellent for what it is - an informal, unfussy sci-fi read. No more, no less.
4/5
If you are a fan of space, mathematics, biology, or science in general, this book should appeal to you. Weir appears to be well-researched and thorough without bogging you down in the details. Of course, the characters do conveniently take care of more nuanced science, technology, and communication troubles with ease. As with most sci-fi: no need for the reader to dive too deep into it, lest you start to find holes.
I especially enjoyed the first few chapters and the game of 'what the heck is going on' that the reader and our main character play together. It reads like an escape room where clues are slowly uncovered and the entire picture falls into place slowly as we explore the setting.
My one criticism that could have taken this to a 5 star read: I wish Weir would have expanded on deeper themes, such as loneliness and isolation. There was great potential there to allow the reader to feel some very intense emotions and allow the novel to become more profound overall. Unfortunately the themes remained surface level.
This book is excellent for what it is - an informal, unfussy sci-fi read. No more, no less.
4/5
Thinking, Fast and Slow by Daniel Kahneman
2.0
Thinking Fast and Slow was an exercise in patience, and lots of it. The book gets off to a promising start, with Kahneman describing his research partner soulmate and the amazing work they did together.
It falls apart quickly, however when you get into the meat of the book.
Unfortunately, most of the novel is a collage of other psychologists work which Kahneman cuts and pastes to fit his 'two systems of thinking' narrative. It often feels disjointed and forced. The organization and structure of the novel is non-existent. Kahneman will often drone on and on about a point, and just when you think he's wrapped it up, it becomes the subject of a chapter 50 pages later.
His writing style is incredibly condescending and patronizing. While I typically appreciate a non-fiction book offering ample layman's terms, Kahneman over does it, and completely loses his critical thinking readers. He offers the exact survey questions that the researchers he cites uses, and assumes that his reader will answer in the same way that the original research determined was most probable.
Cutting through the infuriating writing style, I did find some intrigue in the content. The sections on anchoring, availability, and substitution were particularly interesting. I wish I had first come across these terms written by a different author.
There are some good lessons to be learned in the content. I wish everyone in the world could have a better grasp on statistical fallacies, problematic biases, and issues with sample size in research. But, while those topics are covered in the book, they are covered poorly.
If psychology and statistics are of particular interest to you, my recommendation would be to read the introduction, skim the chapters to pick out the bullet points, then read the conclusion. Save yourself 500 pages of tiresome, tedious, and infuriating writing to come away with a handful of interesting things to ponder.
2/5
It falls apart quickly, however when you get into the meat of the book.
Unfortunately, most of the novel is a collage of other psychologists work which Kahneman cuts and pastes to fit his 'two systems of thinking' narrative. It often feels disjointed and forced. The organization and structure of the novel is non-existent. Kahneman will often drone on and on about a point, and just when you think he's wrapped it up, it becomes the subject of a chapter 50 pages later.
His writing style is incredibly condescending and patronizing. While I typically appreciate a non-fiction book offering ample layman's terms, Kahneman over does it, and completely loses his critical thinking readers. He offers the exact survey questions that the researchers he cites uses, and assumes that his reader will answer in the same way that the original research determined was most probable.
Cutting through the infuriating writing style, I did find some intrigue in the content. The sections on anchoring, availability, and substitution were particularly interesting. I wish I had first come across these terms written by a different author.
There are some good lessons to be learned in the content. I wish everyone in the world could have a better grasp on statistical fallacies, problematic biases, and issues with sample size in research. But, while those topics are covered in the book, they are covered poorly.
If psychology and statistics are of particular interest to you, my recommendation would be to read the introduction, skim the chapters to pick out the bullet points, then read the conclusion. Save yourself 500 pages of tiresome, tedious, and infuriating writing to come away with a handful of interesting things to ponder.
2/5
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl
4.0
As an adult, reading a book designed for children is interesting and yet wonderful. I had almost forgotten what it was like to be absolutely enchanted by a magical world and allow my imagination to fill in the vivid scenery.
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory is the perfect conductor of this sense of childlike wonder. Having seen three movies based on this story, I worried that my mental image would be affected by the screen adaptations. This was only partially true.
I wish I could insert myself into the brain of someone who's never read this story or seen any of the films to get a true sense of the magic, but I can imagine it. This seems like it would be a wonderful story to read aloud to a child by the chapter, letting them fill in the gaps with their descriptions of the factory and their inquisitive questions on what happens next.
I have two small critiques. First is the primitive description of the Oompa Loompas. It not only irked me, but pulled me out of my full immersion. Second, the chapter headers completely spoiled the contents of the chapter. If you take the advice to read this aloud to a loved one, I would recommend skipping over the chapter titles.
Overall, this was a quick, joyful read that I would recommend.
4/5
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory is the perfect conductor of this sense of childlike wonder. Having seen three movies based on this story, I worried that my mental image would be affected by the screen adaptations. This was only partially true.
I wish I could insert myself into the brain of someone who's never read this story or seen any of the films to get a true sense of the magic, but I can imagine it. This seems like it would be a wonderful story to read aloud to a child by the chapter, letting them fill in the gaps with their descriptions of the factory and their inquisitive questions on what happens next.
I have two small critiques. First is the primitive description of the Oompa Loompas. It not only irked me, but pulled me out of my full immersion. Second, the chapter headers completely spoiled the contents of the chapter. If you take the advice to read this aloud to a loved one, I would recommend skipping over the chapter titles.
Overall, this was a quick, joyful read that I would recommend.
4/5
Sophie's Choice by William Styron
2.0
I can’t decide if I don’t like Styron or maybe I just don’t like Stingo.
Stingo is a pretentious writer with such a high opinion of himself that he spends most of the book mocking other writers (they are awful compared to his incredible skills), complaining about women (he is such a catch, why aren’t any of these women interested in him, doesn’t he DESERVE them?), and dismissing his own family (going back to the south is beneath him). Now, I try not to dislike a book just because I don’t agree with the main character. However, self-absorbed Stingo permeated every page and every plotline (even plotlines of other characters) so much that my distaste for him completely took over.
This book had incredible potential. In the hands of a talented storyteller, this would have been the heartbreaking, tearjerker that it should have been. When I think about Sophie’s story and her impossible choice, it devastates me. But when I was in real-time, flipping the pages, no emotions came to me other than annoyance. And this is coming from someone who cries at EVERYTHING. Immediately after the big reveal of ‘Sophie’s Choice’, Stingo launches into his own rationalization which treads very near to exoneration. Styron needed to let the reveal hang in the air, soak in. But no. Enter Stingo. Again.
Sophie has two main traits: hot and self-loathing. Of course, who wouldn’t be self-loathing in her situation. But Stingo makes sure that we fully understand how hot (and simultaneously emaciated?) she is. Sophie could be great written by a more conscientious writer.
Positives: Nathan is a well-written narcissistic abuser. His highs are high, filled to the brim with charm and charisma. His lows are low with verbal and physical abuse and manipulation. I’ve known people like this. It was terrifying and realistic.
Had the character of Sophie and her storyline not been filtered through the lens of the unbearable Stingo, I think I would have loved this book. Cut out Stingo entirely, flesh out Sophie and the holocaust storyline and THEN, I would agree that we have a literary masterpiece on our hands. As it stands today, not so much.
2/5
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Stingo is a pretentious writer with such a high opinion of himself that he spends most of the book mocking other writers (they are awful compared to his incredible skills), complaining about women (he is such a catch, why aren’t any of these women interested in him, doesn’t he DESERVE them?), and dismissing his own family (going back to the south is beneath him). Now, I try not to dislike a book just because I don’t agree with the main character. However, self-absorbed Stingo permeated every page and every plotline (even plotlines of other characters) so much that my distaste for him completely took over.
This book had incredible potential. In the hands of a talented storyteller, this would have been the heartbreaking, tearjerker that it should have been. When I think about Sophie’s story and her impossible choice, it devastates me. But when I was in real-time, flipping the pages, no emotions came to me other than annoyance. And this is coming from someone who cries at EVERYTHING. Immediately after the big reveal of ‘Sophie’s Choice’, Stingo launches into his own rationalization which treads very near to exoneration. Styron needed to let the reveal hang in the air, soak in. But no. Enter Stingo. Again.
Sophie has two main traits: hot and self-loathing. Of course, who wouldn’t be self-loathing in her situation. But Stingo makes sure that we fully understand how hot (and simultaneously emaciated?) she is. Sophie could be great written by a more conscientious writer.
Positives: Nathan is a well-written narcissistic abuser. His highs are high, filled to the brim with charm and charisma. His lows are low with verbal and physical abuse and manipulation. I’ve known people like this. It was terrifying and realistic.
Had the character of Sophie and her storyline not been filtered through the lens of the unbearable Stingo, I think I would have loved this book. Cut out Stingo entirely, flesh out Sophie and the holocaust storyline and THEN, I would agree that we have a literary masterpiece on our hands. As it stands today, not so much.
2/5
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