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cherrykois's reviews
28 reviews
On Earth We're Briefly Gorgeous by Ocean Vuong
5.0
"do you ever wonder if sadness and happiness can be combined, to make a deep purple feeling, not good, not bad, but remarkable simply because you didn't have to live on one side or the other?"
The story revolves around a boy named Little Dog who communicates with his illiterate mother through letters. These letters, written in his late twenties, reveal the struggles he has faced with his race, gender, sexuality, and his relationship with his mother. As Little Dog explores his family's history intertwined with the Vietnam War, he also opens up about aspects of his life that his mother was unaware of.
It is astonishing that this is Ocean Vuong's debut novel, as the writing displays a level of expertise that would typically be expected from a seasoned author. The quality of the writing is exceptional, and the stories are masterfully told, evoking strong emotions within the reader. This book is both eye-opening and heartbreaking, yet incredibly beautiful.
There isn't a single aspect of this book that I didn't enjoy. The journey it takes you on is unforgettable. It must be noted that this is not an easy read, as it delves into challenging subjects. However, it deserves immense praise for its portrayal of these topics. It feels incredibly personal to Vuong; the emotional and thought-provoking nature of the story suggests that it may be rooted, at least to some extent, in his own experiences.
Ocean Vuong unquestionably possesses great talent as both a writer and a storyteller. I eagerly anticipate delving into more of his works.
The story revolves around a boy named Little Dog who communicates with his illiterate mother through letters. These letters, written in his late twenties, reveal the struggles he has faced with his race, gender, sexuality, and his relationship with his mother. As Little Dog explores his family's history intertwined with the Vietnam War, he also opens up about aspects of his life that his mother was unaware of.
It is astonishing that this is Ocean Vuong's debut novel, as the writing displays a level of expertise that would typically be expected from a seasoned author. The quality of the writing is exceptional, and the stories are masterfully told, evoking strong emotions within the reader. This book is both eye-opening and heartbreaking, yet incredibly beautiful.
There isn't a single aspect of this book that I didn't enjoy. The journey it takes you on is unforgettable. It must be noted that this is not an easy read, as it delves into challenging subjects. However, it deserves immense praise for its portrayal of these topics. It feels incredibly personal to Vuong; the emotional and thought-provoking nature of the story suggests that it may be rooted, at least to some extent, in his own experiences.
Ocean Vuong unquestionably possesses great talent as both a writer and a storyteller. I eagerly anticipate delving into more of his works.
Little Birds by Anaïs Nin
3.75
[Warning for i*cest, p*dophelia and SA]
Anais Nin is a conflicting figure. Little Birds has some really good stories in them. I particularly like, A Model and The Woman on the Dune. They're really good stories which look at women finding their sexuality and enjoying it, which often they are not depicted as such. It's wroth noting that this is erotica but written like a classic so the language is quite flowery.
However, there are some stories which are just outright gross. Little Birds is about a man and his fascination with young girls and ultimately flashes at them. Two Sisters starts with SA by the sisters father and then they do it with their brothers. It's weird, strange and very gross. At first, I would take this as ironic however Anais Nin odd and even herself had an affair with her own father, so it's begs with question whether or not she condones this or not.
Again, this is not for the faint of heart. I am going to read more of her work to try to understand her, as an author but so far she has an interesting way of writing but she is also very strange.
Anais Nin is a conflicting figure. Little Birds has some really good stories in them. I particularly like, A Model and The Woman on the Dune. They're really good stories which look at women finding their sexuality and enjoying it, which often they are not depicted as such. It's wroth noting that this is erotica but written like a classic so the language is quite flowery.
However, there are some stories which are just outright gross. Little Birds is about a man and his fascination with young girls and ultimately flashes at them. Two Sisters starts with SA by the sisters father and then they do it with their brothers. It's weird, strange and very gross. At first, I would take this as ironic however Anais Nin odd and even herself had an affair with her own father, so it's begs with question whether or not she condones this or not.
Again, this is not for the faint of heart. I am going to read more of her work to try to understand her, as an author but so far she has an interesting way of writing but she is also very strange.
Big Swiss by Jen Beagin
dark
4.25
The best way I can characterize this book is as eccentric—peculiar yet brimming with charm. In 'Big Swiss,' Beagin boldly departs from the conventional framework of trauma narratives. Instead of offering a weighty and bleak exploration of female trauma, the book takes on a sardonic, clever, and sensually dark comedic tone, delving into themes of queer desire, therapy, medical biases, and coping with formative wounds.
Beagin introduces us to two women embodying opposing approaches to processing trauma. Greta, our protagonist, grapples with a tragic childhood incident, while Flavia, also known as Big Swiss, faces a brutal assault by a man. While Big Swiss maintains a methodical outlook on life and refuses to embrace victimhood, Greta allows her past trauma to mold her present, leading to a life devoid of solace. These conflicting perspectives collide, generating a captivating and challenging whirlwind of a novel that borders on the absurd. it won't be for everyone, but it was definitely for me!!
Beagin introduces us to two women embodying opposing approaches to processing trauma. Greta, our protagonist, grapples with a tragic childhood incident, while Flavia, also known as Big Swiss, faces a brutal assault by a man. While Big Swiss maintains a methodical outlook on life and refuses to embrace victimhood, Greta allows her past trauma to mold her present, leading to a life devoid of solace. These conflicting perspectives collide, generating a captivating and challenging whirlwind of a novel that borders on the absurd. it won't be for everyone, but it was definitely for me!!
The Adult by Bronwyn Fischer
4.0
"The Adult" is a poignant and emotional novel centered around Natalie, a young woman entering adulthood as she embarks on her university journey. The narrative explores Natalie's evolving connection with an older woman, delving into the complexities of their relationship and the evident power imbalance. Against the backdrop of Natalie's initiation into the adult world, the story unfolds with a gentle, tender, and intimate touch. Fischer's writing style is soft yet vivid, skillfully portraying the overwhelming impact of initial loves and heartbreaks. The author adeptly captures the confusion of post-adolescence and the awkwardness inherent in the transition to adulthood.
The Last Olympian by Rick Riordan
Having delved into this series on multiple occasions, I found myself grinning like an idiot during the final twenty pages of this book. The conclusion presented in these pages is nothing short of amazing! The narrative unfolds in a suitably grand manner, featuring a high-stakes battle that captivates readers. The character development showcased is of top-notch quality.
Percy, the protagonist, finally achieves a sense of security and contentment. Annabeth's familial challenges, both biological and found, find resolution, adding depth to her character. Grover, too, sees a promising future unfold, and while Luke plays a role, I must admit my personal dislike for him. Nevertheless, the narrative skillfully handles his presence.
4.5
Having delved into this series on multiple occasions, I found myself grinning like an idiot during the final twenty pages of this book. The conclusion presented in these pages is nothing short of amazing! The narrative unfolds in a suitably grand manner, featuring a high-stakes battle that captivates readers. The character development showcased is of top-notch quality.
Percy, the protagonist, finally achieves a sense of security and contentment. Annabeth's familial challenges, both biological and found, find resolution, adding depth to her character. Grover, too, sees a promising future unfold, and while Luke plays a role, I must admit my personal dislike for him. Nevertheless, the narrative skillfully handles his presence.
What sets this conclusion apart is its seamless transition into setting up the sequel series. The groundwork for the next adventure is laid without detracting from the intensity and satisfaction of the finale. In essence, this book serves as the perfect conclusion to a series that comes remarkably close to perfection.
Nightbitch by Rachel Yoder
dark
4.0
Powerful and uncompromisingly uncomfortable as the title suggests, this debut novel depicts an exhausted and infuriated young mother who is either having a psychotic break or legitimately experiencing herself turning into some sort of canine-human hybrid. Her body hair is growing coarse, her teeth are sharpening, she’s craving raw meat, and she’s feeling the urge to run naked through her neighbors’ muddy yards at night and howl at the moon. She kills wild rabbits and even her pet cat, in one particularly gruesome moment. Or maybe, none of those things are happening anywhere outside her head. It’s American Psycho crossed with Kafka’s The Metamorphosis.
The story artfully maintains the tension of that ambiguity, while tapping into a lot of uneasy truths about modern parenting and expected gender roles. I hope to never feel a fraction of the rage and resentment this nameless protagonist carries for my partner or future children, but her grievances are legitimate against a society that demands so much of mothers by default and gaslights us all into believing that’s normal. Raising a kid today can sometimes seem unspokenly draining and isolating no matter how dearly you love them, and author Rachel Yoder channels that knowledge into white-hot feminist fury.
Certain parts of this text are more engaging than others; the satirical multi-level marketing element is a bit broad for my tastes, and I get extreme secondhand embarrassment from the rambling emails that the heroine sends to a professor whose book she happens across in the library. But the odd premise never slips into camp as it so easily could, and the core of the work expresses righteous indignation on behalf of parents that we don’t see often enough in our culture.
The Battle of the Labyrinth by Rick Riordan
fast-paced
4.5
This book stands out as the perfect showcase for its secondary characters, with Annabeth and Grover taking center stage. Annabeth embarks on her own quest within the labyrinth, showcasing her skills and character depth, while Grover persists in his quest to find Pan. Aside from "The Lightning Thief," this book excels in worldbuilding, utilizing the labyrinth to unveil previously unnoticed pockets of mythology in the United States. Adding to its charm, the narrative is infused with humor, notably through Percy's oblivious interactions with four individuals harboring secret crushes on him. Delving into the side characters, both Nico and Rachel undergo significant development. The plot introduces Quintus, leaving readers curious about his mysterious nature, and Mrs. O'Leary, a beloved character, adds an extra layer of delight to the story.
The Titan's Curse by Rick Riordan
Overall, Riordan's craftsmanship shines in this exceptional novel. The characters undergo profound development, evolving into the true heroes readers have come to admire. The series' overarching plot, steadily building since the second book, gains a heightened sense of urgency at this midpoint. While the ending may be somewhat predictable, the anticipation for the next installment simmers, promising further adventures for Percy and his companions. As the pages turn, readers eagerly await the summer release, eager to witness the next chapter in Percy and company's enthralling journey.
adventurous
fast-paced
4.75
Rick Riordan captivates readers once again with a mesmerizing narrative that delves even deeper into the captivating world of Greek mythology. The protagonist, Percy, now at the age of fourteen, takes center stage, navigating through a realm where the complexities of adolescence are intertwined with the challenges posed by the divine. Notably, Thalia, no longer confined to the status of a tree, is on the verge of her sixteenth birthday, a development that adds a layer of anticipation to the unfolding quest.
Riordan exhibits commendable storytelling prowess by seamlessly integrating new elements into the overarching narrative. The introduction of fresh gods and the progression of the overarching plot, focused on the battle against the formidable Luke/Kronos, enrich the reader's understanding of the intricacies of the mythical universe. Furthermore, the exploration of Artemis's hunters introduces intriguing new characters, while the two newly discovered half-bloods, brought into the fold by Grover, foreshadow significant roles in the future.
The narrative takes a poignant turn as Riordan confronts the concept of mortality, with not one but two characters meeting their demise within the pages of this novel. The brevity of half-blood lives, particularly those embarking on perilous quests, becomes shockingly palpable. While Riordan could have injected more emotional depth into these moments, it is forgivable considering this is the author's initial foray into exploring the theme of death. The potential haunting of Percy by these losses may yet unfold in subsequent installments.
Overall, Riordan's craftsmanship shines in this exceptional novel. The characters undergo profound development, evolving into the true heroes readers have come to admire. The series' overarching plot, steadily building since the second book, gains a heightened sense of urgency at this midpoint. While the ending may be somewhat predictable, the anticipation for the next installment simmers, promising further adventures for Percy and his companions. As the pages turn, readers eagerly await the summer release, eager to witness the next chapter in Percy and company's enthralling journey.
Relentless: From Good to Great to Unstoppable by Tim S. Grover
3.0
The book delves into the author's experiences in training professional basketball players, emphasizing guidance tailored exclusively for the sports arena. It introduces three player archetypes: Coolers, who focus on teamwork and competition; Closers, who excel under pressure and study opponents; and Cleaners, representing relentless players with enduring careers. Despite a catchy "C" theme, the term "Cleaner" may not vividly convey the intended image. The narrative is rich in motivational talk but lacks specific actions, and it grapples with internal contradictions, notably the assertion that Cleaners are addicted to winning while maintaining control over this addiction. Overall, the book provides valuable insights into player development, making it engaging for sports psychology enthusiasts despite occasional shortcomings in specificity and coherence.
The Sea of Monsters by Rick Riordan
adventurous
fast-paced
4.0
"Sea of Monsters" by Rick Riordan, once my least favorite in the series, surprised me upon revisiting it. The narrative explores character depth and world-building, shedding light on the complexities of perceived villains like Luke and Kronos's army. The book delves into the hardships demigods abandoned by their godly parents face, portraying the gods as neglectful figures who only interact when they need something. The story briefly addresses the mistreatment of non-half-blood individuals, exemplified by Tyson, a Cyclops left to fend for himself. Percy Jackson's internal struggle evolves, and what was once a desire for vengeance transforms into a decision to show mercy. Noteworthy is the heartwarming interaction between Tyson and Rainbow, providing moments of warmth and humor. "Sea of Monsters" ultimately transcends its initial reception, offering a nuanced exploration of morality, character dynamics, and divine neglect, earning newfound appreciation.