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irxren's reviews
68 reviews
Underground: The Tokyo Gas Attack and the Japanese Psyche by Haruki Murakami
4.0
In this non-fiction literary collection, Murakami delves into the real-life stories of individuals profoundly affected by the Tokyo Gas Attack, a chilling act of terrorism that shook Japan. From a random train passenger to a dedicated officer and even an Irish Jockey, each person's experience during the deadliest incident since World War II unfolds in raw detail.
The book captures the diverse perspectives of those caught in the chaos: 13 lives lost, 50 severely injured, and thousands rushed to hospitals. Murakami skillfully avoids his usual magical realism, opting for a straightforward narrative that reflects the unadorned reality of the event. What sets this book apart is its sincere exploration of why such horrors occur and the lessons humanity can glean from them.
The book captures the diverse perspectives of those caught in the chaos: 13 lives lost, 50 severely injured, and thousands rushed to hospitals. Murakami skillfully avoids his usual magical realism, opting for a straightforward narrative that reflects the unadorned reality of the event. What sets this book apart is its sincere exploration of why such horrors occur and the lessons humanity can glean from them.
A Wild Sheep Chase by Haruki Murakami
2.0
A Wild Sheep Chase takes readers on a trippy journey that blends elements of a detective story, mythology, fantasy, and philosophy. While it can be enjoyed on a surface level as a fable, a closer look reveals a rich allegory. The symbolic nature of "the sheep" could be seen as a reflection of post-war Japan. Simultaneously, the protagonist's pursuit of the sheep becomes a quest for self-discovery, exploring his emotions and the meaning of his existence. Murakami excels in portraying alienation, a theme that resonates with me personally.
Yet, despite my appreciation for these themes, I found myself grappling with confusion throughout the book. I couldn't shake off this constant feeling of confusion. It was like navigating through a fever dream that made absolutely no sense. I found it hard to stay engaged because the writing often felt dragged out and rambled on.
Yet, despite my appreciation for these themes, I found myself grappling with confusion throughout the book. I couldn't shake off this constant feeling of confusion. It was like navigating through a fever dream that made absolutely no sense. I found it hard to stay engaged because the writing often felt dragged out and rambled on.
The Mysterious Benedict Society and the Perilous Journey by Trenton Lee Stewart
3.0
The second installment of The Mysterious Benedict Society and the Perilous Journey picks up right where the first left off, making it essential to have read the initial installment. The four children are poised for another adventure, and while the quirkiness from the first story persists, this plot takes a turn that may be a bit too far-fetched for some readers. The main quest involves a worldwide scavenger hunt to locate their cherished Mr. Benedict.
Comparatively speaking, the first book was far more captivating. The clues presented in the plot aren't particularly surprising, but I still enjoyed watching each of the kids shine in their own way and realizing they actually had something to offer the team. While the pacing is somewhat uneven, the story still manages to maintain interest for the most part.
The plot could benefit from improved flow, but overall, it's not a bad story—it just lacks the engaging quality of the first book.
Comparatively speaking, the first book was far more captivating. The clues presented in the plot aren't particularly surprising, but I still enjoyed watching each of the kids shine in their own way and realizing they actually had something to offer the team. While the pacing is somewhat uneven, the story still manages to maintain interest for the most part.
The plot could benefit from improved flow, but overall, it's not a bad story—it just lacks the engaging quality of the first book.
And Then There Were None by Agatha Christie
5.0
This gem is hailed as one of her best, and I can totally see why. It's a perfect entry point into Christie's world—short, engaging, and leaves you hungry for more.
What's truly brilliant is how she introduces and fleshes out 10 distinct characters in such a tight space. You can practically see them leap off the pages. The murder mystery, cleverly woven around them, keeps you on the edge with a sense of uncertainty. We know what's coming thanks to the nursery rhyme, yet Christie manages to keep us guessing about the how and, more importantly, the who.
I thought I had it figured out twice, confidently pointing fingers at the supposed killer, only to be blindsided when they met an unexpected demise. The constant twists and turns had me hooked.
What's truly brilliant is how she introduces and fleshes out 10 distinct characters in such a tight space. You can practically see them leap off the pages. The murder mystery, cleverly woven around them, keeps you on the edge with a sense of uncertainty. We know what's coming thanks to the nursery rhyme, yet Christie manages to keep us guessing about the how and, more importantly, the who.
I thought I had it figured out twice, confidently pointing fingers at the supposed killer, only to be blindsided when they met an unexpected demise. The constant twists and turns had me hooked.
The Mountain Is You: Transforming Self-Sabotage Into Self-Mastery by Brianna Wiest
4.0
This book is a gem for anyone trying to figure out why we often fall short of our own ideals, ambitions, or dreams. Every feeling and thought is acknowledged, serving as a solid foundation for understanding our self-sabotaging tendencies. It's a straightforward read that doesn't waste time beating around the bush, urging readers to engage in deep self-awareness and take ownership of their actions.
I'm giving it 4 stars because, while I appreciate most of the advice, there were a few points I didn't quite agree with. There were also some contradictions, and a handful of suggestions felt a bit too generic.
I'm giving it 4 stars because, while I appreciate most of the advice, there were a few points I didn't quite agree with. There were also some contradictions, and a handful of suggestions felt a bit too generic.
The Scorch Trials by James Dashner
3.0
The Scorch Trials picks up right where the Maze Runner left off. Thomas and the other Gladers are rescued by WICKED, only to find themselves in a room swarming with Cranks infected by The Flare. They manage to escape the facility, but little do they know, it's all part of WICKED's plan, leading them into the second phase of their challenges.
I really enjoyed exploring the post-apocalyptic world in this sequel, though the first book set a high standard. The Cranks added a terrifying twist to the typical zombie scenario in dystopian fiction. The constant suspense and mystery kept me hooked, although I felt Thomas was passing out a bit too often.
Overall, The Scorch Trials is a great follow-up to the Maze Runner. While it's different, the changes work well. The book is full of action, even though the betrayal was a bit predictable.
I really enjoyed exploring the post-apocalyptic world in this sequel, though the first book set a high standard. The Cranks added a terrifying twist to the typical zombie scenario in dystopian fiction. The constant suspense and mystery kept me hooked, although I felt Thomas was passing out a bit too often.
Overall, The Scorch Trials is a great follow-up to the Maze Runner. While it's different, the changes work well. The book is full of action, even though the betrayal was a bit predictable.
School of Fear by Gitty Daneshvari
3.0
School of Fear follows four kids with diverse backgrounds sent away for summer to conquer their fears at a unique school. The four kids in question are Theo, who is afraid of dying, Madeline who is afraid of spiders and insects, Lulu who is claustrophobic and afraid of heights, and Garrison, a jock who is afraid of water.
I picked it up in middle school and had a blast with it. The short chapters make it a breeze, and the story is just downright delightful. It’s not as spine-chilling as I first expected, but it’s got this cool mix of quirkiness and humor that kept me hooked. If you’re into something light, fun, and quick – this one’s definitely a good pick.
I picked it up in middle school and had a blast with it. The short chapters make it a breeze, and the story is just downright delightful. It’s not as spine-chilling as I first expected, but it’s got this cool mix of quirkiness and humor that kept me hooked. If you’re into something light, fun, and quick – this one’s definitely a good pick.
Sputnik Sweetheart by Haruki Murakami
2.0
The book talks about love hitting you like a tornado, but sadly, it didn't pack the punch I expected. Compared to the author's other works, this one felt a bit weak. The Murakami magic just didn't show up for me. On the upside, Sputnik Sweetheart was anything but predictable. Around the halfway mark, the story takes a turn with a character disappearing on a Greek island and a trippy Ferris wheel ride.
However, the reason behind the disappearance isn't a mystery; it's more about magical realism. Instead of moving the story forward, we are told about pasts of the characters. Despite themes of loneliness and yearning, the female characters, Sumire and Miu, didn't evoke much emotion in me. As the story unfolded, I stopped caring about any of them. While there's nothing I hated or got angry about, the book just didn't grab or entertain me.
However, the reason behind the disappearance isn't a mystery; it's more about magical realism. Instead of moving the story forward, we are told about pasts of the characters. Despite themes of loneliness and yearning, the female characters, Sumire and Miu, didn't evoke much emotion in me. As the story unfolded, I stopped caring about any of them. While there's nothing I hated or got angry about, the book just didn't grab or entertain me.
The Thirteen Problems by Agatha Christie
4.0
Absolutely the best Agatha Christie mystery short story collection I've come across. It's not just a random assortment of tales but a seamlessly interconnected book where each successive short story serves as a chapter in a captivating novel.
The storyline revolves around a group of people gathering every Tuesday night to share past mysterious, often murderous, happenings. Each storyteller holds the key to the solution, leaving the others to analyze and make their best guess. To everyone's surprise, it's the unassuming elderly village lady, Miss Jane Marple, who unfailingly unveils the truth every time!
I thoroughly enjoyed this collection, especially because each mystery had its own self-contained chapter, making it easy to dip in and out. A definite recommendation from me. My personal favorite has to be The Blue Geranium.
The storyline revolves around a group of people gathering every Tuesday night to share past mysterious, often murderous, happenings. Each storyteller holds the key to the solution, leaving the others to analyze and make their best guess. To everyone's surprise, it's the unassuming elderly village lady, Miss Jane Marple, who unfailingly unveils the truth every time!
I thoroughly enjoyed this collection, especially because each mystery had its own self-contained chapter, making it easy to dip in and out. A definite recommendation from me. My personal favorite has to be The Blue Geranium.
Windmills of the Gods by Sidney Sheldon
3.0
Mary Ashley, a university professor attached to Romania, receives an unexpected offer from the US President himself – an ambassadorship. Surprisingly, she turns it down, prioritizing her husband's medical practice and their family life over the intriguing opportunity. However, tragedy strikes when her husband mysteriously dies, leaving her with no choice but to accept the ambassadorship.
While the beginning might seem a bit slow-paced, it serves the purpose of introducing political nuances to those unfamiliar with the subject. The plot, however, is a rollercoaster of complexity, filled with numerous twists and turns. Just when you think you've figured out the culprit, a surprising twist shakes things up, making it a thrilling and enjoyable read.
While the beginning might seem a bit slow-paced, it serves the purpose of introducing political nuances to those unfamiliar with the subject. The plot, however, is a rollercoaster of complexity, filled with numerous twists and turns. Just when you think you've figured out the culprit, a surprising twist shakes things up, making it a thrilling and enjoyable read.