janiswong's reviews
239 reviews

Why Have There Been No Great Women Artists?: 50th anniversary edition by Linda Nochlin

informative reflective medium-paced

4.25

A wonderfully written short and reflection, with clarity that pierces the canvas that forms the basis of European art in the past and present.

Think Again by Jacqueline Wilson

emotional funny medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

A very nostalgic read that continues to carry Wilson's voice. In many ways the youthful spirt of her books does ring true in real life and I felt that the messiness of adulthood is treated in a way that does mirror parts of reality, especially parts that we often find difficult to discuss even with our closest friends. Think again is a book that depicts the non-picture perfect book we live outside if social media, and shows how we can still grow and form our sense of self as we age without having to let go of our childhood. Parts of the book felt strained in its plot and certain characters unbearable while others I wanted to learn more about, but Wilson still manages to capture the messiness of life while making sure the reader know they are not alone.

Meditations by Marcus Aurelius

reflective medium-paced

4.25

Timeless, simple reminders of how to live.

Anyone for gulli-danda? by Gabriele Annan, David Runciman, Amia Srinivasan, Benjamin Markovits, Karl Miller, Terry Castle, Tariq Ali, Heathcote Williams, Jane Holland, Marjorie Garber

lighthearted slow-paced

4.0

A lighthearted read of shorts about sports. Made me think about how much life, culture, and memories come from a simple game.

Memory Piece by Lisa Ko

mysterious reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.5

Provocative in its form and content, an enjoyable read that challenges the world we know, told through three protagonists that grow and adapt to the changing environment. The characters learn how to survive in their own ways, contending with their own morality as they mature. I really liked how the characters' stories and lives intertwine, the distance between them ebbing and flowing. A piece of modern art.

Pageboy by Elliot Page

hopeful informative inspiring reflective slow-paced

4.25

Beautifully written, raw, and emotional. Page writes his experience with vivid clarity in a visual and heartfelt way. The pain experienced use have felt suffocating, and I hope those going through the same journey feel less alone.

Humanise by Thomas Heatherwick

hopeful informative reflective fast-paced

4.0

An interesting read, with a light history about how modernist theories of architecture made our landscape the way it is today. Quite general so it was easy to flick through and the black a d white images throughout were a good touch. The ending felt a bit forced with solutions that didn't say very much. I found it slightly strange that technology was sort of thrown in at the end with little engagement.

Code Dependent: Living in the Shadow of AI by Madhumita Murgia

informative reflective medium-paced

4.25

A fantastically informative book and documentation of our current lives affected, shaped, and changed by code. Well-researched and well read by the author, who is clearly passionate and knowledgeable in the subject. A lot of the content was not novel to me but served as a great recording of true case studies of the material impact of emerging technologies.

Thinking in Bets: Making Smarter Decisions When You Don't Have All the Facts by Annie Duke

informative reflective slow-paced

4.5

A really well-written and researched book about how we should think in probabilities to help us be more realistic and honest about outcomes as a means to lead to a more fulfilling life. Duke's voice is lighthearted, fun, and authoritative, finding the balance between providing evidence with advice in a way that isn't self-help driven or forceful. There were parts I felt were a bit repetitive but I enjoyed a good number of powerful sentences and analogies to bring her points to life. A great reminder for us to check our biases, and importantly to not to everything on your own.

Babel by R.F. Kuang

adventurous challenging dark emotional inspiring mysterious reflective tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

Phenomenal. A deep, enriching, well-researched book filled with the world's history, languages, and cruelty. Despite the dark past of colonialism, Kuang writes with beauty and elegance that brings the world to life, augmented with silver and science fiction that only brings out the reality of empire. Chapter seventeen is one of the most brilliantly written chapters I have ever read. I did find the last quarter to be slower and less interesting as the chapters filled the passage of time with perhaps a few expected turna. While perhaps the narrative is predictable at times, which may be difficult to avoid given the length and structure of the book, the literary details are exquisite. A masterful book that appeals to all audiences, each taking away their own lessons.