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nhdiary's reviews
175 reviews
The Ones Who Walk Away from Omelas by Ursula K. Le Guin
5.0
"To throw away the happiness of thousands for the chance of the happiness of one: that would be to let guilt within the walls indeed."
A great short story that still feels very relevant today. On so many levels. I really enjoyed the narrator's tone, which made the reading experience feel like attending a light philosophical lecture. However, the question that is asked is quite complex and does make me think about my own hypocrisy. Surely, I, too, would walk away from Omelas? Right? But looking at it in today's context, for instance, makes it harder to answer the question so quickly. Because many of our established privileges depend on the misfortunes of others. And yet, we keep on living in this system. Because it is comfortable and convenient and easy.
A great short story that still feels very relevant today. On so many levels. I really enjoyed the narrator's tone, which made the reading experience feel like attending a light philosophical lecture. However, the question that is asked is quite complex and does make me think about my own hypocrisy. Surely, I, too, would walk away from Omelas? Right? But looking at it in today's context, for instance, makes it harder to answer the question so quickly. Because many of our established privileges depend on the misfortunes of others. And yet, we keep on living in this system. Because it is comfortable and convenient and easy.
Bridget Jones's Diary by Helen Fielding
3.0
"I looked at him nonplussed. I realized that I have spent so many years being on a diet that the idea that you might actually need calories to survive has been completely wiped out of my consciousness. Have reached point where believe nutritional ideal is to eat nothing at all."
It was overall an enjoyable story to read, with what felt like a pretty accurate representation of disordered eating as a result of society's pressure on women and their bodies. Bridget is such a *British* fun character that I chuckled a few times while reading her diary. However, I did notice a handful of untasteful and ignorant/prejudiced "jokes" that did not sit well with me. I don't agree with the "you can laugh about everything, but not with everyone" mentality. Some things could be harmful when not read with caution or basic knowledge of their context.
It was overall an enjoyable story to read, with what felt like a pretty accurate representation of disordered eating as a result of society's pressure on women and their bodies. Bridget is such a *British* fun character that I chuckled a few times while reading her diary. However, I did notice a handful of untasteful and ignorant/prejudiced "jokes" that did not sit well with me. I don't agree with the "you can laugh about everything, but not with everyone" mentality. Some things could be harmful when not read with caution or basic knowledge of their context.
The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid
5.0
“She’s such a spectacular woman—by which I mean she, herself, is a spectacle. But she’s also deeply, deeply human. And it is simply impossible for me, in this moment, to remain objective. Against all journalistic integrity, I simply care about her too much not to be moved by her pain, not to feel for all she has felt.”
Such a captivating character and story. I read this book with high expectations and it exceeded every single one of them. It is an absolute page-turner: I couldn't get enough of Evelyn Hugo! I needed to know more about her complex, yet authentic, life. I loved the writing style as well.
Thank you to my twin sister for recommending this gem to me!
Such a captivating character and story. I read this book with high expectations and it exceeded every single one of them. It is an absolute page-turner: I couldn't get enough of Evelyn Hugo! I needed to know more about her complex, yet authentic, life. I loved the writing style as well.
Thank you to my twin sister for recommending this gem to me!