r05i2_71828's reviews
391 reviews

The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald

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dark funny mysterious reflective medium-paced

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

4.75

Disobedience by Naomi Alderman

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informative reflective medium-paced

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

3.5

Not what I expected, which is probably down to what I'd heard people say about the film rather than the book (but I read the book first!!). The story is not so much about romance between Ronit and Esti, but more the upheaval due to the death of the Rav in the community and how that affects the whole trio of Ronit, Esti, and Dovid. I was initially disappointed in the lack of ~~hot lesbian stuff~~ romance, but I grew to like the story for other reasons. I actually most enjoyed the bits about Dovid - I found him the most likeable character - as well as the general insight into orthodox Judaism. I really liked how it drew attention to some of the beauty in religion (as a reluctantly sentimental/religious person myself). I thought the ending was really cool, I think it built up well to the twist.

What romance there was, I did quite like. There were some nice motifs with the hydrangeas (which I was very disappointed were not included in the film) and it felt realistic. It wasn't like a fairytale or fantasy.

Ever Since Darwin: Reflections in Natural History by Stephen Jay Gould

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informative reflective medium-paced

4.25

Brief History of Time: From the Big Bang to Black Holes by Stephen Hawking, Ron Miller, Carl Sagan

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informative inspiring lighthearted medium-paced

4.0

The Man Who Mistook His Wife for a Hat and Other Clinical Tales by Oliver Sacks

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hopeful informative reflective fast-paced

5.0