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rgoth's reviews
338 reviews
Occupied Lives: Maintaining Integrity in a Palestinian Refugee Camp in the West Bank by Nina Gren
challenging
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
slow-paced
3.75
3.75⭐ rounded up.
This book is a profoundly insightful exploration that I would wholeheartedly recommend to anyone seeking a deeper understanding of the Palestinian experience and the intricate realities of being a refugee.
As an academic work, it is meticulously researched and eloquently written; however, its scholarly nature can make certain sections feel a bit dry and occasionally repetitive. Despite this, the book remains a worthwhile read.
I found myself particularly interested in the chapters that delve into the normalisation of life within a refugee camp, even when situated in one’s own homeland. The author sheds light on the Palestinian situation in a manner that is often overlooked, especially from a Western perspective.
One aspect I found somewhat lacking was the author’s reliance on her experiences from a decade before the book's publication. While her research is undoubtedly thorough, and it’s evident that Gren possesses a deep understanding of the subject matter, I would have appreciated more acknowledgement of the potential changes that could have occurred over that time. Shifting dynamics within the society and the ongoing tensions between Israel and Palestine could have enriched the narrative.
Gren spent over a year immersing herself in the camp, and it’s clear that she and her field assistants dedicated themselves to engaging with a diverse range of individuals throughout that period. Nevertheless, her frequent references to her host family, while understandable given their close relationship, could have been complemented by a broader array of voices from other residents. This would have provided a more panoramic view of life within the camp.
Another point of consideration is that this work is authored by a Westerner who approached the camp as an outsider. I would love to see similar research conducted by Palestinian scholars, as their perspectives would offer invaluable insights.
Overall, this book is an eye-opening and enlightening read, and I feel fortunate to have discovered it in tiny ndependent bookstore!
This book is a profoundly insightful exploration that I would wholeheartedly recommend to anyone seeking a deeper understanding of the Palestinian experience and the intricate realities of being a refugee.
As an academic work, it is meticulously researched and eloquently written; however, its scholarly nature can make certain sections feel a bit dry and occasionally repetitive. Despite this, the book remains a worthwhile read.
I found myself particularly interested in the chapters that delve into the normalisation of life within a refugee camp, even when situated in one’s own homeland. The author sheds light on the Palestinian situation in a manner that is often overlooked, especially from a Western perspective.
One aspect I found somewhat lacking was the author’s reliance on her experiences from a decade before the book's publication. While her research is undoubtedly thorough, and it’s evident that Gren possesses a deep understanding of the subject matter, I would have appreciated more acknowledgement of the potential changes that could have occurred over that time. Shifting dynamics within the society and the ongoing tensions between Israel and Palestine could have enriched the narrative.
Gren spent over a year immersing herself in the camp, and it’s clear that she and her field assistants dedicated themselves to engaging with a diverse range of individuals throughout that period. Nevertheless, her frequent references to her host family, while understandable given their close relationship, could have been complemented by a broader array of voices from other residents. This would have provided a more panoramic view of life within the camp.
Another point of consideration is that this work is authored by a Westerner who approached the camp as an outsider. I would love to see similar research conducted by Palestinian scholars, as their perspectives would offer invaluable insights.
Overall, this book is an eye-opening and enlightening read, and I feel fortunate to have discovered it in tiny ndependent bookstore!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Suicide, Torture, Violence, Religious bigotry, Murder, and War
We Have Always Lived in the Castle by Shirley Jackson
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
This dark, eerie classic was an utterly captivating experience. After my somewhat disappointing read of "The Haunting of Hill House," I approached this book with a hint of scepticism wondering if it would meet my expectations. To my delight, it exceeded them in every way.
The story revolves around two sisters whose lives are shrouded in a strange, unsettling aura that keeps you enthralled from the very first page. Their peculiar dynamic and the bizarre circumstances surrounding them drew me in, making it impossible to look away. The author's rich use of gothic tones enhances the atmosphere of the narrative; there's a palpable sense of dread that lingers throughout, even in the absence of graphic horror or bloody scenes. This undercurrent of suspense keeps you on edge, making the reading experience feel both haunting and compelling.
While the narrative twist is not particularly shocking and might be anticipated by seasoned readers, I found it intriguing nonetheless. The predictability did not detract from my enjoyment—rather, it allowed me to sasavour the unfolding of events, relishing every moment and detail.
Moreover, the surrounding characters add layers of complexity to the story. Each one is portrayed as uniquely strange and dark, often evoking an unsettling mix of disdain and curiosity. Their eccentricities contribute to the overall atmosphere, yet I found myself surprisingly empathetic towards the sisters, rooting for them despite their flaws and oddities.
Overall, this book is a perfect, quick read that you can easily power through in one sitting. Its gripping narrative, rich character portrayals, and eerie ambience make it a standout piece of literature that lingers in your thoughts long after you’ve turned the last page.
The story revolves around two sisters whose lives are shrouded in a strange, unsettling aura that keeps you enthralled from the very first page. Their peculiar dynamic and the bizarre circumstances surrounding them drew me in, making it impossible to look away. The author's rich use of gothic tones enhances the atmosphere of the narrative; there's a palpable sense of dread that lingers throughout, even in the absence of graphic horror or bloody scenes. This undercurrent of suspense keeps you on edge, making the reading experience feel both haunting and compelling.
While the narrative twist is not particularly shocking and might be anticipated by seasoned readers, I found it intriguing nonetheless. The predictability did not detract from my enjoyment—rather, it allowed me to sasavour the unfolding of events, relishing every moment and detail.
Moreover, the surrounding characters add layers of complexity to the story. Each one is portrayed as uniquely strange and dark, often evoking an unsettling mix of disdain and curiosity. Their eccentricities contribute to the overall atmosphere, yet I found myself surprisingly empathetic towards the sisters, rooting for them despite their flaws and oddities.
Overall, this book is a perfect, quick read that you can easily power through in one sitting. Its gripping narrative, rich character portrayals, and eerie ambience make it a standout piece of literature that lingers in your thoughts long after you’ve turned the last page.
Missing You by Harlan Coben
challenging
dark
mysterious
fast-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
3.25
I found it quite challenging to assign a rating to this book because I am still grappling with my overall feelings about it. There are several aspects of the story that I genuinely enjoyed, particularly the clever twists and the gradual build-up to the climactic moments at the end, which left me on the edge of my seat.
One character who really stood out to me was Kat. I found myself rooting for her throughout the story, as she navigated various challenges and complexities in her life. I was invested in her journey and truly wanted her to achieve the resolutions and happiness she rightfully deserved by the conclusion of the narrative.
Some revelations about Kat's father took me by surprise and added an unexpected layer of depth to the story. These twists regarding his character were not only shocking but also prompted me to reevaluate the dynamics of Kat's family relationships, which were intricately woven into the plot.
However, there were moments when the narrative felt overwhelmed by the sheer number of subplots and character arcs. This abundance sometimes detracted from the overall believability of the story, as I found it challenging to keep track of everything happening. For instance, one particularly humorous moment was when Kat logged into a dating app, only to be greeted by the sight of her ex-partner among the first profiles she encountered. Really?!
I also wasn't keen on the repeated use of the term "transvestite." While I don’t consider it homophobic in itself, I find that the term is outdated and somewhat insensitive by contemporary standards. Every time it appeared in the text, I felt a sense of cringe, as it detracted from my overall enjoyment of the narrative. On the other hand, Aqua emerged as a truly remarkable character—her presence was not only integral to the storyline but also added a rich complexity that I greatly appreciated.
One character who really stood out to me was Kat. I found myself rooting for her throughout the story, as she navigated various challenges and complexities in her life. I was invested in her journey and truly wanted her to achieve the resolutions and happiness she rightfully deserved by the conclusion of the narrative.
Some revelations about Kat's father took me by surprise and added an unexpected layer of depth to the story. These twists regarding his character were not only shocking but also prompted me to reevaluate the dynamics of Kat's family relationships, which were intricately woven into the plot.
However, there were moments when the narrative felt overwhelmed by the sheer number of subplots and character arcs. This abundance sometimes detracted from the overall believability of the story, as I found it challenging to keep track of everything happening. For instance, one particularly humorous moment was when Kat logged into a dating app, only to be greeted by the sight of her ex-partner among the first profiles she encountered. Really?!
I also wasn't keen on the repeated use of the term "transvestite." While I don’t consider it homophobic in itself, I find that the term is outdated and somewhat insensitive by contemporary standards. Every time it appeared in the text, I felt a sense of cringe, as it detracted from my overall enjoyment of the narrative. On the other hand, Aqua emerged as a truly remarkable character—her presence was not only integral to the storyline but also added a rich complexity that I greatly appreciated.
Ninth House by Leigh Bardugo
adventurous
mysterious
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.75
I genuinely wanted to immerse myself in this book, but I found it challenging to connect with the story. There were moments when I considered putting it down for good; however, I persevered and managed to finish it.
One aspect I appreciated was the exploration of the themes woven throughout the narrative, particularly those related to the history of Yale and its iconic buildings. The rich context offered fascinating insights into the university's past, which I found intriguing. Unfortunately, the plot felt overwhelming at times, with an excessive number of characters introduced.
Despite the potential for depth in their individual stories, I felt detached from them, lacking any emotional investment. As a result, I found it difficult to care about the characters and their fates.
One aspect I appreciated was the exploration of the themes woven throughout the narrative, particularly those related to the history of Yale and its iconic buildings. The rich context offered fascinating insights into the university's past, which I found intriguing. Unfortunately, the plot felt overwhelming at times, with an excessive number of characters introduced.
Despite the potential for depth in their individual stories, I felt detached from them, lacking any emotional investment. As a result, I found it difficult to care about the characters and their fates.
Between the Devil and the Dusk by Patrick Ireland
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
This book turned out to be quite different from what I initially expected, and I have to admit that I came away feeling somewhat disappointed. The first half reads more like a travel blog filled with anecdotes about the experiences of uncultured British tourists on work placements abroad, rather than the compelling narrative I had hoped for.
Although I have never visited Japan, it has always been high on my bucket list, and I was eager to immerse myself in the unique cultural landscape through the pages of this book. While some of the descriptions of the setting offered glimpses of the country’s charm, the overall execution felt disjointed and awkward. The narrative lacked the fluidity and depth that typically draws readers into a foreign experience.
Moving into the second half of the book, which is intended to heighten the tension and accelerate the story's rhythm, I found myself increasingly frustrated. The protagonist frequently expresses his distrust of his companions and emphasizes the imminent dangers they face during their journey. However, it seemed implausible that he would claim there was no way out when multiple opportunities to fly home were presented. It would have felt more authentic for him to acknowledge his choices driven by adventure and a desire for glory rather than to cling to a seemingly illogical situation.
Furthermore, the supporting characters felt rather one-dimensional, lacking the necessary depth to evoke empathy or understanding from the reader. Their motivations remained unclear, making it difficult to invest emotionally in their fates. The most frustrating aspect, however, was the unresolved cliffhanger regarding the murder mystery that unfolded throughout the plot. Instead of providing a satisfying resolution, it left me feeling more confused and let down, particularly since I had formed some theories about what might have happened.
Another element that soured my reading experience was the portrayal of animal cruelty. It felt unnecessary and gratuitous, offering nothing of substance to the storyline. This inclusion was jarring and almost caused me to abandon the book entirely. I pushed through to the end, but by the time I finished, I couldn't shake the disappointment. Though I completed the journey, I doubt I would be eager to revisit this story in the future.
Although I have never visited Japan, it has always been high on my bucket list, and I was eager to immerse myself in the unique cultural landscape through the pages of this book. While some of the descriptions of the setting offered glimpses of the country’s charm, the overall execution felt disjointed and awkward. The narrative lacked the fluidity and depth that typically draws readers into a foreign experience.
Moving into the second half of the book, which is intended to heighten the tension and accelerate the story's rhythm, I found myself increasingly frustrated. The protagonist frequently expresses his distrust of his companions and emphasizes the imminent dangers they face during their journey. However, it seemed implausible that he would claim there was no way out when multiple opportunities to fly home were presented. It would have felt more authentic for him to acknowledge his choices driven by adventure and a desire for glory rather than to cling to a seemingly illogical situation.
Furthermore, the supporting characters felt rather one-dimensional, lacking the necessary depth to evoke empathy or understanding from the reader. Their motivations remained unclear, making it difficult to invest emotionally in their fates. The most frustrating aspect, however, was the unresolved cliffhanger regarding the murder mystery that unfolded throughout the plot. Instead of providing a satisfying resolution, it left me feeling more confused and let down, particularly since I had formed some theories about what might have happened.
Another element that soured my reading experience was the portrayal of animal cruelty. It felt unnecessary and gratuitous, offering nothing of substance to the storyline. This inclusion was jarring and almost caused me to abandon the book entirely. I pushed through to the end, but by the time I finished, I couldn't shake the disappointment. Though I completed the journey, I doubt I would be eager to revisit this story in the future.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal cruelty
Foxglove by Adalyn Grace
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
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? It's complicated
4.0
I found this second instalment to be quite enjoyable, although it didn’t quite reach the heights of the first book. Signa continues to be a character I deeply admire; I was genuinely rooting for her throughout the narrative. Her journey was compelling, and I appreciated her development. However, I struggled with Blythe's point of view. Instead of generating sympathy, her character often came off as an ungrateful brat, which made it difficult for me to engage with her struggles. That said, I was pleased to see her redeem herself by the conclusion of the story.
As for the plot twists, some were fairly predictable, which took away a bit of the suspense for me. However, there was one twist towards the end that completely caught me off guard, and I’m still processing my feelings about it; it left a lasting impression.
The dynamic between Death and Signa, which was one of the most captivating aspects of the first book, felt less engaging this time around. Death seemed to have a diminished presence, which affected the overall tension and allure of their relationship. I missed the intensity that characterized their interactions previously.
Overall, this isn’t a bad book—far from it! The writing is solid, and it’s definitely addictive, keeping me wanting to read more. However, I think my high expectations, built from the first book’s brilliance, contributed to my feeling that this instalment didn’t quite live up to that standard. Additionally, it feels like this book serves as a buildup for what’s to come in the next instalment, which I’m eagerly anticipating. I’m curious to see how the story unfolds from here and what new challenges Signa will face.
As for the plot twists, some were fairly predictable, which took away a bit of the suspense for me. However, there was one twist towards the end that completely caught me off guard, and I’m still processing my feelings about it; it left a lasting impression.
The dynamic between Death and Signa, which was one of the most captivating aspects of the first book, felt less engaging this time around. Death seemed to have a diminished presence, which affected the overall tension and allure of their relationship. I missed the intensity that characterized their interactions previously.
Overall, this isn’t a bad book—far from it! The writing is solid, and it’s definitely addictive, keeping me wanting to read more. However, I think my high expectations, built from the first book’s brilliance, contributed to my feeling that this instalment didn’t quite live up to that standard. Additionally, it feels like this book serves as a buildup for what’s to come in the next instalment, which I’m eagerly anticipating. I’m curious to see how the story unfolds from here and what new challenges Signa will face.
Belladonna by Adalyn Grace
adventurous
challenging
dark
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
What an unexpectedly exquisite book this turned out to be! Prior to picking it up, I hadn't heard much buzz around the series, but the captivating cover truly piqued my interest and drew me in.
I found myself enchanted by the story's subtle gothic vibes, which created an atmospheric reading experience. Intriguingly, I was also swept up by the romantic elements woven throughout the narrative—something that doesn’t usually grip me at all.
The protagonist, Signa, is a richly developed character who grapples with the challenges of trying to fit into a world that consistently seeks to diminish her spirit and ambitions. What makes her journey even more poignant is the presence of a singular ally: death himself, who stands as a figure urging her to embrace her true potential and "open her wings to fly."
The author’s vivid descriptions of the afterlife are nothing short of mesmerizing, painting a picture of a realm both haunting and beautiful. Alongside these ethereal depictions, the mystery that forms the backbone of the plot kept me thoroughly engaged and eager to turn each page. I truly loved every moment of it!
I found myself enchanted by the story's subtle gothic vibes, which created an atmospheric reading experience. Intriguingly, I was also swept up by the romantic elements woven throughout the narrative—something that doesn’t usually grip me at all.
The protagonist, Signa, is a richly developed character who grapples with the challenges of trying to fit into a world that consistently seeks to diminish her spirit and ambitions. What makes her journey even more poignant is the presence of a singular ally: death himself, who stands as a figure urging her to embrace her true potential and "open her wings to fly."
The author’s vivid descriptions of the afterlife are nothing short of mesmerizing, painting a picture of a realm both haunting and beautiful. Alongside these ethereal depictions, the mystery that forms the backbone of the plot kept me thoroughly engaged and eager to turn each page. I truly loved every moment of it!
Long Live the Pumpkin Queen by Shea Ernshaw
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.75
I had high hopes for this book and set aside time when I could truly immerse myself in the story. Unfortunately, my excitement waned as I delved deeper into the narrative.
Some elements caught my attention, particularly the well-crafted old realms that the author painted vividly. The introduction of new characters also piqued my interest, offering a glimmer of potential for the plot. However, I found myself struggling to fully engage with the overall experience.
The book is exceedingly descriptive, which can often enhance a story, but in this case, it often detracts from the plot's progression. There were entire chapters where very little plot development occurred, consisting instead of long passages filled with detailed scenery and character descriptions. While I appreciate rich imagery in literature, the sheer volume of it here made the reading feel stunted and slow. As a result, it struck me that the style and language were better suited for a younger audience; I would categorise it more as children's literature rather than young adult fiction.
Another significant point for me was the characterisation of Sally. She is presented as an intriguing character, yet her development throughout the story feels shallow. I was eager to explore the depths of her trauma and the complexities of her personality. While I appreciated the backstory the author crafted for her, I found Sally to be quite lacking in agency for much of the narrative. It wasn't until the final third of the book that she finally began to exhibit the strength and resilience I had hoped for from her character.
Despite my criticisms, I’m glad I took the time to read this book; the potential for a captivating story between Jack and Sally intrigued me. However, I don't think I'll return to it in the future.
Some elements caught my attention, particularly the well-crafted old realms that the author painted vividly. The introduction of new characters also piqued my interest, offering a glimmer of potential for the plot. However, I found myself struggling to fully engage with the overall experience.
The book is exceedingly descriptive, which can often enhance a story, but in this case, it often detracts from the plot's progression. There were entire chapters where very little plot development occurred, consisting instead of long passages filled with detailed scenery and character descriptions. While I appreciate rich imagery in literature, the sheer volume of it here made the reading feel stunted and slow. As a result, it struck me that the style and language were better suited for a younger audience; I would categorise it more as children's literature rather than young adult fiction.
Another significant point for me was the characterisation of Sally. She is presented as an intriguing character, yet her development throughout the story feels shallow. I was eager to explore the depths of her trauma and the complexities of her personality. While I appreciated the backstory the author crafted for her, I found Sally to be quite lacking in agency for much of the narrative. It wasn't until the final third of the book that she finally began to exhibit the strength and resilience I had hoped for from her character.
Despite my criticisms, I’m glad I took the time to read this book; the potential for a captivating story between Jack and Sally intrigued me. However, I don't think I'll return to it in the future.
Sex Bomb by Sadia Azmat
emotional
informative
medium-paced
3.5
3.5 ⭐ rounded up
There are many aspects of this book that I found particularly enjoyable and thought-provoking.
First and foremost, the narrative offered a refreshing and insightful exploration of the complexities surrounding sexuality and relationships from the perspective of a British Muslim woman. The author vividly portrays her inner conflict between the deep desire for a romantic relationship and the fear of how such a relationship might affect her standing within her community. This tension between personal happiness and cultural expectations is a relatable struggle that many readers can identify with, making her story all the more engaging.
Additionally, I appreciated the author's candid discussion about her experiences navigating the comedy scene. It was enlightening to learn about the dynamics of support within that environment, particularly how she encountered a more positive reception from some white male peers compared to certain women of colour. This aspect of her narrative sheds light on the often unspoken biases that exist within various social circles, emphasizing the need for solidarity among all women.
One of the more surprising revelations for me was the recognition that the feminist movement is not always inclusive of women from diverse cultural backgrounds. This notion, while somewhat disheartening, also highlighted the complexities of intersectionality within feminism. I find myself in partial disagreement with the perspective that women who choose more traditional roles within their families are somehow diminished or judged negatively. I believe that feminism should advocate for the freedom of choice for all individuals, allowing both women and men to navigate their careers and family lives as they see fit, as long as those choices are genuine and freely made. However, I do agree that the intricate interplay of community values and religious teachings must be taken into account when discussing women's roles within the framework of feminism.
While I expected the book to be filled with humour, given that it was authored by a comedian, I found it to be less funny than anticipated. I had hoped for a greater number of laugh-out-loud moments, but while there were certainly some humorous sections, they were not as frequent or intense as I had expected. Having read other memoirs that strike a balance between humour and seriousness, I believe that a well-placed joke can often make the more sombre themes resonate even deeper.
Overall, I would definitely recommend this book as a worthwhile read, but I think potential readers should be prepared that it may not align with their initial expectations based on the title. The narrative provides a rich tapestry of experiences and insights that go beyond mere humour, delving into the heart of identity, community, and personal choice.
There are many aspects of this book that I found particularly enjoyable and thought-provoking.
First and foremost, the narrative offered a refreshing and insightful exploration of the complexities surrounding sexuality and relationships from the perspective of a British Muslim woman. The author vividly portrays her inner conflict between the deep desire for a romantic relationship and the fear of how such a relationship might affect her standing within her community. This tension between personal happiness and cultural expectations is a relatable struggle that many readers can identify with, making her story all the more engaging.
Additionally, I appreciated the author's candid discussion about her experiences navigating the comedy scene. It was enlightening to learn about the dynamics of support within that environment, particularly how she encountered a more positive reception from some white male peers compared to certain women of colour. This aspect of her narrative sheds light on the often unspoken biases that exist within various social circles, emphasizing the need for solidarity among all women.
One of the more surprising revelations for me was the recognition that the feminist movement is not always inclusive of women from diverse cultural backgrounds. This notion, while somewhat disheartening, also highlighted the complexities of intersectionality within feminism. I find myself in partial disagreement with the perspective that women who choose more traditional roles within their families are somehow diminished or judged negatively. I believe that feminism should advocate for the freedom of choice for all individuals, allowing both women and men to navigate their careers and family lives as they see fit, as long as those choices are genuine and freely made. However, I do agree that the intricate interplay of community values and religious teachings must be taken into account when discussing women's roles within the framework of feminism.
While I expected the book to be filled with humour, given that it was authored by a comedian, I found it to be less funny than anticipated. I had hoped for a greater number of laugh-out-loud moments, but while there were certainly some humorous sections, they were not as frequent or intense as I had expected. Having read other memoirs that strike a balance between humour and seriousness, I believe that a well-placed joke can often make the more sombre themes resonate even deeper.
Overall, I would definitely recommend this book as a worthwhile read, but I think potential readers should be prepared that it may not align with their initial expectations based on the title. The narrative provides a rich tapestry of experiences and insights that go beyond mere humour, delving into the heart of identity, community, and personal choice.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Abortion
The Horror Collection: White Edition by Mark Allan Gunnells, Mark Tufo, Amy Cross
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
3.0