verbamatic's reviews
144 reviews
The Divorce, by César Aira
challenging
dark
mysterious
reflective
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
The Memory Theater, by Karin Tidbeck
adventurous
fast-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? It's complicated
3.0
Disruption: Why Things Change, by David Potter
challenging
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
5.0
Informative historical analysis with a poignant conclusion about our current times, stimulating all kinds of thinking
On Speed: The Many Lives of Amphetamine, by Nicolas Rasmussen
informative
fast-paced
4.0
I loved the thorough history overview in the first part pf the book. The parts about WWII were especially fascinating. It was curious to learn that Nazi Germany actually abandoned Benzedrine and the Allies clung to it despite the evidence that it did more harm than good to the soldiers. And of course, what lead to dextroamphetamine’s place in today’s US army.
The more the book progressed, the more forcefully one could feel the overall argument the author was trying to make, which is basically how pharmaceutical companies sacrifice the health and lives of the patients in order to turn profit. Amphetamines’ use has more risks than benefits for whatever medical issue they may be prescribed. The history of how illnesses were invented to find the use for amphetamines, and their prevalence distorted in order to sell more of the drugs is quite fascinating.
I would mention one criticism. I didn’t necessarily agree with the comparison between amphétamines and SSRIs in the latter parts of the book. Sure, both can be and are prescribed in regular practice as basically placebos to people who are having a rough time in life but are not necessarily clinically ill. However, I don’t believe they have the same effect on behaviour, as the author suggests. SSRIs making people peppy, happy and outgoing? Not really. This book was written in 2006 though, shortly before the collective disappointment in the promises the SSRIs failed to fulfill, so I suppose the author was just reflecting the Prozac craze of the times (citations for his claim of SSRI effects being similar to those of amphétamines are markedly scarce or lacking altogether.
All in all, a fascinating and eye-opening case study looking at how the American dream was and still is, being sought at any cost.
The more the book progressed, the more forcefully one could feel the overall argument the author was trying to make, which is basically how pharmaceutical companies sacrifice the health and lives of the patients in order to turn profit. Amphetamines’ use has more risks than benefits for whatever medical issue they may be prescribed. The history of how illnesses were invented to find the use for amphetamines, and their prevalence distorted in order to sell more of the drugs is quite fascinating.
I would mention one criticism. I didn’t necessarily agree with the comparison between amphétamines and SSRIs in the latter parts of the book. Sure, both can be and are prescribed in regular practice as basically placebos to people who are having a rough time in life but are not necessarily clinically ill. However, I don’t believe they have the same effect on behaviour, as the author suggests. SSRIs making people peppy, happy and outgoing? Not really. This book was written in 2006 though, shortly before the collective disappointment in the promises the SSRIs failed to fulfill, so I suppose the author was just reflecting the Prozac craze of the times (citations for his claim of SSRI effects being similar to those of amphétamines are markedly scarce or lacking altogether.
All in all, a fascinating and eye-opening case study looking at how the American dream was and still is, being sought at any cost.
Time Zone J, by Julie Doucet
emotional
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
La Sarzène, by Ayavi Lake
challenging
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Cockfight, by María Fernanda Ampuero
challenging
dark
emotional
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
4.25
Strega, by Johanne Lykke Holm
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Mécanique céleste, by Merwan
adventurous
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
Rosewater, by Tade Thompson
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0