i read this novel for my english b IB class so here we go:
the story follows our protagonist gregor samsa as he awakes one morning as a bug. while thisi read this novel for my english b IB class so here we go:
the story follows our protagonist gregor samsa as he awakes one morning as a bug. while this might be a great shock to most of us, gregor is only bothered because he can't figure out how to stand up to go to work.
throughout the story we see how the samsa family functions, and how they adapt as their only support is turned into a bug and can't provide from them anymore. while i am not a particular fan of kafka's works, i deeply resonated with the metamorphosis. i have also had moments where i am so focused on my work and what needs to be done that i barely pay attention to my own needs. the feeling of being alienated when you are no longer of use to someone, to later on be a burden and then forgotten, is something i think a lot of us fear and some of us experience. i think this story greatly encapsules how one can be subject to changes when we do not take care of ourselves, when our only tasks are those which are duties and chores instead of hobbies and activities we enjoy.
the overall depressing mood of the novel somehow foreshadowed the end, but i'd like to remind everyone who sometimes (or all times) feels like gregor samsa that you don't have to end the same way he did, you are loved and much more valuable than a cockroach <3....more
if you know you will disagree with this review, please refrain from reading it and from sending me rude messages
i have very strong opinions about thisif you know you will disagree with this review, please refrain from reading it and from sending me rude messages
i have very strong opinions about this book and none of them are good.
(i know that this is based loosely on lancali's childhood as a chronically-ill kid and i intend no harm or hate to the author, i am just sharing my opinion on the story)
i had previously halfway read another of lancali's works on wattpad, but quit it for the same reason i did not enjoy this book: it reads like a tumblr inspiration board that miraculously made it through editing. now, if this is something you enjoy, this book might just be your cup of tea, but in my case it provoked copious amounts of cringe.
"'They're only scars,' I say, kissing the edge of her wrist."
clearly lancali is inspired by her story, but it still lacks plot. please, someone tell me the plot of this book, because nothing really happens here. it is all quotes, all of it. i swear that teenagers don't speak in prose or pinterest quotes all the time. we are also normal humans who can talk normally. when all the book is metaphors, it loses its charm.
the narrative style was incredibly frustrating. it felt like every line was trying too hard to be profound, which made the characters come off as inauthentic and melodramatic. this constant barrage of poetic language made it difficult to connect with the story or the characters on a meaningful level.
when it comes to the triggering content of the book, which happens to be present all the time because, apparently, life is awful, i do have some points to make. essentially, the author gets you attached to the characters to then make them endure endless suffering because that's how life is. while i have no issue with the depiction of mental illnesses or diseases or anything of the sort, i do have an issue when it ends up being almost romanticized and harmfully portrayed. all of the characters needed therapy and yet none of them had it, and you could tell. and before you all come for me, i'm also a chronically-ill teenager, and i found it really hard to resonate with this story.
the book's approach to suffering felt exploitative rather than insightful. instead of providing a nuanced exploration of chronic illness and emotional pain, it seemed to wallow in misery for the sake of drama. this not only made the reading experience unpleasant but also potentially harmful, as it perpetuates negative stereotypes and misconceptions about what it's like to live with chronic illness.
another major issue was the narrator's overwhelming savior complex. she constantly positioned herself as the one who could 'fix' everything, which became tiresome and irritating. this dynamic undermined the agency of the other characters and made the protagonist hard to sympathize with.
did not enjoy and would not recommend :P
edit: forgot to mention that the narrator has the biggest saviour complex known to mankind and that really made me despise her...more
The Handmaid's Tale tells the story of a dystopian society where the United States government has been overthrown. Although published in 1985, many ofThe Handmaid's Tale tells the story of a dystopian society where the United States government has been overthrown. Although published in 1985, many of the topics discussed throughout the novel are still seen today. The main themes of this novel is the loss of reproductive rights and loss of female agency and individuality. As such, our protagonist, Offred, who once had another name, is reduced to that of a Handmaid, a woman whose only task is to bear children for the Commanders, the ruling men in this society. All Handmaids are dressed in red to differentiate them from the other women, and to group them into the same category. They are given new names to strip them of whatever individuality they might've had. "My name isn't Offred, I have another name, which nobody uses now because it's forbidden."
Overall, this book definitely scared me in a way I didn't expect it to. When things written in a dystopian book start to sound a lot like the real world, what else can you expect? I thinks it's something we should all read at times like this, not to scare us but as a warning. The way Offred narrates what is happening deeply connected with me, raw details are not censored and I think that makes the story much more believable. It is scary to think that some people read this book and see nothing but a woman telling the tasks she does throughout the day, rather than the way she's been delimited to fit a role in the society she lives in.
"I hunger to commit the act of touch."
"These women could be undone; or not. They seemed to be able to choose."
"We are containers, it's only the inside of our bodies that are important."
“The Commander’s Wife looks down at the baby as if it’s a bouquet of flowers: something she’s won, a tribute.”
“We are two-legged wombs, that’s all: sacred vessels, ambulatory chalices.”
this book gave me the worst reading slump ever, but at the same time, it was so good to read. i can see why it is considered a modern clasanywayyyysss
this book gave me the worst reading slump ever, but at the same time, it was so good to read. i can see why it is considered a modern classic, and the more time that passes since i read it, the more obsessed i become with it.
i’m very conflicted about the epilogue. overall, i loved all the characters—they are so well developed that everything they did somehow made sense in its own way. richard, the narrator, is a master of self-deception and reflects the unsettling ambience of the novel with his quiet, almost passive, descent into the moral ambiguities of his new world. henry, the enigmatic leader, is as compelling as he is terrifying, embodying the intellectual coldness that drives much of the story’s tension. the other characters, including bunny with his disarming yet insidious charm, and the elusive twins charles and camilla, each add layers of complexity to the narrative.
also, the drama?? love it.
be aware that this book did feel like it was never going to end, just thought you should consider that if you’re going to read it. i totally did not expect what henry did at the end; it caught me off guard. the way history repeats itself and the characters lie and twist the story surprised me. the constant manipulation of the truth by the characters creates an atmosphere where reality is always shifting, making you question everything you read. the atmosphere is thick with an almost suffocating sense of dread, and tartt's meticulous prose only amplifies this feeling. the lush, detailed descriptions of the new england setting contrast sharply with the dark deeds of the characters, creating an unsettling ambience that lingers long after the last page is turned.
“The bystander which I so essentially am.”
“The oddest things make me laugh these days.”
“I became an expert at making myself invisible.”
“Beauty is terror. Whatever we call beautiful, we quiver before it.”
“But the idea of losing control is one that fascinates controlled people such as ourselves more than almost everything.”
“I am nothing in my soul if not obsessive.”
Donna Tartt’s ability to craft such a haunting and immersive story is undeniable, making The Secret History a book that is impossible to forget.
Fahrenheit 451 is often heralded as a classic that critiques society, particularly regarding censorship and the dangerswhat. a. disappointing. ending.
Fahrenheit 451 is often heralded as a classic that critiques society, particularly regarding censorship and the dangers of a superficial, media-driven world. while i appreciate the attempt to tackle such significant themes, i found the execution lacking and, at times, problematic.
the story follows guy montag, a fireman whose job is to burn books in a dystopian future where reading is banned. as he begins to question his role in society, he encounters various characters that push him towards rebellion. however, despite its intriguing premise, the novel falls short in several areas.
first and foremost, the book's treatment of its female characters is disappointing. women in Fahrenheit 451 are largely depicted as shallow, conformist, and hysterical, with little depth or agency. this portrayal undermines the novel's broader social critique by reinforcing sexist stereotypes rather than challenging them. characters like mildred, montag's wife, are portrayed as mindless consumers, completely detached from reality, while clarisse, the young woman who sparks montag's transformation, is more of a plot device than a fully developed character (she’s also like a minor but montag finds her very attractive apparently).
the ending was particularly underwhelming. after building up to what seems like a potential revolution or significant change, the conclusion feels rushed and unsatisfying. there is a lack of resolution and depth, leaving me questioning what the book ultimately aimed to achieve.
"how many times can a man go down and still be alive?" this quote encapsulates my frustration with the protagonist's journey. while montag's struggle is supposed to be inspiring, it felt repetitive and, ultimately, ineffective.
overall, while Fahrenheit 451 raises important questions about society, censorship, and conformity, its execution and inherent sexism detract significantly from its impact, at least for me....more
honestamente, no pensaba empatizar tanto con el monstruo como lo he hecho. el libro tiene muchos puntos que muero por poder dische terminado, por fin.
honestamente, no pensaba empatizar tanto con el monstruo como lo he hecho. el libro tiene muchos puntos que muero por poder discutir con alguien, como la inevitable caída de Victor y las promesas del monstruo. creo que es una lectura que todos deben completar en su vida, no es que el libro sea lo más interesante, pero la trama psicológica y el mensaje que conlleva es uno que, creo yo, todos deberíamos aprender. ¿qué tanto afectan nuestras acciones a otras personas? ¿cuánto le debemos al mundo?
"Déjame comprobar que inspiró la simpatía de algún ser humano"
"Todo, menos yo, descansaba o gozaba"
"¡Qué extraña naturaleza la del saber!"
"Si seres tan hermosos eran desdichados, no era de extrañar que yo, criatura imperfecta y solitaria, también lo fuera."...more
Edit: as time passed i realized that i didn't really enjoy this book lmao sorry
i did not expect what happened at all lmao but i’d consider this a ligEdit: as time passed i realized that i didn't really enjoy this book lmao sorry
i did not expect what happened at all lmao but i’d consider this a light read, something to read when you are not busy but don’t want to get involved in a 6 book series, yk?
also niko is an icon we stan
“‘You’re the most important person I’ve ever met.’ she says. ‘And I should have never met you at all.’”
“You made me remember. And maybe that’s worse.”...more
the seven husbands of evelyn hugo is a heart-wrenching, beautifully written novel that delves deep into the glitz and glamour of hollywood while expos the seven husbands of evelyn hugo is a heart-wrenching, beautifully written novel that delves deep into the glitz and glamour of hollywood while exposing the harsh realities behind the scenes. Taylor Jenkins Reid masterfully tells the story of evelyn hugo, a legendary actress who recounts her life story and the seven marriages that defined her career and personal life.
evelyn hugo is a complex and fascinating character. her unapologetic ambition, resilience, and vulnerability make her incredibly compelling. through evelyn's eyes, we see the reality of hollywood – a world where appearances are everything, and the truth is often hidden behind a facade of perfection. the book does a fantastic job of highlighting the sacrifices and compromises that come with fame, and how it affects personal relationships.
the writing is poignant and evocative, capturing the glamour and the grit of evelyn's life. the dual timeline narrative, switching between evelyn's past and the present day where she recounts her story to journalist monique grant, keeps the reader engaged and invested in both women's journeys.
the exploration of themes such as identity, love, and self-acceptance is handled with great sensitivity. evelyn's relationships, particularly with her true love, celia st. james, are portrayed with depth and authenticity. the book doesn’t shy away from depicting the challenges and prejudices they face, making their love story all the more impactful.
the quotes from the book resonate deeply and capture the essence of the characters and their experiences:
“The devastating luxury of panic overtook me. And it has never left.”
“Women have sex for intimacy. Men have sex for pleasure. That’s what culture tells us.”
“I caught a glimpse of myself in the mirror and could see, in no uncertain terms, that I was beautiful. But that didn’t mean anyone loved me.”
overall, the seven husbands of evelyn hugo is a powerful and moving read that stays with you long after you’ve finished reading. it’s a poignant reminder of the cost of fame and the strength it takes to live authentically. highly recommend, but be prepared for an emotional journey....more
Read this for school. Not my cup of tea but not the worst thing ever. I’m not a fan of changing pov’s because I don’t get to see character developmentRead this for school. Not my cup of tea but not the worst thing ever. I’m not a fan of changing pov’s because I don’t get to see character development but I liked the overall theme of the book....more
I'll start this review saying I normally read high fantasy and not fiction, so I did find it somewhat not that entretaining. Why am I not lowering theI'll start this review saying I normally read high fantasy and not fiction, so I did find it somewhat not that entretaining. Why am I not lowering the score? Because the message in this book and the story told deserve 5 stars.
"Or maybe I admired her simply because she had no markings, no future, no dark realities awaiting her. Because she was free. Because her body was her own." (pg, 59)
Body of Stars is a dystopian novel written by Laura Maylene Walter, published on March 18th, 2021. The story is set in the future, where girls are born with the future etched into their skin, in the shape of moles and freckles. Their predictions change once they hit puberty, turning into their “adult markings” and solidifying their future. When a girl transcends from her childhood markings into her adult markings, she enters her changeling period, where, for a few weeks, she's irresistible to men. Changelings often go missing and return weeks later with bruises in their bodies and their marks copied and shared, printed into posters, comics or tarot cards. Society treats the freckles on girls' skin as a gift. While women have the future in their skin, it's not just theirs. The government carries out regular inspections of their marks until the girl becomes an adult, the father and mother have a traditional need to see their whole body to learn about their own future. They are seen as powerful and almost divine, but find themselves limited and objectified. The government sees this as a privilege, when for most girls it is a burden. “Above all, we implore changelings to recognize that the burden of maintaining purity rests on their own shoulders- it is the first grave responsibility they must face in their adult lives, and a modest price indeed for the privilege of holding the future in their skin.”(pg, 139) When abducted girls are returned to their normal lives once their changeling period is over, they find that there’s little they can actually return to. Abducted girls are blamed for what has happened to them. The crimes men commit against them are brushed off as unfortunate events, leaving the perpetrators free and the victims with the blame. These girls find that their life has been flipped upside down: they have to undergo a mandatory humiliating recovery process that treats them as fragile and broken. Their captors are able to copy their marks and similars onto elaborate posters and tarot cards for distribution without their consent. Colleges do not accept them, trying to keep their reputation intact. “‘I want to go to university,’ Glory said, without hesitation. ‘Oh, darling.’ The nurse sat back in her chair. ‘You know that’s impossible.’” (pg, 193) This book reflects our society in many ways, as men get away with much more and generally have more freedoms than the average woman. Women these days can feel like they have a lot of freedom, but when it comes down to it, it looks like men always win. In the book, women are accused of "allowing" the kidnappings, while women in today's society still say that it is "their fault" that they allowed what happened to them. In the book, in some countries, girls with marks of becoming housewives are denied access to education, a clever critique of the way women's choices are limited by factors they cannot control. The book also shines a light on how women support each other and how they’ve started to make changes to their own society to make it better. An example would be The Mountain School, a school that opens its doors to abducted girls and helps them through the recovery process, helping them finish their education and accompanying them when their markings are replicated on works of public display. There’s an ongoing theme of women without markings, fictional beings who are not tied to a destiny in their skin and who have control over their life and themselves. Women who were depicted in banners, and who made entire towns erupt over them and have them removed in a couple days. Something so strange, compared to the painting in museums that had markings, or the statues that have them chiseled into the marble. A statement. "A woman unmarked, a woman not restricted by either her own future or that of others. No one knew what to make of that." (pg, 343) This book will not be the one for everyone, it deals with topics that not all of us are ready to talk about. It is written to bring attention to a matter in a more accessible and entertaining way. It is a thought-provoking metaphor for the problems in our world and an idea for a change. “You are free. You are wild. You are, now and in the future, entirely your own.” (pg, 352)...more
i feel very single and knowing that i’ll never get to date a (scottish) princess makes it worse
i could not put this book down for the life of me. and ii feel very single and knowing that i’ll never get to date a (scottish) princess makes it worse
i could not put this book down for the life of me. and i don’t like fiction. or lots of romance. but here i am, hooked on this very non fantasy-y, very romantic, (sapphic too) book. at the beginning i didn’t really like Flora and found her too bratty, but after she and Millie get to actually talk i fell in love with her. read it. now.
“No, what surprises me is the sudden, jolting, and undeniable realization that even though I didn’t want to, I’ve fallen for an actual princess.”...more
maybe reading this book while i wasn’t in the best place mentally wasn’t the best idea. or maybe it was. because i allowed myself to cry to it and letmaybe reading this book while i wasn’t in the best place mentally wasn’t the best idea. or maybe it was. because i allowed myself to cry to it and let me tell you i don’t think i’ve ever cried as much with a book as i did with this one.
reading marin’s journey through grief for her grandpa made me realize i never finished mine. my grandpa passed away almost four years ago, but sometimes i forget. he lived in a different country and i didn’t see him all that much, so when i heard he passed, i cried, but i forgot. this book made me realize maybe i’m not done grieving him.
while my story is not like marin’s in all ways, i think we both needed help processing death and maybe i still need some.
4.5/5 but it made me cry really bad so there’s that....more
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