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comradefurby's reviews
698 reviews
Doppelganger by Naomi Klein
dark
informative
medium-paced
5.0
This was excellent - such a hard to define book that did such a great job of describing the parallel 'worlds' we live in politically. Klein is such a wealth of knowledge and I'm very excited to read more of her work.
Bury Your Gays by Chuck Tingle
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
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
I went into this blind (regarding both the book and the author!) but this really exceeded any expectations that I had.
Note: looking up the author after reading this was hilarious, I really had no idea what else he had written.
This was a really neat horror novel that did a great job of combining valid critiques of Hollywood with a sinister story.
Note: looking up the author after reading this was hilarious, I really had no idea what else he had written.
This was a really neat horror novel that did a great job of combining valid critiques of Hollywood with a sinister story.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Homophobia and Violence
The Stepford Wives by Ira Levin
dark
mysterious
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
The House of My Mother by Shari Franke
dark
emotional
informative
sad
medium-paced
Unfortunately I believe we will see many former children forced to endure being put on the internet at a young age coming forward with harrowing stories. I hope that we see a day where laws are put in place to ban the filming/sharing of children online.
Shari and her siblings have endured much more than just that abuse, however. With parents that were not just neglectful and exploitative, but engaged in much uglier child abuse as well.
I know that Shari is still incredibly young and all I can hope for her besides peace and safety is an understanding in the future of how the LDS church aided and ignored her abuse.
No star rating for me, not because it wasn't good but simply because I find personal memoirs too difficult to rank in that way.
Shari and her siblings have endured much more than just that abuse, however. With parents that were not just neglectful and exploitative, but engaged in much uglier child abuse as well.
I know that Shari is still incredibly young and all I can hope for her besides peace and safety is an understanding in the future of how the LDS church aided and ignored her abuse.
No star rating for me, not because it wasn't good but simply because I find personal memoirs too difficult to rank in that way.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Adult/minor relationship, Child abuse, Emotional abuse, Physical abuse, Sexual assault, and Gaslighting
Who's Afraid of Gender? by Judith Butler
challenging
informative
slow-paced
4.0
I liked this a lot, although I don't know if I personally got too much new information from it. However, I think this is a great introduction for those who don't understand how gender has been weaponized/the history of the term.
I did choose the worst time (3 weeks into Trump/Elon being in charge) to read this, my god. Knowledge is power, but make sure you're in the right headspace for some of this stuff.
I did choose the worst time (3 weeks into Trump/Elon being in charge) to read this, my god. Knowledge is power, but make sure you're in the right headspace for some of this stuff.
It's Lonely at the Centre of the Earth by Zoe Thorogood
emotional
funny
reflective
sad
medium-paced
5.0
The art and narration of this was so good and fun, especially considering the subject matter was so dark.
Zoe really focuses in on what I struggle with in my journey with severe depression. The self indulgence, the pointlessness, the search for meaning of it all...It's very realistic and true to my own experience
Zoe really focuses in on what I struggle with in my journey with severe depression. The self indulgence, the pointlessness, the search for meaning of it all...It's very realistic and true to my own experience
Content Warnings
Graphic: Suicidal thoughts
Locked in the Cabinet by Robert B. Reich
funny
informative
medium-paced
3.5
Robert Reich is funny and honest about the issues he faced in his time as the Secretary of Labor for Clinton. While not perfect, I always appreciate someone working to push democrats further left.
At Dark, I Become Loathsome by Eric LaRocca
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
LaRocca's novellas continue to surprise and impress me, this was no exception. Incredibly original, horrific, and intriguing, and such an interesting protagonist that you both feel heartbreak and deep disgust for
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal cruelty, Animal death, Body horror, Violence, and Murder
Moderate: Body horror and Blood
My Brilliant Friend by Elena Ferrante
emotional
reflective
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
4.5
I was much more captivated by the story and characters than I expected. The second half was infinitely better than the first half.
Twilight of Democracy: The Seductive Lure of Authoritarianism by Anne Applebaum
informative
slow-paced
2.75
I didnt love how much she romanticized/glossed over the harm done by Reagan and Thatcher.