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planarlost's reviews
45 reviews
Capitalist Realism: Is There No Alternative? by Mark Fisher
5.0
Despite being published in 2009, Mark Fisher's Capitalist Realism remains as relevant as ever. In under 100 pages, Fisher contends with the sociopolitical diktat that permeates everywhere, so much so that it limits our ability to even imagine a better world, a different way of doing things, beyond existing capitalist frameworks. For those immersed and well-versed in the modern world of memes and social media, certain references to pop culture will sound dated, but at the heart of Capitalist Realism, you'll find that Fisher's thesis endures: today, ideology becomes "realistic" most completely when it dispenses with utopia entirely, when it ceases even to be disavowed.
The text remains essential reading for any left-leaning young person—or any thinking person—considering the dominant ideology of our age. Despite an apparent reputation for being complex, the text is, in my opinion, still accessible and enjoyable to read.
The text remains essential reading for any left-leaning young person—or any thinking person—considering the dominant ideology of our age. Despite an apparent reputation for being complex, the text is, in my opinion, still accessible and enjoyable to read.
Warfare in the Middle Ages: The History of Medieval Military and Siege Tactics by Sean McLachlan, Charles River Editors
5.0
Despite some of the low ratings, this book delivers precisely what the title promises: a brief yet solid introduction to medieval military and siege tactics. Just as the blurb states: "you will learn about medieval tactics like never before, in no time at all." For those seeking a concise primer on this era of military history and a possible quick reference text, this book should do fine.
An Anonymous Girl by Sarah Pekkanen, Greer Hendricks
3.0
My 3/5 rating for this book relates mainly to the premise. I still consider a 3/5 to be good, but not exceptional. The main character, Jessica, is fine; a bit unsympathetic, but not boring. The antagonist, Dr. Shields, is also fine. The novel alternates between Jessica's perspective and Dr. Shields's, with Dr. Shields's chapters written in a stilted, robotic, unemotional way. Although I appreciated that her voice is distinct from Jessica's, it felt excessive at times.
Mild spoilers follow.
My primary criticism, as a researcher with a background in psychology, is that the premise is unbelievable. I accept that Dr. Shields is an unethical practitioner and researcher—she deceives her participants and conducts research without disclosing the actual goals, both violations of most research codes of conduct—but her survey questions are designed in an amateurish, invasive way.
There's no way Dr. Shields's research would ever pass IRB approval, and she likely couldn't have pursued this research without expecting to eventually lose her license or face professional repercussions. Her portrayal as an illustrious, wise, self-important person is undermined by how poorly designed her research is from the very beginning. Many graduate students could conduct a better survey.
I suspended disbelief regarding Dr. Shields's research for the sake of the plot and concept, but reading it was probably like how a lawyer feels watching Law & Order or a doctor feels watching Grey's Anatomy.
Other than that, although I did struggle through the middle of the novel, it was engaging enough that I finished it. It's not a bad book, but I wouldn't read it again.
Mild spoilers follow.
My primary criticism, as a researcher with a background in psychology, is that the premise is unbelievable. I accept that Dr. Shields is an unethical practitioner and researcher—she deceives her participants and conducts research without disclosing the actual goals, both violations of most research codes of conduct—but her survey questions are designed in an amateurish, invasive way.
There's no way Dr. Shields's research would ever pass IRB approval, and she likely couldn't have pursued this research without expecting to eventually lose her license or face professional repercussions. Her portrayal as an illustrious, wise, self-important person is undermined by how poorly designed her research is from the very beginning. Many graduate students could conduct a better survey.
I suspended disbelief regarding Dr. Shields's research for the sake of the plot and concept, but reading it was probably like how a lawyer feels watching Law & Order or a doctor feels watching Grey's Anatomy.
Other than that, although I did struggle through the middle of the novel, it was engaging enough that I finished it. It's not a bad book, but I wouldn't read it again.
Eileen by Ottessa Moshfegh
5.0
In my opinion, this novel is a modern classic.
I watched the film starring Anne Hathaway and Thomasin McKenzie on Hulu first, and although I prefer the film's ending, it leaves out various nuances from the book. For example, Eileen's internal perversion is far less obvious in the movie, and you get a much better sense of her romantic feelings in the novel.
The plot is interesting, and the characters are well-formed. Eileen is a character with depth and a unique voice who feels real. Her relationship with her alcoholic father is compelling; he spends much of the novel both relying on her for help and treating her with contempt. Although Eileen is somewhat aloof, she does seem to care for, or at least pity, him.
I haven't read all of Ottessa Moshfegh's work, but I could imagine this is one of her best.
Give it a read!
I watched the film starring Anne Hathaway and Thomasin McKenzie on Hulu first, and although I prefer the film's ending, it leaves out various nuances from the book. For example, Eileen's internal perversion is far less obvious in the movie, and you get a much better sense of her romantic feelings in the novel.
The plot is interesting, and the characters are well-formed. Eileen is a character with depth and a unique voice who feels real. Her relationship with her alcoholic father is compelling; he spends much of the novel both relying on her for help and treating her with contempt. Although Eileen is somewhat aloof, she does seem to care for, or at least pity, him.
I haven't read all of Ottessa Moshfegh's work, but I could imagine this is one of her best.
Give it a read!
Lapvona by Ottessa Moshfegh
4.0
This is a bizarre and often disgusting novel about a disturbed group of people living in and around a bleak village. I'd say it's best described as grimy low fantasy. The plot is dark but simple, and the characters are interesting. The writing itself shines most brilliantly, as is often the case with Moshfegh's work (from what I've seen). Though fantasy isn't the main genre I read, I'd say I've never read another book like this, which is also typical of Moshfegh's work. She isn't afraid to be gross, which is something I enjoy in a writer and a novel.
Worth at least one read.
Worth at least one read.