Quick, Fun, Horror-Survival. The physical book is presented in a way that makes it look like a furniture catalog, so there's some novelty there, but iQuick, Fun, Horror-Survival. The physical book is presented in a way that makes it look like a furniture catalog, so there's some novelty there, but it reads like any other short story. Not ergodic fiction, although you may find it listed among ergodic titles....more
A heavy, haunting, and beautiful read. Writing sharply divided between poetry and prose, it still catches the reader off guard, lost between both. WriA heavy, haunting, and beautiful read. Writing sharply divided between poetry and prose, it still catches the reader off guard, lost between both. Written in many voices, fonts, styles, and dimensions, the genres of horror, love, academia, poetry, and autobiographical all compete for this book's shelf.
A difficult read, emotionally, mentally, and physically. Unavailable in electronic form, the heavyweight of this book depresses the reader. The dark tones and manic narration further dig the reader deeper. Similar to the author's predicament, the only way out is to finish.
Some readers will find it too much and give up; others will find it too much and continue. This book is not for them. Then there will be those who relish every word, lost in the haze of its pages. This book is not for them. This book is not for you.
I do not recommend this book to anyone, but it is absolutely worth reading....more
Pan's Labyrinth, known as El laberinto del fauno in its native Spanish, is a mysterious, dark, and spellbinding fairytale played out in an enchanting Pan's Labyrinth, known as El laberinto del fauno in its native Spanish, is a mysterious, dark, and spellbinding fairytale played out in an enchanting movie directed by Guillermo del Toro. It takes place in fascist ruled Spain in the deep forest after world war two. It follows the life of a young girl, anti-government guerrillas, and the Captian charged to exterminate the rebellion. The movie is a masterpiece, and the book is too.
It's rare to see a direct adaption of a film into a novel, the reverse being the norm. In this case, it's masterfully done. Whereas the movie is in Spanish, this book is brilliantly translated into English, stylistic integrity and essence preserved.
This book is not a prequel, sequel, or variation of the movie, but the same story intensified. Everything that occurs in the film happens in the book with more detail; characters are given backstories, reminiscent of One Hundred Years of Solitude by Gabriel García Márquez. Key objects have their origins explained, their enchantments and curses. And the main story is elevated upon a foundation of dark fairytales only hinted of in the movie.
Highly recommend the book and movie; Recommend watching the movie first, building the cast of character in your imagination, and letting the story linger on your mind for a bit. Then after some time has passed, read the book. The audiobook is enchantingly performed if you choose to listen to the book. ...more
It is the perfect pronoun to describe something we fear, or better, don't understand. Great book.It is the perfect pronoun to describe something we fear, or better, don't understand. Great book....more
Serious post-apocalyptic/dystopian fiction has a way of visualizing it's self in grayscale, colors are rare and usually a shade of crimson. Mandel telSerious post-apocalyptic/dystopian fiction has a way of visualizing it's self in grayscale, colors are rare and usually a shade of crimson. Mandel tells her story out of order, stepping back into the past at times before the disaster struck to unfold the present story. This contrast drives the story forward, which is about both survivors and the fallen; all loosely connected to one person. It's not a depressing story; it's not an overly happy story either. The plot is like a trail you walk with only the full moon illuminating your way. You only see a little ahead of you and aren't sure where it will lead you, but you keep walking because it's a beautiful night. Mandel throws hints of colors along the way until a satisfying ending. A very enjoyable read....more
It's short story, so here's a short review: It's good; great, if you like any of Chuck's work. It's short story, so here's a short review: It's good; great, if you like any of Chuck's work. ...more
This book shattered me. The colorless grays that were so vividly painted in it slowly seeped into my life; my thoughts became bland, and my existence.This book shattered me. The colorless grays that were so vividly painted in it slowly seeped into my life; my thoughts became bland, and my existence... pointless. For literature to have this effect on me it must be powerful, this was maybe a bit too powerful. McCarthy seems to be on intimate terms with both Death and Despair, who aren't working in tandem in this story. Indeed, Death is a reluctant protagonist in the way he compassionately takes one away from Despair. Read this if you want to feel sadness, hopelessness, and eventually emptiness. I hope, as in my case, this fiction serves as a stark contrast to your reality. It's strange how such tragedy can be told so beautifully....more
If you like zombie books, read this. If you have yet to read a zombie book, start here. Well written account of a fictional apocalypse through variousIf you like zombie books, read this. If you have yet to read a zombie book, start here. Well written account of a fictional apocalypse through various writing styles. ...more
I have read the original, and this is by far much better. It retains the great love story Jane Austin first wrote, but adds to the original the one thI have read the original, and this is by far much better. It retains the great love story Jane Austin first wrote, but adds to the original the one thing it was lacking...Zombies. A must read, plus it's a great way to have random people at the airport come up and strike up a conversation with you. Oh, it has illustrations of the zombie attacks too!...more