always found island to be easy to read to be honest, just one of those books you have to visualize

The Sympathizer by Viet Thanh Nguyen

took me a while to get into this as I was a bit turned off by Nguyen's writing style at the start, but I'm definitely glad I stuck with it and found the second half much more engaging. poignant commentary on war, allegiance, alienation, and politics. it had a nice balance between some typical spy action scenes, profoundly sad moments, and humor. pretty impressive and unique debut novel. I'll check out the newly released sequel sometime soon.

7.5/10

Cat's Cradle by Kurt Vonnegut

this was a quick read and I'd like to read it again sometime as I felt like some of the deeper meanings went over my head. story about a writer tracking down the story of a dangerous inventor and what he passed down to his kids. took some interesting twists for sure. kinda felt like the pacing was a bit off on this, like it had a beginning and an end without much of a middle, but it was still a fun read and another original novel from Vonnegut. I really like his prose, characters, and tone and will explore more of his work for sure.

8/10

I hear you on some of the “deeper meanings” escaping you. I felt the same. Still an interesting read

So close to finishing this book

This book a 9/10

You read the story of B?

If you don't like this I doubt you'd like GR, but for what it's worth I consider 49 sort of a minor novel by him and not just because of the length. It just didn't feel as vital as his other books, I've read most of them.

If you liked Inherent Vice, you might like Bleeding Edge. It's another sort of sleuth novel but set in 2001.

Reading it right now, really great so far.

Read the whole series
8/10. Coulda been perfect if eve wasn’t written to be such a b\*\*\*\* I think the show is going to handle some of the pacing issues well

Recently finished:

'Slaem's Lot - Really great, really fun. Sort of got less interesting as it went on, and overall not as good as the other King I've read (Dark Tower which I love, ditto for the Stand, IT which is great but exhausting after the first few hundred pages and On Writing which is essential) but very fun.

The Almanack of Naval Ravikant - Amazing.

thanks man, I'll add Bleeding Edge to my reading list

Lemme know what you think if you ever read it, I'd definitely be interested in hearing your thoughts as someone who's not totally into his style.

Show is dope so far

jk simmons the perfect omni-man

I've been obsessing over vampires lately, after finishing Bram Stoker's Dracula i started this one and it's overall pretty good. Loved the subtle lesbian romance between the two girl. 👭

"Veronika Decides To Die" by Paulo Coelho
6.5/10

Great existential writing,at points I had to stop and think about stuff in my own life.
The thing I don't like is how erratic the narrative is,gets confusing at times even tho it's a quick read.
Some parts were very unnecessary but overall it explores great topics that will make you stop and think.

Finally finished this book, like I've said before, I'm trying to read more and more.

This might be a stupid question, but for the Americans here, did they ever teach you or even mention John Brown?

John Brown was mentioned as a footnote in my high school American history class. brief overview of how that uprising and others helped sparked the Civil War but nothing too in depth

in the US tho that answer will vary widely by state. in the southern states I doubt they mention him and instead probably talk about Confederate heroes like Robert E Lee and how the South conceded the war only to save the nation or some s***

What I Talk About When I Talk About Running by Haruki Murakami
10/10

my first Murakami book,and what a f***ing start.
Felt like a chatting to a friend,breezed it in a day.
Just amazing,connected with the book on the first page,can't wait to deep dive into his other books.

Beloved by Toni Morrison

finally finished this. I can see why people would love this book but Morrison's prose was a bit too poetic for my taste. also felt like the format was a bit off, like she kept revisiting the same scenes or the background of characters but going into more depth each time, which became repetitive. the book had some really strong points that I liked, especially part two with the big reveal, but it was hard for me to get into prose

7.5/10

not American but Canadian and i took a US history class in high school and he was mentioned for like one lecture and then never again

they just recently released a TV show about him

Finally finished this masterpiece

I really took my time with this one. I started it Feb 25th and finished it today (April 15th).

Such a sad ending to his life. RIP Malcolm X.