One of the best novels I've read in years. It feels truly immersive in a way I haven't experienced in quite some time. This is absolutely a book I'll One of the best novels I've read in years. It feels truly immersive in a way I haven't experienced in quite some time. This is absolutely a book I'll be recommending to friends for years to come....more
I cannot stress enough that I absolutely adored this book. I didn't expect to laugh nearly as much - or as hard - as I did throughout pretty much everI cannot stress enough that I absolutely adored this book. I didn't expect to laugh nearly as much - or as hard - as I did throughout pretty much every essay. That being said, she surprised me with poignant moments, as well, and I shed more than a few tears as I listened.
To be honest, I would pay good money to listen to Casey Wilson tell more stories about her family and random hijinks from her life. Easily one of my favorite reads of the year....more
A stunning achievement and must read. Loved the comparisons of Nazi Germany, India, and the U.S. in how they approach their distinct caste hierachies.A stunning achievement and must read. Loved the comparisons of Nazi Germany, India, and the U.S. in how they approach their distinct caste hierachies. Would recommend to anyone with any hint of interest in history, sociology, anthropology, or just the concept of baseline courtesy to others. ...more
I absolutely inhaled this, finding myself enthralled by the crisp prose and keen eye for atmosphere. Eventually I was even choosing sides as I was pulI absolutely inhaled this, finding myself enthralled by the crisp prose and keen eye for atmosphere. Eventually I was even choosing sides as I was pulled in further by these bizarrely self-obsessed people. Loved the experience...but I might need a cigarette now....more
I devoured this over the last few days and was, unsurprisingly, enamored with Nussbaum’s approaches to several of my favorite shows - and a few I neveI devoured this over the last few days and was, unsurprisingly, enamored with Nussbaum’s approaches to several of my favorite shows - and a few I never really liked, as well. The sole misfire for me was the profile of Ryan Murphy, who never comes across as anything but a self-obsessed monster. Nussbaum’s prose, though, is sharp as she dissects some of the best television of the last few decades, and even some older shows. What a treat. ...more
This text is possibly even better the second time around. The meta narrative around the author's ultimate control over the characters is still there (This text is possibly even better the second time around. The meta narrative around the author's ultimate control over the characters is still there (front and center, really). The themes of life and death are clear, as well, but there are so many other threads that I picked up on this time. Truly a wonderful book, but one I recommend reading with friends or in a book club. You'll definitely want to discuss it afterward....more
I'm blown away by the charm on display here. Towles builds a world filled with minutiae, with characters who have depth and humor. What an absolute trI'm blown away by the charm on display here. Towles builds a world filled with minutiae, with characters who have depth and humor. What an absolute treat - a truly outstanding novel in every sense....more
Ronan is an outstanding journalist, and likely was successful in his role with State in years past, but this text lacks overall cohesion as you move fRonan is an outstanding journalist, and likely was successful in his role with State in years past, but this text lacks overall cohesion as you move from chapter to chapter. Several chunks read as long-form articles meant for a series in the Times rather than a book with a formal thesis. In no way do I mean to say it's a boring read, or a jumbled mess, as Farrow is a remarkable writer. It's just not as strong as I had hoped....more
I have never seen a text that so eloquently and directly proves that the federal, state, and municipal governments in America created a system of de jI have never seen a text that so eloquently and directly proves that the federal, state, and municipal governments in America created a system of de jure segregation. Rothstein eviscerates the idea that segregation happened to occur due to private choices rather than a lengthy list of unconstitutional programs and policies set forth by all levels of American government.
Highly recommend to anyone interested in 20th century American history and/or social justice. Fascinating and infuriating read. ...more
