I would like to give an in-detail rundown of all the books I've read recently, but unfortunately the sheer volume of this task would make an extremely long and laborious post. Therefore, I shall have to be content (as will you) with a shortened list and abbreviated review of each of the books I have read in the last month, beginning with some of the most recent.
The Red Badge of Courage by Stephen Crane
Review: A wonderful little novel that entails blow-by-blow the internal struggle of a young soldier during his first encounters with tragedy and death in the Civil War. Five stars out of four (and yes, I did that on purpose).
The Death of Ivan Ilyich by Leo Tolstoy
Review: Chronicles the thoughts and emotional turmoil of a Russian judge as he contemplates death, the events which led to it, and the way in which he spent his life. Ultimately, Tolstoy does an outstanding job of pin-pointing different facets of this dying man's attempts to cope with his own impending death. Unfortunately, the lack of dialogue in the story make this short novel seem much longer; however, that does not diminish its essential masterful qualities. Four stars out of four.
The Tao of Pooh by Benjamin Hoff
Review: A silly little rundown of instances in which the Bear of Very Little Brain and his friends demonstrate the nuances and idiosyncrasies of Western society and Eastern philosophy. Four stars out of four.
The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger
Review: Apart from all of the swearing, drinking, smoking, and other naughty things which Holden Caulfield engages in, this book is quite well done. Now, reader who are sensitive to such things can do either of two things: Open your mind and look past Holden's bad qualities in order to enjoy the story, or do not read the book at all. I, for one, being of the former inclination, choose to enjoy the story and the interesting intricacies of Holden's anti-hero persona. Four stars out of four.
The Time Machine by H.G. Wells
Review: For me, this story, though probably very ingenious and imaginative for the time in which it was written, seems only to be a washed-up replica of Jules Verne-like genius. Worse still, Wells seems to focus more on didacticism and propagandization of current trends than telling a story which further detracts from what might have been a more interesting tale. One star out of four.
Don Quixote by Miguel de Cervantes
Review: Don Quixote de la Mancha is one of my favorite literary figures because his mania for chivalric codes and living out his dream of being a knight presents a wonderful contrast with the people who wish to prevent his sallyings-forth and burn his heretical books of knight-errantry. The question thereby presented is this: Even if it is lunacy to consider oneself a knight when indeed one is not, is it worse than being intolerant and judgmental? It is certainly not a book that all will enjoy because it does tend to become long-winded and dry in places, but I still give it four unreachable stars out of four.
The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald
Review: A very short novel, much is packed into its tiny confines. While not everyone's cup of tea, the actions of some of the characters will infuriate anyone. Therefore, if you like the sort of book which will illicit a very real emotional response, this one is a must-read. Three stars out of four.
As I Lay Dying by Willliam Faulkner
Review: I will say the same for this book. The shifting viewpoints creates quite a bit of confusion for the reader, but the anger which one will feel at the end will make up for any inconvenience caused by Faulkner chosen approach to this story. Or mostly make up for it, anyway. Three stars out of four.
Harry Potter volumes 1-7
Review: Each book is better and more engaging than the one before it. As I reached the end, I could not stop reading for the life of me. Five stars out of four.
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