seaglanz's reviews
173 reviews

I don't think this was the book I intended to read, but it turned out to be a nice, thought provoking book with some good discussion starters. Like how we should more often realize events that are miraculous but, since they happen so often we're immune; like a starry sky. Imagine if you only saw stars once every decade, it would be an extremely powerful event. We shouldn't forget it's power even on a daily basis. Or how our first love is the only time we truly believe it will be the only love. He quotes a lot of famous philosophers, authors, and religious leaders, so as to combine wisdom from over time. Overall it was a decent book, but it wasn't utterly life changing or keeping me wanting more.  

My biggest takeaway was that I sincerely missed out not reading The Little Prince as a child. It's now on my list. 

This book grabbed me in as soon as I started and I couldn't put it down! It's sci-fi meets butterfly effect and very captivating. It makes you think about your life choices, what path they take you on and how maybe a different path wouldn't be better, or worse for that matter.

It got to a point though where it turned to be too much of a love story, his obsession of his wife got to be a bit overboard for me. But, outside of that it was a fantastic read.

Please don't let this be your first Murakami novel!!

I've become a huge fan of Murakami's magical realism and was hesitant to read Norwegian Wood, because it's his most real novel. But, it's also what put him on the map as an author - so I found it important to read to understanding his work. I was honestly right to have been hesitant... This book pales in comparison to anything else of his I've read. 

I found the characters (especially Toru) to be whiney and self-loathing, and extremely irritating. His interpretation of all the women in the book is appalling, sexist and repetitive.

The only redeeming quality of this book was how well it was written, but let's not forget - it's Murakami, of course it's well written. I will gladly stick with the fantastical plots of his other works, and leave this overly dramatic realistic nightmare behind.

Beautifully delivered and sincerely thought-provoking!

Obsessed with this book! Dyer takes anecdotes from real jazz musicians and creates fictional vignettes around them. It's beautifully written, many times I would go back and re-read a passage because I liked the way it sounded, almost melodically. It's widely known that many of these musicians suffered from addiction and mental instability. The way he portrays their struggles is almost romanticized, but in a positive way, that gives respect to the person and dignifies their battles. This is a book I'll definitely read again!

I started this book really excited and thinking I was going to fall fast for it. It started that way, but then once he got super deep into Phaedrus' definition of and struggle with Quality, I lost touch. I found those parts to be hard to get through and not very captivating. For that reason, I don't think I'd be recommending this book to others. The idea is good and parts are great, but as a whole - not so much. 

Milk and honey should be read in one sitting. Carve out an hour, hour and a half and read it for the first time in as one piece. To me, that was the best way to have experienced it. It deals with really heavy, deep, passionate topics and feelings, and having that rollercoaster of intense highs and lows heightens all of it. From hurt, to love, to pain, and healing, Rupi Kaur gets real as fuck and touches on some sticky topics. Kind of like honey. 

The 'about' section phrases it perfect: "Milk and honey takes readers through a journey of the most bitter moments in life and finds sweetness in them. Because there is sweetness everywhere if you are willing to look." 

Great collection of poetry, some of these will stick with me for a long time. 

An engaging and informative look into the history of tea and the East India Company's involvement. Enjoyed the read, and learned a lot!