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Suswatibasu (1701 KP) rated The Lonely City: Adventures in the Art of Being Alone in Books
Sep 25, 2017
Hauntingly poignant, such a great exploration into loneliness
Such a fabulously enticing book exploring the 1970's and 1980's New York scene while revealing the writer's own issues of dealing with loneliness. From the introvert but flamboyant Andy Warhol, to the artist David Wojnarowicz's AIDS activism, Olivia Laing brings to light the spaces between people and the things that draw them together.
The chapters on painter Edward Hopper and Henry Darger are particularly poignant, especially as Darger was practically invisible, and only known after his death as his paintings were discovered in his accommodation. The author's own story remains mysterious. The book epitomises loneliness, despite the bright lights of the big city.
The chapters on painter Edward Hopper and Henry Darger are particularly poignant, especially as Darger was practically invisible, and only known after his death as his paintings were discovered in his accommodation. The author's own story remains mysterious. The book epitomises loneliness, despite the bright lights of the big city.
Zuky the BookBum (15 KP) rated The Twenty Days of Turin in Books
Mar 15, 2018
This may seem like an unfair review but I can only give this 3 stars because I didnt exactly understand it. I think thats mainly because Im a little slow to the mark sometimes and because I read this in a distracting environment, but this disappointed me and didnt scare me like I hoped it would.
It was well written, especially since its a translation, but parts of it felt disjointed and I found it hard to follow the uncovering of the Librarys secrets and the cause of the disturbing and brutal murders. There was well built tension in this and the white-as-a-sheet nun was pretty terrifying to imagine, but in general, I missed a whole lot of the horror in this.
Reading the translator's introduction (after I had finished the book) definitely helped me get it a bit more. Maybe if I had known more about Turins history to begin with, I could have connected to the story on a deeper level, but since I had no idea about Turins unrest in the 1970s, that whole subplot went completely over my head.
I hate giving such a little known book a very average review, I like supporting small time authors, but I cant say much about this author and his work when I have no idea what the hell went on. (OK, thats an over exaggeration, I half got it).
It was well written, especially since its a translation, but parts of it felt disjointed and I found it hard to follow the uncovering of the Librarys secrets and the cause of the disturbing and brutal murders. There was well built tension in this and the white-as-a-sheet nun was pretty terrifying to imagine, but in general, I missed a whole lot of the horror in this.
Reading the translator's introduction (after I had finished the book) definitely helped me get it a bit more. Maybe if I had known more about Turins history to begin with, I could have connected to the story on a deeper level, but since I had no idea about Turins unrest in the 1970s, that whole subplot went completely over my head.
I hate giving such a little known book a very average review, I like supporting small time authors, but I cant say much about this author and his work when I have no idea what the hell went on. (OK, thats an over exaggeration, I half got it).
Kimberly Peirce recommended Roma (2018) in Movies (curated)
Suswatibasu (1701 KP) rated A Brief History of Seven Killings in Books
Jan 3, 2018
Requires background context, interesting but slow
No doubt, Marlon James' epic novel is well-researched, capturing the mood of 1970's Jamaica, at the height of the attempted assassination of Bob Marley. However, at times it seemed laborious as there were many distinct voices, some of which appeared unwarranted.
Earlier sections set in Jamaica were stronger as there was more of a sense of purpose and structure. But James's emphasis on dragging out scenes and repeating dialogue ended up losing dynamism.
It's a complex tale, painstakingly detailed which is why it deserves such lavish praise. But it definitely is an acquired taste, and requires concentration.
Earlier sections set in Jamaica were stronger as there was more of a sense of purpose and structure. But James's emphasis on dragging out scenes and repeating dialogue ended up losing dynamism.
It's a complex tale, painstakingly detailed which is why it deserves such lavish praise. But it definitely is an acquired taste, and requires concentration.
BankofMarquis (1832 KP) rated Rent: Filmed Live On Broadway (2008) in Movies
Jul 10, 2020
Brings the power of being in the theater
Every decade, it seems, Broadway produces a transcendent musical. In the 1970's, it was A CHORUS LINE, in the 1980's, it was LES MISERABLES. Jump to the 2000's, you have WICKED and, of course, the 2010's brought us HAMILTON.
The 1990's brought us a "rock musical" that focused on a global pandemic set against the backdrop of social protesting and racial injustices (sound familiar), this musical is Jonathan Larson's RENT.
Following (loosely) the plot of the 1896 opera LA BOHEME, RENT tells the tale of disaffected artists trying to live and love (and make rent) while living their lives the way they wish to live it. Writer Jonathan Larson (who passed, suddenly, the day before previews began) created a powerful, rock driven, story that is poignant, sad and hopeful all at the same time. The original Broadway production Iwhich I am bragging that I saw 2x with the original cast) brought such talent as Jesse L. Martin, Anthony Rapp, Taye Diggs and Idina Menzel to the forefront.
But...skip the film version of this musical (starring most of the original cast) that came out in 2005. It is purfunctuary and lifeless. Instead, seek out the 2008 RENT: FILMED LIVE ON BROADWAY. Like Hamilton, this is a filmed version of the stage show and is able to capture the power and emotion that only live theater can provide.
The cast in this production is outstanding - with the standout being (no surprise) a young Renee Elise Goldsberry (Angelica Schulyer in Hamilton) who shines brightly as Mimi.
Like Hamilton, Rent showcases the power - and purpose - of live theater. A place that I cannot wait to go to again in 2021.
Letter Grade: A-
8 stars (out of 10) and you can take that to the Bank (ofMarquis)
The 1990's brought us a "rock musical" that focused on a global pandemic set against the backdrop of social protesting and racial injustices (sound familiar), this musical is Jonathan Larson's RENT.
Following (loosely) the plot of the 1896 opera LA BOHEME, RENT tells the tale of disaffected artists trying to live and love (and make rent) while living their lives the way they wish to live it. Writer Jonathan Larson (who passed, suddenly, the day before previews began) created a powerful, rock driven, story that is poignant, sad and hopeful all at the same time. The original Broadway production Iwhich I am bragging that I saw 2x with the original cast) brought such talent as Jesse L. Martin, Anthony Rapp, Taye Diggs and Idina Menzel to the forefront.
But...skip the film version of this musical (starring most of the original cast) that came out in 2005. It is purfunctuary and lifeless. Instead, seek out the 2008 RENT: FILMED LIVE ON BROADWAY. Like Hamilton, this is a filmed version of the stage show and is able to capture the power and emotion that only live theater can provide.
The cast in this production is outstanding - with the standout being (no surprise) a young Renee Elise Goldsberry (Angelica Schulyer in Hamilton) who shines brightly as Mimi.
Like Hamilton, Rent showcases the power - and purpose - of live theater. A place that I cannot wait to go to again in 2021.
Letter Grade: A-
8 stars (out of 10) and you can take that to the Bank (ofMarquis)
Mark Halpern (153 KP) rated Super 8 (2011) in Movies
Feb 12, 2018
Our 8mm camera caught what
During the late 1970's a group of kids who are close friends are making a zombie movie together. One night as they were filing on the outskirts of their small town a train crashes and the capture some of it on film. It is not until they are able to see the film that they find out it wasn't a normal train that crashed. After the crash their small town begins to experience weird problems. What was on that train and what did they see???
The movie had a good storyline and the acting was not too bad. It was a fun movie to watch. Most likely only a one time see for me but, worth the viewing.
The movie had a good storyline and the acting was not too bad. It was a fun movie to watch. Most likely only a one time see for me but, worth the viewing.
Good survival horror
Absolutely loved this book. I think what i liked most is the fact of when its written and when its based. With it being late 1970's there are no computers, internet or mobile phones to help people. Its brilliantly written and you really get a feel for the hopelessness and terror that people would have felt. Good story and excellent character development. What stood out is though there is a main character, he never comes across as angelic or a person that is going to save the world, like a super hero. He is just a man with a daughter who he would do anything to save, and i mean anything :)
ClareR (5561 KP) rated All About Evie in Books
May 29, 2023
All about Evie was everything I hoped it would be. I loved the first book (The Miseducation of Evie Epworth - another Pigeonhole read!), and this is a worthy sequel
There’s a great 1970’s atmosphere to this, from the fashion (Evie still loves her clothes!), to the music (she likes some very good music!), to the rather delightful attitudes of the men who work with her (it’s not delightful at all, but she doesn’t let them get to her at all!).
Evie is such a likeable character, and someone I’d be more than happy to know. The characters around her are fun, interesting, and as full of personality as Evie herself.
This is a really happy, uplifting and witty read, and I hope that we’ll see more of Evie soon!
There’s a great 1970’s atmosphere to this, from the fashion (Evie still loves her clothes!), to the music (she likes some very good music!), to the rather delightful attitudes of the men who work with her (it’s not delightful at all, but she doesn’t let them get to her at all!).
Evie is such a likeable character, and someone I’d be more than happy to know. The characters around her are fun, interesting, and as full of personality as Evie herself.
This is a really happy, uplifting and witty read, and I hope that we’ll see more of Evie soon!
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2065 KP) rated Crime Travel in Books
Dec 9, 2019
Great Short Story Collection to Read Any Time
This short story collection features 15 stories from various authors that combine time travel and crime fiction. The stories are very creative, involving a variety of methods of time travel from people who build machines to those who stumble upon strange ways to get back in time. The periods range from people traveling to the present, to those traveling to Shakespeare’s England, a New Jersey beach town in the 1970’s, and a couple trips to the 1960’s to name a few. Meanwhile, we get a couple capers, a locked room mystery, and a hard-boiled PI among other great stories.
This is a very strong collection of stories. While a couple weren’t quite to my taste, I can see how others would love them and it was a very minor point. I laughed at a few of the stories, another couple made me cry, in a good way. Most importantly, I had fun. There are so many great stories in this collection, you’ll be glad you picked it up. And if you don’t get it now, you just might have to come back in time and yell at yourself for putting it off and depriving yourself of the joys of reading these stories right away.
This is a very strong collection of stories. While a couple weren’t quite to my taste, I can see how others would love them and it was a very minor point. I laughed at a few of the stories, another couple made me cry, in a good way. Most importantly, I had fun. There are so many great stories in this collection, you’ll be glad you picked it up. And if you don’t get it now, you just might have to come back in time and yell at yourself for putting it off and depriving yourself of the joys of reading these stories right away.
Joe Goodhart (27 KP) rated A Book of Dreams in Books
Nov 30, 2020
I remember by in the late 1980's, when Kate Bush's "Cloudbusting" (from her album 'Hounds of Love'). The song was inspired by this book, and a video also followed, in which Donald Sutherland played the late Wilhelm Reich and Bush was the 10-year-old Peter Reich. I was enamored with both Kate's music, as well as the artist herself, so I was taken in by it. I also made it a point to read the book, which at that time was difficult, as it had gone out-of-print. So, jump to the present..
I found the book available for my Kindle, so I gave it read, as it was on my "Life's Reading Bucket List". And, while I am glad to have checked it off that virtual list, it was not what I was expecting.
The book jumped perspectives - from 10 year old Peter to his adult self, in the 1970's - leaving me a bit disoriented at points, making it difficult to focus on the underlying story. It recollects memories, interspersed with odd, dream-like statements. And, at the end of it all? Not really much of an ending, nor a conclusion to all the oddness.
Conclusion? I still love the song "Cloudbusting". The book that inspired it? Not so much.
I found the book available for my Kindle, so I gave it read, as it was on my "Life's Reading Bucket List". And, while I am glad to have checked it off that virtual list, it was not what I was expecting.
The book jumped perspectives - from 10 year old Peter to his adult self, in the 1970's - leaving me a bit disoriented at points, making it difficult to focus on the underlying story. It recollects memories, interspersed with odd, dream-like statements. And, at the end of it all? Not really much of an ending, nor a conclusion to all the oddness.
Conclusion? I still love the song "Cloudbusting". The book that inspired it? Not so much.