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ClareR (5879 KP) rated The Power in Books

Jun 1, 2019  
The Power
The Power
Naomi Alderman | 2017 | Fiction & Poetry
10
7.9 (13 Ratings)
Book Rating
This was so original - dystopia where the women take control. This isn't an angle that we see very often, and in the current climate of #MeToo, it's nice to read something where the women have the upper hand (or is it?! Because that's what you're left thinking).
Women develop a 'skein' that grows across their collar bone, and gives them the ability to control/ kill/ maim men and each other. Absolute power corrupts absolutely (who said that anyway?) after all.
This is the story of the genesis of the power, how it was triggered throughout a generation, who were then able to awaken it in older women. How women realised that they didn't have to be victims anymore, and began to take on many/ all of the attributes of their male counterparts (and not always the good ones). Men are viewed as the weaker sex, women as protectors and leaders.
I was fascinated by this whole idea. The characters showed us the different sides to the power - religion, organised crime, politics - and how it utterly changed the dynamic in society.
The museum pieces were very interesting, and the idea that this book was being written thousands of years in the future was very clever. And being written by a man. I liked how his editor (a woman) thought he would be taken more seriously if he were to write under a female pseudonym! Oh how times had changed!
I listened to this on audiobook, and read along to parts of it. The narration and voice actors were spot on - I couldn't stop listening until I had to, of course. Real life has a habit of interrupting reading and listening time!
Highly recommended.
  
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Kaz (232 KP) Jun 2, 2019

This sounds a really interesting book. Thank you for bringing it to my attention.

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ClareR (5879 KP) rated The Power in Books

Sep 29, 2018  
The Power
The Power
Naomi Alderman | 2018 | Dystopia, Gender Studies, Science Fiction/Fantasy
10
7.0 (3 Ratings)
Book Rating
This is no Handmaids Tale!!
This was so original - dystopia where the women take control. This isn't an angle that we see very often, and in the current climate of #MeToo, it's nice to read something where the women have the upper hand (or is it?! Because that's what you're left thinking).
Women develop a 'skein' that grows across their collar bone, and gives them the ability to control/ kill/ maim men and each other. Absolute power corrupts absolutely (who said that anyway?) after all.
This is the story of the genesis of the power, how it was triggered throughout a generation, who were then able to awaken it in older women. How women realised that they didn't have to be victims anymore, and began to take on many/ all of the attributes of their male counterparts (and not always the good ones). Men are viewed as the weaker sex, women as protectors and leaders.
I was fascinated by this whole idea. The characters showed us the different sides to the power - religion, organised crime, politics - and how it utterly changed the dynamic in society.
The museum pieces were very interesting, and the idea that this book was being written thousands of years in the future was very clever. And being written by a man. I liked how his editor (a woman) thought he would be taken more seriously if he were to write under a female pseudonym! Oh how times had changed!
I listened to this on audiobook, and read along to parts of it. The narration and voice actors were spot on - I couldn't stop listening until I had to, of course. Real life has a habit of interrupting reading and listening time!
Highly recommended.
  
Caution - Single by Celeste Arrazolo
Caution - Single by Celeste Arrazolo
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Album Rating
Celeste Arrazolo is a singer-songwriter from Houston, Texas. Not too long ago, she released a lyric video for her debut single, entitled, “Caution”.

“I’m not going. I’m not leaving this bar or this place. I came here for answers. Made so many mistakes. I’ve been down, I’ve been low, I’ve been high every chance that I get. It’s been such a lonely road ain’t got no relief yet.” – lyrics

‘Caution’ tells a bittersweet tale of a girl with sad eyes who doesn’t want to leave a bar because she’s searching for answers to her problems.

The bartender is sympathetic to her cause and offers her one last drink before the bar closes.

Lost in the moment, the girl reveals that religion has deserted her, and God has forgotten her name.

Later, she admits that no smart person should want any part of her because she’s a mess. Also, she’ll bring them down and hurt them with lies to survive. Therefore, they should proceed with caution when dealing with her.

‘Caution’ contains a relatable storyline, ear-welcoming vocals, and melodic instrumentation flavored with emo-soul and R&B elements.

“‘Caution’ is a climax in an internal struggle. It’s about losing your way. I want listeners to be able to meet me in that moment.” – Celeste Arrazolo

Celeste Arrazolo flew to Los Angeles as soon as she had her diploma in hand. Shortly afterward, she encountered hard times, and her life spiraled out of control.

She turned to music for solace and eventually discovered a path to redemption and freedom. Through endless hours of studying powerhouse singers and songwriters, Arrazolo learned to translate her experience into her music.

https://www.bongminesentertainment.com/celeste-arrazolo-caution/
  
What an amazing book!

This, as you may already be aware, is a collection of different people's thoughts, meditations, dreams and meetings with the Horned God. As you read through each story you will travel the world, from Crete to Egypt to the wilds of Wales to London. Each story is as individual as the author and I loved every one of them, although I admit that I read the ones about Egypt and Crete with a mostly detached but isn't this informative kind of air.

The Horned God that I love, the one that has fascinated me all of my life is Cernunnos, the Lord of the Forest and the Wild Animals. For me, one of the best stories in the book was A Quest For Horns by Stephen Blake, and not only because he mentions Robin of Sherwood which still remains a favourite of mine!

Unfortunately, as people begin looking at Paganism to see if it is right for them, they usually tend to favour the Goddess only as they are usually changing from a patriarchal religion. This may work for a while but you need balance, and the Horned God is part of the equation!

If you have any interest in Herne the Hunter, Cernunnos, Pan or Puck then this is the book for you.

 <blockquote> Above me and around me he roared and I, like the mouse, curled up, safe, secure and loved by this storm of rage; the emotional and physical pain that had engulfed me fled before his terrible gaze and I fell asleep. The rage of the Horned God is mighty indeed, but the love and blessings he bestows are greater still.</blockquote>