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coronata's reviews
278 reviews
Over the Top: A Raw Journey to Self-Love by Jonathan Van Ness
It's definitely worth listening to the audiobook instead of reading the print book! There is a lot here that might not work as well without JVN reading it himself. Overall a very emotional and honest memoir. I enjoyed it!
I Am a Strange Loop by Douglas R. Hofstadter
3.5
Sadly, I Am a Strange Loop is nowhere near as good as GEB, but it was still mostly pleasant to read. I switched to audio partway through because my eyes kept glazing over and found it to be a nice companion for getting my chores done.
My main criticism is that Hofstadter frequently loses the plot with his bajillion anecdotes and personal asides, which weakens the overall argument. GEB worked so well largely because it was coherent and (relatively) objective; this book is much more of a personal ramble. The sections where he argues that, for example, playing Bach "wrong" means someone is "less conscious" were very odd and make his whole argument about "souls" come across as judgemental and myopic. It's a shame because GEB was such a thought-provoking book!
I will say that the chapter(s) where he discusses the loss of his wife, Carol, and the impact it had on him—and how she still "exists" in him—were really lovely. He clearly loved (loves!) her very much and that love made those chapters far more engaging than the rest of the book. Perhaps this book should have been a memoir instead?
My main criticism is that Hofstadter frequently loses the plot with his bajillion anecdotes and personal asides, which weakens the overall argument. GEB worked so well largely because it was coherent and (relatively) objective; this book is much more of a personal ramble. The sections where he argues that, for example, playing Bach "wrong" means someone is "less conscious" were very odd and make his whole argument about "souls" come across as judgemental and myopic. It's a shame because GEB was such a thought-provoking book!
I will say that the chapter(s) where he discusses the loss of his wife, Carol, and the impact it had on him—and how she still "exists" in him—were really lovely. He clearly loved (loves!) her very much and that love made those chapters far more engaging than the rest of the book. Perhaps this book should have been a memoir instead?
Bridge by Lauren Beukes
Did not finish book. Stopped at 22%.
Did not finish book. Stopped at 22%.
DNF at 22%, not because I didn't like it but because my ereader freaked out and thought I didn't have it checked out from the library anymore, so I returned it early and placed another hold. I'll pick it back up when it's available again!