Book Review - Percy Jackson and the Sea of Monsters By Rick Riordan

3.5/5 stars

It hasn't been long enough since I finished reading Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief. Yet, here I'm, with another book review of the world of Percy Jackson and all the Greek Mythology stuff. When I started reading Percy Jackson and the Sea of Monsters, my hopes were already too high as I'd loved reading Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief. This one didn't quite live up to my expectations. Nevertheless, it wasn't a bad read. You can call it okayish, if that makes sense.

Before I forget to mention, let me tell you these novels are so fast paced that I'm beginning to challenge myself on how fast I can read these novels. Percy Jackson and the Sea of Monsters was on the shorter end as compared to Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief. Also, a little flat in terms of plot development. Still, I'm loving this series and I don't see myself stopping until I finish this series.

I'm not a fan of this book, but the last half of the book made up for it. The venture through the sea of monsters was truly gripping. Also, I missed Grover. It was fun, not as much as the first one but fun nonetheless.

“You weren't able to talk sense into him?"
Well, we kind of tried to kill each other in a duel to the death."
I see. You tried the diplomatic approach.”

To know Rick Riordan has three more installments to the series with such witty dialogues just gives me immense childish joy that I look forward to enjoying.


Review Posted: 28 July 2022.

Book Review - The Help by Kathryn Stockett

2/5 stars

"All I'm saying is, kindness don't have no boundaries."

It's incredibly difficult to write with integrity about race, at the same be completely honest about it. Although, I found it a little difficult to buy everything the author was saying. In one hand, she is trying to show the image of white supremacy as a bad one while, on the other hand, she is making attempts on showing us the good side of the white people. I mean, Come on! How can they be good and bad both? Nope! Sorry, you can't have it both ways.

If you ask me what went wrong for me as far as the writing is concerned? I'd say, most of all. It made me uncomfortable, and not in a good way. That's where the problem began. Despite, the underlying tension and references to violent events that do occur eventually, the book struggled. I'm very okay with reading a book that makes me so uncomfortable that I don't want to stop reading until I know how the story would end. I'm perfectly fine with a story that would make me cry and sob too, once in a while. What I'm not okay with is reading a book that would make me sad and then pull me back to say - 'It's okay!' It is not okay. If you're going to do it, do it all out.

While I wholeheartedly appreciate the well written attempt to such an important theme, the story didn't quite hold my attention. Some of the part I found myself skimming through the pages whereas on some instances I used to find myself lost while reading. I was struggling through the pages. I wanted the story to end just for two reasons. One, to know what happens in the end. Two, so that I can tick the book off my tbr list and pick the next one up.

I don't know what the hype is all about. If its only about horrible time in the history, and in the country where racism is still alive then I get it. But, for the writing aspect of it, I didn't find it overwhelming. I wouldn't recommend the book, to say the least.

Review Posted: 17 July 2022.

 

Book Review - Gone with the Wind by Margaret Mitchell

With this, completing 8 of 339 from The Rory Gilmore Reading List.

5/5 stars

"Hardships make or break people."

Scarlett O'Hara doesn't hold herself like every other girl. Full of spirit and courage, she can climb onto trees like other boys. She doesn't find interest in girly conversations. Scarlett is unlike other girls. She loves herself. Yes, we all should. The stubborn Scarlett O'Hara. When she wants something, she gets it anyhow. She is soft in one instance and bold in the other. I want to applaud you for certain things you did. For most parts, she is stupid, selfish, and spoiled.

It takes guts to write the main character like that. I can see why this is a classic. The book is a monster.

Before I go further with my thoughts, I want to address the fact that the unjust treatment of black, the description of racism, and other Civil War-era activities made me really sad. There were times when I felt why is this happening and how long is this going to happen. Reading about it meant feeling about it.

"Most of the misery of the world has been caused by wars."

Honestly speaking, Gone with the Wind stands to be the most tragic, disturbing, engrossing, and epic piece of literature I've ever read.

The book was 800 pages long, and I was expecting something good to happen in the story. At least somewhere in the story. To my disappointment, the way the story turned in the last part was upsetting. I read the last 50 pages with my jaws wide open, unable to believe that it was going to be THAT tragically sad. It never got happy. There wasn't any redemption.

I finished reading Gone with the Wind last week. It took me a few days to absorb the story. To gather my shattered thoughts to sit back and write about it. No matter how unlikeable the main character was, I'm still thinking about her days after I've finished reading Gone with the Wind. This book deserves the highest rating for creating that strong effect on the reader. Besides, who doesn't like an emotional roller coaster ride?

War destroys not only a region but an entire civilization for thousands of people. Gone with the Wind. And you can see Margaret Mitchell mourning for the lost era on every page. I think I'll pause for a while every time I hear about Gone with the Wind.

I think everyone should read this book at least once in their lifetime to understand the loss that envelops the lives of people affected by war. If you haven't read this Pulitzer Prize winner, go read it, because it could very well be one of the best books you've ever read.

Review Posted: 13 July 2022.