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john_pascoe's reviews
94 reviews
Steppenwolf by Hermann Hesse
adventurous
dark
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
"The unhappiness that I need and long for... is of the kind that will let me suffer with eagerness and die with lust. That is the unhappiness, or happiness, that I am waiting for."
Published in Germany, in 1927 (named Der Steppenwolf), Steppenwolf is another work of art presented through Hesse's characteristic writing style.
Throughout the novel, Herr Harry Haller realises he identifies with wolf qualities and human qualities. He is alienated from society; wild, strange and shy. His hopelessness and desire for death draw him into an enchanted Faustian underworld. Through a series of mysterious encounters - romantic, freakish and savage by turn - romanticist Haller begins to return to his youth and rediscover the lost dreams of his youth.
Even though many teenagers related to the events recounted in Steppenwolf, it was targeted at the middle-aged counterculture. Steppenwolf captured the mood of a disaffected generation that was starting to question all.
Underneath the novel's contention is an ulterior motive of Hesse's trademark philosophies; namely the concept of poles and their interactions.
Published in Germany, in 1927 (named Der Steppenwolf), Steppenwolf is another work of art presented through Hesse's characteristic writing style.
Throughout the novel, Herr Harry Haller realises he identifies with wolf qualities and human qualities. He is alienated from society; wild, strange and shy. His hopelessness and desire for death draw him into an enchanted Faustian underworld. Through a series of mysterious encounters - romantic, freakish and savage by turn - romanticist Haller begins to return to his youth and rediscover the lost dreams of his youth.
Even though many teenagers related to the events recounted in Steppenwolf, it was targeted at the middle-aged counterculture. Steppenwolf captured the mood of a disaffected generation that was starting to question all.
Underneath the novel's contention is an ulterior motive of Hesse's trademark philosophies; namely the concept of poles and their interactions.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death and Suicidal thoughts
Moderate: Suicide
Good Pop, Bad Pop by Jarvis Cocker
adventurous
funny
informative
inspiring
relaxing
fast-paced
5.0
My favourite book I've READ ALL YEAR. I actually know who Jarvis Cocker is and I am so obsessed with him. Love this book so much for so many reasons. JARVIS IS MY IDOL!!!!!!!!
"I came to this place tonight looking for one thing, just one thing and that is FEELING CALLED LOVE." - Jarvis Cocker, Munich Pulp performance, 1996
"This is not a life story. It's a loft story." - Jarvis Cocker, Good Pop, Bad Pop
Jarvis Cocker was Pulp's lead singer and songwriter, a post-punk English band who were "born" on 4 August 1980. Jarvis Cocker uncovers the many nostalgic treasures of his loft and recounts the story as it fits alongside it his journey to fame. Superb writing from an inspirational, excellent, welcoming jack-of-all-trades (English literature academic, songwriter, guitarist, pianist, and wonderful performer like no other).
"I came to this place tonight looking for one thing, just one thing and that is FEELING CALLED LOVE." - Jarvis Cocker, Munich Pulp performance, 1996
"This is not a life story. It's a loft story." - Jarvis Cocker, Good Pop, Bad Pop
Jarvis Cocker was Pulp's lead singer and songwriter, a post-punk English band who were "born" on 4 August 1980. Jarvis Cocker uncovers the many nostalgic treasures of his loft and recounts the story as it fits alongside it his journey to fame. Superb writing from an inspirational, excellent, welcoming jack-of-all-trades (English literature academic, songwriter, guitarist, pianist, and wonderful performer like no other).
Verity by Colleen Hoover
dark
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Honestly a bit creepy but Jeremy is such a romantic. I hate the last line so MUCH. This deviates so far from Colleen Hoover's usual writing style.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Ableism, Child abuse, Child death, Death, Domestic abuse, Eating disorder, Infidelity, Mental illness, Panic attacks/disorders, Physical abuse, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, Kidnapping, Grief, Car accident, Abortion, Suicide attempt, Murder, Pregnancy, and Injury/Injury detail
Did I Ever Tell You This? by Sam Neill
slow-paced
2.25
I wasn't hooked.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Sexual content
Minor: Cursing
Bad Dreams and Other Stories by Tessa Hadley
dark
emotional
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Exquisite writing. Like no other.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck: A Counterintuitive Approach to Living a Good Life by Mark Manson
funny
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
4.0
Decent book; sufficient concept, exemplary and engaging writing but I'm not going through a mid-life crisis so not really for me. The author, Mark Manson also has a youtube channel and he gives free "advice that doesn't suck."
Philosophy of Religion: A Beginner's Guide by Charles Taliaferro
adventurous
challenging
informative
lighthearted
fast-paced
4.75
Fascinating concepts, but poorly written, so it was hard to stay interested.
Animal Farm by George Orwell
adventurous
dark
informative
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Content Warnings
Moderate: Animal cruelty, Animal death, Slavery, and Torture
Tom Sawyer & Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain
adventurous
funny
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
“I do not wish any reward but to know I have done the right thing.”- Mark Twain, Tom Sawyer & Huckleberry Finn.
Off the Mississippi shores in St Petersburg, Missouri, United States of America before The Civil War, schoolboy protagonist Tom Sawyer would rather play hooky than attend school and receives the “lickings” from Aunt Polly. Tom “by and by” befriends the local outcast and son of a drunkard, Huckleberry Finn.
Despite his apprehension for schooling, Tom is rather clever and gets away with many mischiefs. One instance of this is when Tom cons neighbourhood boys into whitewashing the fence surrounding Aunt Polly’s house when he was supposed to do it. “I never did see the beat of that boy.” – Mark Twain, Tom Sawyer & Huckleberry Finn
Huckleberry Finn later picks up the slack and recounts his adventures of travelling down the river with a runaway slave, encountering a family embroiled in a feud, two scoundrels acting as if royalty, and Aunt Polly who mistakes him for Tom Sawyer.
Mark Twain communicates, through Tom Sawyer & Huckleberry Finn, that one does not need go to school to make a positive change; “I never let my schooling interfere with my education.” – Mark Twain. This book has been “banned” for racial slurs and general racist themes but this serves an important role – showing history and the injustices of the times.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Slavery and Classism
Minor: Racism