Reviews and Comments

hwebb

hwebb@bookwyrm.social

Joined 1 year, 1 month ago

A somewhat random reader of both fiction and world history. I'll read the first couple of pages of an interesting-looking book in the store, and if I'm impressed, I'll buy it. Never got into eBooks. I like turning paper pages.

This link opens in a pop-up window

Frank B. Wilderson III: Red, White & Black (2010, Duke University Press) No rating

Red, White & Black is a provocative critique of socially engaged films and related critical …

What I actually read was a book by the same name that is a collection of essays refuting the 1619 Project. The book is not in the Bookwyrm catalog. I found some of the libertarian reasoning unconvincing, but there are several valid points relating to the importance of positive messages and role models in our educational materials.

Peter Ackroyd: London (2003, Anchor) 4 stars

Review of 'London' on 'Goodreads'

2 stars

I gave up about 120 pages in. A somewhat interesting, chronological summary of the early origins of the city gives way to a more anecdotal style that loses focus, though the author's interest comes through. Someone more familiar with the streets and neighbourhoods of London might enjoy the book more.

Paul Harding: Tinkers (Hardcover, 2009, Bellevue Literary Press) 4 stars

An old man lies dying. As time collapses into memory, he travels deep into his …

Review of 'Tinkers' on 'Goodreads'

4 stars

This book will alienate its share of readers by alternating between prose-driven and plot-driven style, not to mention going off on metaphysical tangents and having an infatuation with lists, but I appreciate that it at least tries to be different.

Ursula K. Le Guin: The Lathe of Heaven (2003, Perennial Classics) 4 stars

“The Lathe of Heaven” ; 1971 ( Ursula Le Guin received the 1973 Locus Award …

Review of 'The Lathe of Heaven' on 'Goodreads'

4 stars

I saw the PBS miniseries decades ago and was curious to finally read this. It's well-written but relies heavily on the premise, to the detriment of the plot. Overall, the story is an interesting metaphor.