Jillian
If you're picking up this version of the Tao Te Ching as your first version, and you're not already into philosophy - do not get this version. Do not make my mistake. It is VERY academic and technical.
All that aside, despite some rather direct/dry translations, the commentary was thorough and interesting. I'm still new to this area of literature and history so I know I didn't get nearly as much out of it as someone smarter than I would, but I did still find some interesting facts, concepts, ideas and quotes throughout my read.
I think Mr. Brown's writing abilities have reached new heights. The way the scope of the world just blows open in this book is stunning. The political power plays, the twists and turns, the war, the action, the mysteries, the revelations!
The way the personalities of each character shine through in the prose. Lysander's being so flowery and youthful (despite the subject matter often being neither), Lyria's echoing an early Darrow. Virginia's intellect, cunning and strength finally being put on full display in first person. Ephraim's bitterness melting away and confidence coming forward as time goes on. Truly wonderful to read and witness.
I think this has been my favorite book of the saga so far. Really looking forward to Light Bringer!
This was beautiful. So much hardship but tied in with so much hope, resilience, and growth. The rawness, honesty and depth in these characters is impressive and refreshing. The world and setting is also so stunningly designed and articulated. The power system unique and vast. Truly a great novel.
My only reason for not giving it a full 5 stars was that I thought the pacing was a bit inconsistent through the middle, but otherwise really, really enjoyed it.
This was a very interesting, bittersweet and thought-provoking read. Viewing the world from the perspective of an artificial friend was really neat and the author did an excellent job putting us into her shoes. The way the world seems to be different from ours is slowly revealed as the book progresses but is left intentionally vague. This vagueness combined with the decisions being made by some characters and the way the ending plays out leaves a lot of room for discussion regarding ethics and the use of technology to artificially create and alter the human experience or aspects thereof.
"Most people are, Scout, when you finally see them." 🥹😭
What an incredible story. It's a harsh look into the reality of racism in the 1930s, however not so harsh that the book becomes a difficult read in my opinion. It just feels authentic to the time period and important to understand what life was like back then. It takes place in such a wonderful small town setting and has amazing character writing. The book is only 376 pages but I somehow felt like I had spent so much longer with this family, their neighbors and their town. Atticus, Scout and Jem Finch are characters that will stay with me for a lifetime.
