Novel

ONLY BAD THINGS HAPPEN IN CORN FIELDS
Should come with a trauma warning. Ten years after reading it, I still look at cornfields with the violent suspicious that pedophiles and murders are lurking amongst their eerie stalks.
By TK Cummings2 years ago in Critique
All Systems Red by Martha Wells
Stop talking to Murderbot about its feelings. It hates it. While Murderbot resentfully keeps its scientists alive against hostile monsters, questionable corporations and bad guys, the story quietly explores free will, identity, and the awkwardness of existing.
By TK Cummings2 years ago in Critique
The Decameron
Was this perfect for our times? Bought during COVID-19; read at home with quarantine measures and online work around me; glided along the hundred tales (some going too far; others far too simple); respected this classic collection written during its own plague years.
By Kendall Defoe 2 years ago in Critique
A Series of Unfortunate Events
As the title says- unfortunate events never cease. The book (and movie) begins with a chilling yet memorable opening line, cautioning not to expect a happy ending. The audience experiences hopelessness alongside the protagonists as the story hits hardship after hardship.
By B2 years ago in Critique
"Our Eyes Will Be On Coraline"
An eerie tale with an uncertain outcome. She's a child bored out of her mind in a new home, lacking her parents' attention. Relatable. Unfortunately for her, she gains her "Other Mother's" attention instead.
By B2 years ago in Critique
The Calvin Stickers
Let the grifters grift. It’s their only gift. You work hard on your craft. You spend hours on your craft. Just for someone to drop a link. Or worse, they drop something unrelated. It stinks. Maybe Bill Watterson was right, when he chose to ignore the sticker grifters. We’ll see.
By Atomic Historian2 years ago in Critique
Harry Potter (Critique)
This series inspired and defined an entire generation, and galvanised them to read. It's spawned movies, video-games and theme parks. The titular character is similar to Gaiman's Timothy Hunter, but the story is well-plotted and resonates deeply.
By L.C. Schäfer2 years ago in Critique
Me Before You
Me Before You deserves credit for evoking a visceral reaction from me. The book is ableist, even ignoring the ending. The story didn't dive deeply enough into any real trauma (such as Lou's sexual assault) and treated Will like a vehicle for overcoming Lou's issues. It's a tone deaf romance.
By C.M. Vazquez2 years ago in Critique
Does size matter?
Does size matter? Am I critiquing an actual work here? Nope. Just expressing a thought. How big should a link be at the end of an article? I often like my pics for covers, because some Unsplash images make links too large when linked at the bottom of an article.
By Atomic Historian2 years ago in Critique
Ethereal Symphony
In this captivating artwork, luminous strokes dance gracefully, forming a breathtaking play of light. Yet, while composition echoes brilliance, an opportunity for deeper narrative connection arises. By intertwining thematic elements, this symphony could evoke profound emotions, ensuring lasting resonance in the observer's heart.
By Peter Tanjala2 years ago in Critique
Gilded Illusions: Unmasking the Cautionary Tale of The Great Gatsby
The Great Gatsby is a brilliant novel capturing the decadence and excess of Jazz Age. A cautionary tale about American Dream and dangers of pursuing wealth and status at all costs. The novel has had a lasting impact on popular culture and continues to be read and enjoyed by generations.
By Rohit Gupta2 years ago in Critique
The Lord of the Flies
Self-government is so easy even children can do it... on an island...alone. Except. This little Piggy never came home. 'Simon says' can never happen again and no Herod-ic handwashing can cleanse them from group violence.
By Judey Kalchik 2 years ago in Critique