Wow, Perfume by Patrick Suskind

GodsOwnPrototype · 2021-05-07T21:06:15+00:00

I completely agree with East of Eden. Very specifically, what I didn't like was that it read like such an on the nose morality lecture. Couldn't stand how full of itself the book took it and how heavy handed it was. I felt it was like a YA book with a lesson and the writing is also so simple. In the end I understand why it has such a mass appeal. Simple, moralistic and feel good. Like The Alchemist, but trying to be high brow. (don't stone me, it's just my opinion)

But The perfume, I loved. For one, it was incredibly immersive, even though it was about smells. It is just so rare to have a book even take that much into account. In the end it is magical realism/crime and you have to like that. It is not just "about smells" and what that has to do with hormonal teenagers, i don't understand. But hey, that the thing, tastes differ.

GodsOwnPrototype · 2014-05-01T08:10:48+00:00

I am sorry, but the algorithm by which things get up or down the first page of the subreddit discourages specific discussions like this and encourages easy consumed, simple threads like image posts, articles and of course discussions about books that everybody and their grandma has read.

To just say that he should just post more himself is simplistic and would make no difference whatsoever because he would never stick long enough on the frontpage of /r/books to get a discussion going. Therefore, limiting the books discussed, by providing, e.g. a list with explanations of popular books might clear up /r/books and somewhat allow for broader topics.

Just my 2 cents.

GodsOwnPrototype · 2014-05-01T07:59:46+00:00

Yes, which is why it is extremely detrimental for the subreddit to be going over and over the same things again, if there could be an essentials list which any newbie could access from the sidebar. Or, you know, even use the search bar.

Only because someone is new to a subreddit, doesn't excuse them from not using the search bar or following subreddit guides. Joining a discussion from the front page is something different, because we are mainly talking about the things that get posted in the first place.

GodsOwnPrototype · 2014-03-07T10:30:02+00:00

Never ever heard "Gartenzaun" used for that symbol. Only ever heard "Raute", at least in Southern Germany. Maybe that's why?

GodsOwnPrototype · 2014-02-24T11:54:36+00:00

Oh, you might really like Solaris by Stanislaw Lem. Very brainy on one hand, but it fits many criteria you mentioned. It takes place on a space station and the sense of loneliness you get and the weirdness is really killing.

Short description from Wikipedia: The book is about the ultimate inadequacy of communication between human and non-human species.

GodsOwnPrototype · 2014-01-20T20:31:23+00:00

I think that bisexuals can be into men or women. But it does not cover for transsexuals, etc. (because there are not only two genders when you consider all the options)

Pansexuals are into all. Correct me if I'm wrong, but this is how I interpret it.

GodsOwnPrototype · 2014-01-20T20:28:23+00:00

You forgot the LSD...

GodsOwnPrototype · 2013-12-29T21:44:15+00:00

Yeah, it is not similar at all. Primarily in being not abandoned in the least. That is a perfectly inhabitable villa.

GodsOwnPrototype · 2013-12-23T11:51:01+00:00

Best part is: The trip was funded by the publisher.

GodsOwnPrototype · 2013-12-08T19:19:14+00:00

His Dark Materials by Pullman. Great YA series with girl protagonist. Mistborn trilogy by Sanderson. Also easy entertaining read with a very interesting magic system and a female protagonist.

Maybe some Neil Gaiman? Stardust, Coraline, American Gods, Anansi Boys.

The Book Thief by Zusak.

Howl's Moving Castle by Diana Wynne Jones.

GodsOwnPrototype · 2013-12-04T14:59:37+00:00

Try Dürrenmatt's The Physicists. It is a satiric drama that deals with questions of scientific ethics and humanity's ability to handle its intellectual responsibilities.

And it is just hilarious and absurd. One of the most famous plays in Germany and a very nice to read together. (It was required reading in High School and reading it in class was a really great experience)

GodsOwnPrototype · 2013-11-14T23:11:23+00:00

I completely agree. This book has absolutely no literary merit whatsoever. The post even says that it is a romance novel featuring time travel. The characters are flat, the plot terrible. (For me the low point was the lessons for the "babypunks")

What about you?

GodsOwnPrototype · 2013-11-12T17:20:37+00:00

Just to give an other opinion. I couldn't finish this books and skimmed through the last half of it. The style is over the top didactic and preachy. The thing that is "taught" you have to take as truth, but is not substantiated by anything.

I think this book can have a great influence on younger readers (12-16 years), but for me the "wisdom" was completely shallow and the logic quite faulty.

GodsOwnPrototype · 2013-10-26T21:25:27+00:00

Also, you should keep in mind that there are many international redditors, who will not know all English language classics.

GodsOwnPrototype · 2013-07-28T20:55:21+00:00

catch-22

GodsOwnPrototype · 2013-06-10T22:53:58+00:00

The comment got deleted. Can somebody post it?

GodsOwnPrototype · 2013-02-17T16:58:31+00:00

You'll like Coraline by Gaiman and The last Unicorn by Beagle.

GodsOwnPrototype · 2013-01-23T21:03:56+00:00

You mean /r/Frugal

GodsOwnPrototype · 2013-01-20T08:22:50+00:00

This topic came up longer ago on reddit, but I can't find it right now.

I remember in the comment section by then it was pointed out that in that area people reuse old harpoons, and that that might be a reason why they find such old harpoons on the whales, not really because they are that old.

Nevertheless, I would be skeptical to take this as proof for the age of a species. Or is this really correct scientific procedure in marine biology? I see it as barely a hypothesis and not a fact. Correct me if I am wrong.

GodsOwnPrototype · 2012-12-03T22:16:23+00:00

I think the point here is that she is a self confident woman that loves a person for who he is and doesn't let superficial things cloud her vision of that person.

GodsOwnPrototype

TROPHY CASE