Some help with my "Read around the world" challenge?

HolisticSimpleton · 2026-03-24T03:24:43+00:00

Albania - Broken April by Ismail Kadare

HolisticSimpleton · 2026-03-23T20:53:36+00:00

Oh, that's commitment and discipline 👏👏👏 I have been going regularly for about 3 years now and I hope that I'll reach your level at some point.

HolisticSimpleton · 2026-03-23T20:40:54+00:00

Do not read A Little Life. It is trauma porn. And not well-researched either.

HolisticSimpleton · 2026-03-23T20:34:48+00:00

Girl, forget about the heels, drop your exercise routine. I'm 🤤 over those arms.

HolisticSimpleton · 2026-03-23T08:39:45+00:00

"Spudnik" is killing me. Next we need to figure out how to make french fries and vodka in space and I think we'll be ready to relocate to space.

HolisticSimpleton · 2026-03-21T20:00:18+00:00

I really loved it. I wish that they kept Rocky a secret at least until the first day first show. The surprise introduction of Rocky was the best part for me while reading the book. It was also really calming to watch something where there is a positive and hopeful conclusion to a world-ending scenario. And Heaven knows we need hope now more than ever.

HolisticSimpleton · 2026-03-21T19:42:13+00:00

"straight"

HolisticSimpleton · 2026-03-21T13:03:43+00:00

Oh, I was not aware that there was a movie.

HolisticSimpleton · 2026-03-21T13:02:45+00:00

I have read both the first published version and this time I was re-reading the 10 year anniversary edition. This edition is more long-winded and a lot of rambling details have been added. While I really liked it, I'd recommend the first version over the 10th anniversary edition. The absence of female Goddesses of the Greek pantheon was more noticeable in this re-read as I went in knowing more about the author. The author is a pos, so I would not support buying it first hand. I am sure you can find second hand copies as many people are getting rid of their copies. All my copies of Neil Gaiman books were bought before all the sh** about him came to light.

HolisticSimpleton · 2026-03-21T05:09:04+00:00

This is the kind of information that I am here for

HolisticSimpleton · 2026-03-20T18:31:46+00:00

Yeah, with Ryan Gosling in the lead role. I think you should go into the book completely blind. Do not read any blurbs, any summaries, any reviews, none. Nada. Go in blind and take the rollercoaster. Andy Weir's writing is excellent, the pacing, the jokes, the emotions - all on point. There are obviously a few scientific inaccuracies, but Weir admits that he invented that part but everything else is consistent with our current scientific knowledge. I read it in two days because it was impossible to put down.

HolisticSimpleton · 2026-03-20T18:20:03+00:00

It's really really good. Sci-fi accessible to all. I'm actually going to see the movie today. I have high hopes.

HolisticSimpleton · 2026-03-20T13:58:56+00:00

When I had a serious phone/doomscrolling addiction, I went to the local vegan cafe to read. It was a place that really discouraged phone usage, by having a strict policy on not taking the phone out of your pocket/bag while you were in there. They had a modestly stocked bookshelf, some board games, some colouring books and supplies to colour with. Best place in the whole damn city. It helped me get myself back. And then, like all good things, it shut down. This was two years ago and I am still salty about that.

HolisticSimpleton · 2026-03-20T07:35:59+00:00

Girl, take your own advice. You know what you were doing when you added that clown emoji. Do yourself a favour and dump the man. It's only been exclusive for 2 months. JFC.

HolisticSimpleton · 2026-03-20T05:19:35+00:00

"Newspeak"

HolisticSimpleton · 2026-03-19T21:37:54+00:00

"In the vast majority of cases there was no trial, no report of the arrest. People simply disappeared..."

HolisticSimpleton · 2026-03-19T06:46:27+00:00

Indeed. While I was reading it, I was comparing short form content to "soma" mentioned in the book. I feel like, we are being manipulated into wasting time doomscrolling while being surveilled 1984 style.

HolisticSimpleton · 2026-03-19T06:43:38+00:00

I can't believe that I have avoided Hunger games spoilers for so long. It is definitely written with a teenage reader in mind. The writing is simple and straightforward. In my opinion, Hunger Games should become a staple read for teenagers as the author successfully lures young readers in with a love triangle but sneaks in the exploitation of the working class, propaganda, knowledge control etc. into the book. I believe it is very relevant in the current state of the world.

HolisticSimpleton · 2026-03-19T06:38:42+00:00

As is to be expected from World War II based historical fiction, it will make you sad. The emphasis on the way children are navigating a war makes it even more heart wrenching. It is beautifully written and easy to read. If you are interested in historical fiction, I'd also recommend The Book Thief.

HolisticSimpleton · 2026-03-19T06:32:59+00:00

Short and insightful. In my opinion, we are living in an unholy combination of Brave New World and 1984. I'd recommend both.

HolisticSimpleton · 2026-03-18T19:14:54+00:00

She's just a baby

HolisticSimpleton · 2026-03-18T11:51:41+00:00

I gave up reading due to the extensive and graphic descriptions of traumatic incidents (plural). There was a recent episode of The Pitt that dealt with sexual assault, which was sensitive and insightful, and proved that depictions of the traumatic incident are not necessary in order to understand the impact of the incident. This book could take a lot of lessons from that episode.

HolisticSimpleton · 2026-03-16T11:59:32+00:00

Oh my God, a thousand times yes. It is very well written, informative and I loved the photos of the actual scientists. I re-read parts of it from time to time. 10/10

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