Fiction
The Managerial Revolution
There are few books that have had such a large influence on my life. The Managerial Revolution by James Burnham is one of the few that have changed my life's trajectory entirely. It is a fascinating, insightful, and contemporaneous look at the conflict between Fascism, Communism, and the New Deal.
By Atomic Historian2 years ago in Critique
Extremely Bad
Have you ever been asked, “What’s the worst book you’ve read?” I am often asked this when people find out my passion for literature. I always answer the same: Extreme Ownership by Jocko Willink. This book is exhaustingly unreadable. I stopped after the second chapter. I want my time back.
By Atomic Historian2 years ago in Critique
Peaky Blinders
In the bleak midwinter, amongst horse manure and backhanded business deals, lies the lawless town of Small Heath, Birmingham. Thomas Shelby and his gang of razorblade-wielding peaked-cap-wearing gentlemen, take on all manner of dastardly deeds as he strives to climb the political ladder; proving to be a compelling watch.
By Sian N. Clutton2 years ago in Critique
50 Critics: Squid Games
Though it ends on somewhat of a stalemate note, The Squid Games is a certainly clever metaphor of a story about how we are all just rats in a maze who are running a rat race to make it to the next big score that will save our miserable lives.
By Joe Patterson2 years ago in Critique
The Bible
A concoction of short stories, thrown together to convince entire generations of the impossible and implausible. Abused, to justify the suppression of minorities and throw shame on the innocent, it remains a leading world power despite unimaginable suffering, world hunger and war. Yet they still pray. I remain dumbfounded.
By Sian N. Clutton2 years ago in Critique
The Famous Five
Stories full of mystery and adventure written for the young and old alike. With high tales of courage and friendship, this series sparked my lifelong love for reading when I was but a child. Enid Blyton graced many a long, lonesome night with her ability to awaken my youthful imagination.
By Sian N. Clutton2 years ago in Critique
Cinderella
Cinderella, like most Disney classics, involves a woman who looks for love in the most bizarre of places. Personally, I hope when my daughter grows up, she has higher standards than a man who has to use a shoe to identify her, because he doesn't recognise her without make-up on.
By Sian N. Clutton2 years ago in Critique
Catcher in the Rye? More Like Poop Flung from on High
Except for the underlying theme of rebellion against authority, Catcher in the Rye offers little to warrant its nearly universal star status. It mercilessly assaults readers with melodrama, whining, and endless, pathetic attempts at cleverness. Accurately portraying its fundamental horribleness would take more words than comprised in the book itself.
By Brent Tharp2 years ago in Critique
Animal farm
I never liked reading in school. However one book I hope never leaves the curriculum is Animal Farm. Beowulf, The Most Dangerous game, The Crucible, don't even come close. I'll be honest I can't explain why it's stuck with me ever since. The symbolism sure, but there's just something more.
By Dyllon Rodillon2 years ago in Critique
Fifty Shades of Grey
I gave this series a chance because of all the fuss happening online. I was left confused how a minimally edited book series got published by a big publisher. The silver lining is maybe I actually have a shot at getting published if E.L. James could.
By Elizabeth Lew2 years ago in Critique
