As you may know I love The perks of being a wallflower by Stephen Chbosky. Naturally I was looking forward to his new book Imaginary Friend since months. First of all in comparison to perks this book is huge! It took quite some time to read, that’s why the review is coming this late…
However, I won’t compare Imaginary Friend to The perks of being a wallflower, even though there might be some parallels. It is a totally different genre, style and story. The book is about Christopher, a seven-year-old that disappears for six days in the woods and comes back totally changed. He has no memory, but there are evidences of harm. He slowly starts behaving differently: beginning with being a better reader, the changes become to be a bigger part of Christopher. Who is the nice man Christopher is always talking to? What is real? Who can he trust and what is real?
Admitting I am not a real horror reader this
book was slightly out of my comfort zone. The first few pages intrigued me. I
liked the idea of that mysterious disappearing of Christopher and I was eager
to find out how it will come together at the end. The language is equivalent to
Christopher’s knowledge, at the beginning simple and basic, it changes to more
complex and grown-up. It is interesting to see everything happen with the eyes
of a seven-year-old. This making it even more frightening than it is. As the
borders between imaginary world and reality begin to shift, it all seems so
fassbar. I haven’t been that scared for a long time. I was shocked, frightened,
paralyzed and lost. This might be connected to the fact, that I am not reading
much horror. Still it was a heavy and disturbing experience. The story slowly
but continuous builds up to a point where it is barely possible to stand the
tension. The book is written very graphically. The images are very intense and
emotionally disturbing. At the end all the threads come together. And that’s
the point where it is tricky for me. I like the ending. But still there is no
satisfaction, it did not feel right. I still waited for something finishing the
book but the twist did not happen. Thinking about the ending made me also come
to the conclusion that I would not have found a better way to end it. It was
interesting, because I have never read something like this: the topics covered
were new to me, combined with the perspective of a child and the two worlds of
imagination and reality coming together.
That’s why I still recommend this book whole
heartedly. It is a disturbing book, that takes its time. I would recommend it
reading on a long, dark, moody weekend (Halloween?). Imaginary Friend is a book
that gives you chills reading it. Don’t make the mistake reading it to Uni or work,
because that will destroy the whole ambiance of the book. Besides of all the
emotional and demanding work the book is worth the effort. The ending may not
be perfect (even though I can’t really pinpoint what exactly it is that doesn’t
fit), but the new paths Chbosky is going and the new perspective are the prize
of the end. So, for anyone loving horror and is looking forward to something
giving themselves new disturbing images in your head: this is for you! Everyone
that can’t handle too graphic horror should stay away from this.
Favorite quote: A nightmare is just a dream gone sick.
But in a solitary life, there are rare moments when another soul dips near yours, as stars once a year brush the earth. Such constellation was he to me.
-Circe by Madeline Miller
“Circe” by Madeline Miller is currently all over the place: in every bookstore displayed and hyped on Instagram and various book blogs, the book cover seems to be everywhere. Of course, I had to get my hands on it, to see if it is worth the hype (and to contribute to the overflowing mass of reviews and comments).
The book tells the story and path of the nymph Circe, inspired by Greek Mythology. Daughter of the god Helios and of the nymph Perse, it is obvious, that she is not an ordinary nymph. Her childhood turns out to be difficult, her otherness incurs the contempt of her family. She eventually discovers her powers (as a witch). After an incident, her true powers become public and her father sends her into exile. She is forced to stay on a lonesome island, to which visitors barely find their way.
“Circe” is a novel which portraits an
extraordinary woman, who becomes self-confident, powerful and wise throughout
the book. The reader joins her on her journey: how she meets heroes and gods,
mortals and immortals, as well as monsters and lovers. But also, how she makes
mistakes, as well as wonders, how she learns and grows. She develops from a
girl, that is ignored, despised and who sees herself as monster, to a confident
and strong woman in a world in which women are a means to an end for truce alliances.
Even though I knew the myth of Circe, I enjoyed reading the novel, it being compelling and gripping. It is no original story, it has been told many times before, but still this version has its worth of existence, as it is told of the perspective of Circe. (?) In addition to that the novel is written very visual, sensual and vivid: you can imagine the sounds and smells as you read it. It is fun to read this wonderful language. A world, that both seems to be real and magical, is created. With lots of parallels to our society. The world of the gods and titans is cruel and unmoral. That might be the reason why for Circe the exile seems to be more of an escape than a punishment, giving her the opportunity to develop her powers. At this point: how stupid are the gods to send a witch to an island by herself? It is obvious that she will be working on her skills, becoming more dangerous for the gods. However, all in all, “Circe” gives an impression of Greek Mythology in an entertaining manner.
But not only the unusual story of Circe is
worth a read, also her thoughts and conclusions about solitude, love, mortality,
but also the acceptance of mistakes and the way she is treated and how she acts
as a woman are enriching (key word: pigs).
Everyone interested in Greek mythology will
have fun with this one, as it is an entertaining retelling. The novel is well
written, gripping and has lots of interesting topics. However, it did not touch
me on a personal level, this meaning I won’t give the highest rating. I was
impressed by the character of Circe, I was interested in the elements of Greek
mythology in it, but I missed the personal connection on a deeper level.
Favourite Quote: “The truth is men make terrible pigs.” p. 172
Rating: 3,5
—
Über “Ich bin Circe” von Madeline Miller
„Ich bin Circe“ von Madeline Miller scheint derzeit in jedem Buchladen als der Tipp ausgestellt sein, Instagram und Buchblogs sind überflutet und das Buchcover scheint mir andauernd ins Gesicht zu springen. Natürlich musste ich mir eine Ausgabe holen, um zu schauen, ob an dem Hype auch etwas dran ist. Und natürlich auch, um zu der sowieso schon bestehenden Menge an Rezensionen noch mehr hinzuzufügen.
Das Buch erzählt die Geschichte und den Lebensweg der Nymphe Circe, inspiriert von der griechischen Mythologie. Tochter des Gottes Helios und der Nymphe Perse, ist bereits direkt nach ihrer Geburt klar, dass sie keine gewöhnliche Nachkommin ist. Ihre Kindheit erweist sich als schwierig, ihre Andersartigkeit zieht die Verachtung ihrer Verwandtschaft mit sich. Sie entdeckt ihre Fähigkeiten und ihre Macht. Als schließlich diese durch einen Vorfall bekannt werden, schickt ihr Vater sie ins Exil. Sie wird auf eine einsame Insel verbannt, auf die sich nur selten Besucher verirren, dennoch ist Circes Weg voller Begegnungen, Intrigen und Machtspielchen und sie versucht ihren Platz zwischen den Unsterblichen und Sterblichen zu finden.
„Ich bin Circe“ ist ein Roman,
der von einer außergewöhnlichen Frau erzählt, die innerhalb des Romans zu
Selbstvertrauen, Stärke und Weisheit gelangt. Der Leser verfolgt dabei ihren
Werdegang: wie sie über Jahrhunderte Helden und Göttern, auch Sterblichen und
Unsterblichen und Monster und Liebhabern begegnet. Wie sie sowohl schlechte
Taten, als auch gute vollbringt, wie sie lernt und wächst. Sie entwickelt sich
dabei von einem Mädchen, das unbeachtet und verachtet wurde, sich selbst als
Monster sieht, zu einer selbstbewussten uns starken Frau- und das in einer
Welt, in der Frauen als Mittel zum Zweck, für Bündnisse und Verhandlungen,
benutzt werden.
Auch wenn mir die Geschichte von
Circe bekannt war, war der Roman dennoch spannend und fesselnd erzählt. Dabei
handelt es sich natürlich um keine neue Geschichte, diese wurden bereits
etliche Male berichtet, trotzdem hat der Roman seine Berechtigung. Erzählt aus
der Perspektive von Circe, gibt dies dem Leser einen völlig neuen Blickwinkel.
Dazu ist der Roman sehr visuell, sinnlich und lebhaft erzählt: man kann
Gerüche, Geräusche und Gefühle gut nachempfinden. Es macht eine Menge Spaß, die
wunderbare Sprache zu lesen und gleichzeitig lebendige Bilder im Kopf zu haben.
Es wird eine Welt kreiert, die magisch und real zugleich erscheint, mit
Parallelen zu unserer Gesellschaft. Die Götter, die selbstsüchtig auf ihren
Vorteil bedacht, Menschen unglücklich lassen, um deren Abhängigkeit zu
garantieren Sie sind rücksichtslos, sensationslustig, unmoralisch und grausam.
Deswegen scheint es Circe eher Rettung als Bestrafung zu sein, in Solitude auf
ihrer Insel zu leben und sich vollends auf ihre Fähigkeiten zu konzentrieren.
An dieser Stelle: Wie blöd ist es eigentlich eine Hexe auf eine einsame Insel
zu schicken? Ist doch irgendwie klar, dass sie ihre Macht entwickeln wird und
nicht Däumchen dreht. Es macht sie gefährlicher und unberechenbarer, aber das
haben die Götter wohl nicht wirklich durchdacht… Wie auch immer, die Welt
vermittelt zugleich einen nahen, als auch weit entfernten Eindruck. Insgesamt
bringt der Roman aber unterhaltsam die griechische Mythologie näher.
Aber nicht nur die
außergewöhnliche Geschichte von Circe macht dieses Buch lesenswert, auch ihre
Erkenntnisse über Themen wie Einsamkeit, Liebe, Sterblichkeit und
Unsterblichkeit, als auch die Akzeptanz von Fehlern und der Umgang damit, sind
bereichernd. Vor allem aber auch, wie sie als Frau behandelt wird und handelt (Schlüsselwort:
Schweine).
Jeder, der Interesse hat, sich
mit der griechischen Mythologie in einer unterhaltsamen Art und Weise zu
befassen, wird hier fündig werden. Der Roman ist mehr als gut geschrieben,
unterhaltsam und weist interessante Themen auf. Allerdings hat es mich jetzt
nicht persönlich weitergebracht oder tiefgehend bewegt, weshalb es nicht die
höchste Bewertung bekommen kann. Mich hat der Charakter der Circe beeindruckt,
ich fand die Elemente der griechischen Mythologie spannend und interessant, allerdings
fehlte mir persönlich der Bezug.
Lieblingszitat: “The truth is men make terrible pigs.” p.172
I know the Internet is not in the need for another “Perks of being a wallflower” blogpost. Everyone knows that this is one of the best contemporary YA books, if not THE best. But in this series, I want to present the books that shaped me as a reader and as a person and “The perks of being a wallflower” by Stephen Chbosky was one of them. Don’t expect a review, it is more an essay about how this book makes me feel and why I love it so much.
I have to admit I watched the movie before I
read the book. Here in Germany, the book was not as big as in the USA or UK, so
the first time I heard of it was in relation to the movie (at this point I also
have to confess, that I had a huge celebrity crush on Logan Lerman at that time…).
However, now it is one of most read books in my library. I regularly come back
to it and it is one of the books I always carry with me, when I am on holiday,
being a staple, I always have to come back to. For a long time I did not want to
share this book with my friends, maybe because of jealousy or fear of being
judged. Like Gollum in Lord of the Rings, I wanted my treasure
For all of you that have been living under a rock for the last decades, here is a brief summary of “The perks of being a wallflower”: Charlie is a freshman. He is shy, introverted and intelligent. In letters to an unknown person, he navigates us through his first year of high school: his new friendships, his first dating experiences, his family life and all his experiences growing up. I don’t want to spoil anything, so this might be the shortest summary I have ever done :D.
It is hard to pinpoint exactly what I love
about this book. Sure, it is not perfect, but it doesn’t matter. “The perks of
being a wallflower” describes perfectly how it is to grow up. How difficult it
is to speak up, to tackle family, friends and school, how hard it is to even find
friends, make the right decisions and to know what you want. Ans also how tough
handling mental health in your daily life can be. The book deals with topics
like love, friendship, mental health and growing up, but also topics like family,
self-confidence, trust and sexuality are covered. There are so many important
issues that have been talked about in this book. Each time I read it, other
subjects touch me and I think this is the reason why the book ages so well
(with me).
Charlie points out at one point in the book, he often likes, after reading a good book, to talk to the author. I would love to talk to Stephen Chbosky! I am always in awe how he nails to describe exactly how it feels being a teenager. Charlie, as a character is developing so much throughout the book, becoming more and more confident in his own skin, but also, he starts facing his past, his problems and his manners that don’t do him well. For his age he is wise and heart-breaking honest, seeing and noticing things, everyone ignores or overlooks. He asks the deep and heavy questions of life, that nag at me weeks later. Next to those heavy, deep and depressing parts, there are so many light and warming sections about friendship, love and being young. I just feel being understand, that I am not alone in this world. This book changed my perception of the world, being now more than ever cautious of judging people. There are so many stories out there in the backpacks of each person’s heart. “The perks of being a wallflower” made me realise this. I come to so many realisations after reading this book- every time. And I know this might be silly, but often I feel like I am the book or I live in this book. The point where reality and fiction are one. I am beyond grateful for that.
The Songs I love listening to while reading the book
I often wonder if I would identify myself with
Charlie, we have some similar character traits, the same reading taste, as well
as our perception of the world is alike. But I would not dare to compare myself
to such an intelligent, wise, thoughtful and intent character. I think I just
like to think I am as special as he is, but that is okay.
It is hard to wrap it all up because I could go
on forever writing about “The perks of being a wallflower”. This probably has
hardly been informative or helpful to anyone, but I hope you still enjoyed it. Like
the title of the series, this book made me as a person and forms by perception
of the world. I know I didn’t really do an argumentative job, writing this, but
maybe I still could impart my feelings and thought. I just really hope you have
read the book and if you haven’t you will do it sometime. And if you do, please
think of me. 😉
Which book creates the same feelings as reading
“The perks of being a wallflower” by Stephen Chbosky does to me, to you? What
are the books that made you?
Stay curious and join me on my next episode of “Books
that made me”, if you enjoyed this one as much as I did it!
Hope to hear from you!
Love, Giulia
P.S. I am so excited for “Imaginary friend” by Stephen Chbosky. You too?
A book review about “Radio Silence” by Alice Oseman
“I am, after all, only a voice on a radio, and there may not be anyone listening. I wonder- if nobody is listening to my voice, am I making any sound at all?”
-Radio Silence, Alice Oseman, p. 1
This quote is from the first page of “Radio Silence”, and it already hit me there. It summarizes in my opinion the feeling of our whole generation, everyone aspiring to be heard in this world full of noise. Everyone lonelier than one can be, while still needing somebody to listen. The book continues portraying our generation, the ups and downs and the struggles and fear of young adults. But first a short summary:
“Radio Silence” tells the story of Frances, an ambitious student, working and studying hard to get into Harvard (haha “Harvard” basically means WORK HARD). Despite her mom, Frances has no real friends. The only thing she is looking forward to, is listening to “Universe City”, a Sci-Fi YouTube podcast show, in which a student tries to escape a futuristic university and creating Fanart for it. As she meets Aled, everything begins to change and suddenly the importance of friendship, trust and honesty becomes clear.
Literally my essentials…
“Radio Silence” is one of the books that affects
you for weeks after finishing it. Thinking about it now puts me right back to
the mix of feelings I felt reading it, and in my opinion, this is one of the
greatest gifts an author can give you as a reader. I cannot express how much I
liked this book. The thoughts, doubts and fears felt very familiar and relatable,
all of them concerning decisions that affect one’s life so deeply, that you can
barely breathe. Personally, some parts of the books hit me hard and were
emotionally so intense that I could not continue (I read it on the train- BAD
IDEA).
However, it was nice to read finally something
about people in my age, that struggle with the same problems and doubts as I
currently am. Often in books, movies or in music, choosing what to do with your
life seems so easy and simple, the protagonist always knows his/her passions, interest
and strengths, whereas I think that there are so many paths and opportunities
to choose from, making the decision impossible. The book also portrays the
importance of social media to the youth today and how it affects many lives,
positively and negatively. For Aled and Frances is the Internet a safe space,
but it can quickly change to the destruction of your mental health. I don’t want
to spoil the clue of “Universe City”, but I just want to acknowledge the
brilliance and the emotional depth of the concept.
Furthermore, I want to worship that this book
is not a romance (loved that chapter where Frances exactly points out that this
is not a romance). Even though there are romantic elements, the friendship is
the main focus of the story. I just love the friendship of Aled and Frances! They
seem so comfortable, real and true to themselves when they are with each other,
expressed for example in their outfit choices (Btw who else is jealous of their
outfits?). I also love how they are the best version of themselves when in each
other’s company. I mean, that’s what friendship is about, isn’t it? Not to
forget the relationship between Frances and her mother. It is so genuine,
loving and supportive, but still demanding. Her Mom is just so cool, sharing
interests with her and supporting her without being overprotective, even though
I have to admit: I did not like her in the beginning. All the characters felt
real to me, they are clever, multi-layered and interesting. I would love to
meet them all in real life, here on my sofa to drink tea and tell all our
secrets. What will happen with Carys and Raine? What about Daniel? I just want
to get to know all of them…
Concerning the writing style, it felt young, easy and real. The reading felt more like a conversation or like I am watching everything happen in real life. The language suits the characters, the story and the audience. After every chapter I had the urge to continue reading, that’s why I devoured it so quickly. At this point I have to admit that I usually skip reading chapter titles, but the chapter titles in “Radio Silence” were like little riddles, that ACTUALLY MADE FUN.
Everyone looking for a YA Novel with elements
of the Digital Age, that is sometimes depressing, very thoughtful, but also
portrays the friendship you always wanted: give this book a go! It is a quick
and easy read, but pay attention: emotionally very intense. It is kind of funny
to think about but this book is about young adults wanting to escape, and the
book itself is such a good book to escape. ESCAPINCEPTION.
I really want to read it again now.
These are the songs I listened to, while reading “Radio Silence”
Favorite Quote: “how many miserable young
people does it take to change a lightbulb. Please, I am serious, I have been
sitting in the dark for two weeks” or “does anyone have any tips for avoiding
sinking into the concrete?”
Favourite Moment: Huh. Hard Question. The trip
to Cambridge? The learning session with Aled? His birthday? The first time they
meet? So many…
Rating: 5
Have you read “Radio Silence”? What are your
thoughts? And do you have something similar to recommend?
What will your Verse be? 