Book Review: The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller

The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller

My rating: 2 of 5 stars


I read TSOA after Circe (which I absolutely loved).

I suppose, if I had read TSOA on its own, BEFORE Circe, I would have liked it more or given it a higher rating.

However, when you're fresh from the magic of Circe and you read TSOA, the first novel falls short in comparison.

By a lot.

It's basically well-written fanfiction that doesn't justify the Php 700.00 I spent on it (to think the cover was slightly damaged and the original selling price was Php 1,200.00).

Then again, the good news is that Madeline Miller got so much better with her second novel. I look forward to reading her third!



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Book Review: The Wife by Meg Wolitzer

The Wife by Meg Wolitzer

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


"The moment I decided to leave him, the moment I thought, ENOUGH, we were 35,000 feet above the ocean, hurtling forward but giving the illusion of stillness and tranquility. Just like our marriage."

These were the opening lines to this novel, which piqued my interest because it was made into a movie with Glenn Close and Jonathan Pryce. While I can't say I enjoyed it or particularly liked it, I do have to admire the writing. Anyone who can make the reader feel like they've lived through an entire lifetime, in a matter of 220 pages, is someone worth reading. Thankfully, not all marriages are like the one portrayed here. This novel underscores the importance of never letting love get in the way of becoming one's own person.



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Book Review: Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury

Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


"Don't look to be saved by any one thing, person, machine, or library. Do your own bit of saving, and if you drown, at least die knowing you were headed for shore."

I finished this book in one seating! Long-overdue. No wonder it's a classic. Written in 1953 yet timely in its observations about people and their governments ("The most dangerous enemy to truth and freedom: the solid, unmoving cattle of the majority."), it reminds me of the movies EQUILIBRIUM and THE BOOK OF ELI. Wouldn't be surprised if the writers of those films were influenced by this one. The hype is well-deserved.



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