Reviewing the Three Body Problem by Cixin Liu. 4.5/5, a phenomenal science fiction book. It reminds us all of the contradictions of humanity. The good, the bad, the amazing, and the failures. Really great read, highly recommend. It’s also a serious.
All in Media Reviews
Vestry for Lunch
Reviewing the Vestry NYC Restaurant! An amazing experience all around, very welcoming staff, I highly encourage everyone to try the innovative and amazing Japanese-American fare.
The Devil in the White City
A book review of The Devil in the White City by Erik Larson. 4.78/5 Give take.
Bâtard Tribeca: A Culinary Experience
This. Food. Was. Exceptional. I wrote a review about my dinner at Bâtard, where I was gratefully to join my friends Luke and Steve. Please enjoy the review and the photos!
I call these reading Journeys Against the Echo Chamber as I try to honestly approach a book from a perspective I would never agree with. Turns out, pretty garbage book. 0.0/5. Bad writing, bad arguments, bad namecalling. I wouldn’t recommend reading it unless you’d also like to see the roots of the current political climate stemming from the anti-Obama rhetoric.
3.1/5.0 It’s unremarkably good. Strong morals, diverse cast, relate-able. Quick read, vaguely simplistic and straightforward. Got the book in an interesting way though!
Bit of a fun one. I love AtLA, and in many rewatching, I can find lots of fun things to pick up on. In this post, I use Iroh's relationship with tea throughout the show as another example of a thesis that Avatar showcases. [S/O TJ for reading critically and offering thoughts. I gave it some added emphasis to address his thoughtfulness]
No Spoilers. Just a few sentences. 8.5/10
The Alchemist is a crafted story, like an epic poem, that could be unwound every day, slowly, at a fireside. It builds places that tower the protagonist, situations that are fanciful and delightful and foreign. It gave me an unearned nostalgia and the temptations of a dream all at once. 5.00/5.00
Black Panther stands above and apart in the Parthenon of superhero movies in many aspects. It's diverse, it's got a great message, it looks beautiful, and it's an important and successful first step to making the mainstream more representative. There's a few legitimate criticisms, but that's high level nitpicking. However, that's pretty much what this blog is!
Reread Americanah for a book club. 4.54/5.00. Could touch on poverty more. Occasionally bias/generalizes. But all the characters and their stories are great. Has astute observations and situations that are well worth understanding and dissecting.
I’d give this book a strong 4.10. It is great, but it’s difficult to read. I learned something, indoctrinated myself into a different culture. The book made me think deeply about what it is and what the author was trying to convey, and I think I did understand and appreciate it. I don't have much reference books because it's such an alien culture to me. But that might have made me appreciate it more.
4.59/5.00 Great Graphic novel, also very representative in a field that could use it. Worth analyzing and pouring over. Beautiful all around.
4.20/5.00 Not without flaws but the world building, philosophical quandaries, unique narration make this instant classic worth reading and discussing. Will watch and update with Blade Runner.
5th book club book. 4.17/5.00 Definitely worth reading, unique in it’s focus and characters. I think I may have missed some of the nuances as I’ve never read the Bible. Some very well written passages lent to a good flow and pace. Interesting perspectives on women’s health and their histories. I thought it may have missed an opportunity to expand on Dinah’s experiences raising a child.
Excellent. A spiritual successor to Catcher in the Rye, but more resonate in my mind. I highly suggest everyone puts this on their required reading list, and revisit as often as possible. It's short, nuanced, striking honest, and fulfilling. A masterpiece. 4.96/5.00
I do a bit of a review/analysis, reflecting on what the book has taught me and why I love it so.
Get Out is just an excellent movie, worth watching two or three times at least. I highlight a couple interesting things I pick up and offer high praise for it's acting, shots, score, plot, humor, and message. Everyone should watch! [SPOILERS]
Read A Scanner Darkly and watched the movie with friends
Overall, great book, great movie, highly recommended. 4.35 Book, 4.1 movie. Great universe and interesting story. Plus for such a unique blend of sci-fi and poverty/drug addiction. Possibly would require me to reread closer for a deeper understanding and appreciation.
Review for A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini. 4.63/5.00 It's a beautiful book. Builds amazingly complicated characters and then shows this firework of emotion and humanity. Everyone should read it.
3.76/5.00 Slight bias in his favor. Great idea, reasonable execution. Entertaining if you’re a fan of the style. I go on a bit about Nuclear War. SPOILERS AHEAD. Not that it matters too much.