Joshua’s Comments (group member since Oct 05, 2020)

Joshua’s comments from the YHS Class of 2023 group.

American Psycho by Bret Easton Ellis

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


American Psycho, by Bret Easton Ellis, is quite possibly one of my favorite books I have ever read. I give this book a firm 5/5 stars, both on an objective level, and on a subjective one. It tells the story of one Patrick Bateman, a stockbroker in 1980's new york, who struggles to balance his appearance in high urban culture with his latent homicidal urges and his lack of grasp on reality. Ellis really well captures the thoughts of a depraved serial killer, and the characterization of Batemen truly is fantastic. In addition, the often more than necessary setting details really push just how crazy and intense of a place New York was during that time. In my opinion, the flaws of this book are very few and far between, but if I had to pick out any, it would be that it can be extremely confusing at times. The novel is written in a stream of consciousness style, so some pages are just lists of appliances, while other chapters are simply critiques of 1980's pop music, which some readers may enjoy while others won't. I'd recommend this book to almost anyone, it truly was a fun read, but particularly to anyone who enjoys a more-so psychological thriller. The main thing is that there are a large number of people who would not like this book. A reader must be prepared for graphic depictions of violence, sex, sexual violence, cannibalism, profanity, homophobia, xenophobia, and drug use. However, these elements are necessary to convey the tone of this novel and the setting therein, and if you can stomach them, I believe it will make the story even better.



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The Fifth Season by N.K. Jemisin

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


The Fifth Season, by N.K. Jemisin, transports you into a world of mystery, a world of strange societies and stranger magic, yet it's a world that feels strangely similar to our own. This book takes place in a world called "The Stillness", a world where sudden extreme geological phenomena are not only expected but even controlled by some people. There, it follows the stories of 3 separate girls, each trying to survive in the difficult circumstances of this world. Overall, I think this book is great, as it not only delivers on excellent fantasy worldbuilding and action, but also touches on important issues, such as racism, transphobia, homophobia, and abuses of power. The depth Jemisin took in her magic system is incredible, and its interconnectedness to the story really shows just how good and experienced an author she is. However, I feel that the majority of the book is extremely heavy, because of the worldbuilding and deep subject matter, so I would not recommend this to anyone looking for a quick or easy read. I think sci-fi and fantasy fans of heavier work, such George R.R. Martin or Frank Herbert, would severely enjoy this book, as would anybody looking for a challenging, yet enjoyable book that's not afraid to be exposed to difficult issues.



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