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Audiobook Chapter 3:
Merricat grows more unsettling here, her strict routines and “magic words” feel like attempts to control a fragile world. The repetition hints that change is coming, even if she resists it. Uncle Julian is trapped in the past, endlessly reliving the poisoning, adding to the eerie, stagnant atmosphere. Constance still seems to be moving about in a daze, just going about cooking and cleaning.

Chapter 2:
More details emerge about the family and the poisoning, but nothing feels fully reliable. Constance is gentle yet confined, while Merricat’s control and darker thoughts become clearer. Constance almost feels like she has no autonomy, she's just moving through life in the role she was given. Hints to neglect as children but Constance seems to still be in the same role, nurturing, cooking, gardening, etc.

Chapter 1:
Merricat’s voice is unsettling from the start. She has rigid routines, strange rules, and a deep fear of people. The village’s hostility toward the Blackwoods feels childish and almost ritualistic. Like it's learned behavior and they're just continuing it. There’s repetition and eerie foreshadowing. You immediately sense something is very wrong beneath the surface. With both Merricat and the town.

Book VII: A lot of this chapter focuses on the idea that nothing is truly new and that change is necessary for life. Marcus also compares humans to bees, saying everyone has a role in society and contributes to the whole. Some of the ideas about making your own moral decisions rather than following others are solid, but the constant return to “nothing matters because we’ll all die” still feels contradictory.

Book VIII: Is this man depressed? These are not happy thoughts. Marcus keeps referencing great philosophers and their morals while also saying you should make your own decisions and not be influenced by others, which feels contradictory. There’s also the idea that people act based on what they believe is good or bad, which almost reads like justifying behaviour if someone thinks they’re right.

Book VI: Really leans into the concept that nothing really matters in the grand scheme of the universe, which still feels quite depressing. Again, invent therapy faster?? That said, there are a few ideas I actually like here, particularly the point about being content with yourself and not being dissatisfied with your life. That what's good for you is good for everybody (assuming your aim isn't harm)

Book V: There’s a lot about doing good things without expecting anything in return and living morally regardless of recognition. The sentiments are right I just think his way of going about them are wrong. It’s also very religious, with multiple references to the gods and prayer. This part really made me question why on earth I got recommended this book.

Book IV: Really leans into the idea that humans are tiny and insignificant in the universe, so trivial things don’t really matter. A lot of it focuses on controlling how you react to things, if you don’t let something harm you mentally, it won’t harm you. This is an unrealistic approach and one that only someone of power could really believe.

Book III: This book is so pessimistic. Its main focus is life is short and then you die. There’s a lot about keeping control of your mind, living morally, and not being distracted by pleasure or desire. He leans heavily into ideas about discipline, chastity, and devotion to the gods. This isn't a book written for others, it's a reflection of his inner thoughts. Ancient Romans could probably use some therapy.

Book II: This shifts more into Marcus reflecting on nature, the gods, and the shortness of life. A lot of it is just reminders to himself that life is brief and opportunities shouldn’t be wasted. There’s also a focus on controlling emotions and not letting pleasure or anger guide your actions. Still very religious and very much reading like someone trying to discipline their own mind.

Book I: It feels like a series of acknowledgements and reminders to himself. Very tied to the worldview of the time though, with references to obedient wives and a clear sense this is written by and for men in positions of power. Still reading very much like a private diary.

Credits Review: Honestly a lot of the values he highlights are good ones; being kind, treating people fairly, and respecting others regardless of position. At the same time it’s very clearly written from the perspective of ancient Rome, with mentions of obedient wives and slavery that feel dated. Overall it seems like him reflecting on the qualities that shaped him. This is a diary and definitely reads like one.

They literally have one page together and there's already tension! Everything is kinda moving very slowly right now (or maybe that's just my reading pace...), excited for some more action-y bits so hopefully that's coming soon.

Just started this book and I'm obsessed. Haven't read anything in months, decided to grab this while I was waiting to go for drinks with my friends and honestly didn't even see them walk into the pub I was that locked in on reading this. Can't wait to read more already lol

Im listening to the audio book of this and honestly it feels a bit like a chore. I started reading it because I was dating someone and we said we'd read each others favorite book. I don't recommend doing this. Do not read books for men.

Anyway. So far the book has been about self-discipline and inner peace - but it indirectly reinforces misogynistic cultural stereotypes, though women are largely excluded from it.

Never read a book for a man.

I'm a little frustrated with how hard I'm finding it to read this book. I can't seem to get into it and I hope it picks up soon because I want a book that people literally have to rip from my hands to stop me from reading it and this book so far has been pretty easy to put down. Hoping this changes in the next few pages...

Forgot to add this onto my Goodreads on Sunday when I started it but it's been 3 days and I'm nearly finished the book, which is more than I can say about any book in the past 5 years. Haven't been able to finish a book in ages and this one has fully reminded me why I like reading. Though I've gotten some spoilers so I'm wary about the ending...

This book is good so fair. Up until page 17 is definitely for mothers/ and wives. But I relate to some of it especially the first poem.

The more I'm reading, the more I'm questioning why I continue to read...