Winser Espinal > Recent Status Updates

I wanted to understand what the internet is doing to our brains and so far I have got bits and pieces of the answer to that question while opening my mind to the cyclical nature of progress. From Gutenberg to Frankfurt, this book is a journey through the history of media and how it has influenced the way we see the world. More than a book, so far, this has been a call for action!

This book quickly managed to become one of my favorite books ever and I haven't even finished it yet. The way it tells the stories of both Lewis and Tolkien has managed to entice me to keep reading non-stop. So far, this book has empowered me to truly understand the origins of modern fantasy beyond Tolkien and Lewis while still admiring their contribution to the genre.

Book: The Shallows
Chapter: A medium of the most general nature

This is a rather bleak chapter that recounts how the printed word has been gradually replaced by newer technologies.

It is interesting to see that regardless of external influences, the masses played the main role when it comes to implementing these changes.

I've been led to believe that big tech only needed to tilt the playboard slightly...

Book: The Shallows
Chapter: The Deepening Page

Reading is an unnatural process that ultimately rewired our brains. Its unexpected benefits led us to what some call "the still point of the turning world," a point that enabled our brains to have thoughts come to us more readily. This rewiring occurred as our brains adapted themselves to read.

What will happen if we fosake reading?

Book: The Shallows
Chapter: Tools of the Mind

Is technology a tool that we fully control, or are we just technology's sex organs? The latter implies that when technology has advanced enough to prolifarate itself, we will no longer be needed.

This chapter opened my mind to a grim possibility. We are no longer in control or won't be for long.

Book: The Shallows
Chapter 3: The Vital Paths

The connections within one's brain, not a topic I ever thought I'd study. However, look at me now, trying to figure out where my old brain went after the so-called digital era took over.

The good news is that our brains are malleable. Therefore, we can nurture them back to health. The bad news is that, as our brains are malleable, they can easily pick up bad habits.

Book: The Shallows
Chapter 1: Hal and me

This shocking cautionary tell of a book unapologetically showcases everything that is wrong with the way we consume media today.

The medium is the message. Therefore, the internet might not be as beneficial to us as I once thought.

We usually think that the convenience brought by technology makes us masters of the machine, but what if the opposite is actually true...

"The Ride of the Rohirrim"

Ride now, ride now, ride to Gondor!

This chapter reflects Tolkien's passion for his craft as he narrates one of the most important battles in the history of fantasy literature.

It's definitely a chapter I'd read again.

"The Siege of Gondor"

As Minas Tirith faces its darkest hour, the calm before the storm shatters as enemy troops encircle the city.

Hope is fading. Will Rohan come? This chapter showcases Tolkien's brilliance as a writer, masterfully, by telling a story that sinks to its lowest point only to soar with a single triumphant line:

"Rohan had come at last"

Everything one needs to know about the geography of the Shire is in this booklet.

"The Muster of Rohan"

As the shadow takes over, the valor of the Rohirrim wanes. In such a dark hour, Meriadoc won't be left behind regardless of Theoden king's warnings. He wishes to see battle despite the consequences...

"The Passing of The Grey Company"

The might of the Dúnedain shone like the sun in this chapter. As Aragorn prepares to abandon stealth, he faces Éowyn in a grim contest of words that masterfully showcases the value of the so-called shield maiden of Rohan. The outcome of this confrontation leaves Eowyn devastated as Aragorn and his company ride towards their alleged doom. Be ready to meet the Oathbreakers!

"Minas Tirith"

Walking around Minas Tirith is a pleasure that only the book can offer. After seeing Gondor's last bastion through Pippin's eyes, I can't help but want to learn more about the Gondorians.

We get a glimpse of the different houses that serve Gondor as Pippin and Beregond's son witness the arrival of what might be called Denethor's closest allies.

So far, everything is clearly explained and easy to follow.

"The Choices of Master Samwise"

This brought a smile to my face:

‘And what is it then?’ growled Shagrat.

‘By all the signs, Captain Shagrat, I’d say there’s a large warrior loose, Elf most likely, with an elf-sword anyway, and an axe as well maybe; and he’s loose in your bounds, too, and you’ve never spotted him. Very funny indeed!’ Gorbag spat. Sam smiled grimly at this description of himself.

"Shelob's Lair"

Facing darkness is humanity's chief fear — this is often just a fancy way of referring to the unknown.

We tend to hate what we don't know almost as passionately as we fear what we can't see. I believe that the statements above explain why this chapter works so well.

The horror of facing Shelob felt real, menacing and almost unbearable. This is a chapter that will haunt my nightmares for a while.

"The Stairs of Cirith Ungol"

I was hit hard by Sam's speech:

"But I expect they had lots of chances, like us, of turning back, only they didn't. And if they had, we shouldn't know because they'd have been forgotten."

Today, I really wanted to give up... This chapter pushed me towards continuing the fight.

"Journey to the Cross-roads"

Gollum is acting like the perfect guide again, and on their way to Cirith Ungol, he's been relentlessly guiding the Hobbits towards their destination.

This chapter makes sure the reader notices the stark contrast between Gondor and Mordor.

This chapter's conclusion filled me with hope as Frodo claims that "the king has got a crown again [...] they cannot conquer forever. "

"The Forbidden Pool"

Frodo and Smeagol's master-servant relationship is a thing of wretchesness. Frodo is obviously exploiting him while Smeagol is clearly plotting betrayal.

You might be inclined to say that Frodo is doing this for the greater good, but you'd have to admit that it is still uncomfortable to witness such a power dynamic.

I like how everybody is fully aware of the risk of trusting Gollum.

"The Window on the West"

Faramir's wisdom impressed me a great deal. His conversation with Frodo was an intense battle of wits unlike anything I have read before.

In the end, Frodo came out on top, but Faramir was able to show his quality.

Yes, handsome is what handsome does.

"Of herbs and stewed rabbit"

With a name like this, I was expecting a slow and cozy chapter; I did get that, but I also got one of the most intense battles this book has to offer after Helm's Deep.

It was very interesting to learn more about the Rangers of Ithilien, I knew they were a thing, but I did not know they were Dunedain just like their northern counterpart.

"The Black Gate is Closed"

Frodo's wildest burn yet is delivered in this chapter:

'In last need Smeagol, I should put on the Precious; and the Precious mastered you long ago. If I, wearing it, were to command you, you'd obey, even if it were to leap from a precipice or to cast yourself into the fire. And such would be my command. So have care, Smeagol!'

Even Sam shuddered upon hearing his master speak those words.

"The Passage of the Marshes"

The Dead Marshes have probably inspired many modern fantasy epics to include foul places in their stories; the eerie aura of this place felt suffocating, I was especially impressed by the fact that only Hobbits would have been able to make such a journey, as a heavier race would surely have drowned.

Frodo, Sam, and Gollum end this chapter as they get ready to enter Mordor...

"The taming of Smeagol"

This chapter begins with Frodo and Sam's challenging descent from Emyn Muil. I find it surprising that even though this is supposed to happen at the same time Aragorn and the Fellowship started their Rohan adventure, this part of the story is given to us kind of like a flash back. Anyway, book Frodo demonstrates his prowess by taming Smeagol masterfully through the power of The One Ring.

I just finished reading the 1st booklet of this starter set. It was a fairly comprehensive summary of The One Ring's 2E's rules.

I will need to read this again, but I really liked the mechanics of this game.

This is my first TTRPG, but I don't think I would have been able to start this journey if I hadn't been reading books nonstop since the beginning of this year.

I feel like my ability to focus has actually improved, and that makes me feel great.

This is my first time reading a rule book for a Table Top Role Playing Game, but the reviews for this one are so great that I couldn't help but give it a chance. So far, I love how it totally respects Tolkien's legacy. This book is supposed to help immerse its readers into an epic adventure throughout Middle-earth. I am excited about further developing my storytelling skills, and this book will help a lot.

"The Palantir"

Magical items are quite rare in Middle-earth. Even when you encounter them, their magic is often akin to that in Gabriel García Márquez’s "One Hundred Years of Solitude," so subtle that one might overlook having witnessed actual magic.

The Palantíri and the One Ring are obvious exceptions to this rule. Despite their lack of subtlety, these artifacts remain shrouded in mystery.

"The voice of Saruman"

This chapter feels more like a cautionary tale than an epic fantasy story, but that's great. Tolkien's genius lies in his ability to see the general in the particular and the strange in the familiar. Through Saruman, we learn the dangers of letting our thirst for power guide us. This is particularly powerful when you realize that most people could not easily see through his lies...

"Floatsam and Jetsam"

Merry and Pippin have just followed the Ents to Isengard, Saruman is trapped in Orthanc, but as they reunite with Aragorn, Gimli and Legolas, Gandalf and Theoden leave them behind in order to have long conversation with Treebeard.

This chapter focuses on the Hobbits' account of what happened to them after the breaking of the fellowship. Favorite quote:
"Get up, you tom-fool of a Took!"