Month: August 2023
Book Review by Gabriella L.
(1979) 288 pages
Kindred is a compelling novel, combines history, time travel, along with science fiction into one. Throughout the story, the main protagonist, Dana, repeatedly travels back and forth between the year 1976 and the 1810s (and later). I felt this was a hard read, as I was a little confused because of the whole time travel aspect. Though it was a little confusing, I felt I got a good lesson out of it; it shone light on topics that are often overlooked, such as the truly harsh conditions of slavery and uncomfortable daily life in the 1800s.
I found this story to be captivating because it shows the stark contrast of how people can be treated differently, simply because of race. Not only does this story go over topics of racial inequality, but also gender inequality, and we see that represented through two different perspectives: of Dana and her husband Kevin. For example, Dana is an African American woman, while her husband is a white man. Traveling back to the 1800s, you can probably imagine how different their worlds became. Dana becomes treated harshly as a slave while Kevin is able to go on with his life without much complications. This is quite unfortunate and depressing, yet it is a sad truth of how those back then lived.
If I had gotten transported back to the 1800s, I don’t think I’d ever really adjust to life; however, Dana says that after a few months of living in those conditions, it was easy for her and Kevin to adjust to their roles in society. I felt this situation of being transported in time was sort of helpless; no matter how much they wanted to, Dana and Kevin could never really just change what was happening around them, simply because that’s just how they lived back then. No matter the amount of prejudice and unfair circumstances in that time period, they were forced to face the sad truth that nothing would stop the injustice.
At the very start of the book, Butler sort of ‘spoils’ the ending, which I found intriguing, and it made me want to read the story even further. I did feel like the story was quite long, and some chapters not necessary, but each part of the book encapsulates you in such a way that it’s hard to put the book down. There’s never really a dull moment throughout; though not all of the story is joyful and happy, the book was still interesting, despite the violence and brutalities. Overall, though the story might be aggravating and difficult to read because of the disturbing themes, I do think that it would be good to read such a book, as it educates and gets emotions out of the reader.
Movie Review by Marisa Y.
Rated TV-PG, 1 hour 46 minutes
Your Name is a Japanese film directed by Makoto Shinkai who is also known for Weathering with You, Suzume, and The Garden of Words. The movie is told from the perspectives of Mitsuha Miyamizu, a high school girl living in the rural town of Itomori, and Taki Tachibana, a high school boy living in Tokyo.
Mitsuha lives with her grandmother and her younger sister, Yotsuha, after the death of her mother. Her father, Toshiki Miyamizu, abandoned his family after being rejected by the traditional Miyamizu Shrine. He is portrayed as a very stern and strict mayor of Itomori. Mitsuha feels restricted by her family tradition and has a strong desire to leave Itomori and move to Tokyo as soon as she graduates high school.
On the other hand, Taki lives with his father and works part-time at an Italian restaurant where he initially falls in love with Okudera-senpai. He expresses an interest in art, astronomy, and architecture as shown through his drawings.
After Mitsuha performs at the festival one night, she yells “I want to be a handsome boy in Tokyo in my next life!”. The next day, Mitsuha wakes up in Taki’s Body and Taki wakes up in Mitsuha’s body. As they gradually adjust, both Taki and Mitsuha enjoy each other’s life. They communicate with each other using a phone app which develops into a much stronger relationship. They also begin to understand each other’s struggles and perspectives after repeatedly swapping bodies for several days.
However, the phenomenon eventually stops. As a result, Taki embarks on a journey with his friend and Okudera-senpai to meet Mitsuha in Itomori. During his journey, Taki learns that a comet has crushed Itomori and killed a third of the population there. Taki then realizes that there was a time lag between them when they were switching bodies. After switching bodies for the one last time, the two of them quickly come up with a plan to stop history from repeating itself.
After the plan works, Mitsuha and Taki are able to see each other again in Tokyo. They ask each other, “Your Name?” which is where the movie ends.
Through this movie, readers are able to engage with the theme of love, tradition, fate, and identity as we see the two characters swap identities. The desire to live another person’s life allows us to think about the importance of our own identity and the power of fate. The lines, “I wanted to tell you that wherever you may be in the world, I swear that I will find you again. No matter what it takes” are famous and has a significant meaning since it shows how nothing can stop or destroy the strong bond between the two characters despite the time-lag and their own personal struggles they have in their own life.
The music and the animation in “Your Name” are exceptionally beautiful as it uses a variety of colors to illustrate the scenery contrasting the two completely different lives of Mitsuha and Taki. The music and the lyrics are connected with the movie allowing readers to feel the tone and emotions of the characters in the movie.
Book Review by Jason L.
Deacon King Kong by James McBride
(2020) 384 pages
Deacon King Kong by James McBride is a captivating novel that takes readers on a journey through the vibrant streets of 1960s Brooklyn. This beautifully written tale is a testament to the power of community and the potential for redemption.
At the center of the story is Sportcoat, a lovable and eccentric deacon who unexpectedly shoots a drug dealer in the Cause Houses housing project. This single act sets off a chain of events that intertwines the lives of various residents, revealing deep-seated secrets and unexpected connections. McBride expertly crafts a narrative filled with colorful characters and unexpected plot twists that keep readers engaged from start to finish.
One of the novel’s greatest strengths lies in its richly drawn characters. From Sportcoat’s endearing quirkiness to the sharp-tongued Sister Gee, each individual feels alive and authentic. McBride’s masterful storytelling gives depth to even the smallest supporting characters, making them memorable and relatable. It is through these characters that the novel explores themes of faith, friendship, and forgiveness, leaving a lasting impact on the reader.
McBride’s writing style is a joy to behold. With a mix of humor, poignancy, and sharp wit, he brings the streets of Brooklyn to life. His ability to capture the essence of the time and place, as well as the diverse voices of the community, is remarkable. The dialogue crackles with authenticity and adds an extra layer of depth to the narrative.
While the novel is a compelling and enjoyable read, there are moments where the pacing feels slightly uneven. The multitude of subplots and characters can occasionally detract from the central storyline, causing minor disruptions in the overall flow. However, this minor flaw does little to diminish the overall impact and enjoyment of the book.
In conclusion, Deacon King Kong is a captivating and thought-provoking novel that explores the complexities of human relationships and the power of forgiveness. With its vibrant characters, engaging plot, and poignant themes, it is a testament to James McBride’s talent as a storyteller. If you’re seeking a book that will transport you to a different time and place while leaving you with a profound sense of connection, Deacon King Kong is well worth the read.
