jessegabriel
Fraser Valley Regional Library
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For Whom the Bell TollsFor Whom the Bell Tolls, Book
by Hemingway, ErnestBook - 2003 | First Scribner trade paperback editionBook, 2003. First Scribner trade paperback edition
Added Mar 20, 2022
The Gulag Archipelago, 1918-1956The Gulag Archipelago, 1918-1956, BookVolume 3 / An Experiment in Literary Investigation
by Solzhenit︠s︡yn, Aleksandr IsaevichBook - 2007Book, 2007
jessegabriel's rating:
Added Aug 13, 2021
jessegabriel's rating:
Added Jul 03, 2021
jessegabriel's rating:
Added Jun 26, 2021
Comment:
Dostoyevsky KNOWS how to write excellent characters, and he KNOWS how to convey ideas that will grip you and toss you on your back. There's a lot of religion, philosophy, and spirituality on these pages, nestled in an honestly thrilling crime drama (though the crime takes place 3/4 way through the book). I enjoyed catching a glimpse into 19th-century Russian life, as it relates to the religious practices of the day, the rising wave of humanistic thoughts, views of God, and beliefs/superstitions of the lower and upper classes. It's long but well worth the read, and not boring I might add, as even with 1045 pages it's difficult to put down at times!Dostoyevsky KNOWS how to write excellent characters, and he KNOWS how to convey ideas that will grip you and toss you on your back. There's a lot of religion, philosophy, and spirituality on these pages, nestled in an honestly thrilling crime drama…
When Quietness CameWhen Quietness Came, BookA Neuroscientist's Personal Journey With Schizophrenia
by Hawkes, Erin L.Book - 2012Book, 2012
jessegabriel's rating:
Added May 06, 2021
Comment:
I didn't finish the entirety of this book. I read through halfway and then skimmed very quickly through the rest, reading only the last two chapters fully. It wasn't that the book was poorly written or overall 'bad,' but my interest was just lost in the repetitiveness. The repetitiveness is not faulty on her part, as it accurately describes her experience in hospitalization and the continual return of her schizophrenia, but I just felt like I could get the gist of the rest of the book by the halfway point. I figured that since I already have a huge reading list that I want to tackle, it would be better to let this book go.
Nonetheless, it opened my eyes to Schizophrenia as a horrible mental illness and the suffering of those who experience it. Specifically reading about her delusions, paranoia, and suicidality, which made her life an all-too-real living hell, I grew in my empathy as I came down to the level of what it would be like to live with such a mental disease. It was also important for me to learn about the effects of medication, and the vast pharmacological complexity that involves Schizophrenic treatment. I, however, wish she would have included more neuroscience into the book, which I was hoping she would have, considering her PhD and apparent rewards in the field.I didn't finish the entirety of this book. I read through halfway and then skimmed very quickly through the rest, reading only the last two chapters fully. It wasn't that the book was poorly written or overall 'bad,' but my interest was just lost in…
One Day in the Life of Ivan DenisovichOne Day in the Life of Ivan Denisovich, Book
by Solzhenit︠s︡yn, Aleksandr IsaevichBook - 2008Book, 2008
jessegabriel's rating:
Added Mar 23, 2021
Comment:
The simplicity of this book is what makes it so impactful. There is no need for fillers or extravagant events, nothing that would otherwise be identifiable in "action" books, like a grand escape, etc. The simplicity of Ivan's day holds volumes in weight, especially considering the story is based on true events (the author's experience), which only increases the impact a reader feels. The characters feel real; almost too real. It feels as if every time "One Day" is opened those imprisoned souls come back to life, repeating the days they were designated to repeat for upwards of years (or for some, 25 years).
It's a short and simple story about a day in the incarceration of an insignificant ant - Ivan Denisovich - in the grand scheme of the rolling machinery that was the Gulag. But do not be fooled, even though short and labelled "simple," "One Day" is anything but rudimentary writing, every page is packed in what seems to be reality and truth itself.
Read this book. Not only will you feel grateful for the ease of your life, but you'll leave with a better understanding of the Soviet Gulag system and the unfortunate lives that were caught in its gears. And above all, I hope that by reading this you transcend. The Gulag Archipelago by the same author - Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn - is highly recommended after reading this book, even though long and focused solely on non-fiction, it's the required book in understanding the USSR.The simplicity of this book is what makes it so impactful. There is no need for fillers or extravagant events, nothing that would otherwise be identifiable in "action" books, like a grand escape, etc. The simplicity of Ivan's day holds volumes in…
Brain on FireBrain on Fire, BookMy Month of Madness
by Cahalan, SusannahBook - 2012 | First Free Press hardcover editionBook, 2012. First Free Press hardcover edition
jessegabriel's rating:
Added Mar 23, 2021
Comment:
I think "Brain on Fire" is a crucial read in gaining mental health - and general health - awareness overall. Cahalan's journalistic abilities created a book that's well-written, engaging, and packed with research that I could tell was studied in depth while still remaining easy to grasp for anyone who would have not been well-versed in the topic otherwise. Yet even as someone interested in the overall subject of neurobiology in general, I learned a plethora of new things from the "scientific passages" of the book. If you're intimidated by science and medicine, don't be; this book's information on neurobiology is easy to understand.
I'm glad to admit that I have gained new insights into mental health after finishing this book. Not only insight into the complex processes of the human mind, but also insight into the crushing reality that false-diagnoses do occur, and that I must remain diligent and caring in the way that I view those suffering from mental disorders. This book is definitely a "highly recommended" read.I think "Brain on Fire" is a crucial read in gaining mental health - and general health - awareness overall. Cahalan's journalistic abilities created a book that's well-written, engaging, and packed with research that I could tell was studied in…
The Gulag Archipelago, 1918-1956The Gulag Archipelago, 1918-1956, BookVolume 2 / An Experiment in Literary Investigation
by Solzhenitsyn, Aleksandr IsaevichBook - 2007Book, 2007
jessegabriel's rating:
Added Mar 23, 2021
Comment:
What can I say? This book - the entire three volumes in general - remain as a colossal structure marking the reality of what occurred during the Communist Soviet experiment between 1917 and 1991 (To think of the USSR being an "experiment" makes me shudder). Solzhenitsyn explores through these pages the lives of the prisoners ("Zeks" as they are called) and their merciless overseers. Timeless horror seeps from the pages, and truly, the reader grows to understand the evil of such a system.
Even nestled in the passages about government history and personal stories, poetic verses pop up, to the pleasure of the reader, evidence for the literary genius of Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn (I come to realize him as a polymath. A mathematician, scientist, philosopher, and writer considered at the levels of Dostoyevsky and crew. A polymath indeed!). He who was the most dangerous man in the world; not of power, but of wielding truth.
Truly, for the reader, gratitude is harvested in these pages. Ignorance and immaturity will only prevent you from feeling grateful for the things in your life after reading The Gulag Archipelago, but even then I cannot guarantee even ignorance could withstand the blows Solzhenitsyn brings. A must-read for anyone interested in history and human studies, and possibly for everyone. Do not forget these pages; do not let them flutter by you. After reading this, or the other volumes for that matter, you'd be a fool if you kept in your ideology, and didn't recognize the corruption nestled in your human soul as well.
The chapter, "The Ascent" found in part 4, pg. 597, remains a philosophical and poetic mastery, a chapter that continues to haunt me. It's clearly a focal point of what Solzhenitsyn was getting at.What can I say? This book - the entire three volumes in general - remain as a colossal structure marking the reality of what occurred during the Communist Soviet experiment between 1917 and 1991 (To think of the USSR being an "experiment" makes me…
Lost HorizonLost Horizon, BookA Novel
by Hilton, JamesBook - 2004 | 1st Perennial edBook, 2004. 1st Perennial ed
jessegabriel's rating:
Added Jan 29, 2021
Comment:
Recommended by my English Teacher. Lost Horizon was relatively engaging, with excellent writing (very noticeably British), an okay plot, and a creative setting. Although, it lacks that certain hard-to-explain element that makes a story excellent, which is why - though the writing on Hilton's part is excellent - I wouldn't go above 3 stars. I did however find the book's theme intriguing, (though it's my own perspective, as a reader): Belief, and how having "too much belief" can be a blunder to one's own self.
Shangri-La as a setting engenders feelings of isolation and wonderment; being on the "world's edge" and all. What I took away from Lost Horizon, is that an isolated life of peace, long-years, and pleasure, (think living in a lamastery for 100+ years, doing nothing but reading/writing) is not the best method of living, and is in-fact unrealistic and too wishful. The last few chapters were a bit weak, though the first and last chapter (the 1st person narratives) makes more sense of it and otherwise saves the narrative.Recommended by my English Teacher. Lost Horizon was relatively engaging, with excellent writing (very noticeably British), an okay plot, and a creative setting. Although, it lacks that certain hard-to-explain element that makes a story excellent,…
Thus Spoke ZarathustraThus Spoke Zarathustra, BookA Book for All and None
by Nietzsche, Friedrich WilhelmBook - 1995Book, 1995
Added Jan 27, 2021
Comment:
Never ended up finishing it (only getting about halfway), not due to the language being difficult, but because of the extravagant and difficult to comprehend meaning in nearly every sentence. To understand "Thus Spoke Zarathustra," one must gain a footing of knowledge in Western Philosophy, the philosophical era of Nietzsche - his influences - and Nietzsche's other writing. "Thus Spoke Zarathustra" is a book "newbies" should hold off until later, because without a further grasp of the Greeks and Nietzsche himself, "Thus Spoke Zarathustra" will quickly become a book where all the information slides right off you instead of being absorbed.
Ironically, the writing style and format are very simple, and the language is actually easy to comprehend. However, even simple sentences hide incredible abstract depth and an incomprehensible genius from Nietzsche, which without further knowledge of philosophy will slide off you like an egg to a wall. If even adept philosophers get tripped up in this work, I trust a regular person would too.Never ended up finishing it (only getting about halfway), not due to the language being difficult, but because of the extravagant and difficult to comprehend meaning in nearly every sentence. To understand "Thus Spoke Zarathustra," one must gain a…
jessegabriel's rating:
Added Jan 20, 2021
Comment:
Lord of the Flies, is in my opinion, key in understanding psychology and the darkness shadowing over humanity. Don't take these pages for granted, they are important.
Ordinary MenOrdinary Men, BookReserve Police Battalion 101 and the Final Solution in Poland
by Browning, Christopher R.Book - 2017 | Revised editionBook, 2017. Revised edition
jessegabriel's rating:
Added Jan 01, 2021
Comment:
Impeccable and dedicated research on the Final Solution in Poland and on the Order Police is very prevalent in Browning's pages. He dives into first-hand accounts of the gruesome massacres and "Jew Hunts" performed by the Order Police. As you read those horrid accounts of what those "ordinary men" did, you'll come to quickly realize how human it all is.
Browning eventually dives into the psychology of how ordinary men can turn into ruthless killers in certain environments. The overarching argument is the disturbing realization that YOU, yes, YOU, are capable of such horrible atrocities, and he subtly notions that if you were born in the same circumstances as these men, you would probably do what they did. Controversially, if you were born into the right circumstances, you would have been a Nazi in WW2.
You need to read this book, to understand that you're not exempt from malevolence. There's an evil in you that is bigger, and less hidden than you imagine. When you read this book you understand what destruction humans are capable of, and why. Then you come to realize, that those people who committed such evil, could also be you.Impeccable and dedicated research on the Final Solution in Poland and on the Order Police is very prevalent in Browning's pages. He dives into first-hand accounts of the gruesome massacres and "Jew Hunts" performed by the Order Police. As you read…
The Gulag Archipelago, 1918-1956The Gulag Archipelago, 1918-1956, BookVolume 1 / An Experiment in Literary Investigation
by Solzhenitsyn, Aleksandr IsaevichBook - 2007Book, 2007
jessegabriel's rating:
Added Dec 26, 2020
Comment:
I agree with those who say that this is the greatest Nonfiction book of the 20th century. No other book will ever make you as grateful for your life as this book does. Solzhenitsyn (who was imprisoned for 8 years) steps into the reality of the Soviet prison system and the Soviet secret police force, all of which were corrupt, inhumane, and unjust in their prison sentences. Many times regular people who muttered a "wrong" opinion were imprisoned in horrid conditions for upwards of 5+ years. You'll have to read the book to unlock these stories to truly understand what occurred during those decades.
The historical research is amazingly truthful on Solzhenitsyn's part (especially since he had little access to government documents). The personal stories fill you with anger, sadness, and confusion, all at the same time. These were real people, real stories; you will be a more grateful person after reading this book than you were before reading it. I believe nearly everyone should read this book, especially Communist apologetics, history-lovers, and those who feel they lack gratitude.
Sure, it's a long and difficult read, but it's not regrettable either. Solzhenitsyn's writing voice is beautiful and worthwhile to consume. At times I couldn't put the book down, especially during the personal stories.
Difficult, long, but well worth it.I agree with those who say that this is the greatest Nonfiction book of the 20th century. No other book will ever make you as grateful for your life as this book does. Solzhenitsyn (who was imprisoned for 8 years) steps into the reality of the…
jessegabriel's rating:
Added Nov 30, 2020
Comment:
Tough to read and hard to understand without guidance (which thankfully there is - a summary at the start of every part), but still beautifully written and seeping with powerful imagery and literary devices. I am still amazed at how Milton could even complete such a piece! Definitely check it out, but beware, it's very challenging, though that shouldn't throw you off from deciding to read it.Tough to read and hard to understand without guidance (which thankfully there is - a summary at the start of every part), but still beautifully written and seeping with powerful imagery and literary devices. I am still amazed at how Milton could…
jessegabriel's rating:
Added Nov 27, 2020
Comment:
A neat little book (96 pages in length) that strongly conveys the message through irony: no matter the ideology, absolute power corrupts absolutely. The ideologies we saw in the 20th century are made humourous in this story, while also expressed chillingly. Most of it is obviously a comic slap to the Russian Revolution and Communism, but Orwell targets other ideologies as well, like capitalism.
The characters were written very well, portraying the faults of human obedience and stupidity, I felt frustrated with the Animals decisions at times.A neat little book (96 pages in length) that strongly conveys the message through irony: no matter the ideology, absolute power corrupts absolutely. The ideologies we saw in the 20th century are made humourous in this story, while also expressed…
Letters From An AstrophysicistLetters From An Astrophysicist, Book
by Tyson, Neil deGrasseBook - 2019 | First editionBook, 2019. First edition
jessegabriel's rating:
Added Nov 15, 2020
Comment:
What a neat little book.
It's a collection of letters and emails from individuals inquiring about science (or looking to pick a fight), and Niel's responses to such. It's not only about science of course, many letters from individuals delve into personal topics and life advice, which make this book even more interesting. Also watch out for Niel's first-hand account of the 9/11 attacks, viewed from his apartment 4 blocks away from the towers. It was honest and intense, he shared the account with gripping description.
Niel also shares messages written to his parents, to magazines, NASA, etc. From reading this book you'll gain more insight into Niel's character, life and ideas, almost like a very mini-autobiography. An informative, entertaining and thought-provoking read. Worth the read if you're interested in Niel as a person and about Science.What a neat little book.
It's a collection of letters and emails from individuals inquiring about science (or looking to pick a fight), and Niel's responses to such. It's not only about science of course, many letters from individuals delve into…
Man's Search for MeaningMan's Search for Meaning, Book
by Frankl, Viktor E.Book - 1984 | Revised and updatedBook, 1984. Revised and updated
jessegabriel's rating:
Added Nov 10, 2020
Comment:
Quite possibly my favourite book at the moment, if not for sure in the top 3 (I know favourite books are always subject to change!). It's a book that I will buy, and that I will be re-reading every now and then - it's at that level of transcendence.
Frankl revisits his horrific experiences faced in the Nazi concentration camps, which lead up to the big idea of his book; meaning. Specifically, what he observed among the men in the camps, and what they held onto as meaning in their life. The second part of the book summarizes "logotherapy" which Frankl himself founded as a psychological method to helping people discover meaning in their lives.
I found the answers to the meaning of life to be clear after reading the book. It may seem like a daunting process only achieved through long years of struggle and deep philosophical thought, though nay, he explains it in one sentence (lookout for what he explains as the "three sources of meaning"), though I'm not saying your perception of what meaning implies won't develop as you get older.
If you read this book, don't just "read" it, write about it afterwards, and truly think about its implications and what gives you meaning in life. This book will transform you, but only if you're reading it because of a desire, unexplainable or not. Don't read this to look like a smart-a ss, or to seem "philosophical and edgy," you're wasting your time if you do. Actually take something away from this book - don't worry, it's short.Quite possibly my favourite book at the moment, if not for sure in the top 3 (I know favourite books are always subject to change!). It's a book that I will buy, and that I will be re-reading every now and then - it's at that level of transcendence.…
Enlightenment NowEnlightenment Now, BookThe Case for Reason, Science, Humanism, and Progress
by Pinker, StevenBook - 2018Book, 2018
jessegabriel's rating:
Added Nov 08, 2020
Comment:
Enlightenment Now contains statistical proof (with graphical evidence) that the world is better now than it was before. Though not naively optimistic, Pinker goes deeply into many topics to support this argument while unbiasedly looking at counter-arguments as well. However, the book is more about statistical evidence for world improvement, it's about the well-thought-out argument that we need to uphold Enlightenment values (Reason, Science, and Humanism) to carry out previously unthinkable world progress.
The physical book itself was bigger than I imagined, but I'm not surprised. Its pages are packed with meaning, no paragraph is a waste. Pinker clearly and effectively supports his arguments and goes deep into his topics. Though it's not an easy read - you'll have to take it slow if you want to extract value from each paragraph (which mostly every paragraph has). The big words and complex phrases will also slow the average person down, so just keep aware that this book can sometimes be slow and difficult to read, but versus being "difficult and boring," it's actually challenging and very enjoyable.
I only took half a star away because at times I felt like there was a bit of pandering about Trump's Presidential inadequacies which made it feel overrun. Pinker is also outspoken against religion, and he clearly expresses it in this book. But, please know that this book is very rewarding to read, I suggest everyone read this book, society NEEDS to know that our world is indeed getting better, not worse.Enlightenment Now contains statistical proof (with graphical evidence) that the world is better now than it was before. Though not naively optimistic, Pinker goes deeply into many topics to support this argument while unbiasedly looking at…
Astrophysics for People in A HurryAstrophysics for People in A Hurry, Book
by Tyson, Neil deGrasseBook - 2017 | First editionBook, 2017. First edition
jessegabriel's rating:
Added Nov 08, 2020
Comment:
Astrophysics for People in a Hurry is simple, humorous, short, and somewhat easy to consume. Though there are parts where "harder to understand" science is explained, I think you can still finish this book with some newly gained information. Tyson explained the basics well, although not every concept in this book is easy to understand, it's still astrophysics - beware!Astrophysics for People in a Hurry is simple, humorous, short, and somewhat easy to consume. Though there are parts where "harder to understand" science is explained, I think you can still finish this book with some newly gained information. Tyson…
jessegabriel's rating:
Added Oct 07, 2020
jessegabriel's rating:
Added Oct 02, 2020
Comment:
I've only read the series up to this book, but out of the first three, this is definitely my favourite one. The King does NOT let down when developing characters, and a suspenseful plot.
12 Rules for Life12 Rules for Life, BookAn Antidote to Chaos
by Peterson, Jordan B.Book - 2018Book, 2018
jessegabriel's rating:
Added Aug 26, 2020
Comment:
What can I even say? It's phenomenal! Just life-changing!
You'll definitely have to pick this one up, but make sure you're doing it because you want to make the choice to change your life. Reading this and not using any of this information is a waste. But it's difficult not to use any of the advice given by Jordan, because he insists on action, and he plainly gives the steps for that action.
It's got a lot of big and impressive words in it, but the entertaining story-telling and the humour definitely counteract that. He does go on tangents about religion, mythology, psychology, and Nietzsche frequently, sometimes to where only someone interested in those intelligent/abstract topics could bare it, but that does not overshadow the immense value packed in this book.
Rules 11 and 12's answers are somewhat vague, and the content of those rule "chapters" don't seem to even be related to the rule at all on the surface, which is confusing, but he does pack it with a lot of abstract ideas about meaning and suffering, which are equally as valuable if you're slightly interested in it.
Is the entire book easy to read? No, Jordan's a University Professor, and heavily invested in literature and psychology, so his words, phrases, and paragraphs are sometimes going to be hard to follow for someone who isn't interested in it. But if you're interested in deep psychological life questions about meaning, suffering, God, and Being, then this book is definitely for you.
Basically, if you have no interest in abstract concepts or deep ideas, and want the information in front of your face precisely, in list form, and can't stand story-telling or tangents on deeper topics that have a vague connection to each other on the surface, then it would probably be better to find a summary online (although 12 Rules for life wouldn't be a book without all the useful side-knowledge). But you'll miss out on the phenomenal writing this book literally bleeds out of its pages, so if you want to see the deeper connection past a listed summary, read this book 100%.What can I even say? It's phenomenal! Just life-changing!
You'll definitely have to pick this one up, but make sure you're doing it because you want to make the choice to change your life. Reading this and not using any of this information is a…
The Loneliest Girl in the UniverseThe Loneliest Girl in the Universe, Book
by James, LaurenBook - 2018 | First U.S. editionBook, 2018. First U.S. edition
jessegabriel's rating:
Added Aug 17, 2020
Comment:
Aside from the character being obsessed with "Fan Fic" writing and the fact that there was a lot more "romance" (conjured from a teen girl character, of course) than I expected, the book was enjoyable to read, enough for me to read in an entire day.
The writing is easy to read and accessible, just to the point of it being simple to read but not to the point of sounding like a book from a Middle School library. The writing portion isn't spectacular at all, but it's good for people who don't like to dance around big words, huge sentences and extravagant underlying meanings and poetry packed within every paragraph.
The plot twists in this book I believe really make it what it is. Till this point I haven't read a book with so many; the plot seemed to switch faster than a gunslinger could pull his gun out of his holster and shoot! It saved the book in my opinion, without the plot twists the book would have been mediocre and a bore to read. Don't know if it's a good idea or not for the book to rely on those plot twists, but it ended up being a pretty good book nonetheless!Aside from the character being obsessed with "Fan Fic" writing and the fact that there was a lot more "romance" (conjured from a teen girl character, of course) than I expected, the book was enjoyable to read, enough for me to read in an entire…
jessegabriel's rating:
Added Aug 17, 2020
Comment:
There's no question why this book is so revered in literature circles.
It's a classic, not only respected by it's 'relevancy to today' but the fact that it's an excellent piece of writing. I consider the ending to be one of my favourites, it was executed perfectly and leaves you thinking more than just about it as a book, but as something far more real.
One of my favourite books now.There's no question why this book is so revered in literature circles.
It's a classic, not only respected by it's 'relevancy to today' but the fact that it's an excellent piece of writing. I consider the ending to be one of my favourites, it was…
The Drawing of the ThreeThe Drawing of the Three, Book
by King, StephenBook - 2016 | First Scribner trade paperback editionBook, 2016. First Scribner trade paperback edition
jessegabriel's rating:
Added Jul 19, 2020
Comment: