Jared

Predictable. I'm convinced that Dan Brown thinks he has a formula, and that every adventure he sends Langdon on will follow it - only it's not a perfect formula. This time, the history and insight to art and symbolism is eclipsed by the twists and turns that you can see coming. By page 200 you're hoping it ends or that the catastrophe Langdon is trying to save the world from - will actually kill him and Brown's formula off.

A fun quick read that'll deter you from getting your MBA

It was an easy read, but I took way too much pleasure in someone else's pain. Glad I decided against working at a consultancy. Hotels are for vacation, not business.

A powerful and thought-provoking young adult novel that delves into the complex and often challenging world of teenage experiences. Written in verse, the book's unique prose style adds an engrossing and clever dimension to the narrative, making it a captivating read.

Hopkins tackles heavy themes, demonstrating that adolescence is far from carefree. The book explores difficult decisions and mature issues that many teens face, from unexpected pregnancy to sexual identity and suicide. While at times the approach feels heavy-handed, it serves as both a cautionary tale and a potential wake-up call for young readers.

The pacing of the book is generally well-executed, though the resolution feels somewhat rushed. After 500 pages of intense character development, the final 100 pages attempt to wrap up multiple complex storylines, which can feel a bit abrupt.

It's worth noting that "Tilt" has been the subject of book bans, but such censorship seems misguided. While the mature content warrants parental involvement and open discussions, these are precisely the issues that many teens need to confront and understand. The book offers valuable insights and prompts important conversations about the complexities of growing up in today's world. I mean, kids don't stay kids forever - they got to approach these issues sooner or later.

Overall, "Tilt" is a compelling read that, despite its flaws, provides a raw and honest look at teenage life, making it an important addition to young adult literature.

I loved this exploration of NYC during a period brimming with elegance, ambition, and an unmistakable vibrancy. Towles' depiction of the city transports readers to a time when New York was characterized not by the ubiquity of Duane Reade stores but by the glamour of jazz clubs, refined social gatherings, and the undercurrents of ambition that defined its residents.

The novel centers on Katey Kontent, a sharp and ambitious young woman navigating the complexities of Manhattan's social scene. Through Katey's eyes, Towles paints a vivid picture of a city alive with possibilities, where chance encounters in smoky jazz clubs or at elegant parties could lead to life-altering friendships and romances.

This New York is one of hidden speakeasies, clandestine love affairs, and a relentless pursuit of the American Dream—a stark contrast to the homogenized cityscape dominated by convenience stores and corporate chains seen today.

One of the most compelling aspects of “Rules of Civility” is its ability to evoke a deep sense of nostalgia. Towles' New York is a place of dreams, where the city's underbelly thrums with an exciting and sometimes dangerous energy. The narrative is infused with a longing for a bygone era, offering readers a glimpse into the gritty yet glamorous life of the city's past. The characters are richly drawn, their interactions and evolutions reflecting the complexities of the time.

The novel's prose is elegant and evocative, capturing the essence of the city in a way that makes it feel both grand and intimate. Towles' attention to detail and his ability to create vivid, atmospheric scenes allow readers to immerse themselves fully in Katey's world. The story's progression, marked by moments of joy, heartbreak, and discovery, mirrors the unpredictable yet exhilarating nature of the city itself.

Definitely a good read, but not his best work. Underdogs aren't created by luck; but by a series of events/choices/decisions they make. Seems pretty obvious to me, but it is nice to read it.