Meir

The altering of the past, silencing opposition and a leader seen as a god is reminiscent to Orwells 1984. In some respects the two books are completely similar in the plot. This seemed to be a children's book as a read the first chapters. As i went on with the story complex ideas of societies structures and over all “brainwashing” of a nation showed it clearly was not that. Here is a quote i immediately thought of (not from the book)

"He who fights with monsters should be careful not to become a monster himself”

I do not believe Napoleon had the image of him as king from the start of the rebellion. As the power took over him and the push of disagreement from Snowball…he realizes he wanted full control. That one sip of absolute power and control after Snowball “left” left him needing it all. Its so easy to fight a war and decide justifiably that fighting fire with fire is necessary. When you make an enemy seem so bad you may not only become him but become worse just like here. Regardless this book is just amazing and was 1984. I would love to write a lengthy review but class calls. There is so many pieces of this book to break down and analyze. If they create this into a live action film which i believe is in the works that would be great.

1984 instant transfers you to an unfamiliar dystopian world. It started off as an uncomfortable and confusing read, however soon the words make Orwells cold entrapping world all too real. Which I found to be ironic. This society which is a far distant world from our own is yet reminiscent of one that existed. Stalin’s USSR is of course the first that comes to mind. Although the governmental structure and even thick mustache connected to the USSR, my mind went to today.

Although written in 1949, Orwell's book is timeless. Today the idea of “telescreens” watching and monitoring us does not seem impossible. A tv is in almost every home. We are constantly being fed points of views in news, film and even music. We consume ideas we do not even choose to through “doom scrolling” social media. Ideas parents would never allow in their home flood into children's minds though music and videos. Is it really far off for a “Parsons” to exist today. Where his own children call authorities on him for not believing in an idea. In addition, are we really so far from a world where a small group controls the music, film and tv we consume.

At the end of the day I am privileged. Having parents who came from a communist country made me appreciate the world in which I live. Although not perfect, the United States has freedom and liberty. The USSR was certainly not as this book describes Oceania but closer than we are to such a terrible world. God bless big br..i mean America!

Great read:)

Amazing, amazing and amazing.

This book just pulls you in. The writing is so smooth and easygoing as the drama of the story unfolds. Just as a twist and clue come up the intensity just forces you to stay reading for another page. I felt hungry just to solve the mystery and story, the words were addicting. Wonderful chill easy to read book!

WHENS IT MY TURN TO BE A HAWTHORNE

For a book where I'm not the targeted reader it was very well written and entertaining. This and the first are such a good escape. Its just a comforting interesting read. A break from law and serious books that i would normally read for class. Avery genuinely has got no chill. I actually thought she would take it easy with Gray and Jameson…guess not. Im scared to even get the third book because how can there be more!

Either way great book…took that knives out story into a great mystery hunt.

If i could say one thing about this book it would be this quote. "A stranger is just a friend you haven't met yet” - William Butler Yeats

This book was written with so much heart. With each page of twists and connections the story warmly deepens. The perspective shifts were great with each chapter. It made me curiously wonder what would come with each story line. Very well written! Becoming an adult has always been one of my biggest fears. Just like everyone i want to stay young, however it does not happen. I am writing this at just twenty, younger than the characters of the book. Nevertheless i felt for each characters growing pains and joys. The everyday unnoticed by others yet similar struggles was familiar. One day you're in the summer heat eating ice cream after camp with friends and the next struggling to pay rent. How does one just wake up one day with obligations like taxes and groceries needed to be done. If you're alone, that makes it all just dreadful. This book puts us all in one ark to ride the flood together. Bringing the people with these challenges of life to weather it out. Those you believe are nothing but uncommon strangers quickly become a shoulder and friend to lean on.

Happy to have this as my first 2025 and Goodreads log!