Book Reviews
Book Review by Truc Nguyen
‘Flowers in the Attic’ by Virginia Andrews
Flowers in the Attic is a story of four beautiful secrets hidden in the attic of a mansion—a stunning tale of love and hope, but also betrayal and greed. The story was beautifully written by Virginia Andrews and was popular, yet controversial, back in the 1970s to 1980s due to its graphic themes and depictions of incest, religion, torture, rape, and child abuse which is why I must warn you that this story is not for the faint of heart. In the story, we follow the Dollanganger siblings who are Chris, Cathy, Cory, and Carrie, who were hidden in their grandparents’ attic by their mother to gain her father's inheritance after he died from a car accident.
The story itself was based on Virginia Andrews' disability which left her under the control of her mother. The book sold over forty million copies worldwide because it gave a voice to those who could relate to the gut-wrenching, adolescent story of imprisonment by your own family.
I think a scene in the story that resonated with me is in the Christmas chapter when the Dollanganger siblings were still innocent and believed that their grandma was not a bad person only strict, so the siblings made her a gift with limited resources just to win her love. Instead, she just rejected the gift, causing Cathy to break down and destroy the present. This scene shows me how Cathy's character developed throughout the story from an innocent naïve girl to an angrier and more vindictive person, which makes sense since their situation is very traumatic and really sets home how family trauma can affect someone.
Another thing I enjoyed in the novel is how the mother started as a loving person before slowly twisting into a wicked witch based on how the children perceive her. It causes her to doubt her mother as can be seen in this passage:
“Oh, God! My eyes flashed to Momma. This couldn’t be true! She was lying, wasn’t she? Saying mean things just to scare us. I drew closer to Christopher, pressing against his side, gone cold and shaky. The grandmother scowled, and I quickly stepped away. I tried to look at Momma, but she had turned her back, and her head was lowered, but her shoulders sagged and quivered as if she was crying.”
This book is the first book of an 11-book series and is far from done. This book is important to read because it gives voice to those who are held hostage by their family. Of course, not everyone should read it since this book appeals to a certain demographic. In the end, I give this book a 6.5/10.
Book Review by Lachlan Potts
‘Man's Search for Meaning’ by Viktor E. Frankl
Man's Search for Meaning by psychiatrist, Dr. Viktor E. Frankl, is a captivating book that delves into the significance of finding purpose in life. In this memoir, Frankl recounts his personal journey surviving the atrocities of the Holocaust, sharing the brutal realities of Nazi concentration camps and his profound insights on human resilience.
Man's Search for Meaning is divided into two parts, The first part depicts Frankl's horrific experiences in the concentration camps, describing the immense suffering, loss, and dehumanization he suffered. Despite these challenges, Frankl emphasizes the power of hope and finding meaning in even the darkest of times.
The book’s second part introduces Frankl's theory of logotherapy, which emphasizes the pursuit of meaning as a key human motivation. He explains that by gaining control of our attitude and response to adversity, we can find purpose and fulfillment. Frankl's belief in the ability to discover meaning despite immense challenges is both empowering and thought-provoking.
A passage in the book which I found rather interesting occurs when Frankl observes a breathtaking sunset while in the concentration camp:
In camp, too, a man might draw the attention of a comrade working next to him to a nice view of the setting sun shining through the tall trees of the Bavarian woods (as in the famous watercolor by Dürer), the same woods in which we had built an enormous, hidden munitions plant. One evening, when we were already resting on the floor of our hut, dead tired, soup bowls in hand, a fellow prisoner rushed in and asked us to run out to the assembly grounds and see the wonderful sunset. Standing outside we saw sinister clouds glowing in the west and the whole sky alive with clouds of ever-changing shapes and colors, from steel blue to blood red. The desolate grey mud huts provided a sharp contrast, while the puddles on the muddy ground reflected the glowing sky. Then, after minutes of moving silence, one prisoner said to another, “How beautiful the world could be!”
This moment of beauty in a place of despair reinforces his realization that even while being surrounded by suffering, there is still room for appreciation and finding meaning in the world. This becomes a driving force, strengthening his determination to survive and inspiring him to share his thoughts with others.
Man's Search for Meaning is a work of art that compels readers to contemplate the purpose and significance of their own lives. Frankl's writing is deeply impactful, relatable, and brimming with optimism. His message of resilience resonates across many generations, reminding us that even in the most challenging circumstances, we possess the capacity to discover meaning and shape our destiny.
In conclusion, "Man's Search for Meaning" is an exceptional book that offers a lesson about reflections on the human experience and the quest for meaning. With its powerful message of hope and the strength of the human spirit, Viktor E. Frankl's work remains a timeless source of inspiration and a testament to the importance of finding meaning in our lives.
Book Review by David Van Pelt
‘No Beethoven’ by Peter Erskine
Written by the band’s outstanding drummer, Peter Erskine, No Beethoven is a brilliant autobiography that explores the life and times of my favourite jazz fusion band of the 1970s and early 1980s - Weather Report. While some successful bands had brilliant singers or guitarists that represented or ‘made’ the band, Weather Report consisted of four members who were not only at the top of their game but also achieved ‘legendary status’ as master musicians.
Jaco Pastorious (bass), Wayne Shorter (sax) Peter Erskine (drums), and Joe Zawinul (keyboards) were all world-class musicians individually, but when their combined talents were unleashed in Weather Report, they were quite simply unstoppable. Peter Erskine joined the band in 1978 and recalls his first jam with the band:
There is a theory I’ve read that states, in effect, that musicians reach their moment of readiness after they’ve put in about 10,000 hours of playing-time on an instrument. I added up all of my hours while sitting in a bathtub one day, and my 10,000 hours pretty much coincided with the time that I joined Weather Report. I played a lot when I was young. And here I was, going for it with Joe Zawinul, Wayne Shorter, and Jaco Pastorius. We cover a lot of musical ground and play a lot of tunes non-stop for over 40 minutes without a word being spoken…By this time we are playing ‘Gibraltar’, which has a rousing vamp for a finale and we all seem to know that it’s time to end together, Zawinul confirming this with a jubilant and vigorous nod of his head. “Bup-bup-buh, bap-bu-DAP!”
Joe Zawinul, Weather Report’s keyboard player, has always been an inspiration to me. His use of the ARP 2600 semi-modular analogue synthesizer was legendary. To ensure his mind stayed sharp, he would program his ARP 2600 so that the notes would be backward, and he would then have to remember the inversion before playing an incredibly intricate solo. I loved his use of the ARP 2600 so much that I purchased one myself and have written two tracks for ARP & KORG using it.
No Beethoven leaves no stone unturned, providing tremendous insight into the gruelling tour schedules, the endless parties, the band politics, the effects of chronic illicit drug use on specific band members, and the phenomenal excesses of the 1970s music industry. Do you have to be a huge fan of 1970s jazz fusion to enjoy this book? No. I would recommend this fantastic read to anyone who is passionate about music and interested in the other side of fame and success.
Book Review by Jihad Musaghazi
‘Preserving Ancient Wisdom: The Ormuri Dictionary’ Translated into Urdu and English by Rozi Khan Burki
Introduction: In an era where indigenous languages are facing the threat of extinction, Rozi Khan Burki, a revered elder, has presented his latest masterpiece: the Ormuri Dictionary translated into Urdu and English. This commendable effort aims to preserve the rich linguistic heritage of the Ormuri language, spoken by a few hundred thousand people primarily residing in the Kaniguram Valley of Central Waziristan. This review delves into the significance of this dictionary, the historical context of the Burki tribe, and the contributions of Rozi Khan Burki.
Historical and Cultural Context: The Burki tribe, known for its distinguished lineage, has a storied history that dates back approximately a thousand years to their establishment in Kaniguram. This town, nestled amidst the breathtaking Kanigram mountain range, holds a resemblance to the legacy of Bayazid Ansari, also known as Pir Roshan, a renowned mystic who not only shaped Pashto literature but also created a distinct Pashto language alphabet. Rozi Khan Burki, following in the footsteps of this influential figure, brings forth his own contribution to linguistic preservation.
Rozi Khan Burki: A Remarkable Steward: Although not a mystic, Rozi Khan Burki has garnered immense respect and admiration through his successful career as a high-ranking Pakistani bureaucrat. His recent endeavour, the Ormuri Dictionary, showcases his dedication to documenting and translating the Ormuri language into Urdu and English. Furthermore, he provides comprehensive contextual information comparable to that of the renowned Encyclopedia Britannica. His efforts extend beyond mere translation; he delves into the historical and cultural aspects of the Burki tribe, including prominent figures, landmarks, and the diverse flora and fauna of Waziristan.
Bringing Context to Life: To enhance the reader's experience, Rozi Khan Burki incorporates vivid imagery, illustrations, and examples of everyday grammar used by Ormuri speakers. This comprehensive approach immerses readers in the language and culture of the Burki tribe. Additionally, the dictionary sheds light on the integral role the Burki tribe plays within the wider Mahsud (Maseed) Tribe.
Preservation of Ancient Wisdom: The Ormuri Dictionary, crafted with meticulous attention to detail, serves as a national treasure that must be preserved and promoted. By supporting the preservation of the Ormuri language, we ensure the safeguarding of an invaluable ancient wisdom. Rozi Khan Burki's work will v contribute to the preservation of cultural diversity and linguistic heritage on a global scale.
Conclusion: Rozi Khan Burki's translation of the Ormuri Dictionary into Urdu and English is a remarkable achievement in linguistic preservation. Through his comprehensive approach, Burki not only preserves the Ormuri language but also provides insight into the history, culture, and identity of the Burki tribe. This dictionary, akin to a national treasure, calls upon us to recognize and promote the significance of ancient languages such as Ormuri, ensuring their preservation for generations to come.
