I might be a thrill-seeker when it comes to stories. I love those tales that are filled with excitement, adventure, and unexpected twists. They keep me on the edge of my seat and make my heart race. However, there is one thing that can always bring me to tears, and that is loneliness described well.

When an author is able to capture the essence of loneliness in their writing, it has a profound impact on me. It makes me feel a deep sense of empathy for the characters and their situations. I can almost feel their isolation and longing for connection.

Jacqueline Harpman

A World with No Men Sounds Wonderful

Imagine a world where there are no men. At first glance, this might seem like a utopian concept. Women would have complete freedom and control over their lives. There would be no gender inequality, no sexual harassment, and no wars fought by men.

In such a world, women could focus on their own growth and development. They could pursue their dreams and ambitions without any restrictions. Education and career opportunities would be abundant, and women could reach the highest levels of success in all fields.

Moreover, a world without men would also mean a more peaceful and harmonious society. Without the aggression and competitiveness that is often associated with men, people would be more likely to resolve conflicts through peaceful means.

However, it is important to note that a world without men would also have its challenges. For example, men play an important role in many aspects of society, such as in the fields of science, technology, and engineering. Without their contributions, progress in these areas might be slower.

Nevertheless, the idea of a world with no men sounds wonderful. It offers a vision of a more equal, peaceful, and harmonious society where women can thrive and reach their full potential.

This is a desolate and despondent tale.

It doesn't deceive you into thinking it will be otherwise. Right from the very first page, it makes it clear that this isn't a happy story and that you'll be left with a sense of longing.

However, as story-tellers ourselves, we often trick ourselves into believing that everything will be neatly tied up with a nice little bow. But no, that's false. This is pure science fiction.

I have no idea what was happening at any given point in this book, but by God, I'm so glad it exists. A woman wrote this in the 90s? Iconic. Never before seen. Stunning.

Despite its short length, this book packs a huge punch. In just 188 pages, almost all the questions you could have about a dystopian world are raised.

I can't say that I ever felt fulfilled or happy while reading this book, but it definitely left me in a state of shock and had me discussing the subject matter with everyone who unfortunately happened to be within earshot of me that week.

Critically speaking, this book deserves a 5-star rating. But in terms of the overall vibes, it's a 4.

"The Giver" meets "Pew" - New Favorite

In the world of literature, there are often unexpected crossovers that can create something truly magical. One such combination is when "The Giver" meets "Pew".

"The Giver" is a classic dystopian novel that takes readers on a journey through a seemingly perfect society where emotions and memories are suppressed. It challenges our notions of what it means to live a fulfilling life and forces us to question the value of individuality.

"Pew", on the other hand, is a unique and thought-provoking work that explores themes of identity, belonging, and the power of perception. It tells the story of a mysterious figure who defies categorization and forces those around him to confront their own biases and assumptions.

When these two works come together, a new favorite is born. The combination of "The Giver's" dystopian setting and "Pew's" exploration of identity creates a rich and complex narrative that will keep readers on the edge of their seats. It offers a fresh perspective on familiar themes and challenges us to think deeply about the world we live in.

Whether you're a fan of dystopian fiction or simply looking for a new and exciting read, "The Giver" meets "Pew" is sure to become your new favorite. So, pick up a copy today and prepare to be transported to a world where nothing is as it seems.

OJOOOO with this book.

What I lived through while reading this book (uncertainty, stress) and the feeling of emptiness after finishing it had never touched me at this level. And it was such a novel reading experience that's why I'm going to give it 5 stars.

Very simply, "Yo que nunca supe de los hombres" is a story about 39 women and a girl who are locked in a bunker while being watched over by some guards who impose strict rules on them.

The thing is that none of these women know why they are there and they practically remember nothing of their past.

The premise itself is BRUTAL (it caught my attention so much that it's what led me to buy it). But if I need to give you a warning in this review.

Although the premise is of a dystopian fiction, PLEASE don't imagine dystopias with action and overcoming obstacles (The Hunger Games, Year of Grace, even 1984...). Because yes, it's a book with dystopian elements, but it's not a book centered on a "dystopian plot".

It's not a book where you're going to find a hero, confrontations, twists and surprises. This is a book that develops a scenario and the characters to develop questions in the reader.

It questions, through a very simple plot, our way of seeing the world, how we always try to find answers, our freedom, education, the power of social relationships, our humanity...

I'm not going to lie to you, part of me would have liked it if the premise had been used more to build a common and ordinary dystopian plot, but I was finally convinced by this style.

I loved reading about the curious situation these women live in, their reflections on their experiences, and the ending left me with a supreme sign of question. So much so that I finished this book almost a week ago and I still think about it at least once a day.

If you don't like open endings, if you prefer what I call "plot" stories, you're not going to like this book.

But if you're in the mood to try something new, or you want a different story and judge it for yourself, please read it.

It's not one of my MOST favorite books, but it has been one of my most interesting reading experiences of 2025 and that's why I recommend it.

She made a stunning impression on me. I had expected to like her, but still, I am amazed that it is to such an extent.

She is phenomenal. Surely, I won't be able to stop thinking about her for a long time yet.

From the moment I saw her, something in her just caught my attention. Her charm, her smile, and the way she carried herself were all so captivating.

I found myself constantly looking at her, and every time I did, my heart would skip a beat.

I don't know what it is about her that has such a hold on me, but I know that I want to see more of her, get to know her better.

I can't wait to see what the future holds for us.

I am unwell. It seems that my body is not in its best condition at the moment. I'm feeling a bit under the weather, with a certain degree of discomfort spreading through my body. Maybe it's due to the change in weather, or perhaps some recent stress has taken a toll on my health. I have a slight headache, and my energy level is not as high as usual. I find it a bit difficult to focus on things and carry out my daily tasks with the same enthusiasm and efficiency.

Despite this, I'm trying to take it easy and give my body the rest it needs. I'm drinking plenty of water and getting some extra sleep. I hope that with a little bit of care and rest, I'll be able to bounce back to my normal self soon. In the meantime, I'll have to be more cautious and listen to my body's signals.

I fear there is life before this book and life afterwards. Before opening the covers of this book, life seems to be a vast and somewhat chaotic expanse. There are countless experiences, emotions, and events that have shaped who I am up to this point. But there is also a sense of uncertainty, as if I am on the verge of something new and unknown.

And then, there is life after this book. What will it hold? Will reading this book change my perspective, my beliefs, or my way of life? Will it open up new doors and opportunities, or will it simply be a fleeting moment in the grand scheme of things? These questions swirl around in my mind, adding to my sense of fear and anticipation.

Despite my fears, I know that I must embrace both the life before and after this book. Each moment is a part of my journey, and I cannot afford to shy away from the unknown. So, I take a deep breath, open the book, and prepare to embark on a new adventure.

3.25

Honestly, the afterword says it best:

“Nothing is explained, but nothing needs to be.” This simple yet profound statement holds a certain allure. It implies that sometimes, in the realm of art, literature, or even life itself, there are aspects that don't require a detailed explanation. Maybe it's the beauty of ambiguity, the power of leaving something to the imagination.

When we encounter a work that adheres to this principle, it can spark a sense of curiosity and wonder within us. We are forced to grapple with our own interpretations and make sense of the unspoken. It allows for a more personal and subjective experience, as each of us brings our own perspectives and emotions to the table.

Perhaps this is the essence of true creativity – the ability to create something that defies easy explanation and invites us to explore the depths of our own understanding. In a world where so much is often spelled out and defined, there is a certain charm in the things that remain mysterious and open-ended.

So, the next time you come across a piece of art or literature that seems to leave many questions unanswered, remember the wisdom of this afterword. Maybe, just maybe, nothing needs to be explained after all.

I used to firmly believe that all the mysteries and unanswered questions in life would finally be revealed to me upon my death. However, after reading this book, I find myself pondering over that thought once again.

The child in the book had such a unique perspective on life, which was both fascinating and heart-wrenching. She was thrust into a life filled with sadness and hardships, yet she managed to maintain a certain innocence and wisdom.

This is the kind of book that lingers in your mind long after you've turned the last page. It makes you question your own beliefs and values, and forces you to look at life from a different angle.

If your version of the book has an afterword, I highly recommend reading it. It provides additional insights and perspectives that further enrich the reading experience.

Overall, this book has left a profound impact on me, and I will continue to think about it for a long time to come.

Holy wow! I mean...wow!

I don't use curse words in my GR communications. But if we were in person and you were someone I knew, I'd most likely use a curse word in my reaction to this book.

Rather than a review, I'm just sharing my thoughts after thinking about this book for the last three days.

It didn't take me long to realize that this was different. The writing is....amazing? Good? I don't know. I can't write. As a reader, it was an experience. It made me think about my surroundings. I thought about things that made me uncomfortable. I thought about nothing and how lucky I am that there's so much something around me.

If you compared it to, let's say...The Road...yes, it's similar in its "end of the world"-ness. BUT - this conveyed pure nothingness. The writing was nothing. It's hard to convey nothing. You know, blankness. Especially with words. At least with a video based medium you could show a blank screen with no soundtrack.

The stream of consciousness pieces are brilliant. Dystopian? I guess. That's just a genre. I think this is art, and good art is generally genre breaking.

Ms. Harpman put down quite a piece of work. I'd like to take a moment to recommend this 200 pager to you.

Along with this recommendation, I also send a smile. And now I'm starting to turn and run away. (waves)

What. The. F‼️

I'm truly bewildered. I have this strong desire to listen to this on audio. So, if you happen to notice this back on my current reads