His writing style was like a screeching chalkboard, so annoying that I could hardly bear to read more than three or four pages of it. It was as if he was determined to stuff as many similies into each page as possible, making it feel like a never-ending parade of overused comparisons. With about three similies in just one page, it was way too much. It was like trying to wade through a swamp of clichés, each one pulling me down further and making it increasingly difficult to focus on the actual content. I found myself constantly distracted by the excessive use of similies, which detracted from the overall quality of the writing.

I longed for a more straightforward and engaging writing style that would allow me to fully immerse myself in the story or ideas being presented. Instead, I was left feeling frustrated and disappointed by his overreliance on this particular literary device.

It made me wonder if he was using similies as a crutch to掩盖 his lack of true writing skill or if he simply didn't understand the importance of moderation in writing.

It is going to take me a long time to finish this book.

It has taken me a long time just to begin. Apparently, it took him 23 years to write it. I find the author's use of words immensely charming.

It is also amazingly painful. More soon.

When I started reading this book, I felt like my mind was falling apart. I was in such terrible pain that reading Vollmann's terrible pain felt like a comfort.

I can't now remember what the terrible pain was about. It seems that that may be the way with terrible pain.

The book is incredibly hard to read because of its examination of the human condition. The author explores truly horrific examples of human violence, like the regime of Pol Pot, the political deaths of his fellow journalists, and the casualties of street crimes.

He watches forensic specialists split open cadavers at a morgue and wrestles to equalize death in his mind as a meaningful event. All of this is apparently done to recognize the need for and to create and calibrate a moral calculus by which to determine when violence makes any sense if it ever does.

He also explores power hegemony and why it is "insane" and "scary" if someone who is not vested with power uses violence while it is perfectly acceptable for governmental officials to murder, rape, pillage (what have you) on a regular basis.

It may be that he is truly asking more about why this is, than about how to change it into a more equal power system.

This book also belongs to Whitsitt who might notice it here now that we're goodreads friends (as of today).

Whitsitt, I am reading your book and it is going to take me a loooong ass time, so if you want it back, let me know and I'll mail it to you or bring it when we hopefully see you soon.

In a profound and unwavering exploration of the justifications for violence within humanity, Volmann leaves no stone unturned. He delves into the annals of history, starting from the infamous murder of Cain by Abel and extending all the way to the complex and tragic breakup of Yugoslavia. His life, filled with violent encounters, is meticulously distilled into this remarkable work. It includes the vivid voices from his war correspondence work in Afghanistan and Bosnia, where he witnessed the horrors of war firsthand. There are also the poignant stories of turning the other cheek when mercilessly beaten up by school bullies, a testament to his inner strength and moral compass. Additionally, the work contemplates the deeply emotional and ethical issue of euthanasia when his wife is diagnosed with terminal cancer.

Volmann stands as a brilliant scholar of history, with an astute understanding of the forces that have shaped our violent past. He is also a keen observer of war, able to capture the essence of its brutality and the profound impact it has on individuals and societies. His work serves as a powerful reminder of the need to understand the roots of violence in order to find ways to prevent it and build a more peaceful world.

A couple of years ago, William Vollmann released this remarkable book in a beautiful unabridged version. Spanning 7 volumes and over 3300 pages, it was a literary behemoth that I deeply desired. I had a set in my hands, and the decision between forgoing food for the next month or obtaining the book was an excruciating one. Sadly, physical survival prevailed. Now, Harper Collins has released a very abridged paperback version. Weighing in at 700 pages, it is less than a quarter of the original, and only serves to heighten my longing for the now even more costly original.

The book delves into the complex topic of violence. It explores when violence is justified as a means to an end and when it is not. It examines the various reasons people resort to violence and contemplates if there are times when non-violence is unjustified. The book covers violence in all its facets, from the atrocities committed by Hitler and Stalin to the more 'mundane' everyday gangs that urban areas grapple with.

One might wonder why they would want to read this book. Well, I loved it for two main reasons. The first half reads like a history of violence, a well-written historical novel that attempts to fully understand the motives behind some of history's most troubling moments, yet written with a novelist's keen eye for language. The second half consists of 'case studies' or first-person reports from some of the worst regions in the modern world. Vollmann's descriptions transport the reader right to these unimaginable places, such as a youth hostel on the border between Croatia and Serbia, the Killing Fields of Cambodia, and a gang-ridden Jamaican city. In these horrific settings, he meets the people living through these unfortunate moments of history and tries to understand the reasons behind the violence from both sides. The reader's sympathy shifts from one group to another, as atrocities abound, and in the end, the reader faces the incomprehensibility and obliqueness of violence.

Will reading this book make you a happier person? Probably not. Pessimism is likely to prevail. However, it does offer a thought-provoking exploration of a complex topic. The book also includes a series of pictures titled "If Everyone Hates Violence Why do These People Look So Happy" (or something similar). These portraits of people and their weapons, mostly looking quite happy, add an interesting dimension to the book and sum up the slightly disturbing elements present. Vollmann doesn't take the easy route and outright condemn violence. He admits to his own ownership of many guns and that he carries them even at home for safety.

Contrary to what some might think, this book is not right-wing NRA nonsense, nor is it liberal. It is one of the few books on this topic that achieves a high level of objectivity. Vollmann seems genuinely interested in seeing all sides of the situations he examines. Overall, this book is an incredible piece of work. The writing is stunning, the subject matter is incredibly engaging, and even if you're not specifically interested in violence, it provides a wonderful overview of world history through the lens of war. From the Ancient Greeks to contemporary conflicts, Vollmann immerses himself and the reader in the situations, resulting in a truly great piece of literature.

This abridgement to the 7-volume original is truly a remarkable feat in its own right.

In his unique and captivating prose, Vollmann manages to deliver not just an encyclopedic analysis of violence. He does so through a combination of personal witness and in-depth historical study.

Moreover, he presents the reader with a moral calculus that can be utilized to assist in determining the justification of violent acts. Vollmann has the courage to challenge common assumptions, which is both refreshing and thought-provoking.

Thankfully, he doesn't provide the reader with easy answers. Instead, he leaves us with a complex and nuanced work that demands our full attention and serious consideration. This is a work that should not be taken lightly. It forces us to confront the difficult and often uncomfortable questions surrounding violence and morality, and encourages us to think deeply about our own beliefs and values.

Overall, Vollmann's work is a testament to his talent as a writer and his ability to engage with some of the most pressing issues of our time.

Holy Crap. He crippled himself to write this.

Before you pen a piece on conflict, war, or violence, it is essential to flip through this book. Make sure Volman didn't already cover it.

This book is likely available for a mere $7.99 at your local book warehouse. In 10 years' time, only some diehards will probably remember it.

Nevertheless, all high school students should be required to read this book before they graduate. However, it should not be assigned just over the summer, as that might have a warping effect on them.

Perhaps it could be incorporated into the curriculum during the school year, allowing for in-depth discussions and analysis.

By reading this book, students can gain a deeper understanding of the harsh realities of conflict, war, and violence.

It may also inspire them to think critically about these issues and consider ways to promote peace and understanding in the world.

Overall, this book has the potential to be a valuable educational tool for high school students.

In the preamble to Rising Up and Rising Down, Vollman makes an admission. This "short" 700+ pages version of a project that initially spanned seven volumes was released with the hope that someone would actually read it. He also confesses that the book has been hastily edited. There are cross references to parts of the treatise that are not present here, and the whole thing resembles a somewhat fragmented selection that one can dip into and out of.

Extraordinarily thought-provoking, the central objective of the project is to determine when and where violence is justifiable. The historical scope is astonishing, as is Vollman's reliance on both historical research and first-hand experience. He has evaded snipers in Sarajevo and taken refuge in Kingston ghettos.

That his conclusions label Abe Lincoln as generally good and Joe Stalin as a bit nasty is not unexpected. At least one critic questions whether one needs to write 3,000 words to reach such a determination. However, his development of a so-called moral calculus is ingenious, and the book provides a wealth of information about the rights and wrongs of self-defense, with obvious implications for Iraq and Afghanistan. You will need to dedicate a significant portion of your life to reading this, but you will be left with much to contemplate.

The HM1116 V65 2004 Memorial library is a remarkable place.

It stands as a tribute to a particular year and holds a wealth of knowledge within its walls.

The library is not just a building filled with books; it is a hub of learning and exploration.

Visitors can漫步 through its aisles, discover new ideas, and lose themselves in the pages of various literary works.

The collection in the HM1116 V65 2004 Memorial library is diverse,涵盖了 different genres and subjects.

Whether one is interested in history, science, or fiction, there is something for everyone.

The library also provides a quiet and conducive environment for studying and reading.

Students and scholars can come here to do research, write papers, or simply relax and enjoy a good book.

The HM1116 V65 2004 Memorial library is truly a valuable asset to the community.

VIDEO REVIEWS

Here are some video reviews for you. In Vol. MC & I, you can check out the video at https://youtu.be/pWM5DCI2y94. Vol. II has its video at https://youtu.be/aQTBH_Yjs5s. Moving on to Vol. III, the video link is https://youtu.be/CZZZCILqX1o. Vol. IV can be accessed via https://youtu.be/CN9_dpJXM6g. Vol. V has its video at https://youtu.be/Pk3Wzw-dUCk. And finally, Vol. VI can be found at https://youtu.be/ZnI87XEN_Fk.

Note: For some reason, I have NOT read this 3x as Goodreads indicates.

I admire in a way his dedication to outlining in such detail his personal ethics with respect to this issue. It shows his thoroughness and thoughtfulness. However, I'm far more interested in the philosophical argumentation on why anyone else should agree with him. This aspect is crucial for me to truly engage with his ideas. And I have to admit that I wasn't very persuaded in that regard. The individual stories he presents are wonderful, as always. They are engaging and full of life. And the style in which he writes is of course unique and enjoyable. It has its own charm and吸引力. But as I continued reading, both the stories and the style became a chore for me. I found myself losing interest and ultimately I decided not to finish even the abridged version. It's a pity because there are some good elements in the work, but it just didn't hold my attention until the end.

I've started this book. It seemed really interesting from the very beginning. The story was unfolding in a way that captured my attention immediately.

However, I had to put it down. It wasn't because the book was not amazing. On the contrary, it was so powerful that I just realized that I could not invest the emotional capital necessary to finish it at that moment.

The emotions it was evoking were so intense that I needed some time to process and be ready to fully engage with it. But I know that someday I will pick it up again. And it will be soon. I definitely will. I'm looking forward to the day when I can immerse myself in this wonderful story and experience all the emotions it has to offer.

I believe that when I do, it will be an unforgettable journey.

I own this piece of work, and I've signed it.

I'm awarding it five stars solely based on its existence.

It's not that I've actually read it yet.

But one day, when I find myself settled into my rocking chair upstate, wearing my velvet smoking jacket,

when I've cultivated a taste for brandy, hunting dogs, rifles, prostitutes, genocide, and even the north pole,

perhaps then I'll take the time to truly explore this thing I own.

Until then, it sits there, waiting for that moment when my life aligns with all those strange and diverse interests.

And who knows what I'll discover when I finally do pick it up and give it a proper read.

Maybe it'll be a masterpiece, or maybe it'll just be another curiosity in my collection.

Only time will tell.