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MadiZen

142 points

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Level 2
My Taste
Shōgun, Volume 1
Where the Sidewalk Ends
The Power of Myth
Behave: The Biology of Humans at Our Best and Worst
Biocentrism: How Life and Consciousness Are the Keys to Understanding the True Nature of the Universe
Reading...
Successful Psychopharmacology: Evidence-Based Treatment Solutions for Achieving RemissionNeighborsThe Left Hand of Darkness

MadiZen commented on a post

2d
  • The Left Hand of Darkness
    Excellent Worldbuilding Unable to Override Overall Dry and Boring Story

    The humanoid biology the author has created here with its resultant culture is genius and very interesting. That said, the story itself is not very interesting and she leans so heavily on invented and dry language that when I forget about the book for a few months (because the story is not engaging) and come back to it, the incessant fabricated language can make it a slog. I started this book a year or so ago and am maybe half way through. Just not enjoying the read.

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  • MadiZen started reading...

    2d
    Successful Psychopharmacology: Evidence-Based Treatment Solutions for Achieving Remission

    Successful Psychopharmacology: Evidence-Based Treatment Solutions for Achieving Remission

    Stephen V. Sobel

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    Post from the The Left Hand of Darkness forum

    2d
  • The Left Hand of Darkness
    Excellent Worldbuilding Unable to Override Overall Dry and Boring Story

    The humanoid biology the author has created here with its resultant culture is genius and very interesting. That said, the story itself is not very interesting and she leans so heavily on invented and dry language that when I forget about the book for a few months (because the story is not engaging) and come back to it, the incessant fabricated language can make it a slog. I started this book a year or so ago and am maybe half way through. Just not enjoying the read.

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    comments 8
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  • MadiZen commented on a post

    2w
  • Neighbors
    Oof.... Not the Best Read

    As a fan of the old John Belushi and Dan Ackroyd film (well, the first half is genius, but then it sort of falls apart, apparently owing to on-set infighting), when I saw it was based on a novel, I decided to give it a read.

    The prose is a mix of a very old-school literature and high-browed academic writing. It makes everything come across as very stuffy, which can amplify some of the humor, sure, but it dulls, flattens, and obfuscates most other bits.

    Unfortunately I can't yet say it's a particularly enjoyable read. And thank goodness they changed "Harry" to "Vic."

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  • Post from the Neighbors forum

    2w
  • Neighbors
    Oof.... Not the Best Read

    As a fan of the old John Belushi and Dan Ackroyd film (well, the first half is genius, but then it sort of falls apart, apparently owing to on-set infighting), when I saw it was based on a novel, I decided to give it a read.

    The prose is a mix of a very old-school literature and high-browed academic writing. It makes everything come across as very stuffy, which can amplify some of the humor, sure, but it dulls, flattens, and obfuscates most other bits.

    Unfortunately I can't yet say it's a particularly enjoyable read. And thank goodness they changed "Harry" to "Vic."

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    comments 1
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  • MadiZen wants to read...

    3w
    ACT Made Simple: An Easy-to-Read Primer on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy

    ACT Made Simple: An Easy-to-Read Primer on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy

    Russ Harris

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    MadiZen wants to read...

    3w
    No Sweat: How the Simple Science of Motivation Can Bring You a Lifetime of Fitness

    No Sweat: How the Simple Science of Motivation Can Bring You a Lifetime of Fitness

    Michelle Segar

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    MadiZen commented on a post

    3w
  • Dune (Dune, #1)
    Thoughts from 83%

    I finally understand more of this book than in the beginning, I just feel I'm part of a minority that isn't 100% in love with this...

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  • MadiZen earned a badge

    3w
    Level 2

    Level 2

    100 points

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    MadiZen finished reading and wrote a review...

    3w
  • Shift: Managing Your Emotions—So They Don't Manage You
    MadiZen
    Oct 02, 2025
    3.5
    Enjoyment: Quality: Characters: Plot:

    There are some jewels in here, especially during the first 2/3 or so. Towards the end it sort of falls apart, and there could have been better editing, as well. Still, it's an easy read and may be worth it for those jewels it does have.

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    3w
  • Beyond Biocentrism: Rethinking Time, Space, Consciousness, and the Illusion of Death
    MadiZen
    Oct 01, 2025
    5.0
    Enjoyment: Quality: Characters: Plot:

    This is a very fun read. Lots of interesting ideas to play with.

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  • The Power of Myth
    MadiZen
    Sep 29, 2025
    5.0
    Enjoyment: Quality: Characters: Plot:

    A childhood favorite. This is the transcript of the discussion with the world's leading mythologist that aired on PBS several decades ago. This mythologist's view of transformation became the basis for a lot of story writing, known as the hero's journey. There are a lot of little quotable nuggets from this conversation. I think my favorite went something like, "When you follow your bliss, you will find doors that have been waiting for you, and only for you."

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