The Unsettling of America: Culture and Agriculture

by Wendell Berry
The Unsettling of America: Culture and Agriculture cover
Good Books rating 4.0
Technical
  • ID: 5190
  • Added: 2025-10-22
  • Updated: 2025-10-22
  • Reviews: 4
Reviews
app.thestorygraph.com · Unknown · 2025-10-23
masterful 4.50

The review discusses the first 50 pages of 'A Game of Thrones' by George R.R. Martin, highlighting its multiple points of view and the introduction of key characters and conflicts. The prologue sets a dark and magical tone, while subsequent chapters establish the political and personal dynamics that drive the story.

The review provides a detailed breakdown of the first 50 pages of 'A Game of Thrones', noting the effective use of multiple points of view to introduce key characters and conflicts. The prologue is particularly praised for its chilling and exciting introduction to the world of magic and monsters. Each subsequent chapter focuses on a different character, providing a comprehensive view of the realm and its politics. The review highlights the swift pace and action that effectively set up the novel's three main points of conflict: the Night's Watch, Daenerys' quest, and Ned Stark's role as the Hand of the King.

Quick quotes

    The prologue is a frightening and exciting chapter which shows us that magic and monsters, while relegated to the realm of mythology, are in fact lethally real.

    Martin’s work is masterful — a swift pace and plenty of action are used to introduce the novel’s three key points of conflict.

    Chapters from varying points of view allow us to cover more physical ground, giving us a unique bird’s eye view of the realm and its politics.

facebook.com · Unknown · 2025-10-23
brilliant 4.50

The reviewer found 'A Game of Thrones' to be an exceptional start to a fantasy series, praising its intricate plot and well-developed characters. They particularly enjoyed the depth of the characters and the way the story balances grand scale with personal moments.

The reviewer was highly impressed with 'A Game of Thrones', calling it the best opening book to a fantasy series. They appreciated the grand scale of the story, which includes great wars and deep histories, as well as the personal moments that make the characters feel real. The reviewer particularly enjoyed the character of Tyrion Lannister, who is smart, witty, and has a strong moral compass. They also noted that the book does an excellent job of connecting different plot points and characters, making it feel like one cohesive story. The reviewer believes that the book is a must-read for any fantasy fan and even those who don't typically enjoy the genre.

Quick quotes

    George R.R. Martin does an incredible job of throwing us around to different characters involved in different plot points but making us feel at the same time that they're all connected.

    Tyrion is probably my favourite character — as he is many. He's smart, witty, and sometimes rude but has a very strict moral compass.

    [A Game of Thrones] is the best opening book to a fantasy series you'll find.

goodreads.com · Unknown · 2025-10-23
disappointing 2.50

The reviewer finds 'A Game of Thrones' to be a disappointing read due to its overly long and repetitive nature, despite its detailed world-building and some well-crafted moments. The book's hype and marketing overshadow its actual content, making it difficult to enjoy.

The reviewer acknowledges that 'A Game of Thrones' has all the ingredients of a great epic fantasy novel, with intricate politics, compelling characters, and a richly detailed world. However, the execution falls short due to the book's excessive length and repetitive writing. The reviewer struggles to stay engaged, finding the prose often ambiguous and poorly crafted. While there are some standout moments, such as a well-described surgical operation and a unique pseudo-occult ritual, these are overshadowed by the book's overall sluggish pace and lazy writing. The reviewer feels that the hype surrounding the book makes it difficult to appreciate its merits, as the high expectations set by the marketing and advance praise are not fully met by the content.

Quick quotes

    The best books are those about which all previous impressions (if any) are dashed during the reading.

    It doesn't work. If we had been given earlier references to Will's knowledge of how to compare at a glance the relative sharpnesses of swords and razors, then we might forgive this sort of sloppiness.

    Martin offers up the occasional nice turn of phrase ('warm as blood and relentless as old guilts') and I liked the heart tree: 'trees ought not have eyes... or leaves that looked like hands.

scottjpearson.com · Unknown · 2025-09-18
thought-provoking 4.50

The Unsettling of America: Culture and Agriculture explores the deep connections between American culture and agriculture, arguing that the two are inextricably linked. The book is a call to action for a more sustainable and just food system, one that respects the land and the people who work it. It is a powerful and thought-provoking read that challenges readers to rethink their relationship with food and the environment.

The Unsettling of America: Culture and Agriculture is a profound exploration of the relationship between American culture and agriculture. The book argues that the two are deeply interconnected, and that the current industrial food system is not only unsustainable but also unjust. The author calls for a return to more traditional and sustainable farming practices, and for a greater respect for the land and the people who work it. The book is a powerful and thought-provoking read that challenges readers to rethink their relationship with food and the environment. It is a call to action for a more sustainable and just food system, one that respects the land and the people who work it. The book is written in a clear and accessible style, making it suitable for a wide range of readers. It is a must-read for anyone interested in food, agriculture, or the environment.

Quick quotes

    The book argues that the two are deeply interconnected, and that the current industrial food system is not only unsustainable but also unjust.

    The author calls for a return to more traditional and sustainable farming practices, and for a greater respect for the land and the people who work it.

    It is a call to action for a more sustainable and just food system, one that respects the land and the people who work it.

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