Frankenstein by Mary Shelley

***** T.C. 2018
Frankenstein is one of my favorite books that we have read this year. I love the conflict that occurs between Frankenstein and himself. It shows us how deeply our actions can affect the rest of our future. What draws me most to the book is how I can relate to Frankenstein. All he wanted to do was add something extraordinary to the realm of science. However, it backfired on him and ended up leading to the demise of his lover, Elizabeth. The novel does a great job at also showing us how the cruelty of standards of our world can destroy the most innocent of beings, like with Frankenstein's monster. The only dull moment in the book is the very beginning where the letters take place. Once you can get past that part, the novel will leave an impact on you like you can't imagine.

**** T.E. 2016
Mary Shelley's "Frankenstein" has received many accolades, and is deserving of many. Shelley redefined science fiction and brought us a rather beloved movie monster. However, there is much more to the text than the animation of a man-made human-esque figure. This includes Victor Frankenstein's manic ramblings about his creature (both before and after it was completed), his desertion of the creature upon its animation, and Frankenstein's decision to simply forget it all happened despite knowing that the monster had to be somewhere. For someone who had no qualms about digging up graves and cutting up people's loved ones, Frankenstein is incredibly fragile. He falls into states of deep depression several times throughout the book and fails to heed the creature's warnings despite his explicit statements due to his constant disbelief in the monster's capabilities. Frankenstein's own hubris led to his demise, as well as the demise of everyone he had ever loved. His shear unpleasantness causes the reader to feel little pity toward him; the "monster" is much more deserving of it.

**** H.L. 2017
The Modern Prometheus was probably one of the most impactful books I have read this year. This was due mainly because of the vast amount of different life lessons and themes one can take away from the book. When analyzing Victors character and his monsters, you can notice both share a similar trait: their intellect. But the biggest difference, is their appearance. This made me realize that we as a society judge appearance before anything else - even Frankenstein, who values intellect more than anything, judged the appearance of his own creation rather and gave it no chance, even after knowing how smart the monster had become. I also took away the fact that the monsters entire upbringing was in nature, and had learned an innocent life that way. He was helpful, respectful, and had no greed - until he came in contact with humans. He learned that in order to get what he wants - which was a companion - he had to be greedy, get revenge, and murder. The writing was also entertaining enough to the point where i was interested all the way through, unlike other books i have read written in this time period. Overall, i think the modern prometheus should be read by those looking for an entertaining yet smart book that can one can learn a lot from, definitely recommended.

* J.D. 2017
Mary Shelly's Frankenstein, is by far one of the worst books I have ever read in my entire life. It is my recommendation as an avid reader, who can go through a five hundred page book in a twelve hour period, that anyone who enjoys life and doesn't desire to gain homicidal tendencies not read this book.There are several key issues i have with it but let's stick to the basics. The main character, Victor Frankenstein, has terrible judgement. So, the beginning of the book is all about how Victor wants to create life. You know, basically play God. If he wanted to "create life" why didn't he just make a baby? I know that sounds crude, but dude, really? Anyway, he was so obsessed with this little pet project of his that he almost killed himself by never taking breaks or eating. Because that's the kind of person the world wants to father a monster. Oh, but let's not forget my favorite act of judgement, or lack there of. When Victor is completing the resurrection of the monster (who we will call Charlie) he didn't think to strap down the monster that he purposefully designed to be bigger, stronger, better. That's some outside the box thinking right there. On top of that, after Victor realizes that he's an idiot for orchestrating the "catastrophe" that produced a "wretch" he runs out of the room claiming he was "unable to endure the aspect of the being I had created". Wow. That was a great Idea. Not. Oooh! I just made a monster that's super confused as to what it is and what's the difference between right and wrong. I'm going to run away like a wimp. Brilliant. Just brilliant. Moving on, Charlie, the monster, must have inherited his judgement from dear old Victor. I understand watching "the cottagers" and even helping them from time to time but what did he expect was going to happen when the protective Felix came back and saw a giant, ugly looking humanoid clutching his blind defenseless father? Come on, use your brain. Then, of course, the next logical action is to make another humanoid that will be just as hated as him and pray that all the hormones and attitudes that make women wild and commanding and every other mood on the planet will somehow be lost in the creation process. Oh and that she doesn't have a mind of her own. Genius. I could go on but I want to finish this review before I die of old age so I'll stop here.