I have listened to every episode of “the community library” and I give it a 2.5/5 (three stars by the default of the rating system). Would love it if the god damn ukulele music would cease, makes me want to use a glock to make my skull into a brain slushy. But seriously, Though the level of understanding of the texts leaves a little to be desired, the podcast achieves an interesting book club style joy to an otherwise febrile dream of an existence. I seriously don’t know what I would do without the aforementioned’s existence. The genres of books are diverse and refreshing, I often read along and I am an illiterate moron so the word mean literally gobbledygook without surface level dissection by Rice and her (sometimes appearing) guests. It is evident a lot of love for literature goes into each episode’s discussion and the bloopers (though preceded by an inane horrid abortion of the ukulele) are sweet and playful. Besides personal issues with the opinions of Rice and her friends, I can in no way comment on one single objectively negative thing about this podcast. There is no salvation with baring no suffering though as the ukulele sound has got to go. I was thinking about rating the podcast a 1/5 just because of that but alas my judgement emerged victorious after the red mist descended and as of it weren’t ever, went. I love listening to this podcast and somehow it isn’t boring - which is weird because books are boring - essentially a lazy screenplay that requires me, a privileged cis white male to use my “imagination”. Gross. My racist great aunt taught me that imagination is for- well let’s keep this review PG. Rice seems to be a (though somewhat naive) lovely soul with above average intelligence and so I tolerate her ukulele. But I feel as I go mad with every listen to the wench’s crass string. The podcast is helmed by feminist supporting actress, Angourie Rice, who believes the general populous is unaware of what a dowry is. She is correct. There are some thoughtful and considerate conversation conversed in the three-quarters-of-an-hour long episodes.
Firstly, what I like about the podcast. I like the host, she gives and allure of intelligence baiting thoughtful discussion that is unfortunately only sometimes thought out. I don’t particularly agree with many of the positions but I enjoy listening to the adverse opinion. It is informative and allows me to consider other interpretations of the books discussed. I really like the length but would love it if it were a little bit longer. Maybe an hour and 15 or something. I could listen to this podcast all day.
What I took issue with, the podcast unfortunately never possesses the ability to discuss an alternate perspective. A devil’s advocate if you will. Often the episodes feature two charismatic you ladies agreeing on their opinions much like a book club only saying what they liked or did not. I feel that the podcast would improve greatly if there was a bit more debate. This would allow them to explore avenues that are controversial and not just surface area claims. Another negative is that the books are often scored too highly and purely opinion based. This is a hard one for me as only an analogy is by way of conveying my disappointment. I love the film “White Chicks” but would only give it 1.5 stars out of 5. This is because I like to review things objectively and enjoyment derived accounting for only a little. Most of the ratings supplied are just not that accurate to the books. I understand it is there opinion but I would love to see them dissecting the book further than “I liked it”. I love this podcast, I love the host, I love the selection, I will listen to this podcast until they find my cold lifeless body dead with my headphones in, but it is only a 2.5 out of 5. Despite how much I love it, I have to try to be objective. The final thing I dislike is the ukulele. I know I have been a little flippant with cynicism dousing the review though the summit of my seriousness address this point. The ukulele is the most annoying thing. How can such a talented amazing individual (Rice) think that it sounds good?
Anyways, in summary, definitely give this podcast a listen. It is definitely one of my favourites, but if you are looking for object reviews instead of agreeable discussion, maybe give it a miss. I feel terrible giving it only 3 stars as it could be great. Maybe I will write a new review if things improve.
