21 Jul

Posted at 07:19h in Reviews by

Finding Home in Hannah Kent’s Always Home, Always Homesick As someone who has long been captivated by Iceland's mystique, Hannah Kent’s Always Home, Always Homesick felt like an irresistible invitation to explore the rugged landscapes of both the heart and mind. Having first encountered her poignant storytelling in Burial Rites, I was curious to dive into her memoir and uncover the threads that weave her life with the enchanting but stark Nordic island. Kent’s memoir is a delicately layered narrative shaped by her deep connection to Iceland. It begins with...

21 Jul

Posted at 04:41h in Reviews by

A Journey Through Words: A Review of Things I Don't Want to Know: On Writing by Deborah Levy As a lifelong reader and aspiring writer, I often find myself enchanted by the craft of storytelling. When I stumbled upon Deborah Levy's Things I Don't Want to Know, it felt like a serendipitous hug from a kindred spirit. Levy, a two-time Booker Prize finalist, invites readers into her world with a warmth and wit that is both disarming and invigorating. This book, responding to George Orwell's essay "Why I Write,"...

20 Jul

Posted at 21:18h in Reviews by

Riding Like the Wind: The Life of Sanora Babb – A Journey Worth Taking When I first stumbled upon Riding Like the Wind: The Life of Sanora Babb by Hannah Dunkle, I was immediately captivated by the notion of exploring the life of such a remarkable figure. The weight of the book, combined with its impressive thousand-page length, may intimidate some, but trust me: this is a literary journey well worth embarking on. Babb’s story, steeped in grit and resilience, draws you in and pulls you through the vivid...

20 Jul

Posted at 19:36h in Reviews by

A Reflection on the CAGIE Lined Journal: More Than Just Paper When I first laid eyes on the CAGIE Lined Journal Notebook, I felt a spark of excitement familiar to anyone who has ever picked up a notebook that just feels right. This A5 leather-bound beauty, with its 320 pages of thick, 100gsm paper, beckoned me in a way that only a well-crafted journal can. I've always believed that the best journaling experiences start with the right tools, and CAGIE seems to have nailed it with this offering. Upon unboxing,...

20 Jul

Posted at 11:17h in Reviews by

Personal Reflections on J. M. Coetzee’s Speaking in Tongues When I first picked up Speaking in Tongues by J. M. Coetzee, I did so with a curious blend of excitement and apprehension. As a devoted admirer of Coetzee’s profound works—each more layered and challenging than the last—I found myself eager yet slightly intimidated by what he might have to say this time. Known for wrestling with themes of colonialism, identity, and human suffering, Coetzee has a distinctive way of forcing readers into uncomfortable but essential reflections. Little did I...

20 Jul

Posted at 10:33h in Reviews by

Review of Still Here: A Poetry Memoir of Grief & Love by Jenny Smith When I first came across Still Here: A Poetry Memoir of Grief & Love by Jenny Smith, I felt an immediate pull. The title, with its poignant duality—reminding us of loss and the enduring power of love—echoed my own experiences with grief. As soon as I began reading, I knew I had stumbled upon something deeply personal yet universally relevant. Jenny's exploration of her brother's unexpected loss resonated with a raw honesty that compelled me...

20 Jul

Posted at 01:28h in Reviews by

Title: Elevate Your Voice with Donald Maass’ “Writing the Breakout Novel” As a lifelong lover of books, the quest for writing brilliance has often led me down winding paths filled with advice, tips, and innumerable “how-tos.” So, when I stumbled upon Writing the Breakout Novel: Insider Advice for Taking Your Fiction to the Next Level by Donald Maass, a seasoned literary agent whose words drip with authenticity, I felt an exciting jolt of inspiration. Could this book be the ticket to unlocking my storytelling potential? From page one, Maass...

20 Jul

Posted at 01:17h in Reviews by

Discovering the Whimsical World of Jane Austen: A Review of The Novel Life of Jane Austen: A Graphic Biography As a lifelong admirer of Jane Austen’s wit and keen social commentary, the moment I laid eyes on The Novel Life of Jane Austen: A Graphic Biography by Janine Barchas, illustrated by Isabel Greenberg, my heart—and, admittedly, my inner book nerd—leaped with joy. Combining Austen’s sharp observations about 18th-century society with stunning graphic illustrations, this book felt like an invitation into Austen’s world, both personal and literary. I couldn’t wait...

19 Jul

Posted at 16:26h in Reviews by

Unlocking Imagination: A Review of On Writing and Worldbuilding – Volume I As a fervent reader and aspiring writer, few things spark my curiosity like the intricate blend of advice and storytelling in On Writing and Worldbuilding – Volume I by Timothy Hickson. The title alone alludes to a treasure trove of insights into the writer's craft, and as someone who's constantly seeking guidance on how to build vibrant, believable worlds, I was eager to dive in. From the outset, Hickson's conversational yet deeply insightful tone pulled me in. The...

19 Jul

Posted at 15:12h in Reviews by

Embracing the Canvas: A Review of The Artist by [Author's Name] As a lover of art and literature, I was naturally drawn to The Artist, the latest work by [Author's Name]. The idea of exploring the intersection of creativity, loss, and the complexities of human relationships intrigued me deeply. I anticipated a vivid tapestry of emotions and insights, cloaked in the aura of artistic aspiration. Unfortunately, what I found was a mix of beauty and disappointment—a book that held so much potential but ultimately fell short in execution. The story...