Review of Mystery In Rocky Mountain National Park (National Park Mystery Series) When I first stumbled upon Mystery In Rocky Mountain National Park by Aaron Johnson, I was instantly drawn to its intriguing concept: a scavenger hunt filled with secret codes, hidden clues, and the majestic backdrop of Colorado’s natural beauty. As someone who loves a good adventure, particularly one that intertwines history and nature, I couldn't resist diving into this young adult mystery that promises to explore the depths of both the landscape and the human spirit. In this...

Review: Writing Fantasy & Science Fiction: How to Create Out-of-This-World Novels and Short Stories As an avid reader and aspiring writer, I often find myself lost in the intricate worlds of fantasy and science fiction. When I stumbled upon Writing Fantasy & Science Fiction: How to Create Out-of-This-World Novels and Short Stories, it felt like destiny calling. With contributions from revered authors like Orson Scott Card and fresh insights from modern luminaries such as Philip Athans and Jay Lake, this comprehensive guide promised not just to enlighten me but...

A Glimpse into the Mind of a Master: A Review of A Private Spy: The Letters of John Le Carré There’s something profoundly intimate about reading a person’s letters. It offers a window into their thoughts, fears, and hopes—much like having a heart-to-heart conversation with an old friend. As I delved into A Private Spy: The Letters of John Le Carré, I felt as though I was conversing with the enigmatic David Cornwell himself, the man behind the pen name we have come to know and love. This collection...

Exploring Your Own Memoir: A Journey with William Zinsser Have you ever found yourself sifting through the delicate threads of your past, yearning to weave them into a narrative? When I stumbled upon Writing About Your Life: A Journey into the Past by William Zinsser, I felt an immediate connection. As someone who has attempted to capture fleeting memories on paper, I couldn’t resist the allure of what this celebrated author had to offer about memoir writing. Zinsser, known for his classic On Writing Well, promised not just strategies...

Bookends: A Memoir of Love, Loss, and Literature – A Tangled Journey of Privilege and Introspection When I first stumbled upon "Bookends: A Memoir of Love, Loss, and Literature" by the author, I was intrigued. A memoir that weaves in themes of love and literature offers a promise of rich introspection and heartfelt storytelling. After all, isn’t literature often our best lens for understanding the complexities of life? However, my excitement quickly waned as I delved deeper into the pages of this book, leaving me with a mixture of...

Embracing the Writer's Journey: A Reflection on The Writing Life As I flipped through the pages of The Writing Life: Writers On How They Think And Work, I couldn’t help but feel an undeniable connection to the authors' journeys. Compiled by Marie Arana from ten years of The Washington Post’s beloved column, this collection sparked not just curiosity but a deeper appreciation for the craft of writing itself. For anyone who has ever contemplated what it means to pour one’s soul onto the page, this book serves as a...

Reviewing Wanderers: A History of Women Walking by Kerri Andrews As someone who has often sought solace in the rhythm of my own footsteps, Kerri Andrews' Wanderers: A History of Women Walking resonated deeply with me. With its promise to explore the journeys of women who have found walking essential to their identities, I’ve been eagerly anticipating this book since its publication in 2020. The foreword by Kathleen Jamie, a writer whose poetic prose speaks to my soul, left me yearning for more, as it is only a fleeting...

A Trusted Companion: Review of the Mead Composition Wide Ruled Notebook There’s something undeniably nostalgic about the classic black marble cover of a Mead Composition notebook. It takes me back to my school days when I’d scribble down thoughts, ideas, and the endless lists that kept my scattered brain afloat. So when I stumbled upon the Mead Composition, Wide Ruled Comp Book, I couldn’t resist giving it a whirl. This notebook, measuring 9-3/4" x 7-1/2" and containing 100 sheets, feels like a warm hug for those of us who...

Review of Loving Sylvia Plath: A Reclamation by Andrea Van Duyne When I first came across Loving Sylvia Plath: A Reclamation by Andrea Van Duyne, I was intrigued—not just by Plath's enduring legacy in literature, but more so by her complex relationship with Ted Hughes. Van Duyne’s exploration promises to shed light on a history that often feels entwined not just in love, but manipulation and tragedy. As someone who has always believed that understanding the human element in literary history is crucial, this book spoke to me on...

A Journey Through Verse: Discovering Mary Oliver’s A Poetry Handbook As a lifelong admirer of poetry, I often find myself sifting through volumes in search of wisdom and inspiration. So, when I stumbled upon Mary Oliver’s A Poetry Handbook, I felt like I had found a hidden gem. Oliver, with her profound connection to nature and humanity, has always captivated me with her work. This handbook promised not only to enlighten my understanding of poetry but to guide my own poetic ambitions. Oliver's A Poetry Handbook is a masterclass...