07 May

Posted at 17:21h in Reviews by

The Double Life of Benson Yu: A Thought-Provoking Journey Through Trauma and Healing When I first caught wind of The Double Life of Benson Yu, the latest novel by Canadian author Liang Qiao, I was immediately intrigued. The concept of a graphic novelist creating a narrative that blurs the lines between fantasy and reality? Yes, please! However, I must admit, delving into this book was like stepping into a beautiful, yet tumultuous, landscape of emotions and thoughts. It's been a few days since I finished it, and I'm still...

07 May

Posted at 08:52h in Reviews by

Not Quite by the Book: A Literary Escape There’s something magical about bookstores and the stories they cradle, which is likely why "Not Quite by the Book" by Annie England Noblin caught my eye. As a book blogger, I often find myself yearning for stories that intertwine not just good writing, but relatable character journeys and rich settings. With the promise of family drama, a historical twist, and a seemingly idyllic setting at an old manor once frequented by Emily Dickinson, I dove into this narrative with enthusiasm. However,...

07 May

Posted at 07:20h in Reviews by

Reflections on Any Person Is the Only Self: A Journey of Divergent Perspectives When I first stumbled upon Elisa Gabbert’s Any Person Is the Only Self, I was immediately drawn in by her poetic approach to life’s minutiae. She writes, “Sometimes I think of the seed of the essay, whatever idea first made me want to write it, as a tree that I'm building a house around—I have wanted a house with a tree inside.” This imagery struck a chord with me; it felt like an invitation to explore...

06 May

Posted at 21:19h in Reviews by

Review: The Diaries of Franz Kafka (The Schocken Kafka Library) As a lifelong admirer of Franz Kafka, delving into The Diaries of Franz Kafka felt like embarking on a deeply personal pilgrimage. With the centenary of his death approaching on June 3rd, 1924, I found myself eager to spend time with his thoughts, exploring the mind of a writer whose work has profoundly shaped my understanding of literature. This collection, deftly translated by Ross Benjamin, is a treasure trove for Kafka enthusiasts, rich with the author’s reflections, desires, and...

06 May

Posted at 11:16h in Reviews by

Book Review: The Secret of Honeycake by Laura H. W. B. Wright Do you ever pick up a book and feel instantly transported to another world? That’s exactly what happened to me with The Secret of Honeycake by Laura H. W. B. Wright. From its enchanting cover to the whispers of historical depth within its pages, this novel had me hooked from the very first chapter. It tells a story that is not only delightful but also resonant with themes of resilience, love, and the simple joys that can...

06 May

Posted at 08:49h in Reviews by

Book Review: Read Yourself Happy: How to Use Books to Ease Your Anxiety by Daisy Buchanan Sometimes, a book arrives in your life just when you need it most. For me, Read Yourself Happy: How to Use Books to Ease Your Anxiety by Daisy Buchanan was that timely companion. The title alone drew me in, as I had long believed that books are not just a source of stories but a refuge, a means to navigate through anxiety and uncertainty. Daisy’s eloquence captures the very essence of this belief,...

06 May

Posted at 01:15h in Reviews by

A Mixed Bag: My Thoughts on James Patterson by James Patterson: The Stories of My Life When I picked up James Patterson by James Patterson: The Stories of My Life, my heart raced with excitement. Patterson's novels have been a staple of my reading diet for years, those pulse-pounding thrillers that I devour in a single sitting. However, as I dove into this memoir, I couldn't shake the thoughts of “Call the FTC!” echoing in my head. After all, with a title like that, I was expecting narratives dense...

05 May

Posted at 15:13h in Reviews by

Exploring the Depths of Human Experience: A Review of Poetry Unbound: 50 Poems to Open Your World It’s not every day that a book captures your heart and invites you into the world of poetry as profoundly as Poetry Unbound: 50 Poems to Open Your World does. I stumbled upon this gem while on holiday in Scotland, where I found a signed edition at Blackwell's in Edinburgh. The experience felt almost serendipitous, as if I was meant to walk through those doors and into the world curated by the...

05 May

Posted at 08:48h in Reviews by

Bibliophobia: A Memoir by Sarah Chihaya – A Life-Ruiner Worth Every Page There are some books that sneak up on you, and for me, Bibliophobia: A Memoir by Sarah Chihaya was one of those jaw-dropping encounters. I mean, did I just read one of the best books of 2025… in 2024? Chihaya's work is a stunning homage to the complex relationship we often have with literature, weaving in threads of depression, family trauma, and racial identity. This is not merely a memoir; it’s an exploration of a diasporic existence...

05 May

Posted at 05:08h in Reviews by

Key Player (Front Desk #4): A Journey of Growth and Heart When I first heard that Kelly Yang was releasing another novel about Mia, I couldn’t contain my excitement. As a long-time fan of the Front Desk series, the thought of diving back into Mia's world was like a warm hug on a chilly day. Just thinking of the emotional depth and infectious hope that Yang masterfully weaves into each narrative made me feel giddy. So, when Key Player hit the shelves, I was more than ready to embark...