22 Jul

Posted at 07:52h in Reviews by

Book Review: The House on Prytania (Royal Street Book 2) by Karen White As a lover of Southern tales steeped in history and a dash of the supernatural, The House on Prytania caught my attention the moment I saw Karen White's name on the cover. Having previously enjoyed her ability to blend rich characters with an atmospheric setting, I knew I was in for a treat. The drawing allure of New Orleans—its haunting streets, vibrant culture, and the whispers of spirits past—made this second installment in the Royal Street...

22 Jul

Posted at 03:21h in Reviews by

Title: The Untold Stories: Reflections on Lives of the Wives: Five Literary Marriages There are books that draw you in by the cover or the blurb, and then there are books that resonate with you on a deeply personal level—Lives of the Wives: Five Literary Marriages by Carmela Ciuraru falls squarely into the latter category. When I stumbled across its title, I couldn’t help but feel an irresistible pull. I mean, who wouldn’t find a dive into the often overlooked narratives behind famous literary figures’ marriages intriguing?...

21 Jul

Posted at 22:50h in Reviews by

Unleashing Tension: A Personal Dive into Conflict and Suspense by James Scott Bell As an avid reader and aspiring writer, I often find myself searching for that elusive spark that can transform a mundane plot into a gripping narrative. When I stumbled upon Elements of Fiction Writing: Conflict and Suspense by James Scott Bell, it felt like stumbling across a treasure chest in a dusty attic. The title alone promised to investigate the very heart of storytelling—conflict, the engine of creativity, and suspense, the hook that keeps readers on...

21 Jul

Posted at 17:20h in Reviews by

Book Review: Seduction Theory by A.M. Homes When I first encountered Seduction Theory, I was instantly intrigued—not just by the title but by the promise of an academic setting peppered with complexities of infidelity, obsession, and emotional boundaries. As an admirer of nuanced narratives, particularly those that delve into fraught relationships, I found myself anticipating something similar to Susan Choi’s My Education, which beautifully weaves together academia and entangled lives. I was eager to dive into A.M. Homes’s world. From the get-go, we meet Robbie, a graduating student deep in...

21 Jul

Posted at 13:45h in Reviews by

You: The Story: A Writer's Guide to Craft Through Memory by Ruta Sepetys When a dear friend recommended You: The Story by Ruta Sepetys, I was intrigued. Not only is Sepetys a #1 New York Times bestselling author known for her poignant historical fiction, but this book marked her foray into the realm of nonfiction. As a lifelong reader and aspiring writer, I often find myself searching for guidance and inspiration to help me sift through the tangled mess of thoughts I call my own creative process. With that...

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...