22 Jun

Posted at 20:10h in Reviews by

Book Review: End Credits: How I Broke Up with Hollywood From the moment I saw the title of Lin's book, End Credits: How I Broke Up with Hollywood, I was hooked. Given our current cultural climate, where Hollywood writers have taken a stand for better treatment, Lin’s insider perspective as a series writer felt both timely and compelling. I have always been captivated by the behind-the-scenes drama of Tinseltown, but Lin's recounting of her experiences added a unique flavor I didn’t know I craved. Thank you to Lin, the...

22 Jun

Posted at 12:16h in Reviews by

Book Review: The Well-Spoken Thesaurus by Tom E. McCarthy When I first laid eyes on The Well-Spoken Thesaurus: The Most Powerful Ways to Say Everyday Words and Phrases, I was both intrigued and skeptical. In a world overflowing with quick and easy fixes for enhancing our writing, could this book truly help elevate my language? Tom E. McCarthy, the author, drew me in with the promise of making everyday speech not only more effective but also more vibrant. As someone who loves the nuances of language, it felt like...

22 Jun

Posted at 10:07h in Reviews by

A Journey through the Eccentric: The Madman’s Library Review As someone with a penchant for the peculiar, The Madman’s Library: The Strangest Books, Manuscripts, and Other Literary Curiosities by Edward Brooke-Hitching immediately caught my eye. It’s a delightful exploration of the bizarre and whimsical, an homage to the strange corners of literary history that often go unnoticed. If you love books that invite curiosity and conversation, this is the perfect treasure for your coffee table—and believe me, you’ll want to share the oddities within. One of the first things that...

22 Jun

Posted at 03:12h in Reviews by

Writing and Selling Your Mystery Novel: A Treasure Trove for Aspiring Authors It's no secret that the world of mystery writing is as convoluted and intricate as the plots themselves. With every twist and turn, a writer must wrestle not only with their story but also with the craft of writing itself. That’s why Writing and Selling Your Mystery Novel by Hallie Ephron caught my attention—a comprehensive guide infused with her wealth of experience, making it sound like the ultimate companion for anyone venturing into this captivating genre. From the...

22 Jun

Posted at 00:05h in Reviews by

Book Review: There Was a Party for Langston The moment I heard about There Was a Party for Langston by Jason Reynolds, I felt an undeniable pull. If you’ve spent any time in the literary world, you’ll know that Reynolds is a force of nature, crafting stories that resonate with truth and emotion. This book promised a celebration—not just of Langston Hughes, but of the very essence of literary joy, and I was ready to dive in. At its heart, There Was a Party for Langston transports us to a...

21 Jun

Posted at 18:10h in Reviews by

The Emotional Craft of Fiction: How to Write the Story Beneath the Surface As a lifelong reader and aspiring writer, the title The Emotional Craft of Fiction: How to Write the Story Beneath the Surface immediately struck a chord with me. Authored by Donald Maass, a seasoned literary agent and instructor, this book promises to help writers evoke deep emotional experiences in their readers. I was intrigued by Maass's focus on mastering the art of emotional connection—not just between characters but between the story and the reader. It felt...

21 Jun

Posted at 13:53h in Reviews by

Review of Space Crone: A Melodic Journey through Ursula K. Le Guin's Insights As a lifelong fan of Ursula K. Le Guin, the announcement of Space Crone felt like a long-awaited gift. In a time when conversations around gender and aging are vibrantly necessary, it’s inspiring to see Le Guin's profound insights curated in one volume. I dove into this nuancing of her thoughts with the excitement of discovering old friends, eager to be reminded of the brilliance that shaped my understanding of literature and the world. Space Crone is...

21 Jun

Posted at 09:02h in Reviews by

Embracing the Messy Journey: A Review of Bird by Bird by Anne Lamott “Bird by bird, buddy.” Those words have become a mantra among writers and a beacon of comfort for anyone grappling with life’s overwhelming tasks. When I picked up Bird by Bird: Some Instructions on Writing and Life, I was intrigued not only by Anne Lamott’s wit but also her authenticity. Her unique blend of humor and vulnerability captivated me from the first page, and I quickly discovered that this book doesn’t just speak to writers; it...

21 Jun

Posted at 03:51h in Reviews by

Discovering Eileen: A Dive into Wifedom: Mrs. Orwell's Invisible Life by Anna Funder When I first heard about Wifedom: Mrs. Orwell's Invisible Life by Anna Funder, I was immediately intrigued. Having admired Funder’s previous work on the stories of former East Germany in Stasiland, it felt like a natural progression to explore another moment in history shrouded in silence yet filled with complexity. This book doesn’t just delve into George Orwell's life; it seeks to unearth the often-overlooked narrative of Eileen O'Shaughnessy, his wife, and a remarkable woman in...

20 Jun

Posted at 23:59h in Reviews by

A Joyful Journey Through Dilemmas: My Thoughts on Don't Forget to Write by Sara Goodman Confino There’s something about a well-constructed coming-of-age story that draws me in every time. In her delightful novel, Don't Forget to Write, Sara Goodman Confino captures the essence of youth, rebellion, and familial expectations with a side of humor that made me chuckle and reflect in equal measure. Set in the vibrant backdrop of 1960, the novel follows the spirited Marilyn Kleinman as she grapples with love, identity, and the intricacies of creating her...