16 May

Posted at 02:52h in Reviews by

Finding Magic in Words: A Review of 1000 Words: A Writer’s Guide to Staying Creative, Focused, and Productive All Year Round As a writer who has just survived the chaotic whirlwind of drafting my first fiction manuscript, 1000 Words: A Writer’s Guide to Staying Creative, Focused, and Productive All Year Round by Jami Attenberg felt like the perfect companion for my creative journey. Balancing excitement with uncertainty, I was eager to uncover the secrets that other writers turn to when faced with the daunting reality of putting pen to...

15 May

Posted at 16:47h in Reviews by

Book Review: Kafka and the Doll As a long-time admirer of Franz Kafka, I was intrigued when Kafka and the Doll crossed my path, thanks to my wonderful Booksta-friends, Tina and Thomas. With 2024 marking a Kafka-centric year for many literature lovers, I felt a gentle pull to dive deeper into his world—this graphic novel felt like the perfect gateway. A blend of whimsy and poignancy, this charming adaptation reveals a softer side of the often enigmatic author. At the heart of this narrative is a true story that unfolds...

15 May

Posted at 09:20h in Reviews by

Book Review: You Between the Lines by Jennifer L. Wright There’s something inherently magnetic about stories that explore the complexities of love, rivalry, and self-discovery, especially when they’re penned by the fresh voice of an emerging author. I picked up You Between the Lines by Jennifer L. Wright with high hopes, drawn in by its promise of romance intertwined with emotional growth. However, what unfolded felt more like an uphill battle than the delightful ride I anticipated. From the start, the premise seemed gripping: Leigh, a twenty-seven-year-old poet, grapples with...

15 May

Posted at 06:39h in Reviews by

Book Review: Nine Nasty Words: English in the Gutter — Then, Now, and Always As a book blogger, I often find myself drawn to works that explore the rich tapestry of language and culture, and John McWhorter’s Nine Nasty Words: English in the Gutter — Then, Now, and Always did just that, capturing my attention with its provocative title. McWhorter, a brilliant linguist and engaging narrator, takes us on a journey through the evolution of profanity, particularly focusing on words that have ignited debates and raised eyebrows throughout history....

14 May

Posted at 20:27h in Reviews by

Book Review: Rebel with a Clause: Tales and Tips from a Roving Grammar Coach by Ellen Jovin When I first stumbled upon Rebel with a Clause by Ellen Jovin at my local library, I felt an unexpected thrill. As someone who has both loved and loathed grammar—the duality often stemming from my childhood, where even the slightest misstep with "lie" and "lay" would set my mother's corrective instincts into overdrive—I couldn’t help but be drawn to the title. Jovin’s journey across the United States, setting up her 'Grammar Table'...

14 May

Posted at 10:25h in Reviews by

A Journey Through Darkness: Review of Februar 33: Der Winter der Literatur by Thomas Wittstock As a long-time reader captivated by the complexities of history, especially the harrowing narratives surrounding the Nazi era, Februar 33: Der Winter der Literatur by Thomas Wittstock grabbed my attention immediately. Having devoured seminal works like A.J.P. Taylor's The Causes of the Second World War and William Shirer’s The Rise and Fall of the Third Reich in my formative years, I thought I had a solid understanding of this dark period. Yet, Wittstock's insightful...

14 May

Posted at 09:09h in Reviews by

The CIA Book Club: The Secret Mission to Win the Cold War – A Personal Reflection Why, oh why, did I only get two likes on my post about reading The CIA Book Club: The Secret Mission to Win the Cold War by David Anderson? It’s a book about books for crying out loud! Yet, while my previous posts about The Infinite in a Grain of Sand saw likes pouring in, this one seems to have slid under the radar. Is it the shadow of the CIA’s questionable reputation...

14 May

Posted at 00:16h in Reviews by

A Journey Through Time: Reflecting on Nightfall in the Garden of Deep Time When I first picked up Nightfall in the Garden of Deep Time by L. M. Featherstone, I was immediately captivated by the title, with its promise of a magical, possibly life-altering experience. You know, that feeling when a book beckons you with the allure of adventure and creativity? It felt like an invitation to step into a hidden oasis of inspiration. However, as I turned the pages, my excitement fluctuated. I found myself navigating a medley...

13 May

Posted at 14:13h in Reviews by

Exploring the Nuances of Language: A Review of Mother Tongue: The Surprising History of Women's Words by Jenni Nuttall As a lover of language and its many intricacies, Jenni Nuttall's Mother Tongue: The Surprising History of Women's Words caught my attention immediately with its poignant title. The exploration of women's language—words specifically associated with our lives, experiences, and history—seemed like a treasure trove waiting to be unearthed. And while I approached it anticipating an enlightening journey through etymology, I finished the book with a sense of intrigue mixed with...

13 May

Posted at 09:07h in Reviews by

Book Review: Jane and Dan at the End of the World by Colleen Oakley Have you ever come across a book that feels like meeting up with old friends over coffee? That's exactly how I felt with Jane and Dan at the End of the World by Colleen Oakley. With its clever wit and avalanche of relatable humor, this novel grabbed my attention and wouldn’t let go. I mean, who wouldn't want to dive into a story where a middle-aged couple's predictable existence is thrown into chaos by a...