17 Aug

Posted at 07:14h in Reviews by

How Not to Write a Novel: Laughing Through the Literary Minefield As an aspiring novelist, I often find myself knee-deep in various writing guides, searching for that elusive secret to success. It was during one of those moments of desperate scrolling that "How Not to Write a Novel: 200 Classic Mistakes and How to Avoid Them" by Howard Mittelmark and Sandra Newman caught my eye. With a title that was both humorous and intriguingly candid, I couldn't resist picking it up. From the very first page, it became clear that...

17 Aug

Posted at 01:50h in Reviews by

Finding Autonomy in the Avenues of History: A Review of Square Haunting: Five Writers in London Between the Wars by Francesca Wade When I first stumbled upon Square Haunting: Five Writers in London Between the Wars, I was instantly drawn to its intriguing premise: a deep dive into the lives of five remarkable women who inhabited Mecklenburgh Square, each carving out their own spaces of autonomy in a world still wrapped in the confines of patriarchy. Francesca Wade’s exploration felt not just necessary but a delightful invitation into a...

16 Aug

Posted at 22:13h in Reviews by

Review of The Emotion Thesaurus: A Writer's Guide to Character Expression (Second Edition) As a writer, I've often felt the frustration of not being able to capture the nuances of emotion that live within my characters. It’s like trying to paint a sunset with a box of crayons; the colors are there, but the depth is missing. That’s why The Emotion Thesaurus by Angela Ackerman and Becca Puglisi immediately caught my eye. Dubbed the "gold standard for writers," this second edition expands upon its predecessor and provides a treasure...

16 Aug

Posted at 15:48h in Reviews by

Pronoun Trouble: The Story of Us in Seven Little Words As a language lover and a lifelong observer of how we communicate, I was instantly captivated by John McWhorter’s Pronoun Trouble: The Story of Us in Seven Little Words. McWhorter, known for his keen linguistic insights and sharp wit, has always intrigued me with his ability to make complex topics relatable and fun. This new exploration of pronouns not only promises to delve into their historical evolution but also into their social implications—something I knew I couldn’t miss. From the...

16 Aug

Posted at 13:11h in Reviews by

Review of Writer's Workbook: A Personal Planner with Tips, Checklists, and Guidelines by Tanja Hanika As a budding novelist grappling with the labyrinth of ideas swirling in my head, I stumbled upon Tanja Hanika's Writer's Workbook, and it felt like a serendipitous find. In the chaotic realm of story crafting, having a roadmap can make all the difference—and Hanika’s workbook is that invaluable guide that bridges the gap between inspiration and execution. From the moment I flipped open its pages, I felt a welcoming sense of order. With its second...

16 Aug

Posted at 04:09h in Reviews by

The Thing About Jellyfish by Ali Benjamin: A Heartfelt Exploration of Grief and Friendship I stumbled upon The Thing About Jellyfish by Ali Benjamin while searching for a middle-grade novel that could provide both depth and insight into complex emotions. The cover, adorned with the delicate tendrils of a jellyfish, piqued my interest, but it was the book's premise—a story about grief, friendship, and the search for answers—that truly drew me in. I was curious to see how the author would weave such profound themes through the innocent lens...

15 Aug

Posted at 19:09h in Reviews by

On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft by Stephen King: A Journey Through the Pages As a longtime admirer of Stephen King, I felt an almost magnetic pull toward On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft. The intriguing blend of memoir and writing guide promised not just insights into the craft but also glimpses into the life of one of the most prolific writers of our time. Little did I know that this book would ignite a fresh wave of inspiration within me—an experience every aspiring writer deserves. King’s narrative...

15 Aug

Posted at 10:07h in Reviews by

Discovering Family Threads in The Fourth Daughter: A Novel When I first stumbled upon Lyn Liao Butler's The Fourth Daughter, the promise of a culinary journey interwoven with family secrets felt like a perfect escape. As a lover of both food and familial tales, the synopsis beckoned me into a world steeped in love, loss, and the rich tapestry of Taiwanese culture. What I found was not just a story but a heartfelt exploration of healing across generations, evoking nostalgia and stirring deeply personal reflections within me. At the heart...

15 Aug

Posted at 01:07h in Reviews by

Review of Writing Fiction For Dummies by Randy Ingermanson When I stumbled upon Writing Fiction For Dummies, I was somehow both skeptical and intrigued. As a budding author who often finds herself engulfed in the sea of writing advice, I thought to myself, “Can a legacy series like For Dummies really provide the clarity I need?” However, the name Randy Ingermanson—a bestselling author known for his Snowflake Method—had a certain weight that pulled me in, and I thought, why not give it a shot? From the very first chapter, Ingermanson’s...

14 Aug

Posted at 16:06h in Reviews by

Discovering Joy in Handwriting: A Review of The All-in-One Print Handwriting Workbook for Kids As a book blogger, I often dive into literature that captures the imagination, but the moment I stumbled upon The All-in-One Print Handwriting Workbook for Kids: 145 Fun Pages to Master Writing Skills in Just 15 Minutes a Day, I found myself drawn to a different kind of adventure—one that centers on the simple yet crucial skill of handwriting. I couldn't help but smile at the thought of transforming writing practice from a chore into...