03 Aug

Posted at 17:56h in Reviews by

A Swim in a Pond in the Rain: A Refreshing Dive into Literary Artistry There’s something inherently magical about the intersection of reading and writing, a sentiment beautifully encapsulated in George Saunders’ latest offering, A Swim in a Pond in the Rain. As a long-time admirer of his work—the rich layers and profound empathy in Lincoln in the Bardo and the quirky brilliance in Tenth of December—I approached this literary masterclass with a sense of eager anticipation. Little did I know, this book would not only elevate my understanding...

03 Aug

Posted at 16:27h in Reviews by

Book Review: Fifty Sounds by Francesca Rhydderch When I first picked up Fifty Sounds by Francesca Rhydderch, it was with a dual curiosity: I was eager to delve into her interpretation of Wittgenstein’s thoughts on language, and I wanted a glimpse into the unique linguistic landscape of Japan through her eyes. However, what unfolded was an intimate tapestry of confessions, experiences, and explorations that challenged my initial expectations while making me reflect on the essence of identity, both personal and cultural. Rhydderch’s memoir offers a layered look at her life...

03 Aug

Posted at 15:28h in Reviews by

Title: The Library at Hellebore: A Gripping Exploration of Power and Survival As I cracked open The Library at Hellebore by Tiffany D. Khaw, I felt a familiar thrill—the kind that echoes through the hallowed halls of dark academia and whispers promises of tension, intrigue, and a touch of the grotesque. It’s not often that a book unearths such potent themes wrapped in a narrative that’s not just compelling but deeply personal. Narrated by the sardonic and engaging Alessa Li, this story pulls you into a world where survival...

03 Aug

Posted at 08:55h in Reviews by

Unlocking the Mysteries of Murdle: Volume 2 As an avid fan of puzzles and mystery novels, I was beyond excited to crack open Murdle: Volume 2 by G. T. Karber. The first volume had already captured my attention with its irresistible blend of wit and analytical fun, so I was eager to dive back into the enthralling world of deduction and deception. This time, I was ready to take on 100 original murder mystery logic puzzles that promised to tickle my brain while keeping my detective instincts sharp. From the...

03 Aug

Posted at 06:24h in Reviews by

Discovering the Threads of Time in A Little History of Poetry As an avid reader, I often find myself mesmerized by how poetry acts like a mirror, reflecting the individual and societal ethos of its time. This intimate connection is what drew me to A Little History of Poetry by the insightful James Carey. Right from the first pages, I realized that this book was not merely a history lesson, but rather a tapestry woven from the lives of poets whose experiences shaped the verses that have colored our...

02 Aug

Posted at 23:53h in Reviews by

Book Review: How to Write a Dynamite Scene Using the Snowflake Method by Randy Ingermanson When I stumbled upon Randy Ingermanson's How to Write a Dynamite Scene Using the Snowflake Method, a flicker of hope sparked within me. As a budding writer who often feels overwhelmed by the intricacies of crafting scenes, I was drawn to this book’s promise of simplifying the process. With the clarion call of “if you can write one terrific scene, you can write a hundred,” I felt perhaps my dream of finishing a coherent...

02 Aug

Posted at 20:21h in Reviews by

Reflection and Review: Sad Girl Novel by Pip Finkemeyer When I first heard about Pip Finkemeyer’s Sad Girl Novel, my interest was immediately piqued. As someone contemplating a deep dive into the 'sad girl novel' genre for academic research, the chance to read this book felt almost necessary. Coupled with attending its launch event, where I was entranced by Finkemeyer’s insights shared during her interview with Diana Reid, my expectations inflated with anticipation. I left that event convinced I would uncover a layers of irony, sarcasm, and relatable musings...

02 Aug

Posted at 15:27h in Reviews by

Surviving the Unexpected: My Experience with How to Survive a Horror Story Isn’t it fascinating how a well-crafted horror story can pull you in with its eerie allure? When I first stumbled upon Mallory Arnold’s How to Survive a Horror Story, I was immediately intrigued—not just by the title but by its promise of a thrilling ride nestled within the confines of a classic Locked-Room mystery. With the backdrop of a legendary horror author’s manor offering a tantalizing mix of suspense and literary homage, I knew I had to...

02 Aug

Posted at 14:52h in Reviews by

Unlocking the Secrets of Writing: A Review of What the Science of Reading Says about Writing As someone who has always been fascinated by the intersection of education and cognitive science, the title What the Science of Reading Says about Writing by Jennifer Jump and Kathleen Kopp instantly piqued my interest. Writing has always felt like this magical dance between creativity and structure—how do we help students not only find their voice but also express it effectively? This book promises to bridge the often-challenging gap between research and classroom...

02 Aug

Posted at 10:18h in Reviews by

Unpacking the Layers in Anatomy of Genres: A Personal Reflection on John Truby’s Masterclass As a lifelong lover of stories, I was immediately drawn to John Truby's The Anatomy of Genres not simply for its promise to delve into the vast universe of storytelling but also for the chance to sharpen my own writing skills. With 700 pages of insights from someone who has spent three decades in the trenches of both teaching and Hollywood consulting, I knew this book was a treasure trove waiting to be unearthed. From...