12 Jul

Posted at 02:08h in Reviews by

Title: A Love Letter to Books: Reflecting on Michiko Kakutani’s Ex Libris: 100+ Books to Read and Reread As a lifelong book lover, I was immediately drawn to Ex Libris: 100+ Books to Read and Reread by Michiko Kakutani. For years, her insightful critiques in The New York Times have shaped my own literary tastes and aspirations. I still remember flipping through her reviews like they were fresh pages of a new novel—each opinion a portal into different worlds. So, when I stumbled across this collection of essays that...

11 Jul

Posted at 18:23h in Reviews by

Review of the Blank Spiral Notebook, 2-Pack: A Canvas for Creativity As a book blogger, I often delve into the rich narratives and characters crafted by talented authors. However, this week, I found my creative spirit ignited by something a bit different: the Blank Spiral Notebook, 2-Pack, Soft Cover, Sketch Book. These notebooks caught my attention not for a story but for the blank pages waiting to be transformed into something magical. The allure of these notebooks lies in their simplicity and quality. With dimensions of 7.5 inches by...

11 Jul

Posted at 16:05h in Reviews by

Finding Purpose in the Everyday: A Review of Ploductivity: A Practical Theology of Tools & Wealth by Douglas Wilson When I first came across Ploductivity: A Practical Theology of Tools & Wealth by Douglas Wilson, I was drawn in by its promise to explore the intersection of theology, productivity, and the way we navigate our daily lives with the tools and resources at our disposal. As someone who often grapples with the pressures of balancing productivity and faith, I found myself eager to dive into a book that seemed...

11 Jul

Posted at 09:21h in Reviews by

Unleashing Your Inner Poet: A Review of How to Write Poetry: A Guided Journal with Prompts As a lifelong lover of words and introspective musings, How to Write Poetry: A Guided Journal with Prompts by Callisto Publishing was a revelation that landed in my hands just when I needed it the most. I’ve always found comfort in the rhythm of poetry, but after some time away from my pen, I felt reluctant and uninspired. This guided journal feels like a warm invitation to step back into the poetic world,...

11 Jul

Posted at 06:04h in Reviews by

Review of Shattered by Hanif Kureishi In a world where most of us grapple with the fragility of life, Hanif Kureishi’s Shattered caught me right in the heart, pulling me into a profound exploration of suffering, identity, and resilience. Kureishi, renowned for his incisive reflections on society and the human condition, offers us an unfiltered peek into his own life following a devastating accident that changed everything. As I turned each page, I was reminded of how art often arises from the deepest of pains, and how the voice...

11 Jul

Posted at 00:18h in Reviews by

A Roadmap to Novel Writing: My Thoughts on Neil Black's How To Write A Novel In 90 Days As someone who has often toyed with the idea of writing a novel but found myself tumbling into the endless maze of drafts and false starts, Neil Black's How To Write A Novel In 90 Days immediately caught my attention. The very notion of crafting a complete novel—be it in three, four, or six months—is both daunting and tantalizing. This guide, brimmed with flexible plans and the promise of clarity, felt...

10 Jul

Posted at 20:02h in Reviews by

The Story Paradox: How Our Love of Storytelling Builds Our World – A Reflection on Jonathan Gottschall’s Provocative Insights As I settled down with The Story Paradox: How Our Love of Storytelling Builds Our World, Jonathan Gottschall’s latest exploration of the storytelling phenomenon, I felt a familiar thrill akin to revisiting an old friend. Having previously been mesmerized by his earlier work, The Storytelling Animal, I was eager to unravel how he would tackle a more ominous topic: the potential pitfalls of our relentless storytelling drive. Spoiler alert: this...

10 Jul

Posted at 15:16h in Reviews by

Unpacking the Heart: A Review of Burn After Writing (Celestial) When I stumbled upon Burn After Writing by Sharon Jones, it felt like an invitation to explore the often uncharted territories of my own thoughts. In a world cluttered with social media highlights and superficial interactions, the idea of a private space for unfiltered self-reflection resonated deeply. This journal isn’t just about recording musings; it’s about unraveling the complexities of our inner selves. Who doesn’t crave that kind of introspection in today's fast-paced environment? From the first page, Burn After...

10 Jul

Posted at 14:40h in Reviews by

Book Review: Someone Knows by Lisa Scottoline As I cracked open Someone Knows by Lisa Scottoline, I was immediately drawn to its layered complexity—a personal favorite of mine when delving into contemporary thrillers. The premise intrigued me: a college professor, Elizabeth, returning to her past to confront the ghosts of her youth. It felt like the perfect setup for a deep dive into the darker dimensions of human relationships and secrets, something I believe Scottoline does well. However, while the book had its merits, and I had high hopes,...

10 Jul

Posted at 06:11h in Reviews by

A Cozy Mystery with a Twist: My Thoughts on The Thursday Murder Club When I first stumbled upon The Thursday Murder Club, penned by the witty Richard Osman, I couldn't help but be intrigued. An engaging mystery revolving around a group of octogenarian sleuths? How refreshing! With humor, heart, and unexpected crime-solving antics, this novel promised to be a delightful escape, and it absolutely delivered. Osman's debut novel introduces us to the delightful residents of Coopers Chase, a charming retirement village where the titular Thursday Murder Club meets weekly in...