Isaiah Dunn Is My Hero: A Heartfelt Exploration of Resilience and Community From the moment I picked up “Isaiah Dunn Is My Hero” by Kelly J. Baptist, I knew I was in for a journey that would resonate deeply. As someone who frequently ponders the quiet power of words and community support, Isaiah’s story captured my heart and imagination. It’s a poignant example of how the everyday struggles of loss, poverty, and family dynamics can shape a young person into an unexpected hero. Isaiah is an older brother grappling with...

Review of the Magic Grooved Practice Copybook 5 Pack As a parent and an avid book lover, I’m always on the lookout for engaging educational tools for my little ones. The Magic Grooved Practice Copybook 5 Pack managed to catch my eye, not only because of its charming packaging but also due to its innovative concept of combining handwriting practice with a touch of magic! Intrigued, I couldn’t wait to dive into these whimsical workbooks that promise to make learning fun for kids aged 3 to 8. The Workbook Experience First...

A Journey into the Enchanting Pages of The Tattered Cover When I stumbled upon The Tattered Cover by Ellery Adams, I felt a pull—it was a mix of fondness for cozy mysteries and an insatiable curiosity about how a seemingly ordinary bookshop could unravel into a tale of murder, paranormal intrigue, and the deepest of friendships. As a newcomer to Ellery Adams' engaging universe, I didn’t realize I was in for a delightful treat that would leave me eagerly anticipating every twist and turn. Set in the charming fictional town...

Review of How Horror Works in Books and Film When I stumbled upon How Horror Works in Books and Film, I felt an irresistible pull, intrigued by the idea of unpacking the eerie mechanisms that tantalize and terrify. The author, who previously captivated me with her insights in Wolves and Werewolves in History and Popular Culture, had set the bar high. Yet, with this course, she not only met expectations but soared beyond them. For someone like me, who winces at the faintest horror film, there's a...

A Journey into the Craft: My Review of The Poets & Writers Complete Guide to Being a Writer As a writer, I have often found myself wandering through a maze of advice, tips, and strategies, each one promising to lead to the elusive treasure of literary success. When I stumbled upon The Poets & Writers Complete Guide to Being a Writer by Kevin Larimer and Mary Gannon, I felt a flicker of hope—the very notion that there exists a definitive source to illuminate the dark corners of the writing...

Book Review: How to End a Story: Collected Diaries, 1978-1998 by Linda B. C. Lee From the moment I stumbled upon How to End a Story: Collected Diaries, 1978-1998, I felt an undeniable pull towards its pages. Perhaps it was the allure of delving into the personal thoughts of someone who has navigated life’s winding paths, or the sense of nostalgia that came with revisiting the late 20th century through another’s eyes. Author Linda B. C. Lee, whose keen observations and insights have long resonated with readers, offers a...

My Beloved: A Mitford Novel by Jan Karon – A Heartfelt Return to a Cherished Community Every so often, a book comes along that feels like a warm embrace, and Jan Karon’s My Beloved: A Mitford Novel certainly fits that description. As a longtime fan of the Mitford series, I found myself both eager and a bit apprehensive about returning to this beloved town and its characters. Karon has an unmatched ability to transport readers back to a world filled with warmth, humor, and a genuine sense of community—qualities...

Enigmatic Echoes of Fonseca: A Journey Through Two Cultures I stumbled upon Jessica Francis Kane’s Fonseca seemingly by chance, but it quickly captivated my curiosity—how could a novel set against the backdrop of a faded estate in Mexico during the 1950s be anything less than mesmerizing? As I delved into this rich narrative, I found myself enveloped in its charm, however the experience left me grappling with both admiration and a hint of disappointment. The story begins with Penelope Fitzgerald and her son Valpy arriving in Mirando, Mexico, where the...

Unpacking the Craft: A Personal Dive into John Truby’s The Anatomy of Story As a writer, I've often grappled with the complexities of storytelling. I stumbled upon The Anatomy of Story by John Truby during one particularly restless night, and I instinctively knew this book would be a game-changer. Truby, with his impressive background in consulting for Hollywood’s finest, promises not just to teach the mechanics of storytelling but to take you deep into the heart of what makes a story truly resonate. From the moment I began the...

The Girl Who Survived: A Riveting Tale That Thrills and Chills When I first picked up The Girl Who Survived by Lisa Jackson, I was immediately drawn in by its intriguing premise—a lone survivor grappling with a traumatic past while trying to piece together the chilling events that unfolded decades earlier. As someone who revels in thrillers that explore resilience in the face of horror, I was eager to dive into this pulse-pounding narrative that has captured so many readers’ imaginations. A Twisted Tale of Survival and Secrets Kara McIntyre, the...