26 Jul

Posted at 07:44h in Reviews by

Make Your Art No Matter What: Moving Beyond Creative Hurdles - A Disappointment in Disguise When I first picked up Make Your Art No Matter What by shah (who I previously admired for her insights into artistic expression), I was buzzing with anticipation. I approached it with the hopeful mindset of a creatively embattled soul seeking radical inspiration and encouragement to push past the mundane barriers of everyday life. Instead, what I encountered was a disheartening dose of "businessy" advice wrapped in a liberal veneer that left me feeling...

26 Jul

Posted at 02:07h in Reviews by

Book Review: Write, Edit, Publish by Michael J. Totten When I stumbled upon Write, Edit, Publish: What Every Writer Needs to Know but Only an Editor Will Tell You by Michael J. Totten, I was immediately intrigued. As someone who has navigated the choppy waters of writing, editing, and publishing, I longed for insights that could bridge the gap between inspiration and execution. Michael's experience as a seasoned editor offered the promise of a treasure trove of wisdom that could both illuminate the writing process and sharpen my craft. From...

25 Jul

Posted at 17:06h in Reviews by

Book Review: Draft No. 4: On the Writing Process by John McPhee There’s something captivating about embarking on a journey into the mind of a writer, especially one as revered as John McPhee. I was drawn to Draft No. 4 not only out of curiosity about McPhee’s literary prowess but also from a desire to elevate my own writing craft. As I flipped through the pages, I found myself in the midst of a rich tapestry made of insightful essays that felt both whimsical and deeply instructive—a true testament...

25 Jul

Posted at 15:14h in Reviews by

Review of The Phoenix Pencil Company by Allison King When I first stumbled upon The Phoenix Pencil Company, I was drawn in by its promise of intertwining personal stories against a sweeping historical backdrop. Allison King, in her debut novel, crafts a narrative that resonates with anyone who's ever grappled with the complexities of family legacy and the poignant changes time brings. As a reader myself, I often find magic in tales of connection, history, and nostalgia, and King's novel delivers on all counts. The story unfolds through two captivating...

25 Jul

Posted at 08:03h in Reviews by

Book Review: Nightshade by Michael Connelly I’ve long been a fan of Michael Connelly; his masterful storytelling and richly developed characters have kept me glued to every page of the Harry Bosch series. So, when I heard he was introducing a new detective—Stilwell, and throwing him into the picturesque yet perilous setting of Catalina Island—I was both intrigued and eager to dive in. How could the man who masterfully navigated the urban landscapes of Los Angeles now tackle the tranquil yet treacherous waters of an island where secrets lurk...

24 Jul

Posted at 23:01h in Reviews by

The Art of Fiction: Notes on Craft for Young Writers As a lifelong reader and aspiring writer, there are moments when a book feels more than just a collection of words—it feels like a conversation with a mentor. When I stumbled upon The Art of Fiction: Notes on Craft for Young Writers by John Gardner, I sensed an opportunity to dive into the psyche of not just a brilliant novelist but also a revered teacher. This book had an allure to me, promising guidance and clarity on a journey...

24 Jul

Posted at 15:32h in Reviews by

Review of The God of the Garden: Thoughts on Creation, Culture, and the Nature of Life by Andrew Peterson When I first heard about Andrew Peterson’s The God of the Garden, I felt an inexplicable pull. As someone who often finds solace in nature and deeply resonant melodies, his exploration of creation and the human experience promised to be both insightful and comforting. Plus, who could resist a book that intertwines beautiful prose with the serene imagery of trees? I wasn't disappointed. From the very first page, Peterson’s narrative...

24 Jul

Posted at 15:11h in Reviews by

A Cozy Escape: Review of The Vanishing Cherry Blossom Bookshop by Sara O'Leary As I settled down with The Vanishing Cherry Blossom Bookshop, I felt an irresistible pull. Perhaps it was the whimsical concept of a bookshop that appears only under specific conditions, reminiscent of those magical realms we often fantasize about escaping to. Or maybe it was the promise of a grumpy cat and her owner navigating life's complexities that captivated me. Whatever the reason, I was ready to embark on this reading journey with Sara O'Leary’s enchanting...

24 Jul

Posted at 14:00h in Reviews by

The Many Lives of Mama Love: A Memoir of Lying, Stealing, Writing, and Healing – A Journey Through Darkness and Redemption When I first stumbled upon The Many Lives of Mama Love by Lara Love Hardin, I was drawn in by its raw and provocative title, hinting at a story that promised both chaos and hope. This memoir, which takes readers from the privileged life of a soccer mom to the gritty depths of opioid addiction and incarceration, captivated me from the very first page. It’s a transformative journey...

24 Jul

Posted at 05:31h in Reviews by

A Journey Through the Humorous and Heartfelt World of Calvin Trillin in The Lede: Dispatches from a Life in the Press When I first picked up The Lede: Dispatches from a Life in the Press by Calvin Trillin, it was with a mix of curiosity and the comforting promise of humor. Trillin has been a staple in American journalism for decades, a voice that brings wit and insight to the often serious world of reporting. As someone who loves both reading and writing about the nuances of journalism, I...