15 May

Book Review: Nine Nasty Words: English in the Gutter — Then, Now, and Always As a book blogger, I often find myself drawn to works that explore the rich tapestry of language and culture, and John McWhorter’s Nine Nasty Words: English in the Gutter — Then, Now, and Always did just that, capturing my attention with its provocative title. McWhorter, a brilliant linguist and engaging narrator, takes us on a journey through the evolution of profanity, particularly focusing on words that have ignited debates and raised eyebrows throughout history....

06:39 / Reviews
14 May

Book Review: Rebel with a Clause: Tales and Tips from a Roving Grammar Coach by Ellen Jovin When I first stumbled upon Rebel with a Clause by Ellen Jovin at my local library, I felt an unexpected thrill. As someone who has both loved and loathed grammar—the duality often stemming from my childhood, where even the slightest misstep with "lie" and "lay" would set my mother's corrective instincts into overdrive—I couldn’t help but be drawn to the title. Jovin’s journey across the United States, setting up her 'Grammar Table'...

20:27 / Reviews
14 May

A Journey Through Darkness: Review of Februar 33: Der Winter der Literatur by Thomas Wittstock As a long-time reader captivated by the complexities of history, especially the harrowing narratives surrounding the Nazi era, Februar 33: Der Winter der Literatur by Thomas Wittstock grabbed my attention immediately. Having devoured seminal works like A.J.P. Taylor's The Causes of the Second World War and William Shirer’s The Rise and Fall of the Third Reich in my formative years, I thought I had a solid understanding of this dark period. Yet, Wittstock's insightful...

10:25 / Reviews
14 May

The CIA Book Club: The Secret Mission to Win the Cold War – A Personal Reflection Why, oh why, did I only get two likes on my post about reading The CIA Book Club: The Secret Mission to Win the Cold War by David Anderson? It’s a book about books for crying out loud! Yet, while my previous posts about The Infinite in a Grain of Sand saw likes pouring in, this one seems to have slid under the radar. Is it the shadow of the CIA’s questionable reputation...

09:09 / Reviews