Book Review: Three-Martini Afternoons at the Ritz: The Rebellion of … by Jay Parini The title "Three-Martini Afternoons at the Ritz" instantly piqued my curiosity; after all, who wouldn’t want to vicariously indulge in an era when literary giants mingled over cocktails? Jay Parini’s exploration of Sylvia Plath and Anne Sexton feels almost like a time capsule of their lives and struggles, beckoning readers to step into the turbulent world of these two evocative poets. As someone enchanted by the complexities of literary history, I was eager to dive...

Embracing C. S. Lewis: A Journey Through Writing and Life As a lifelong admirer of C. S. Lewis, the moment I stumbled upon C. S. Lewis and the Art of Writing by Corey Latta, something in me stirred with anticipation. After all, Lewis has been a guiding light through my own writing endeavors and existential musings since my first encounter with The Chronicles of Narnia. This book not only delves into Lewis’s multifaceted artistry—encompassing essays, poetry, novels, and theological discourses—but also invites us into the intricate tapestry of his...

Review: Mantel Pieces: Royal Bodies and Other Writing from the … As a longtime admirer of Hilary Mantel’s exquisitely crafted narratives, I found myself irresistibly drawn to Mantel Pieces: Royal Bodies and Other Writing from the …. This collection, rich with her reflections on historical figures and societal constructs, felt like a personal invitation to dive deeper into her world—one brimming with intellectual rigor, clever observations, and a touch of delicious mischief. Spanning nearly three decades from 1988 to 2017, Mantel’s essays offer a fascinating lens through which we...

Review: Novelist as a Vocation by Haruki Murakami As a lifelong admirer of Haruki Murakami’s mesmerizing narratives, I was drawn to Novelist as a Vocation like a moth to a flickering light. It promises not just to unravel the mystique behind this literary master’s art but also offers personal reflections that every aspiring writer or book lover can appreciate. Murakami, with his signature blend of introspection and whimsy, invites us into the intricate world of his creative process. In this collection of essays, Murakami reflects on the art of...