29 Sep

Posted at 22:34h in Reviews by

Book Review: Why Poetry by Matthew Zapruder As someone whose relationship with poetry has ebbed and flowed over the years, I was drawn to Why Poetry by Matthew Zapruder with a tantalizing mix of hope and skepticism. Would this book finally bridge the gap for me between sheer admiration and utter confusion? With a title that read like an enthusiastic manifesto, I dove in, eager to explore what poetry could offer beyond my high school classroom experience. Zapruder’s infectious passion is palpable from the outset. He argues that our traditional...

21 Sep

Posted at 16:00h in Reviews by

Review of A Short Guide to Writing About Art by Sylvan Barnet When I stumbled upon A Short Guide to Writing About Art by Sylvan Barnet, I was eager to dive into an exploration of artistic expression through the lens of written word. As an avid art lover and a writer at heart, the promise of merging these passions felt serendipitous. This book, steeped in decades of expertise, transcends mere instructional text. It invites readers into an engaging dialogue about art, offering invaluable tools for both budding critics and...

20 Sep

Posted at 08:16h in Reviews by

A Honest Glimpse into Art: Reflections on Art Work: On the Creative Life by Sally Mann As someone who often wanders through galleries and appreciates the emotional punch of a photograph, I found myself pleasantly intrigued by Art Work: On the Creative Life by Sally Mann. I'll confess, I wasn't familiar with Mann before diving into this advanced copy, kindly provided by NetGalley and Particular Books, but my curiosity about art—and its often murky relationship with the creative process—propelled me forward into her world. From the outset, Mann captures...

18 Sep

Posted at 15:50h in Reviews by

A Cinematic Symphony: Reflecting on A Short Guide to Writing About Film As a lifelong film enthusiast, the art of writing about movies has always intrigued me. It was the promise of enhancing my critical voice that drew me to David Bordwell and Kristin Thompson's A Short Guide to Writing About Film. This best-selling text hooks readers from the start, blending a fascinating introduction to film theory with practical advice on honing writing skills. Navigating the World of Film Critique This invaluable guide expertly encapsulates the essence of film criticism....

14 Sep

Posted at 01:50h in Reviews by

A Friend in Words: A Review of Life and Art: Essays by Richard Russo As I dove into Richard Russo's Life and Art: Essays, I felt as though I was settling into a conversation with an old friend over a warm cup of coffee. Russo’s storytelling knack and profound insights had always resonated with me, but this collection of essays felt like a heart-to-heart—a rare glimpse into his creative process and personal reflections. That opening quote, “What’s the best thing about being a storyteller? That’s easy. You get to...

03 Sep

Posted at 16:55h in Reviews by

A Glimpse into the Extraordinary: Review of The Society of Unknowable Objects As a book blogger who revels in the whimsy of urban fantasy, Gareth Brown's The Society of Unknowable Objects immediately piqued my interest. I remember stumbling across his previous work, The Book of Doors, and being entranced. When I discovered Brown was releasing another story set in the same universe, I knew I had to dive in. The tantalizing concept of a secret society hidden beneath a bookstore, safeguarding ordinary items imbued with extraordinary powers? Yes, please!...

22 Aug

Posted at 13:44h in Reviews by

Exploring the Heart of Creativity: A Review of Poetry Matters: Writing a Poem from the Inside Out There’s something beautifully ineffable about poetry that draws us in and reminds us of our shared human experience. When I stumbled upon Poetry Matters: Writing a Poem from the Inside Out by Thelma G. H. Wolf, I felt an instant connection. As a lifelong lover of words, I’m always on the lookout for resources that can help budding writers tap into their creative potential. This book felt like it was calling my...

03 Aug

Posted at 06:24h in Reviews by

Discovering the Threads of Time in A Little History of Poetry As an avid reader, I often find myself mesmerized by how poetry acts like a mirror, reflecting the individual and societal ethos of its time. This intimate connection is what drew me to A Little History of Poetry by the insightful James Carey. Right from the first pages, I realized that this book was not merely a history lesson, but rather a tapestry woven from the lives of poets whose experiences shaped the verses that have colored our...

30 Jul

Posted at 05:35h in Reviews by

Embracing the Craft: A Review of The Faith of a Writer: Life, Craft, Art As a lifelong admirer of Joyce Carol Oates, her words have often stirred something deep within me. When I stumbled upon The Faith of a Writer: Life, Craft, Art, I was curious—not merely about her insights on writing, but also about the personal experiences that shaped one of America’s literary titans. This book felt like a secret invitation into the soul of a writer who has woven countless narratives that linger in the mind long...

27 Jul

Posted at 03:46h in Reviews by

Exploring the Lyrical Landscape of "Memories of Distant Mountains: Illustrated Notebooks, 2…" When I first stumbled upon "Memories of Distant Mountains: Illustrated Notebooks, 2…" by an author whose musings are as vivid as their prose, I felt a magnetic pull toward its pages. The title itself hinted at an ethereal blend of nostalgia and artistry, making it impossible to resist diving right in. As a lover of both literature and vivid imagery, I was excited to see how the author would weave together their thoughts, sketches, and experiences into...