07 Oct

Posted at 02:06h in Reviews by

Review of Smart Brevity: The Power of Saying More with Less As someone who has long grappled with the challenge of concise communication—whether crafting emails that don’t get skimmed over or trying to dive straight into the heart of a subject—Smart Brevity: The Power of Saying More with Less by Axios co-founders Jim VandeHei, Mike Allen, and Roy Schwartz felt like a beacon of hope. The temptation to over-explain is strong, especially in our fast-paced digital landscape, where every second counts. As I dove into this guide, I found...

02 Oct

Posted at 04:42h in Reviews by

Book Review: How to Write It, Third Edition by Sandra E. Lamb As a lifelong lover of words, I’ve always been fascinated by the power of written expression. When I stumbled upon How to Write It, Third Edition by Sandra E. Lamb, I felt a spark of excitement. Could this be the guide to help me articulate my thoughts with the poise and clarity I’ve always yearned for? What I found was more than just a manual; it became a trusted companion on my writing journey. In this comprehensive guide,...

27 Sep

Posted at 16:27h in Reviews by

Book Review: We Don't Talk About Carol: A Novel by Kristin Berry From the moment I stumbled upon We Don't Talk About Carol, I knew I was in for a journey that was equal parts haunting and enlightening. Kristin Berry's debut novel explores the depths of family secrets and the complexities of grief, and I found myself completely captivated. The themes surrounding missing Black girls in the 1960s resonated with me deeply, drawing me into a narrative that feels both personal and universal. At the heart of the story is...

01 Sep

Posted at 17:35h in Reviews by

Review of Very Good Copy: 207 Micro-Lessons on Thinking and Writing Like a Copywriter by Eddie Shleyner As a writer and avid reader, I often find myself in search of inspiration that strikes a balance between creativity and practical advice. So, when I stumbled upon Eddie Shleyner's Very Good Copy, I felt an inexplicable pull. Known for his insightful newsletter that distills the essence of copywriting into digestible nuggets, Shleyner's promise of 207 micro-lessons on thinking and writing resonated deeply with my quest for improvement in the craft of...

24 Aug

Posted at 14:27h in Reviews by

Review of Everybody Has a Podcast (Except You): A How-to Guide from the McElroy Brothers As a longtime listener of the McElroy brothers' hilariously chaotic podcast, My Brother, My Brother and Me, I was eager to dive into Everybody Has a Podcast (Except You). Could I unlock the secrets behind their whimsical banter and incredible knack for podcasting? With their distinct personalities and goofy humor, I had high hopes that this book would be both enlightening and entertaining. The essence of the book revolves around demystifying the podcasting process, with...

27 Jul

Posted at 13:47h in Reviews by

A Silent Language: The Nobel Lecture by Jon Fosse — A Reflection Beyond Words When I first heard about Jon Fosse winning the 2023 Nobel Prize for Literature, I felt drawn to explore his acceptance speech, A Silent Language. Fosse’s unique voice, often described as hauntingly poetic, captures a part of the human experience that many of us struggle to articulate. His words resonated with me, as if they whispered truths I hadn’t fully acknowledged in my own journey with language and creativity. Fosse's lecture unfolds like a meditative exploration...

21 Jul

Posted at 04:41h in Reviews by

A Journey Through Words: A Review of Things I Don't Want to Know: On Writing by Deborah Levy As a lifelong reader and aspiring writer, I often find myself enchanted by the craft of storytelling. When I stumbled upon Deborah Levy's Things I Don't Want to Know, it felt like a serendipitous hug from a kindred spirit. Levy, a two-time Booker Prize finalist, invites readers into her world with a warmth and wit that is both disarming and invigorating. This book, responding to George Orwell's essay "Why I Write,"...

20 Jul

Posted at 11:17h in Reviews by

Personal Reflections on J. M. Coetzee’s Speaking in Tongues When I first picked up Speaking in Tongues by J. M. Coetzee, I did so with a curious blend of excitement and apprehension. As a devoted admirer of Coetzee’s profound works—each more layered and challenging than the last—I found myself eager yet slightly intimidated by what he might have to say this time. Known for wrestling with themes of colonialism, identity, and human suffering, Coetzee has a distinctive way of forcing readers into uncomfortable but essential reflections. Little did I...

18 Jul

Posted at 13:20h in Reviews by

Review of More Than Words: How to Think About Writing in the Age of AI by John Warner As a lifelong lover of writing, the title More Than Words immediately piqued my interest. In today's world where generative AI has become an integral part of our learning and working environments, the prospect of revisiting the fundamentals of human expression seemed not just timely, but necessary. John Warner, a seasoned writing teacher, captures this urgency beautifully, compelling us to reconsider the essence of writing itself. Warner posits that writing is much...

17 Jul

Posted at 13:00h in Reviews by

Navigating the Abyss of Information: A Review of The Crisis of Narration by Han Byung-Chul I stumbled upon The Crisis of Narration during a particularly reflective time in my life, navigating a world inundated with information yet yearning for deeper understanding. Han Byung-Chul's name came up frequently among my philosophically inclined friends, who spoke of his ability to dissect the currents of our modern existence. Little did I know that this brief yet profound read would challenge my perceptions not only about narration but also about my place within...