18 Nov

Posted at 02:39h in Reviews by

A Librarian's Reflection on Dangerous Fictions: Navigating the Terrain of Fantasy and Reality As a librarian deeply entrenched in the swirling vortex of book bans and challenges to literature, Dangerous Fictions: The Fear of Fantasy and the Inventiveness of Reality by Lyta Gold grabbed my attention like a moth to a flame. I wasn't sure what to expect, especially considering my fatigue with the increasingly rabid discussions surrounding censorship. However, Gold's accessible writing style, rich with humor and acerbic wit, felt like a breath of fresh air amidst the...

16 Nov

Posted at 20:36h in Reviews by

Book Review: Black-Owned: The Revolutionary Life of the Black Bookstore by Char Adams From the moment I picked up Char Adams' Black-Owned: The Revolutionary Life of the Black Bookstore, I was captivated. As a book lover and an advocate for representation in literature, exploring the rich history of Black-owned bookstores felt like peeling back layers of an important narrative long swept under the rug of mainstream publishing. With every page, I was reminded of the intimacy and connection that local bookstores foster—the very essence of what makes reading a...

14 Oct

Posted at 14:36h in Reviews by

Under a Greek Sky: A Journey of Healing and Discovery There's something about a book that whisks you away to sun-soaked shores, and Francesca Catlow’s Under a Greek Sky does just that. I was drawn to this enchanting tale not just by the promise of the stunning island of Corfu, but by the exploration of family secrets and the subtle strength found in embracing change. After all, who among us hasn’t wished for an escape when life seems a little too heavy? The novel centers on Lorena, a young...

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...

06 Sep

Posted at 23:29h in Reviews by

Book Review: The California Dreamers by Catherine O’Flynn What drew me to The California Dreamers was not just the sun-soaked cover or the promise of a captivating journey through the lives of its characters; it was the idea of dreams, both fulfilled and shattered, intertwined in the idyllic landscapes of California. Catherine O’Flynn has a knack for creating worlds that feel both vibrant and melancholic, and her latest novel is no exception. As I turned the pages, I found myself not only immersed in the story but also reflecting...

31 Aug

Posted at 17:04h in Reviews by

Leave the Gun, Take the Cannoli: The Epic Story of the Making of The Godfather - A Review When I first picked up "Leave the Gun, Take the Cannoli" by Mark Seal, I felt an electric thrill coursing through me. As someone who counts The Godfather among my top five favorite films of all time, the notion of diving deep into its creation was irresistible. With each page, I found my love for the film reconfirmed, while also uncovering layers I had never considered. From the very outset, Seal...

12 Aug

Posted at 01:22h in Reviews by

Review of Algospeak: How Social Media Is Transforming the Future by Aleksic There’s something undeniably magnetic about the interplay between language and social media—a realm where words morph and manifest at the speed of a scroll. When I stumbled across Algospeak: How Social Media Is Transforming the Future by Aleksic, I found myself drawn in, enticed by the promise of exploring this linguistic chaos in a thoughtful way. Could it really navigate the dizzying junction of internet culture and modern discourse? Spoiler alert: it did, and boy, it was...

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...

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...

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...