Review of About Writing: 7 Essays, 4 Letters, 5 Interviews by Samuel R. Delany As a book blogger and a fledgling writer myself, the title About Writing instantly caught my eye. Samuel R. Delany has long been a figure I deeply respect, not just for his imaginative worlds but also for his sharp insights into storytelling and the writing craft. The prospect of delving into a book that offers both personal reflection and professional advice felt like a golden opportunity—a chance to learn from a four-time Nebula Award winner...

Exploring the Essence of Storytelling: A Review of On Stories: And Other Essays on Literature by C. S. Lewis When I first picked up On Stories: And Other Essays on Literature, I felt that familiar thrill, a flutter of excitement reserved for the works of C. S. Lewis. Known for his remarkable ability to weave profound truths into engaging narratives, Lewis's insights on storytelling promised to resonate deeply with my experiences as both a reader and an aspiring writer. This book is a treasure trove for anyone who has...

Exploring the Art of Poetry: A Dive into Sleeping on the Wing As a young poet navigating the corridors of creativity, the moment I stumbled upon Sleeping on the Wing: An Anthology of Modern Poetry with Essays on Reading and Writing, I felt as if I had unearthed a treasure trove. Edited by the ever-inspiring David Koch and the insightful Anton Farrell, this anthology isn’t just a collection of poems; it’s a heartfelt conversation on what it means to embrace poetry—perfect for budding poets and curious readers alike. From the...

Book Review: Writing Essays About Literature: A Brief Guide for University and College Students - Second Edition As a lifelong lover of literature and an enthusiastic advocate for effective writing, I was intrigued when I stumbled upon Writing Essays About Literature: A Brief Guide for University and College Students - Second Edition by the adept authors at Broadview Press. It looked like a beacon for those often bewildered by the question: “What does my professor want from this essay?” Having navigated the tumultuous waters of academic writing myself, I...

Reflecting on Life Through Pages: A Review of Kulang na Silya at Iba pang Kuwentong Buhay When I first picked up Kulang na Silya at Iba pang Kuwentong Buhay: Essays on Life and Writing by the brilliant Ricky Lee, I didn’t just see a collection of essays; I felt like I was opening a door into the heart of a kindred spirit. As someone who once dreamt of wielding words to inspire others while sipping coffee in the cozy corners of public school libraries, Lee’s reflections resonated with me...

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...

Why I Love Horror: A Journey Through the Shadows As a longtime lover of storytelling, I’ve always found myself drawn to genres that push boundaries and explore the human psyche. When I stumbled upon Why I Love Horror: Essays on Horror Literature edited by the insightful Becky Siegel Spratford, I felt an electric pull. Here was an anthology that promised not just to delve into the mechanics of horror but to unravel the very essence of what makes this genre resonate so deeply with us. And let me tell...

Exploring the Depths with Ursula K. Le Guin: A Review of The Language of the Night When I first picked up The Language of the Night: Essays on Writing, Science Fiction, and Fantasy, I did so with a twinge of nostalgic curiosity. Ursula K. Le Guin's work has left an indelible mark on my reading life, her stories resonating with a deeply felt magic that invites both wonder and introspection. Returning to her first full-length collection of essays felt like reconnecting with an old friend—one who has much to...

The World According to Joan Didion: A Complex Reflection Joan Didion has long been a literary beacon for me—a writer whose keen observations of life, grief, and culture resonate deeply with my own experiences. When I heard about The World According to Joan Didion by Evelyn McDonnell, I was excited at the thought of delving even deeper into Didion's fascinating life and work. However, as I turned the pages, I found myself grappling not just with McDonnell’s insights but also with the book's own identity, which felt a bit...

Taking a Long Look: Essays on Culture, Literature and Feminism – A Journey Through Gornick's Lens When I first picked up Taking a Long Look: Essays on Culture, Literature and Feminism by Vivian Gornick, I was drawn in by the promise of deep reflection paired with sharp cultural criticism. Gornick is an author whose insights linger long after reading; her previous works have challenged me to see the world through a more nuanced feminist lens. This collection, rich with her reflections from decades of engagement with feminist thought, felt...