23 Nov

Posted at 23:03h in Reviews by

Isaiah Dunn Is My Hero: A Heartfelt Exploration of Resilience and Community From the moment I picked up “Isaiah Dunn Is My Hero” by Kelly J. Baptist, I knew I was in for a journey that would resonate deeply. As someone who frequently ponders the quiet power of words and community support, Isaiah’s story captured my heart and imagination. It’s a poignant example of how the everyday struggles of loss, poverty, and family dynamics can shape a young person into an unexpected hero. Isaiah is an older brother grappling with...

23 Nov

Posted at 16:17h in Reviews by

A Journey into the Enchanting Pages of The Tattered Cover When I stumbled upon The Tattered Cover by Ellery Adams, I felt a pull—it was a mix of fondness for cozy mysteries and an insatiable curiosity about how a seemingly ordinary bookshop could unravel into a tale of murder, paranormal intrigue, and the deepest of friendships. As a newcomer to Ellery Adams' engaging universe, I didn’t realize I was in for a delightful treat that would leave me eagerly anticipating every twist and turn. Set in the charming fictional town...

22 Nov

Posted at 22:56h in Reviews by

My Beloved: A Mitford Novel by Jan Karon – A Heartfelt Return to a Cherished Community Every so often, a book comes along that feels like a warm embrace, and Jan Karon’s My Beloved: A Mitford Novel certainly fits that description. As a longtime fan of the Mitford series, I found myself both eager and a bit apprehensive about returning to this beloved town and its characters. Karon has an unmatched ability to transport readers back to a world filled with warmth, humor, and a genuine sense of community—qualities...

22 Nov

Posted at 13:55h in Reviews by

Unpacking the Craft: A Personal Dive into John Truby’s The Anatomy of Story As a writer, I've often grappled with the complexities of storytelling. I stumbled upon The Anatomy of Story by John Truby during one particularly restless night, and I instinctively knew this book would be a game-changer. Truby, with his impressive background in consulting for Hollywood’s finest, promises not just to teach the mechanics of storytelling but to take you deep into the heart of what makes a story truly resonate. From the moment I began the...

21 Nov

Posted at 01:49h in Reviews by

Romancing the Beat: Your Go-To Guide for Crafting Kissing Stories Sometimes, you stumble upon a book that feels like a warm hug and a hearty laugh all rolled into one. For me, Romancing the Beat: Story Structure for Romance Novels by Gwen Hayes was one of those delightful discoveries. As someone who’s dabbled in writing romance (with varying degrees of success), I often felt lost in a sea of conventional writing guides that just didn’t speak to the heart of a love story. Enter Gwen, who generously offers not...

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 04:32h in Reviews by

Book Review: The Secret of Dunhaven Castle: A Cozy Time Travel Mystery (Cate Kensie Cozy Mysteries Book 1) As soon as I spotted The Secret of Dunhaven Castle by Cate Kensie, I knew it was a book I had to dive into. A cozy mystery mixed with time travel set in an enigmatic Scottish castle? Sign me up! The blend of Scottish heritage, history, and a quest for family secrets sounded like the perfect recipe for an engrossing read. The protagonist, Cate Kensie, is a down-on-her-luck history professor whose life...

12 Nov

Posted at 01:20h in Reviews by

How to Write a Novel That Matters: Crafting Stories with the Power to Captivate, Enlighten, and Inspire by Mike Klaassen – A Personal Reflection and Review As an aspiring writer navigating the labyrinth of fiction, I often grapple with the core of storytelling: what does it mean to create a novel that matters? The title How to Write a Novel That Matters by Mike Klaassen drew me in not just for its promise of profound insights but for its direct appeal to the heart of every writer's fear—fear of...

10 Nov

Posted at 22:17h in Reviews by

Review of Scenes and Sequels: How to Write Page-Turning Fiction (For Fiction Writers) by Mike Klaassen As an avid reader and aspiring writer who often grapples with the elusive "page-turning" essence of storytelling, I was immediately drawn to Scenes and Sequels by Mike Klaassen. What is it that makes certain plots grip you, drawing you in until the early hours of the morning? Klaassen aims to bridge that gap between intention and execution, and I couldn’t have been more eager to dive into his insights. Klaassen’s exploration of scenes and...

09 Nov

Posted at 19:13h in Reviews by

A Journey Through Dystopia: A Review of The Long Walk When I first picked up The Long Walk, I was curious to see what lies beneath the pages penned by Stephen King, albeit under the pseudonym Richard Bachman. The premise—a brutal walking contest where 100 boys compete for their lives—tricked me into thinking I was diving into a thriller. Instead, I was met with a haunting exploration of humanity’s darkest corners—a twist that left me both exhilarated and introspective. In a grim, near-future America, we follow sixteen-year-old Ray Garraty, who...