Finding Home in Hannah Kent’s Always Home, Always Homesick As someone who has long been captivated by Iceland's mystique, Hannah Kent’s Always Home, Always Homesick felt like an irresistible invitation to explore the rugged landscapes of both the heart and mind. Having first encountered her poignant storytelling in Burial Rites, I was curious to dive into her memoir and uncover the threads that weave her life with the enchanting but stark Nordic island. Kent’s memoir is a delicately layered narrative shaped by her deep connection to Iceland. It begins with...

A Roommate for the Ages: A Reflection on Teddy Wayne’s Apartment When I first picked up Teddy Wayne’s Apartment, I was drawn in by what I can only call the “mystique of male friendships.” It’s a topic not often explored in literature beyond sports bars and locker rooms, and Wayne’s intriguing premise promised a deep dive into the complexity of camaraderie among adult men. The book’s ambitious exploration of emotional intimacy—or the lack thereof—against the backdrop of a Columbia MFA program immediately made me curious about what lay within...