My Journey with Borges and Me: A Literary Road Trip When I first stumbled upon Borges and Me by Jay Parini, the premise captured my imagination instantly: a 22-year-old student embarking on a road trip with the legendary blind writer Jorge Luis Borges through the picturesque Scottish Highlands. This seemed like a once-in-a-lifetime adventure—both a literal voyage across breathtaking landscapes and a deep, metaphorical exploration of literature and life. As someone who loves both road trips and literary discussions, I simply had to dive into this memoir. Parini’s narrative is...

A Journey Through Imagination: A Review of Of Her Own Design As someone who has always been captivated by the magic of storytelling, I was immediately drawn to Of Her Own Design, the latest graphic novel by the talented artist and writer [Author's Name]. The concept—a teenage girl tackling writer’s block while simultaneously navigating the complexities of adolescence—felt like a mirror reflecting my own youthful struggles. The allure of escapism through creativity is something I resonate with deeply, and this book promised a heartfelt adventurescape that did not disappoint. Set...

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...

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...

A Dive into the Digital Tides: My Thoughts on Searches: Selfhood in the Digital Age by Vauhini Vara It’s not every day that I pick up a nonfiction book—my to-be-read pile is usually overflowing with fiction! But when I stumbled upon Searches: Selfhood in the Digital Age by Vauhini Vara, I felt an immediate pull. As an English major with aspirations in the publishing industry, the intersection of technology and creativity is a topic I grapple with daily. Little did I know, this book would not only resonate deeply...

Review of Loving Sylvia Plath: A Reclamation by Andrea Van Duyne When I first came across Loving Sylvia Plath: A Reclamation by Andrea Van Duyne, I was intrigued—not just by Plath's enduring legacy in literature, but more so by her complex relationship with Ted Hughes. Van Duyne’s exploration promises to shed light on a history that often feels entwined not just in love, but manipulation and tragedy. As someone who has always believed that understanding the human element in literary history is crucial, this book spoke to me on...

Book Review: Also a Poet: Frank O’Hara, My Father, and Me by Ada Calhoun Sometimes, the books that call to us are those that promise an intersection of the personal and the poetic. Ada Calhoun’s Also a Poet: Frank O’Hara, My Father, and Me caught my attention precisely for that reason. A daughter grappling not only with her father’s legacy but also with a luminary like Frank O’Hara? I was instantly intrigued. What could be more fascinating than the struggle to find one's voice while illuminating the life of...

Recollections of My Nonexistence: A Memoir by Rebecca Solnit When I first picked up Recollections of My Nonexistence, I wasn't entirely sure what to expect. I've long been enchanted by Rebecca Solnit's prose, but this memoir promised to delve deeper into her personal journey. It caught my attention like a photograph of an old neighborhood that suddenly makes you wistful for places you've never known. There’s a profound intimacy in her words that feels like inviting a close friend into your thoughts, and I couldn't resist. Solnit weaves her narrative...

Book Review: Ode to a Nobody by Caroline Brooks DuBois Have you ever come across a book that feels like a gentle embrace during turbulent times? That’s exactly how I felt when I picked up Ode to a Nobody by Caroline Brooks DuBois. Thank you to NetGalley and Holiday House for granting me the chance to read this poignant novel in verse. It’s a beautiful exploration of adolescence, wrapped in the simplicity of poetic phrases that resonate long after the final page. At the heart of this novel is Quinn,...