03 Dec

Posted at 21:02h in Reviews by

A Dive into the Heart of Great Big Beautiful Life: Emily Henry's Latest Masterpiece There's something endlessly captivating about the way Emily Henry crafts her stories. When I picked up Great Big Beautiful Life, I felt a spark of excitement, not just because it’s a Reese’s Book Club pick, but because I’ve long admired Henry's ability to intertwine romance with deeper narratives in such a heartfelt way. This book, with its premise of rival writers and a mysterious subject full of secrets, promised to hit those sweet spots that...

07 Nov

Posted at 22:08h in Reviews by

Unlocking the Art of Storytelling: A Review of Fiction-Writing Modes by Mike Klaassen As a writer navigating the unpredictable waters of fiction, I often find myself grappling with elusive concepts that seem almost like secret languages known only to bestselling authors. When I stumbled upon Fiction-Writing Modes: Eleven Essential Tools for Bringing Your Story to Life by Mike Klaassen, I knew I had found a guide that promised to transform those confounding notions into comprehensible strategies. Klaassen's enthusiasm for storytelling is infectious and instantly drew me in, making it...

04 Oct

Posted at 01:54h in Reviews by

The Writing Life by Annie Dillard: A Journey Through Words and Solitude When I first picked up The Writing Life by Annie Dillard, I was looking for a guide—a beacon of wisdom illuminating the often-daunting path of writing. Instead, what I encountered was a beautifully raw exploration of the complexities and solitude that characterize the writer’s existence. Dillard's poetic prose immediately drew me in, as if I were being invited into a cozy nook where the mystery of creation unfolds. At its core, The Writing Life is not a how-to...

20 Sep

Posted at 08:16h in Reviews by

A Honest Glimpse into Art: Reflections on Art Work: On the Creative Life by Sally Mann As someone who often wanders through galleries and appreciates the emotional punch of a photograph, I found myself pleasantly intrigued by Art Work: On the Creative Life by Sally Mann. I'll confess, I wasn't familiar with Mann before diving into this advanced copy, kindly provided by NetGalley and Particular Books, but my curiosity about art—and its often murky relationship with the creative process—propelled me forward into her world. From the outset, Mann captures...

14 Sep

Posted at 01:50h in Reviews by

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...

03 Aug

Posted at 17:56h in Reviews by

A Swim in a Pond in the Rain: A Refreshing Dive into Literary Artistry There’s something inherently magical about the intersection of reading and writing, a sentiment beautifully encapsulated in George Saunders’ latest offering, A Swim in a Pond in the Rain. As a long-time admirer of his work—the rich layers and profound empathy in Lincoln in the Bardo and the quirky brilliance in Tenth of December—I approached this literary masterclass with a sense of eager anticipation. Little did I know, this book would not only elevate my understanding...

30 Jul

Posted at 05:35h in Reviews by

Embracing the Craft: A Review of The Faith of a Writer: Life, Craft, Art As a lifelong admirer of Joyce Carol Oates, her words have often stirred something deep within me. When I stumbled upon The Faith of a Writer: Life, Craft, Art, I was curious—not merely about her insights on writing, but also about the personal experiences that shaped one of America’s literary titans. This book felt like a secret invitation into the soul of a writer who has woven countless narratives that linger in the mind long...

26 Jul

Posted at 11:11h in Reviews by

The Truth of You: Poetry About Love, Life, Joy, and Sadness (The Souls Trilogy) – A Heartfelt Exploration Sometimes a book arrives in your life just when you need it the most. As someone who often turns to poetry for solace, I found Iain S. Thomas's The Truth of You enveloping me like a warm embrace on a chilly day. This collection is more than just a series of poems; it's a deeply intimate gathering of thoughts and feelings that speak to universal experiences of love, loss, joy, and...

24 Jul

Posted at 05:31h in Reviews by

A Journey Through the Humorous and Heartfelt World of Calvin Trillin in The Lede: Dispatches from a Life in the Press When I first picked up The Lede: Dispatches from a Life in the Press by Calvin Trillin, it was with a mix of curiosity and the comforting promise of humor. Trillin has been a staple in American journalism for decades, a voice that brings wit and insight to the often serious world of reporting. As someone who loves both reading and writing about the nuances of journalism, I...

23 Jul

Posted at 09:26h in Reviews by

A Dive into the Heart of Cornwall: A Review of Dark, Salt, Clear by Lamorna Ash I feel as though I just returned from a wonderful trip! Lamorna Ash’s Dark, Salt, Clear: Life in a Cornish Fishing Town swept me away to the picturesque fishing village of Newlyn, so vividly painted through her poetic and lyrical prose. As I lingered over the words, I couldn’t help but reflect on how powerful a memoir can be, drawing you into a world that feels both foreign and familiar, rich with tradition...