25 Sep

Posted at 10:16h in Reviews by

Embracing Nonfiction: A Journey with The Writer's Practice As an ardent lover of the written word, I often grapple with that familiar question: “Am I good enough to be a writer?” This nagging uncertainty found its perfect foil in John Warner's The Writer's Practice: Building Confidence in Your Nonfiction Writing. I stumbled upon this book while searching for a resource that spoke to the essence of writing, not just the mechanics. Warner's approach intrigued me; he promised a departure from the rigid templates we often associate with composition, aiming...

23 Sep

Posted at 04:10h in Reviews by

Finding Freedom Between the Pages: A Review of Writers and Their Notebooks As a writer who often finds solace in the gentle dance of pen on paper, I was instantly drawn to Writers and Their Notebooks, an enchanting collection edited by Diana Raab. The very idea of peering into the minds of esteemed authors like Sue Grafton and John Dufresne—and discovering how their notebooks have shaped their creative journeys—felt like an open invitation to explore my own relationship with writing. This book isn’t just about the act of journaling;...

22 Sep

Posted at 19:09h in Reviews by

Close to Death: A Novel - A Whimsical Whodunit in a Gated Community From the moment I picked up Close to Death: A Novel, the latest in Anthony Horowitz's Hawthorne and Horowitz series, I couldn't help but feel a mix of excitement and intrigue. A story revolving around a murder in a seemingly perfect gated community? Count me in! Horowitz has a knack for crafting intricate mysteries that keep you guessing, and this one was no exception. With his signature wit and clever narrative play, he managed to deliver...

22 Sep

Posted at 17:33h in Reviews by

Review of The Collector of Burned Books by Roseanna M. White As I cracked open The Collector of Burned Books, the latest offering from Roseanna M. White, I was immediately intrigued. A historical fiction novel set during World War II? Count me in! I'm always fascinated by the resilience of the human spirit in the face of tyranny—especially when that tyranny fears the power of words. There's something beautifully profound about the idea of protecting forbidden texts, and I was ready to dive deep into this compelling premise. What really...

20 Sep

Posted at 21:59h in Reviews by

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...

18 Sep

Posted at 15:50h in Reviews by

A Cinematic Symphony: Reflecting on A Short Guide to Writing About Film As a lifelong film enthusiast, the art of writing about movies has always intrigued me. It was the promise of enhancing my critical voice that drew me to David Bordwell and Kristin Thompson's A Short Guide to Writing About Film. This best-selling text hooks readers from the start, blending a fascinating introduction to film theory with practical advice on honing writing skills. Navigating the World of Film Critique This invaluable guide expertly encapsulates the essence of film criticism....

16 Sep

Posted at 00:39h in Reviews by

Unlocking the Craft: A Journey Through 'Scriptnotes' As a perennial student of storytelling, I often find myself perusing the shelves for resources that can elevate my writing craft, especially in screenwriting. When I stumbled upon Scriptnotes: A Book About Screenwriting and Things That Are Interesting to Screenwriters by John August and Craig Mazin, I felt a spark of excitement. Having tuned into their acclaimed podcast for years, it was thrilling to see their insights and expertise distilled into book form. It's like finding a well-stocked toolkit just when you...

14 Sep

Posted at 12:30h in Reviews by

Book Review: My Friends: A Novel by Fredrik Backman From the moment I cracked open My Friends, I felt that familiar thrill of stepping into a Fredrik Backman novel. I was hooked not just by the promise of humor and poignancy but by the intriguing premise of a painting that carries the weight of memories, friendship, and change. As someone who has always found both solace and passion in art, I was eager to see how Backman uniquely intertwined these themes. At the heart of this story are four teenagers...

11 Sep

Posted at 21:20h in Reviews by

Journey Through the Heart of America: A Review of New York: The Novel by Edward Rutherfurd As a book blogger and a long-time admirer of historical fiction, New York: The Novel by Edward Rutherfurd gripped my curiosity from the moment I stumbled upon it. The promise of tracing the long, storied legacy of one of the world’s greatest cities through the eyes of its inhabitants—both real and fictional—felt like an invitation to walk alongside history itself. Spanning centuries, New York offers a vivid portrayal of the city from its...

10 Sep

Posted at 18:17h in Reviews by

Unlocking Creativity: A Personal Journey with Naming the World: And Other Exercises for the Creative Writer As a writer, I often find myself at a crossroads, grappling with inspiration and technique. That's why Naming the World: And Other Exercises for the Creative Writer by Bret Anthony Johnston caught my attention like a lighthouse in a foggy sea. The promise of interactive exercises from renowned authors sounded not only appealing but essential for my creative growth. Little did I know, this book would turn out to be my trusty companion—brimming...