09 Aug

Posted at 13:07h in Reviews by

Review of The Index of Self-Destructive Acts by Christopher Beha When I first stumbled upon The Index of Self-Destructive Acts, the title and its association with baseball statistics instantly piqued my interest. As someone who appreciates the rich metaphors that sports can bring to life, I was eager to dive into a narrative woven around America’s favorite pastime, crafted by Christopher Beha. Unfortunately, while the book presents itself as an exploration of baseball, it morphs into a weighty examination of personal failings and deeply flawed characters. At the heart...

09 Aug

Posted at 00:28h in Reviews by

Unleashing Imagination: A Reflection on How to Write Science Fiction & Fantasy by Orson Scott Card As a lifelong lover of both science fiction and fantasy, I’ve often wondered how authors create those expansive worlds brimming with magic, technology, and complex characters. Enter Orson Scott Card, the genius behind Ender’s Game, and his illuminating guide, How to Write Science Fiction & Fantasy. This book immediately caught my attention, promising to unlock the secrets behind crafting speculative fiction, and I found myself both eager and anxious to dive into its...

03 Aug

Posted at 15:28h in Reviews by

Title: The Library at Hellebore: A Gripping Exploration of Power and Survival As I cracked open The Library at Hellebore by Tiffany D. Khaw, I felt a familiar thrill—the kind that echoes through the hallowed halls of dark academia and whispers promises of tension, intrigue, and a touch of the grotesque. It’s not often that a book unearths such potent themes wrapped in a narrative that’s not just compelling but deeply personal. Narrated by the sardonic and engaging Alessa Li, this story pulls you into a world where survival...

03 Aug

Posted at 06:24h in Reviews by

Discovering the Threads of Time in A Little History of Poetry As an avid reader, I often find myself mesmerized by how poetry acts like a mirror, reflecting the individual and societal ethos of its time. This intimate connection is what drew me to A Little History of Poetry by the insightful James Carey. Right from the first pages, I realized that this book was not merely a history lesson, but rather a tapestry woven from the lives of poets whose experiences shaped the verses that have colored our...

02 Aug

Posted at 05:51h in Reviews by

A Deep Dive into the Writing Life: Reflecting on Swallowed by a Whale As someone who often finds solace in the comforting embrace of a well-written book, I was drawn to Swallowed by a Whale: How to Survive the Writing Life from British Library Publishing. The title alone evokes a powerful image of struggle and survival—something every writer can relate to—even if we haven't literally faced the belly of a great beast. This anthology, brimming with wisdom from sixty esteemed authors, sets out to unravel the myriad complexities of...

31 Jul

Posted at 17:46h in Reviews by

Embracing the Craft: A Personal Journey Through "F. Scott Fitzgerald on Writing" There’s something undeniably magnetic about F. Scott Fitzgerald—the man behind literary marvels that continue to captivate readers a century later. When I stumbled upon "F. Scott Fitzgerald on Writing," I felt as if I had discovered hidden treasures amidst the clutter of modern writing guides. The prospect of diving into Fitzgerald’s thoughts about his craft, gleaned from his personal letters and musings, seemed too enchanting to resist. What better guide for writers today than the voice that...

28 Jul

Posted at 19:55h in Reviews by

The World According to Joan Didion: A Complex Reflection Joan Didion has long been a literary beacon for me—a writer whose keen observations of life, grief, and culture resonate deeply with my own experiences. When I heard about The World According to Joan Didion by Evelyn McDonnell, I was excited at the thought of delving even deeper into Didion's fascinating life and work. However, as I turned the pages, I found myself grappling not just with McDonnell’s insights but also with the book's own identity, which felt a bit...

28 Jul

Posted at 17:25h in Reviews by

Unpacking the Craft: A Reflection on Stein on Writing As a lifelong reader and aspiring writer, I’ve often found myself diving into the realm of writing guides, hunting for the secret ingredient that transforms good writing into great writing. When I stumbled upon Stein on Writing by Sol Stein, I was intrigued—not just by the promise of practical advice, but by the opportunity to learn directly from a master editor and a man who has influenced the voices of some of the most successful writers of our time. Could...

28 Jul

Posted at 15:18h in Reviews by

Book Review: The Next Chapter by Camille Kellogg When I first stumbled upon The Next Chapter by Camille Kellogg, I was instantly charmed by its promise of a queer romcom entwined with the chaos of fame and the subtlety of human emotions. As a lover of romantic tales that deliver both laughs and heartfelt moments, I couldn’t resist the allure of a story that explored what happens when celebrity life collides with the serene world of a bookstore. Trust me when I say this book delivers on that premise...

28 Jul

Posted at 09:54h in Reviews by

Book Review: The Book-Makers: A History of the Book in Eighteen Lives by Jeffrey K. Henson There’s something inherently magical about books—a tangible manifestation of thoughts and ideas immortalized on pages that can transport us to another world. When I stumbled upon The Book-Makers: A History of the Book in Eighteen Lives by Jeffrey K. Henson, I was immediately intrigued. A narrative focusing not just on the book itself but on the personalities behind its evolution? Count me in! I was eager to discover the stories of those who...