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...

27 Jul

Posted at 23:20h in Reviews by

How to Write a Book: A Book for Anyone Who Has Never Written a Book (But Wants To) – A Warm Encouragement for Aspiring Authors When I stumbled upon How to Write a Book: A Book for Anyone Who Has Never Written a Book (But Wants To) by Lauren Bingham, my heart skipped a beat—mostly because it seemed to say, "Yes, you can do this!" As someone who’s flirted with the idea of writing for years and still isn’t quite brave enough to start a draft, the title resonated...

27 Jul

Posted at 13:47h in Reviews by

A Silent Language: The Nobel Lecture by Jon Fosse — A Reflection Beyond Words When I first heard about Jon Fosse winning the 2023 Nobel Prize for Literature, I felt drawn to explore his acceptance speech, A Silent Language. Fosse’s unique voice, often described as hauntingly poetic, captures a part of the human experience that many of us struggle to articulate. His words resonated with me, as if they whispered truths I hadn’t fully acknowledged in my own journey with language and creativity. Fosse's lecture unfolds like a meditative exploration...

27 Jul

Posted at 05:15h in Reviews by

Embracing the Journey: A Review of The Way of the Fearless Writer by Beth Kempton As someone who has spent countless hours wrestling with words, the title The Way of the Fearless Writer by Beth Kempton immediately beckoned me. The promise of a new, mindful approach to the writing life felt like an open door—a chance to view my creative struggle through a more empowering lens. I had been following Kempton's journey on social media, and her advocacy for writers struck a chord with me. In a world saturated...

26 Jul

Posted at 17:45h in Reviews by

Review of Ian Fleming: The Complete Man by Nicholas Shakespeare When I first stumbled upon Ian Fleming: The Complete Man, I was immediately intrigued—not just because of my appreciation for the James Bond series but also due to the promise of unearthing the man behind the iconic spy. Nicholas Shakespeare's comprehensive biography, spanning a staggering 823 pages, offers a rare and intimate glimpse into the multifaceted life of Ian Fleming. Being granted unparalleled access to Fleming's estate, Shakespeare truly dives deep, making this biography an enlightening reading experience that...

25 Jul

Posted at 17:06h in Reviews by

Book Review: Draft No. 4: On the Writing Process by John McPhee There’s something captivating about embarking on a journey into the mind of a writer, especially one as revered as John McPhee. I was drawn to Draft No. 4 not only out of curiosity about McPhee’s literary prowess but also from a desire to elevate my own writing craft. As I flipped through the pages, I found myself in the midst of a rich tapestry made of insightful essays that felt both whimsical and deeply instructive—a true testament...

24 Jul

Posted at 23:01h in Reviews by

The Art of Fiction: Notes on Craft for Young Writers As a lifelong reader and aspiring writer, there are moments when a book feels more than just a collection of words—it feels like a conversation with a mentor. When I stumbled upon The Art of Fiction: Notes on Craft for Young Writers by John Gardner, I sensed an opportunity to dive into the psyche of not just a brilliant novelist but also a revered teacher. This book had an allure to me, promising guidance and clarity on a journey...

24 Jul

Posted at 04:58h in Reviews by

Still Writing: The Perils and Pleasures of a Creative Life (10th Anniversary Edition) – A Personal Reflection When I first stumbled upon Still Writing: The Perils and Pleasures of a Creative Life by Dani Shapiro, I was drawn not just by the title, but by the promise of finding solace within its pages. As an aspiring writer, I often feel like I’m on a creative rollercoaster—ups of inspiration and downs of self-doubt. Shapiro, with her rich voice and insightful reflections, generously opens her own ride to us, inviting us...

23 Jul

Posted at 10:56h in Reviews by

Unpacking the Heart of Verse: A Review of Poetry 101 As a lifelong lover of literature, I’ve always been drawn to poetry, that elusive blend of emotion and rhythm capable of capturing the most profound truths in mere lines. So when I stumbled upon Poetry 101: From Shakespeare and Rupi Kaur to Iambic Pentameter and Blank Verse, Everything You Need to Know about Poetry by the talented Thomas Dalzell, I felt a spark of excitement. Could this book really be the key to unlocking my own poetic potential? Dalzell's...