01 Jul

Posted at 13:38h in Reviews by

A Journey into the Writer's Brain: My Reflection on Negotiating with the Dead I often find myself pondering the intertwining paths of creativity and mortality—an exploration that feels both universal and deeply personal. So, when I stumbled upon Margaret Atwood’s Negotiating with the Dead: A Writer on Writing, I knew I was in for an illuminating ride. Atwood, renowned for her prowess in storytelling with works like The Handmaid's Tale and The Testaments, invites us into the often shadowy world of writers, revealing not just the craft but the...

30 Jun

Posted at 19:03h in Reviews by

A Glimpse into the Mind of a Master: A Review of A Private Spy: The Letters of John Le Carré There’s something profoundly intimate about reading a person’s letters. It offers a window into their thoughts, fears, and hopes—much like having a heart-to-heart conversation with an old friend. As I delved into A Private Spy: The Letters of John Le Carré, I felt as though I was conversing with the enigmatic David Cornwell himself, the man behind the pen name we have come to know and love. This collection...

30 Jun

Posted at 09:00h in Reviews by

Bookends: A Memoir of Love, Loss, and Literature – A Tangled Journey of Privilege and Introspection When I first stumbled upon "Bookends: A Memoir of Love, Loss, and Literature" by the author, I was intrigued. A memoir that weaves in themes of love and literature offers a promise of rich introspection and heartfelt storytelling. After all, isn’t literature often our best lens for understanding the complexities of life? However, my excitement quickly waned as I delved deeper into the pages of this book, leaving me with a mixture of...

29 Jun

Posted at 12:47h in Reviews by

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...

29 Jun

Posted at 07:11h in Reviews by

A Journey Through Verse: Discovering Mary Oliver’s A Poetry Handbook As a lifelong admirer of poetry, I often find myself sifting through volumes in search of wisdom and inspiration. So, when I stumbled upon Mary Oliver’s A Poetry Handbook, I felt like I had found a hidden gem. Oliver, with her profound connection to nature and humanity, has always captivated me with her work. This handbook promised not only to enlighten my understanding of poetry but to guide my own poetic ambitions. Oliver's A Poetry Handbook is a masterclass...

28 Jun

Posted at 06:40h in Reviews by

Review of The Novelist by Jordan Castro When I stumbled upon Kate Knibbs’ article, "Finally, a Novel That Gets the Internet Right," I felt an odd pull toward Jordan Castro’s The Novelist. Maybe it was the promise of an honest take on digital culture, or perhaps my lingering fascination with alt-lit, despite its pitfalls. As I rounded the halfway mark of my Goodreads Reading Challenge, sitting at ninety-nine books, I decided that this short novel—a quick read of about forty thousand words—would fit neatly into my quest for artistic...

25 Jun

Posted at 12:44h in Reviews by

A Journey Through Words: Reflections on On Writing Well Have you ever stumbled upon a book that not only teaches but transforms the way you approach your craft? That was my experience with William Zinsser’s On Writing Well: The Classic Guide to Writing Nonfiction. From the moment I opened its pages, I felt an inviting warmth that made the act of reading feel deeply personal. Zinsser doesn’t just instruct; he connects, sharing his wisdom as if over a cup of coffee with a friend. Zinsser’s book offers a treasure trove...

24 Jun

Posted at 02:17h in Reviews by

Navigating the Circular Paths of The Möbius Book by Catherine Lacey I still remember the moment Avery and I met at MoMA, both a bit lost in our own writing journeys. Surrounded by Matisse’s vibrant canvases, we shared a knowing sigh about our struggles to find satisfying endings in our work. Those lingering thoughts came rushing back as I dove into The Möbius Book, Catherine Lacey's captivating hybrid of fiction and creative non-fiction. It felt like this book was almost designed to echo our own writing frustrations—the narrative twists...

22 Jun

Posted at 10:07h in Reviews by

A Journey through the Eccentric: The Madman’s Library Review As someone with a penchant for the peculiar, The Madman’s Library: The Strangest Books, Manuscripts, and Other Literary Curiosities by Edward Brooke-Hitching immediately caught my eye. It’s a delightful exploration of the bizarre and whimsical, an homage to the strange corners of literary history that often go unnoticed. If you love books that invite curiosity and conversation, this is the perfect treasure for your coffee table—and believe me, you’ll want to share the oddities within. One of the first things that...

21 Jun

Posted at 09:02h in Reviews by

Embracing the Messy Journey: A Review of Bird by Bird by Anne Lamott “Bird by bird, buddy.” Those words have become a mantra among writers and a beacon of comfort for anyone grappling with life’s overwhelming tasks. When I picked up Bird by Bird: Some Instructions on Writing and Life, I was intrigued not only by Anne Lamott’s wit but also her authenticity. Her unique blend of humor and vulnerability captivated me from the first page, and I quickly discovered that this book doesn’t just speak to writers; it...