02 Jul

Posted at 11:12h in Reviews by

A Gentle Whimsy: Reflecting on The Little Books of the Little Brontës The moment I laid eyes on The Little Books of the Little Brontës by Sara O'Leary, I felt a delightful tug of nostalgia. As a long-time admirer of the Brontë sisters and their enduring contributions to literature, I was eager to explore this charming picture book that promised a glimpse into their childhood creativity. O’Leary’s premise that the Brontë children were not just “sad and mournful” beings, but rather lively and imaginative, invited me to reassess what...

02 Jul

Posted at 07:41h in Reviews by

The Poet’s Companion: A Guide to the Pleasures of Writing Poetry - A Review There’s something inherently alluring about poetry. It’s a realm where emotions meet language, where the ordinary can be transformed into something profound. When I stumbled upon The Poet’s Companion: A Guide to the Pleasures of Writing Poetry by Dorianne Laux and Kim Addonizio, I felt a spark of curiosity. The title hinted at a nurturing guide, a friend to accompany me on my poetic journey—something I realized I desperately needed. At its heart, The Poet's...

01 Jul

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The Language of Trees: A Lush Voyage into Nature and Literature When I first stumbled upon The Language of Trees: A Rewilding of Literature and La…, I was immediately intrigued. The idea of combining literature with the enchanting language of trees, especially one crafted by the talented Katie Holten, felt like a whisper from the forest urging me to pay attention. As a lover of both nature and the written word, I couldn't resist diving into this beautifully illustrated anthology. The book unfolds like a cherished map to a secret...

01 Jul

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Review of The Ghostwriter by Alessandra Torre When I first stumbled upon The Ghostwriter, I was immediately drawn in by the eye-catching cover, a blend of moody tones and haunting imagery that promised a narrative filled with suspense and intrigue. I have read and enjoyed previous works by Alessandra Torre, so I couldn’t resist diving into this story that promised secrets, shadows, and, oh yes, a famous horror author tangled in a web of family drama. Intrigued? You should be! The plot centers around Olivia Dumont, a ghostwriter grappling with...

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

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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...