07 Dec

Posted at 15:12h in Reviews by

When Stars Are Scattered: A Heartfelt Exploration of Hope and Resilience As I scrolled through my book recommendations, When Stars Are Scattered by Omar Mohamed and illustrated by Victoria Jamieson stood out like a beacon of hope on a cloudy day. A graphic memoir that captures the poignant reality of life in a Kenyan refugee camp, it promised both heartache and inspiration—a combination I couldn’t resist. Little did I know, this book would not only tug at my heartstrings but also transform my perspective on resilience and love between...

06 Dec

Posted at 03:08h in Reviews by

Book Review: Did You Hear About Kitty Karr?: A Novel by Crystal Smith Paul When I first picked up Did You Hear About Kitty Karr?, I was immediately intrigued by the blend of old Hollywood glamour and the weighty undertones of race, gender, and family legacy. Crystal Smith Paul has crafted a debut novel that skillfully unravels complex social issues against a backdrop as dazzling as a silver screen. The novel, a Reese’s Book Club selection for May 2023, captures a multifaceted narrative that makes history feel both urgent...

05 Dec

Posted at 09:06h in Reviews by

A Journey through Words: A Review of Reading Like a Writer by Francine Prose As a lifelong lover of books, the moment I stumbled upon Reading Like a Writer by Francine Prose, I knew I had found something special. The very title intrigued me—it promised to merge my twin passions of reading and writing into one enlightening experience. Prose, a seasoned novelist and critic, invites us into the world of literature not just to consume, but to truly engage with the words that shape narratives and characters we hold...

03 Dec

Posted at 02:59h in Reviews by

Write Away: A Heartfelt Journey into the Craft of Writing Elizabeth George's Write Away: One Novelist's Approach to Fiction and the Writing Life grabbed my attention not just as a how-to guide but as a window into the soul of a writer who knows the triumphs and trials of novel writing deeply. As someone who’s been tinkering with storytelling for as long as I can remember, I was eager to glean insights from a New York Times bestselling author who has crafted complex characters and rich narratives that have...

28 Nov

Posted at 23:46h in Reviews by

Title: Rediscovering Life and Love in I Almost Forgot About You I have long been an admirer of Terry McMillan. Her iconic voice and ability to weave the complexities of life into captivating stories has always struck a chord with me. When I stumbled upon I Almost Forgot About You: A Novel, I was immediately drawn in by its promise of self-discovery and second chances. As someone who often finds herself contemplating life's twists and turns, I was eager to delve into the journey of Dr. Georgia Young. From the...

27 Nov

Posted at 02:37h in Reviews by

Review of Immediate Fiction: A Complete Writing Course by Jerry Cleaver As a lifelong reader turned aspiring writer, the title Immediate Fiction: A Complete Writing Course by Jerry Cleaver practically jumped off the shelf and into my hands. The promise of not just theory but actionable advice felt like a beacon of hope in my tangled journey of finding my own writing voice. In the often intimidating realm of creative writing, Cleaver's approach resonated deeply with me—his blend of encouragement and practical guidance left me feeling both inspired and...

24 Nov

Posted at 09:06h in Reviews by

Discovering The Hemingway Stories: A Journey through Literary Introspection When I stumbled upon The Hemingway Stories, it felt like reuniting with an old friend, one I had known from afar yet admired deeply. Purchased a couple of years ago as a companion to Ken Burns' captivating documentary on Ernest Hemingway, this collection quickly became a cherished addition to my bookshelf. Having previously devoured all the stories it contains, I was drawn to the unique perspective offered by Tobias Wolff—the author behind so many of my reading joys. Wolff’s introduction is...

23 Nov

Posted at 13:00h in Reviews by

Review of How Horror Works in Books and Film When I stumbled upon How Horror Works in Books and Film, I felt an irresistible pull, intrigued by the idea of unpacking the eerie mechanisms that tantalize and terrify. The author, who previously captivated me with her insights in Wolves and Werewolves in History and Popular Culture, had set the bar high. Yet, with this course, she not only met expectations but soared beyond them. For someone like me, who winces at the faintest horror film, there's a...

23 Nov

Posted at 02:59h in Reviews by

Book Review: How to End a Story: Collected Diaries, 1978-1998 by Linda B. C. Lee From the moment I stumbled upon How to End a Story: Collected Diaries, 1978-1998, I felt an undeniable pull towards its pages. Perhaps it was the allure of delving into the personal thoughts of someone who has navigated life’s winding paths, or the sense of nostalgia that came with revisiting the late 20th century through another’s eyes. Author Linda B. C. Lee, whose keen observations and insights have long resonated with readers, offers a...

22 Nov

Posted at 13:55h in Reviews by

Unpacking the Craft: A Personal Dive into John Truby’s The Anatomy of Story As a writer, I've often grappled with the complexities of storytelling. I stumbled upon The Anatomy of Story by John Truby during one particularly restless night, and I instinctively knew this book would be a game-changer. Truby, with his impressive background in consulting for Hollywood’s finest, promises not just to teach the mechanics of storytelling but to take you deep into the heart of what makes a story truly resonate. From the moment I began the...