I had a vaguely insightful thought about why I tend to like books in a series less in the terminal volume than any of the other component parts. I think it’s because they’re basically splitting the difference between series and book, as I read them. I’d need to look more into this to confirm, but … Continue reading “Series Fatigue”
Tag: reading
Book Reviews
I had the opportunity recently to write a few book reviews for the Washington Times, and I’m really excited for them to come out. In the past, I’ve been terrified of writing reviews to the point of paralysis because I absolutely HATE saying anything negative about anyone’s work. But this time around, maybe because I’ve … Continue reading “Book Reviews”
Currently Reading
My “currently reading” pile has gotten way out of control, mostly because I am desperately trying to manage several writing projects, and several reviews, and also have misplaced a few books that are so large I have no idea how I lost them in a two room apartment. This is why I use goodreads so … Continue reading “Currently Reading”
Reading Shakespeare
When it comes to reading, I am definitely what you might call a completionist, and I’ve had the goal of reading every one of Shakespeare’s plays since I was in college. Haven’t made much progress, honestly. This has mostly resulted in me reading, seeing, and studying the ones I like over and over, and saying … Continue reading “Reading Shakespeare”
The Summer Book
I am a notorious evangelist for my favorite books and things. Whatever my favorite thing is, if you know me, you can be pretty sure I will be talking about it to you at a rate that will make you question my narrow avoidance of an autism diagnosis. I always have a current favorite thing, … Continue reading “The Summer Book”
The Narrow Waters
I recently read The Narrow Waters by Julien Gracq, and it reminded me how much I’ve really struggled to put a visual to the way books studded with books, bedazzled with references and allusions, do the work they do. It’s like, instead of traversing an asteroid field of references that burn up as a lightshow … Continue reading “The Narrow Waters”
The Once and Future King
So, had you asked me what The Once and Future King was about before I recently re-read it I would have said animals. Most books, in my creative recollection, are about animals. Narnia? About animals. Alice In Wonderland? Clearly about animals. Julie Of the Wolves? That one might actually be about wolves. But…nope, Wikipedia is … Continue reading “The Once and Future King”
All The Sherlock Holmes Is Done
Back at the end of May, I decided to listen to every single Sherlock Holmes story in a row. I’m not sure why exactly that seemed like a good idea, because you can definitely get detective burnout, and I have 100% burned out on Sherlock Holmes. I think it’s been a good fifteen years since … Continue reading “All The Sherlock Holmes Is Done”
Ludlul bēl nēmeqi
I need to set aside this side-obsession with Mesopotamia and focus on writing teenagers on journeys of self-discovery, but before I do, I did want to share one thing I find really interesting which is The Poem of the Righteous Sufferer. People often call this an ancestor of the Book of Job, because it’s about … Continue reading “Ludlul bēl nēmeqi”
Reading Plays
As I was compelled to rid myself of a large number of dramatic works in my personal library, I resolved to read more theater this year which, for the most part, is something I’ve actually found really enriching. But I have just the damnedest time really reading plays. It’s easy for me to watch plays, … Continue reading “Reading Plays”