For so long I've been fighting my way toward what I imagine is light, but I'm beginning to wonder what's on the other side. I have been a fan of Stephanie Danler since I read her first novel, Sweetbitter, back in college. Her writing is electric. I was drawn to her style of storytelling that … Continue reading stray review.
Author: syw
play it as it lays review.
I know what nothing means, and keep playing on. A book you may recognize if you watched season 2 of You: Play It As It Lays by THE Joan Didion is a masterpiece. It was a fairly quick read, but the content was heavy. The story is set in the 1960s and involves a lot … Continue reading play it as it lays review.
what should be wild review.
Nothing promises revival like a fairy tale. What Should Be Wild by Julia Fine was a completely refreshing read for me. I haven't read a fantasy/magical realism book in a long time. Either the Harry Potter series or the Inkworld series were the last fantasy stories I indulged in. I was probably in the 8th … Continue reading what should be wild review.
absalom, absalom! review.
This book transported me back to my high school days, but not because of the subject matter. I spent a lot of time on SparkNotes trying to understand Absalom, Absalom! by William Faulkner. I ordered this novel on a whim. By whim I mean Stephanie Danler suggested it and said it contributed to the style … Continue reading absalom, absalom! review.
a gate at the stairs review.
Lorrie Moore is an author I have seen pop up numerous times on recommendation lists. I know she has quite a few books out there, but I never got around to reading anything by her. Enter: library annual book sale. Back in February, pre-world madness, my neighborhood library held a massive book sale. Hardback books … Continue reading a gate at the stairs review.
the earth laughs in flowers.
There isn't much to say other than the world is hurting right now. Everything has been turned upside down and it feels like we're living in a fog. Whenever I have felt uncertainty or uneasiness, I turn to reading. My mind feels relief as I read and escape to some other reality. Don't get me … Continue reading the earth laughs in flowers.
red at the bone review.
Red At The Bone by Jacqueline Woodson is a deep look into the past of a family and every part that has led to the moment that the book opens with. Melody is 16 and having her coming of age ceremony. As her family watches her, they all begin to reflect on how their lives … Continue reading red at the bone review.
where i was from review.
It’s no secret that Joan Didion is one of my all time favorite authors. She has been inspiring me for years with her writing. It had been some time since I read one of her works, so I decided to change that. Where I Was From is a nod to Didion’s homeland, California. It is … Continue reading where i was from review.
the carrying review.
Ada Limon has done it again. I've had poetry that has left a strong impression on me, but this collection cut me to my core. Limon is a master of making you feel. I re-read numerous poems because I couldn't get over the way she captured emotion. I reviewed bright dead things a few months … Continue reading the carrying review.
bird by bird review.
Bird By Bird by Anne Lamott is a book that beautifully captures what it means to be a writer. It is a lot of frustration and feeling like you should just give up. It is also incredibly satisfying to craft stories and know this is exactly what you were meant to do. I turned to … Continue reading bird by bird review.