I have only read The Mortal Instruments and The Infernal Devices, and I’m not planning to read The Dark Artifices or the companion books, so this review will focus on those two series in the Shadowhunter world. The Shadowhunter world created by Cassandra Clare has become extremely popular since its release in 2007, particularly in […]
Book Review: The Poisonwood Bible
I read the bulk of The Poisonwood Bible in a day. I was so captivated by Kingsolver’s descriptions of the Congo, the distinct personalities of each daughter and the mother, and the suspense that Kingsolver crafted so adeptly. But then I got to the part where the family separated and there was a time shift […]
Controversial Opinion About LOTR: The Movies are Better??…
Disclaimer: I watched the movies before I read the series, so that may have influenced my opinion and biased my perspective. My brother must have introduced me to the film series The Lord of the Rings when I was in middle school, and I have watched them multiple times since. Along with a beautiful soundtrack, […]
Book Review: The Screwtape Letters by C.S. Lewis
The Screwtape Letters by C.S. Lewis is not the type of book to stay with me, but it is rather thought provoking. It’s an extremely quick read, and I think it helps readers gain self-awareness, whether they are Christian like Lewis or not. Lewis presents a really interesting take on temptation; he did a good […]
Reacting to One-Star Reviews of My Favorite Books
The beautiful thing about literature, and art in general, is that people can connect to artwork in different ways—or not connect to it at all. I actually really enjoy it when other people have different opinions about literature than I do. Sure, it’s nice to have people agree with you, but it’s so boring when […]
Strange Positive Affirmations
In honor of the ending of May, Mental Health Awareness Month, here are some not-so-ordinary positive affirmations. In case you’re unaware, positive affirmations are a kind of cognitive therapy, where you repeat statements (think “I am” statements like “I am worthy”) and try to rewire your brain to think positively. The idea is that if […]
Playlist Prompt #1: Crimes of Simplifying Complexity
I’m sure I have a kindred spirit or two who story craft while listening to music. The interplay of instrumentals, melody, and poetry is a rambunctious inciter when it comes to creativity. Recently, I had plots unroll in my head entirely because of lyrics and a specific sequence of songs. I thought I’d make this […]
Review: Cul-de-sac Angels by Michelle Emily Garcia
“But, like all writers, I am an archaeologist. I can’t help but excavate, never capturing enough.” Cul-de-sac Angels is an anthology of poems and short stories written by the lovely Michelle Emily Garcia, one of my fellow classmates at Virginia Tech. It is an entirely different experience to read a book written by someone you […]
Review: Anna Karenina by Leo Tolstoy
Apparently, when William Faulkner was asked to list the three greatest novels of all time, he replied, “Anna Karenina, Anna Karenina, Anna Karenina.” I’m not sure I would go that far, but there is a reason why people call it a masterpiece. Tolstoy’s ability to delve into his characters is absolutely exquisite. Every single character […]
Anti-TBR Tag: Books I Have No Interest in Reading
This tag has been going around on booktube for a while now, and I thought it’d be fun to answer the questions myself. I believe the creator is Nicole & Her Books, so check her out. In lieu of an irrelevant and lengthy intro, let’s get into the books that I’m not interested in ever […]