Book Reviews and Reading Lists
Curated Book Reviews & RecommendationsWelcome to my book review section, a personal archive of the stories, ideas, and authors that have shaped my creative journey. Here you’ll find a living feed of the books I’ve read, each review paired with a thumbnail, title, and a short excerpt that captures my honest response. For me, reading is both a refuge and a source of inspiration. I write about books that have challenged my perspective, expanded my curiosity, or simply offered a moment of joy. My reviews are not just summaries, they’re reflections on what each book sparked in me, how it connects to my work as a designer and storyteller, and why I think it’s worth your time. Whether you’re looking for your next read or just curious about what’s on my shelf, I hope you’ll find something here that resonates. Feel free to browse, comment, and share your own recommendations, I’m always eager to connect with fellow readers and discover new literary adventures. |
Montaigne – CHAPTER 31——Hazarding an Opinion on God’s Plans Demands Caution
Understanding Divine Will and Human Interpretation in Montaigne’s Essays The main theme of this essay is the danger and folly of humans attempting to interpret or understand divine will and providence through worldly events. The author criticizes those who try…
Montaigne – CHAPTER 30——OF CANNIBALS (& Podcast)
[sp_easyaccordion id=”5408″] A Modern Reflection on Montaigne’s “Of Cannibals” In our era of instant digital communication and global connectivity, Michel de Montaigne’s “Of Cannibals” resonates with surprising…
MY TAKE – Fahrenheit 451
Fahrenheit 451 🔥📖 Exploring Fahrenheit 451: Essential Book Club Discussion Guide Podcast overview – Fahrenheit 451 In what ways does Montag’s transformation from firefighter to book preserver reflect broader societal changes? What moments mark his key…
The Round House – A Journey Through Justice, Identity, and Native American Rights
Louise Erdrich’s “The Round House” is a masterful exploration of justice, family bonds, and the complex intersection of legal systems affecting Native American communities. As someone deeply interested in how stories shape our understanding of…
Montaigne – Chapter 25 – Of the Education of Children
Introduction and Foundational Concepts What is Montaigne’s theory of education? Montaigne’s educational theory centered on developing judgment and practical wisdom rather than mere accumulation of facts. His core principles emphasized individualized…
Parable of the Sower – Octavia Butler
Imagine living in a world where your neighborhood needs armed guards to protect… rabbits. In Octavia Butler’s “Parable of the Sower,” that’s exactly what we find – a community fighting for survival in a crumbling America. Through…
A tree grows in Brooklyn
A Tree Grows in Brooklyn, despite its enduring popularity, reveals itself as a fundamentally flawed work that relies heavily on superficial storytelling and underdeveloped themes. The novel’s primary weakness lies in its tendency to name-drop social issues…
BOOK REVIEW – The Giver –
What is the book The Giver about? “The Giver” is a dystopian novel that follows Jonas, a twelve-year-old boy living in what appears to be a perfect society where there is no war, fear, pain, or choice. The community is highly regulated, with every aspect…
Montaigne – Chapter 29 – Of Moderation
What philosophical questions or problems does Montaigne address? In this chapter, Montaigne addresses several key philosophical questions: The nature and limits of moderation: He explores whether virtues can become vices when pursued too extremely The relationship…
The Song of Achilles Deep Dive
Characters, Relationships, and Modern Relevance A Reader’s Journey with The Song of Achilles As I delved into this modern retelling of an ancient tale, I found myself joining countless readers online who grapple with similar questions about this compelling…
Montaigne – Chapter 27 – Of Friendship
What philosophical questions or problems does the author address? Montaigne’s friendship essay addresses several fundamental philosophical questions about the nature and essence of true friendship. The primary philosophical problem he explores is what…
MY TAKE – James Joyce ~ The Sisters
Joyce’s “The Sisters” is a masterfully crafted exploration of mortality, religious corruption, and the complex relationship between spiritual authority and human frailty. As someone who grew up in Northern Ireland, the story’s Dublin setting…
Montaigne – Chapter 26 – That It Is Folly To Measure Truth And Error By Our Own Capacity
CHAPTER XXVI — FOLLY TO MEASURE TRUTH AND ERROR BY OUR OWN CAPACITY Read Essay – Chapter 26 My Take – An Analysis of Montaigne’s Essay on Truth and Error Montaigne’s essay “That It Is Folly to Measure Truth and Error by Our Own…
Montaigne – Chapter 24 – OF Pedantry
Montaigne addresses several key philosophical questions and problems in this text: The relationship between education and virtue – questioning whether formal academic learning actually leads to moral development and good character. The purpose and value of…
Montaigne – Chapter 23 – Various events form the same counsel
Book Club Review – The Round House
Asheville Digital Nomads – Book Club https://www.meetup.com/avl-digital-nomads/events/301046843 Today, I delve into the first chapter of Louise Erdrich’s compelling novel, “The Round House.” Set in 1988, this chapter introduces us to the…
Book Review – The Immoralists
“The Immoralist” starts with a prologue that sets the tone of the book and introduces the key characters. Each subsequent part of the book focuses on different main characters and their evolution. The book progresses by exploring their personalities,…
BOOK REVIEW – Doctor Who: Twice Upon a Time
“Doctor Who: Twice Upon a Time” is a rich narrative that explores complex themes of identity, time, and memory through compelling characters and intricate plot devices. This book review delves deep into the character development and thematic analysis of the story, offer…
All Systems Red – Martha Wells
In Martha Wells’ ‘All Systems Red’, the narrative delves deep into the themes of autonomy, identity, and the complexities of artificial intelligence. The protagonist, a Security Unit, embarks on a fascinating journey of self-discovery and self-determination. The book se…
Summary of The Invention of Hugo Cabret
Digital Art by Gary Crossey In the grand tapestry of Parisian lore, “The Invention of Hugo Cabret” by Brian Selznick unfolds as a captivating tale that beckons the reader to traverse the labyrinthine alleys of 1930s Paris. With a masterful fusion of prose…
BOOK REVIEW Lost in Shagri-la
“Fear is something I don’t think you experience unless you have a choice. If you have a choice, then you’re liable to be afraid. But without a choice, what is there to be afraid of? You just go along doing what has to be done.”Margent Lost in Shangri-La received…
Summary of the book Scene & Structure
“Scene and Structure” by Jack M. Bickham is a comprehensive guide for writers, focusing on the crucial elements of crafting effective scenes and structuring a compelling story. Bickham provides valuable insights and practical advice, emphasizing the…
The Intersection of Technology and Social Justice
Technology and Social Justice: Exploring the Intersection Community Design System An Analysis of “Race After Technology”, “Design Justice”, and “Automating Inequality” In today’s world, technology plays a significant role in…
Reasons and Persons by Derek Parfit
Consider the claim that the Universe was not created by a benevolent God. Derek Parfit Rediscovering Reasons and Persons: A Journey of Reflection and Growth Once upon a time, nestled in the corner of a quaint library in Northern Ireland, there stood a long narrow…
Automating Inequality: How High-Tech Tools Profile, Police, and Punish the Poor
Automating Inequality is a book that provides a detailed analysis of how high-tech tools are used to profile, police, and punish the poor. The book explores how technology is increasingly being utilized to automate decision-making processes that have significant…
Killer High: A History of War in Six Drugs by Peter Andreas
Weird AI Voice Over The main points of the book. The use of drugs in warfare is not a recent phenomenon, but rather a long-standing tradition that dates back to ancient times. Governments have played a significant role in the spread of drugs, and drugs have been used…
If We Were Villains by M.L. Rio
Library Study Through the lens of Shakespearean plays, M.L. Rio’s “If We Were Villains” intricately weaves together a tale that explores the relationship between art and reality, the power of storytelling, and the consequences of our actions. The novel offers an…
We always lived in the castle
Digital Art created by Gary Crossey We Have Always Lived in the Castle by Shirley Jackson is a novel that tells the story of the Blackwood family, who live in a large mansion on the outskirts of a small village. The story is narrated by Mary Katherine, or…
A People’s History of the United States
For this blog post, I will be reviewing “A People’s History of the United States”. This book provides a unique perspective on American history and highlights the often-overlooked voices and experiences of marginalized groups. In my review, I will be…