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. |
Quick answer: Tom Lake (Ann Patchett) is a shallow, overpraised comfort-read that treats whiteness and nostalgia as the default setting and expects you to call that “universal.” I did not finish it admiring anything. I finished it irritated: it keeps hinting at...
https://youtu.be/iqN8nVTGEgI?si=4rP-WXEtQ89tkN2T Oscar Wilde's "The Canterville Ghost": A Journey Between Worlds, Cultures, and Understanding There's something magical about discovering a writer who speaks to your soul at just the right moment in your life. For me,...
https://youtu.be/Z0t5xyTfZvQ?si=q5Q08F-6ixr29eyR Listening to “The School Days of an Indian Girl” by Zitkala-Ša: Assimilation, Identity, and the Cost of Education “The School Days of an Indian Girl” by Zitkala-Ša is more than a personal reminiscence of childhood; it...
Hello and welcome back to Better World with Design. I'm your host, Gary Crossey, and today we're diving into a challenging but important work in contemporary philosophy: Queer Phenomenology: Orientations, Objects, Others by Sara Ahmed. I'll be honest with you—this...
Book Review: Mason Currey's Daily Rituals This article draws heavily from Mason Currey's fascinating 2013 book Daily Rituals: How Artists Work, a meticulously researched collection of the daily routines of over 160 writers, composers, painters, choreographers,...
Frances Glessner Lee's Groundbreaking Contributions Pioneer in forensic science: Despite gender barriers and lack of formal education, Lee transformed death investigation in America through innovation and determination Institutional reform: Established Harvard's...
The Art of Pacing How Claire Keegan Makes a Novella Feel Epic. Book Review and Podcast by Gary Crossey. Reading "Small Things Like These" is a masterclass in how literary pacing can transform a slim volume into an expansive experience. At just over 100 pages,...
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 to...
[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 relevance. Written in the 16th century, this essay's...
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 turning points?...
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 justice and community,...
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 instruction...
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 one gripping incident, we see how...
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 without...
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 of life...
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 — A Love That Outlives War Discover Madeline Miller's lyrical retelling of the Trojan War through Patroclus's eyes—a story of fate, friendship, and a love that transcends death. Iliad vs. The Song of Achilles — What's Different? Compare Homer's...
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 constitutes...
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 resonates with familiar...
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 Capacity" stands as a masterful...
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 education -...
The Complete Essays of Montaigne What philosophical questions or problems does the author address? In this chapter, Montaigne addresses several key philosophical questions: The nature of trust and suspicion in leadership - examining whether leaders should be naturally...
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 persistent and resilient world...
"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, relationships,...
“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…
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…
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 and...
“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...
"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 importance of...
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 shaping our lives and society. It has the...