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  • 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 one gripping incident, we see how ordinary people adapt when society breaks down, forcing them to choose between… Read more: Parable of the Sower – Octavia Butler
  • 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 without meaningfully engaging with them, creating what amounts to a collection of neighborhood gossip rather than a cohesive… Read more: A tree grows in Brooklyn
  • Montaigne – Chapter 29 – Of Moderation
    What philosophical questions or problems does Montaigne address? In this chapter, Montaigne addresses several key philosophical questions: Montaigne particularly focuses on the complex relationship between excess and virtue, questioning whether the pursuit of moderation itself can become immoderate. He challenges the notion that complete suppression of natural pleasures is necessary for moral living. How does… Read more: Montaigne – Chapter 29 – Of Moderation
  • 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 constitutes genuine friendship versus superficial relationships. This inquiry echoes Aristotle’s discussions in “Nicomachean Ethics,” where he distinguishes between friendships of pleasure, utility,… Read more: Montaigne – Chapter 27 – Of Friendship
  • 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 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 exploration of human cognition and epistemology that resonates powerfully in our contemporary… Read more: Montaigne – Chapter 26 – That It Is Folly To Measure Truth And Error By Our Own Capacity
  • 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 of life controlled – from family units to career paths.… Read more: BOOK REVIEW – The Giver –
  • Montaigne – Chapter 24 – OF Pedantry
    Montaigne addresses several key philosophical questions and problems in this text: Montaigne particularly focuses on critiquing pedantry – the excessive emphasis on formal academic knowledge at the expense of practical wisdom and moral development. This forms the central philosophical problem he examines through various historical examples and arguments. Montaigne employs several key argumentative strategies to… Read more: Montaigne – Chapter 24 – OF Pedantry
  • Montaigne – Chapter 23 – Various events form the same counsel
    The Complete Essays of Montaigne What philosophical questions or problems does the author address? In this chapter, Montaigne addresses several key philosophical questions: Through various historical examples and anecdotes, Montaigne explores these themes to understand the complex nature of leadership, courage, and human behavior under threat. How does the author use reasoning or argumentation to… Read more: Montaigne – Chapter 23 – Various events form the same counsel
  • The Song of Achilles Deep Dive
    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 narrative. The first half of the book captivated me with its intimate portrayal of young friendship blossoming into love, and the… Read more: The Song of Achilles Deep Dive
  • 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 resonates with familiar cultural and religious undertones that persist even a century later. Contemporary Reception and Controversy When “The Sisters” was… Read more: MY TAKE – James Joyce ~ The Sisters
  • 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 persistent and resilient world of Joe and his family, laying the groundwork for an intricate tale of heritage, law, and environmental impact. Below, you’ll… Read more: Book Club Review – The Round House
  • 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, relationships, and key events that shape their story ⁠The prologue of the book lays the groundwork… Read more: Book Review – The Immoralists
  • 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, offering readers an engaging and thought-provoking experience. A must-read for Whovians and fans of science fiction.
  • 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 serves as a metaphorical exploration of the human condition, inviting readers to ponder profound questions about free will, mental health, and the societal pressures that shape our actions. The vividly described settings and the thought-provoking storyline make ‘All Systems Red’ a compelling read for fans of science fiction and philosophical contemplation.
  • Insights and Expectations: A Sneak Peek into the Upcoming WordPress 6.5 Release
    The upcoming WordPress 6.5 release is a substantial update, promising a host of new features and enhancements to enrich the user experience. As the Lead for the Sandy Mush WordPress Meetup Group and a longtime WordPress beta tester, as well as a WordCamp volunteer and presenter, I’ve been closely following the development of this new… Read more: Insights and Expectations: A Sneak Peek into the Upcoming WordPress 6.5 Release
  • Georgia O’Keeffe Art Summary & Latte
    Georgia O’Keeffe was an influential American artist known for her unique style and contribution to American modernism. Born in 1887, she was a trailblazer in the art world, particularly as a female artist in a male-dominated industry. O’Keeffe’s work primarily focused on capturing the essence of natural forms, such as flowers, landscapes, and bones. Her… Read more: Georgia O’Keeffe Art Summary & Latte
  • Summary of The Invention of Hugo Cabret
    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 intricate black-and-white illustrations, Selznick weaves a tale that transports us to a world where the lines… Read more: Summary of The Invention of Hugo Cabret
  • 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 a largely positive response from… Read more: BOOK REVIEW Lost in Shagri-la
  • 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 importance of engaging readers through well-constructed scenes and a solid story structure. What is a scene? The book begins… Read more: Summary of the book Scene & Structure
  • The Intersection of Technology and Social Justice
    Technology and Social Justice: Exploring the Intersection 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 power to connect people, provide access to information, and improve efficiency in various aspects of our daily routines. However, it… Read more: The Intersection of Technology and Social Justice