#books in review

[kate-apologist]

i guess i completely missed the iliad and odyssey renaissance happening on this godforsaken site

[djrusso-romance]

My year in reading

So let's recap thanks to Goodreads. I really only use GR these days to keep track of what I'm reading and for the shelving system but as a whole, not a fan of the site. Still, data and stats are fun!

I liked both of these books. I thought Her Soul to Take was better, but I loved the second one too. Headless was fun too. I like short fiction.

I loved The Deal even though I could SEE the problematic elements in it, but it was catnip for my soul. My university experience was similar (well, sorta. I didn't hook up with any hockey players), so I enjoyed this one more than I probably should have. I wish Elle would stop being shitty about queer women, though. Stop it, Elle. Stop. Kink the Halls LITERALLY just came out by my friend Ali and her writing shines best when she's writing sapphic romances.

Some of the books I read this year I can't even remember reading. Was that one book REALLY this year? Could've sworn I read it two years ago! Yikes. What is time, anyway? Wibbly wobbly nonsense? Anyway, if you want my full report, you can check it out on my goodreads.

And if you want to know what I liked best, well, you can see that on my Tik Tok.

[underthewingsofthblackeagle]

Books in Review - Nora Bossong: "Reichskanzlerplatz"

The theme of "Reichskanzlerplatz" offers great potential. In my opinion, however, it is not fully realised. The marketing of the book creates the expectation that Magda Goebbels is the central figure in the story. This is not the case. In reality, she is a secondary character. She could also be described as a narrative "hook" around which the actual story unfolds. Starting from her, the narrator begins his reports. As soon as he has completed a story, he returns to it to describe new events. The narrator himself therefore forms the centre of the book - his feelings, experiences and reflections are at the forefront. The reader has to come to terms with this. Although this does not fulfil the expectations conveyed by advertising, it nevertheless represents a valuable approach. After all, there are already numerous documentaries, biographies or novel biographies about Magda Goebbels, so this narrative perspective, which focuses more on the narrator, is certainly enriching. The value of the book lies above all in the multi-layered experiences and assessments of the narrator, who is involved in the historical events through his relationship with Magda Goebbels. These represent a kind of "window" through which the reader gains an insight into the devastating consequences of the Nazi seizure of power. Bossong allows the narrator to describe these events (about which today's readers should generally be well informed) in a way that appears superficially uninvolved - and it is precisely this that allows the full cruelty of the historical events to unfold. There is no need for detailed descriptions of the terrible, often unspeakable historical facts. This apparent distance creates an even stronger emotional impact. In the second part of the book, it leaves the reader constantly asking "Why?". Why did an intelligent woman as well versed in art, music and literature as Magda Goebbels act as she did? Why does the narrator act the way he does, even though, as an employee in the Nazi official apparatus, he sees through the regime - even though he thinks differently, hopes differently and, above all, loves differently? In the end, this book leaves the reader with the question, how would I have behaved and why?

If you look at this story from the perspective of Stoic philosophy, you come to the conclusion - as with Gustave Flaubert's book "Madame Bovary" - that the central characters in this book had no idea of their "Inner citadel" and accordingly neither nurtured nor strengthened it. And it was the lack of this inner bastion of resistance that allowed the external influencing factors of wealth, recognition, admiration, influence (for Goebbels) or fear, threat, loss of job and freedom (for the narrator) to take control of these two people. When external orders are destroyed (as happened in the First World War and the economic consequences in the Weimar Republic), the inner order of man becomes all the more important. If it does not exist or is only partially present, if it is not or only slightly consolidated, this can have devastating consequences for the individual, but also for an entire nation. Reichskanzlerplatz is a good, indeed a necessary book. It is an important book at a time when dealing with the history of National Socialism and its consequences is more topical than ever.

[loveelizabeths]

love elizabeth s.

[figtreeforever]

Dostoevsky, The Idiot

Caspar David Friedrich, Gartenterrasse, 1811

(Collage: instagram @emmalinatotes)

[nedlittle]

it drives me bonkers the way people don't know how to read classic books in context anymore. i just read a review of the picture of dorian gray that said "it pains me that the homosexual subtext is just that, a subtext, rather than a fully explored part of the narrative." and now i fully want to put my head through a table. first of all, we are so lucky in the 21st century to have an entire category of books that are able to loudly and lovingly declare their queerness that we've become blind to the idea that queerness can exist in a different language than our contemporary mode of communication. second it IS a fully explored part of the narrative! dorian gray IS a textually queer story, even removed from the context of its writing. it's the story of toxic queer relationships and attraction and dangerous scandals and the intertwining of late 19th century "uranianism" and misogyny. second of all, i'm sorry that oscar wilde didn't include 15k words of graphic gay sex with ao3-style tags in his 1890 novel that was literally used to convict him of indecent behaviour. get well soon, i guess...

[catgirltoofies]

reviews on famous novel "don't create the torment nexus" are in!

one reviewer gives a one star review, saying, "i can't believe the writer would let the torment nexus exist in this world. doesn't he realize how awful the torment nexus would be in real life?"

another reviewer, with a two star review, says "yeah, the book was okay, the characters were all great, but i just can't get over the torment nexus. why is there such a terrible thing? don't they realize they'd be better off without the torment nexus?"

a third reviewer gave five stars, saying "i'm glad this book was written. they really need to create the torment nexus, that would really improve civilization by a lot." in the comment replies to this review, the reviewer indicated that this review was not sarcasm.

overall, "don't create the torment nexus" has a rating of two stars. find it in these stores......

[the-joy-of-knowledge]

25 Laws of power for women

Conceal your goals especially the ones that are appealing. Losing weight, reinventing yourself, marrying wealthy. Instead talk about your altruistic goals - to help children, invest in education, this will chase insecure people with vile intentions.

Do not give anyone your source of power: Was is a book that changed your life? a mentor? a movie? Never give up your secret to success. If forced to do say allude to God, the universe, the a random phenomenon

Use the patriarchy to your favor; we live in a world that is, only associate with men who have power, use that power for good.

Never appear too perfect but be selectively vulnerable when needed. Only share something that you will be comfortable saying. You might say “I forget my keys all the time,” “I don’t know how to perfectly park a car “. But never disclose something you are not comfortable with just because you are afraid of being perfect.

Maintain distance in relationships. Friends are the best and you need them. But if you feel that they are becoming too dependent, see them at your own will. But also the reverse could be the case. Your friend may keep a distance, and that is the way of life. You have got to move on from it.

Develop your own style that makes you unique, beautiful, and elegant. Avoid trying to fit in the crowd of people who claim to care less about their style yet have too many opinions about other women’s style

Avoid male friends at all cost, you will have male colleagues, male bosses, male acquaintances, business partners. Keep it that way. You do not want a Truman Capote divulging your secrets to the world. Do not keep a man who does not fit your standard.

You do not have to win at every game. Pick and choose what is best for you and leave room for others. And step down if you have attained that level of success, do not let the society do it for you.

Trust people but remember that we are all humans. So trust with discretion!

Confuse people with kindness; people are not always comfortable with beautiful and intelligent women. That power is too intimidating so confuse them by being genuinely generous, curious, kind, and passionate.

Keep your strong opinions to yourself.. if you support a movement, a way of life, do so silently.

We all have dirty laundry, wash them privately, don’t expose yourself. Remain silent when people try to attack you or shame you. Whatever is not confirmed is not true. You are the only one who knows all the truth about you.

Don’t attract pity or praise: People who pity you do not help you, in fact they might think that you are weak and could mock you at their annual gossipping meeting. And if you are doing things for the sake of praise you are wasting your time.

Choose yourself all the time; never put any one’s feelings above yours.

Trust your own intuition if you feel someone is being malicious towards you, giving you back handed compliments then you should let them go

Never speak bad of another woman. Do not lazy around gossipping. Keep your hands clean and your conscience clear.

Avoid women with low self esteem they will bring you down. For some reason they do not like seeing other women who are doing better than them

Be careful who you seek validation from. Not everyone needs to be pleased. If they are in no way capable of contributing to your life in the ways you prefer, then don’t ask them for their opinions or please them.

Do not compete with other women, if you do you are only putting them on a pedestal. You are making the the standard by which you measure your progress. If you do compete, begin digging your grave.

Do not give unsolicited advice, do not share the inner workings of your mind, If your mouth is very charitable you better start journaling.

Be well-rounded and interesting. It attracts people. It also keeps you busy because you are continually improving and learning. An idle mind is an easily subdued one.

Avoid women who want to live vicariously through you; they want to know who you know, shop where you shop, befriend who you befriend, wear what you wear.

Pay attention to the source of your discomfort; get rid of them. You tell them your dreams and they remind you of all your hindrances. They ask why are you dressed so fancy as though fancy isn’t subjective. They undermine you interests and goals. They will also be quick to bring you down because they are afraid of your potential.

Do not fear power or please power. When we see powerful people we try to hard to befriend them, to be close to them but you need to be comfortable without them. Don’t push yourself in the name of friendship, do not try too hard to be in their inner circle. Your independence of mind is the most important. Instead become a powerful woman, aloof to the presence of power but aware of its importance. Be an ingenious and intelligent and use your creativity to uplift yourself. When you do so it will be hard to ignore you. Even the powerful will become an ally.

Enjoy moments of solitude. Use that time to develop yourself, improve your body, learn new skills, create with your mind, read widely, become more elegant, then launch yourself.

Remember the most powerful women are the most intelligent. Inspired by Robert Greene's 48 Laws of Power. Use at your discretion.

[clonerightsagenda]

Spotted the word "blorbo" in The New York Times book review. Listen NYT romance reviewer, I really do not think your paper's audience is going to recognize that one

[mgcsheaven]

realistically there is no chance i will have time to read, imma still bring a book though

[catbrarian]

cats and libraries ۫ ꣑ৎ

[thewriteadviceforwriters]

How To Plan A Book Series: Ultimate Guide

Writing a book series can be an incredibly rewarding experience for authors, but it also requires careful planning and execution. A well-crafted book series can captivate readers, build a loyal fan base, and provide a steady stream of income for writers. However, planning a successful book series is no easy feat.

It demands a deep understanding of world-building, character development, and plot progression. In this ultimate guide, I'll help you explore the essential steps to help you plan a compelling and cohesive book series that will keep your readers hooked from start to finish.

Develop a Compelling Premise The foundation of any successful book series is a strong premise. Your premise should be unique, engaging, and have the potential to sustain multiple books. Consider exploring a complex world, a captivating concept, or a character with a rich backstory that can evolve over the course of several books. Ask yourself: What makes your premise stand out? What will keep readers invested in the story for multiple installments?

Create a Detailed Outline Before you dive into writing, it's crucial to create a detailed outline for your entire book series. This outline should include the overarching plot, major story arcs, character development, and key events for each book. Having a solid outline will help you maintain consistency, avoid plot holes, and ensure that each book contributes to the overall narrative. Don't be afraid to make adjustments as you write, but having a roadmap will keep you on track.

World-Building: Crafting a Vivid and Consistent Universe One of the hallmarks of a successful book series is a richly developed and immersive world. Whether you're creating a fantasy realm, a futuristic society, or a contemporary setting, pay close attention to world-building. Establish the rules, customs, histories, and geography of your fictional world. Consistency is key, so ensure that the details align across all books in the series. Consider creating a "bible" or a comprehensive guide that outlines the intricacies of your world, making it easier to maintain continuity.

Develop Compelling Characters Great characters are the heart and soul of any book series. Your protagonists, antagonists, and supporting characters should be well-rounded, multi-dimensional, and undergo significant growth and transformation throughout the series. Craft backstories, motivations, flaws, and strengths for each character, and ensure that their actions and decisions drive the plot forward. Remember, character development is an ongoing process, so be prepared to explore new facets of your characters as the series progresses.

Establish Recurring Themes and Motifs Themes and motifs are powerful tools that can add depth and resonance to your book series. Identify the central themes you want to explore, such as love, redemption, power, or identity. Weave these themes throughout the series, allowing them to evolve and deepen with each installment. Motifs, like recurring symbols or imagery, can also create a sense of cohesion and add layers of meaning to your narrative.

Plan for Cliffhangers and Resolutions One of the key strategies for keeping readers engaged in a book series is the strategic use of cliffhangers and resolutions. Cliffhangers create anticipation and leave readers craving for the next installment. However, be cautious not to overuse this technique, as it can become frustrating for readers. Balance cliffhangers with satisfying resolutions that tie up loose ends and provide a sense of closure, while still leaving room for the story to continue.

Consider Pacing and Narrative Structure Pacing and narrative structure are crucial elements to consider when planning a book series. Each book should have its own narrative arc, with a beginning, middle, and end, while also contributing to the overall story progression. Vary the pacing between books to maintain reader interest, alternating between action-packed and slower, more introspective sections. Experiment with different narrative structures, such as multiple perspectives, non-linear timelines, or frame narratives, to keep the series fresh and engaging.

Manage Continuity and Consistency As your book series grows, maintaining continuity and consistency becomes increasingly important. Keep detailed records of character descriptions, plot points, world-building elements, and timelines. Regularly refer back to these notes to ensure that you're not introducing contradictions or inconsistencies. Consider creating a series bible or a wiki to help you keep track of all the moving parts.

Plan for Character Growth and Evolution In a book series, characters should undergo significant growth and evolution. Plan for character arcs that span multiple books, allowing your protagonists and supporting characters to face challenges, make difficult choices, and emerge as changed individuals. This character development will not only add depth to your narrative but also keep readers invested in the journey of your characters.

Anticipate and Address Potential Plot Holes As your book series expands, the potential for plot holes and inconsistencies increases. Be vigilant in identifying and addressing these issues during the planning stage. Regularly review your outline and notes, looking for any logical gaps or contradictions. Enlist the help of beta readers or critique partners to provide fresh perspectives and catch any potential plot holes you may have missed.

Consider the Overarching Story Arc While each book in your series should have its own narrative arc, it's essential to plan for an overarching story arc that spans the entire series. This overarching arc should tie together the individual books, building towards a climactic conclusion that resolves the central conflict or mystery. Ensure that each book contributes to this larger narrative, advancing the plot and raising the stakes for the characters.

Plan for Marketing and Promotion Finally, as you plan your book series, don't overlook the importance of marketing and promotion. Develop a strategy for building buzz and engaging with your audience throughout the release of each book. Leverage social media, author events, book tours, and other promotional opportunities to keep your readers excited and invested in your series.

Remember, writing a book series is a marathon, not a sprint, so be prepared to invest time, effort, and dedication into crafting a truly remarkable literary journey. Hope this helped!

Happy Writing - Rin T.

Hey fellow writers! I'm super excited to share that I've just launched a Tumblr community. I'm inviting all of you to join my community. All you have to do is fill out this Google form, and I'll personally send you an invitation to join the Write Right Society on Tumblr! Can't wait to see your posts!

[underthewingsofthblackeagle]

Books in review - Nele Neuhaus: In ewiger Freundschaft ("Amitié éternelle")

In the 10th volume of her Bodenstein-Kirchoff crime series, Nele Neuhaus gives us a glimpse into the German literary scene. And - who wouldn't have guessed it already - this literary scene is not only small, it's also murderous ;)

But, despite all the fun and irony that the author manages to weave in again and again, the core of the book is about a significant, one could almost say biblical, topic: truth and lies. What influence do truth and lies have on people's relationships with one another? What (perhaps irreversible) consequences does it have when lies dominate our relationships? What (lasting) suffering do lies cause and what (lasting) suffering can people be spared if they live in truth? Is lying only a lie when we tell the untruth or conceal the truth? Or does it also mean living in a lie if we simply close our eyes to (hard) truths and pretend they don't exist? In her book "In ewiger Freundschaft" ("Eternal Friendship" / "Amitié éternelle"), Nele Neuhaus introduces a number of characters and repeatedly sheds light on their respective relationship to the truth over the course of the story. Each character has his or her own reasons for living truthfully or choosing to live a life of lies. The two detectives, Oliver von Bodenstein and Pia Kirchoff (now Sander) also find themselves in situations in which they have to face hard truths and make appropriate decisions. For the reader who wants to delve into the depths of this story, it is advisable to have a list or a summary sheet to hand right at the beginning, on which he/she can note the names of the characters, their roles and their position on truth or lies. In this way, chapter by chapter, a fascinating picture emerges of the spider's web of lies and deceit in which the characters in the story have become entangled and which now holds them captive. One is inevitably reminded of the famous words from Sir Walter Scott's epic poem "Marmion: A Tale of Flodden Field", which reads: "Oh what a tangled web we weave/When first we practice to deceive". As the characters in the novel are caught in a web of lies and deceit, the friendship that binds them together is of course not a true friendship. It is merely a kind of partnership of convenience, born out of the fear of having to face the truth. It was founded on the fear of discovery and the vain pursuit of a possible career. This community of convenience disguised as friendship begins to break down at the very moment the light of truth is shone on it from outside. And it becomes clear that no real "eternal friendship" can be built on lies and deceit. In relationships that are based on selfish motives, everyone ends up being their own neighbour. As is true for everyone, the characters in "In eternal friendship" are enslaved by lies, but liberated by the truth. (Genuine) friendship, if it is to last, must be based on truth. Although the author sets this story in a literary milieu, the problems she addresses here in an extremely intelligent and exciting way affect all areas of our society. And here, as everywhere else, it starts with us and it starts in our relationships. Are we, are our relationships true? I read Nele Neuhaus' book "In ewiger Freundschaft" with growing interest and great pleasure. I wish the book a wide distribution and hope that many readers will not just read it to pass the time, but that they will also deal with the important topic on which the book is based and make positive changes in their own lives.

[academic-vampire]

𝔴𝔦𝔱𝔥 𝔟𝔬𝔬𝔨𝔰 𝔶𝔬𝔲 𝔠𝔞𝔫 𝔩𝔦𝔳𝔢 𝔞 𝔪𝔦𝔩𝔩𝔦𝔬𝔫 𝔩𝔦𝔳𝔢𝔰 📚

[myjetpack]

My Reading Year.

(My last @guardian Books cartoon for 2023)

[logophilist1982]

Franz Kafka & love