10 Books and More

 The period from the 1800s to the early 1910s saw the emergence of science fiction as a distinct literary genre.  01."Frankenstein" by Mary Shelley  Often considered the first science fiction novel, it tells the story of Victor Frankenstein and his creation of a sentient being. go to review 02."From the Earth to the Moon" by Jules Verne  A visionary and humorous novel that predicts the first lunar expedition, featuring a group of eccentric American gun enthusiasts who build a giant cannon to launch themselves to the moon go to review 03."The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde" by Robert Louis Stevenson  Though more of a horror novella, it explores the duality of human nature and the consequences of unchecked scientific pursuits. go to review 04."Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea" by Jules Verne  Captain Nemo and his submarine, the Nautilus, take readers on a thrilling underwater adventure. go to review 05."The Time Machine" by

An invisible thread connects those who are destined to meet, regardless of time, place, and circumstance. The thread may stretch or tangle. But it will never break. Introduction  In the vast realm of literature, there are books that entertain, books that inform, and books that inspire. "An Invisible Thread" by Laura Schroff and Alex Tresniowski belongs to the latter category, offering readers an emotionally charged narrative that transcends the boundaries of class, race, and social status. This remarkable memoir, published in 2011, tells the heartwarming story of an improbable friendship between Laura, a successful advertising executive, and Maurice, a young boy struggling to survive on the streets of New York City. With its poignant exploration of the transformative power of human connection, this book invites readers to reflect on their own lives and the countless threads that invisibly bind us to one another. The Unlikely Encounter  The story of "An Invisible Thread&q

Start with empathy. Continue with utility. Improve with analysis. Optimize with love. Introduction  In today's digital age, the written word has taken on a new level of importance. From emails and social media updates to blog posts and marketing copy, writing is an integral part of our personal and professional lives. However, not everyone feels confident in their writing abilities, and many struggle to produce content that engages and resonates with their audience. This is where Ann Handley's book, "Everybody Writes" comes to the rescue.  "Everybody Writes" is not just another writing guide; it's a comprehensive manual that covers the art and science of writing for various digital platforms. Ann Handley, a renowned author and marketing expert, takes readers on a journey through the world of writing, offering valuable insights, practical tips, and a generous dose of inspiration. In this review, we'll explore the key takeaways from this book and how i

Science does not assume it knows the truth about the empirical world a priori. Introduction  In an age of information overload and an ever-expanding universe of beliefs and ideas, critical thinking and skepticism have never been more crucial. It's within this context that Robert Todd Carroll's "The Skeptic's Dictionary" emerges as a signpost of rationality and a guide through the labyrinthine world of pseudoscience, superstition, and paranormal phenomena. With a comprehensive approach to debunking myths and dissecting irrational beliefs, Carroll's work provides readers with a powerful toolset for navigating the complex landscape of human credulity. In this review, we will look into the main themes and strengths of "The Skeptic's Dictionary" exploring its contributions to the realm of skepticism and critical thinking. Demystifying Pseudoscience  "The Skeptic's Dictionary" begins by defining and dissecting pseudoscience, a term often

We're all strange inside. We learn how to disguise our differences as we grow up. Introduction  E. Annie Proulx's "The Shipping News" stands as a testament to the enduring power of storytelling in contemporary American literature. Published in 1993, this Pulitzer Prize-winning novel takes us on an evocative journey to the rugged shores of Newfoundland, Canada, where the protagonist, Quoyle, navigates the tempestuous waters of his own life. Through exquisite prose, vivid characterizations, and a richly symbolic landscape, Proulx crafts a narrative that explores themes of redemption, resilience, and the profound impact of place and community on the human spirit. 0. Synopsis  "The Shipping News" unfolds in a series of episodic chapters that collectively paint a poignant picture of Quoyle's life and transformation. At the heart of the story is Quoyle, a man whose existence has been marked by a relentless string of personal misfortunes. As the novel opens, Qu

Hence this book, which is intended as a short, user-friendly guide to the basic moves of accademic writing. Introduction  "They Say / I Say: The Moves That Matter in Academic Writing" by Gerald Graff and Cathy Birkenstein is a groundbreaking work in the realm of writing and rhetoric. Published in 2006, this book has become a staple in classrooms and writing centers across the United States and beyond. Its enduring popularity can be attributed to its innovative approach to teaching argumentative writing, a skill that is crucial in academic and professional contexts.  In this review, we will explore the key concepts and strategies presented in "They Say / I Say" discussing how the authors' guidance can benefit both novice and experienced writers. We will look into the book's structure, its core principles, and the practical tools it provides for crafting effective arguments. Additionally, we will analyze its relevance beyond the academic sphere and consider th

The train came out of the long tunnel into the snow country. Introduction  Literature has the unparalleled ability to transport us to distant worlds, both geographical and emotional, and Yasunari Kawabata's "Snow Country" is a masterpiece that exemplifies this power. Published in 1947, this novel has captivated readers with its ethereal prose and poignant exploration of human emotions for decades. Set against the backdrop of the snowy landscape of rural Japan, "Snow Country" digs deep into the lives of its characters, unraveling complex relationships and emotions. This review seeks to illuminate the brilliance of Kawabata's work by examining the novel's themes, characters, and its lasting impact on literature. 0. Synopsis  "Snow Country" is a contemplative tale woven intricately with themes of love, loneliness, and the eternal dance between tradition and modernity. The narrative follows the story of Shimamura, a Tokyoite and a wealthy dilettant

Remember, you’re allocating time to write, not finding time to write. Introduction  In the world of academia and professional writing, the ability to produce a substantial volume of high-quality work is often seen as the hallmark of a successful writer. However, for many, the process of consistently churning out words on paper can be a daunting and elusive task. Enter "How to Write a Lot" by Paul J. Silvia, a concise and pragmatic guide aimed at helping both aspiring and seasoned writers increase their productivity and overcome writer's block. Silvia's book, though slim in size, is a treasure trove of practical advice and strategies that promise to transform the way you approach writing.  As someone who has grappled with writer's block and procrastination, I was eager to dive into this book and uncover the secrets it held to becoming a more prolific writer. In this review, I will dissect the book's main components, discuss its strengths and weaknesses, and pro

Become your own toughest critic. Introduction  In a world drowning in information and besieged by cognitive biases, Rolf Dobelli's book "The Art of Thinking Clearly" emerges as a guiding light of intellectual clarity. Published in 2013, this book offers readers a captivating journey through the intricate labyrinth of human decision-making, illuminating the many mental pitfalls we fall into and providing practical strategies to navigate them. With its succinct yet profound insights, Dobelli's work has garnered both critical acclaim and a devoted readership. In this comprehensive review, we will explore the main themes and concepts presented in the book, evaluate its strengths and weaknesses, and consider its enduring relevance in our increasingly complex and fast-paced world. 1. Cognitive Biases and Decision-Making Errors  Dobelli's book opens with a powerful assertion: our minds are not well-equipped for rational thinking. He introduces readers to the concept of c

The universe is big, but life is bigger! Introduction  In the realm of science fiction literature, there are few authors whose works have left as profound an impact as Liu Cixin. His Remembrance of Earth's Past trilogy has taken readers on an epic journey through the realms of possibility, weaving a narrative that spans centuries and traverses the vastness of the universe. At the heart of this trilogy lies its concluding volume, "Death's End" a book that takes us to the very edge of human imagination and beyond. In this review, we will look into the intricacies of "Death's End" examining its themes, characters, and the philosophical questions it raises. Synopsis  Death's End picks up the narrative threads from its predecessors, The Three-Body Problem and The Dark Forest , with humanity on the brink of annihilation. The Trisolaran fleet is approaching, and Earth's survival seems increasingly unlikely. The story unfolds in three distinct acts, eac

Writing, regardless of the end result—whether good or bad, published or not, well reviewed or slammed—means celebrating beauty in an often ugly world. Introduction  Memoirs have long been cherished for their ability to offer a glimpse into the lives, thoughts, and experiences of others. They allow us to navigate the labyrinth of someone else's existence, to feel their triumphs and tribulations, and perhaps even find fragments of our own stories reflected within their pages. In "The Art of Memoir" Mary Karr, a distinguished author known for her candid and emotionally resonant memoirs, dives deep into the craft of memoir writing, offering invaluable insights into the creative process, the challenges of memory, and the delicate art of rendering one's life on paper. Karr's own memoirs, such as " The Liars' Club " and " Lit " have left an indelible mark on the genre, and in this book, she generously shares her wisdom with aspiring memoirists and