Fiction
The Boy and the Dolphin
Dick Schmidt has written a novel for youth entitled 'The Boy and the Dolphin'. This is the story of a boy named Toby who loved the water and all that it entailed. One day he saves a mother dolphin, and a relationship enthralls with her calf who he names Phinney. As the years go by and Toby matures, he still thinks a lot of his dolphin, but thanks to his grandparents Toby does learn and accepts his life and the decisions that he makes one way or another. The illustrations in the book are well done as pencil sketches but also tell the story too. This is also like two books in one for there are chapters written in italics that tell the story of Phinney.
By Mark Graham2 years ago in Critique
Forgotten Violets
Martin Niewood has written a novel entitled 'Forgotten Violets' a story about a woman named Meadow and her journey to find peace in a world of hate. Meadow and her friends Elizabeth and Parker will need to find a way to survive many aspects of living both physically, socially and emotionally. They may even need to find a way to help economically and politically in a very cold setting.
By Mark Graham2 years ago in Critique
Late Apex
'Late Apex' is novel that has political overtones of the past decades that are still present in today's world. Jeremy Deconcini has written the story of an agent that worked for the CIA by the name of Ben Adams who is called up to solve an issue of a bygone day for him. Ben who likes to surf and is a quite adventurous person in what he chooses to do will travel the world to do what he is called to do one way or another. Jeremy Deconcini will keep you reading to the end to find out if Ben will succeed in a world of espionage.
By Mark Graham2 years ago in Critique
Theo Paxstone and the Dragon of Adyron
Here is a fantasy novel written by James Turner entitled 'Theo Paxstone and the Dragon of Adyron'. This is a story of how a squire named Theo kind of deceives those around him to prove something to others. It is also a story where mechanics and technology are important aspects for the country that is dealing with evil in one form and another. There are puzzles to solve to see what is real and unreal. James Turner has written a fast-paced story that is interesting and fun to read from the animals that can talk like Ollie as well as ghosts and angels of the good and bad variety.
By Mark Graham2 years ago in Critique
Destined Queen
Deborah Hale has written a historical romance novel entitled 'Destined Queen'. This is the story of Maura and Rath and the various adventures they have in order to save their country and bring everyone together peacefully. In a world of magic as well as a world that is quite physical. Deborah Hale has written a story that will have you cheering for them and then hoping they figure out who they really are meant to be in time.
By Mark Graham2 years ago in Critique
Hissy Fit
Mary Kay Andrews has written a fun novel entitled 'Hissy Fit'. This is a novel about a woman named Kelsey Murdock and her behavior at her wedding shower and the start of her new outlook on living. Kelsey works with her aunt as an interior designer in the small town of Madison, Georgia. Her closest friend is Austin, a floral designer who is quite different. Kelsey has one thing on her mind and that is what happened to her mother 25 years ago. Kelsey along with her friends help her in anyway they can. Will Kelsey find the answers that she wants and will she be happy.
By Mark Graham2 years ago in Critique
The Hazards of Sleeping Alone
Here is a fiction novel written by Elise Juska entitled 'The Hazards of Sleeping Alone'. It is a story of Charlotte Warren and her coming to understand the reason of who she is from the past to the present and the coming future. Charlotte lives in a condo and is a person who likes to be organized but is trying to change. Charlotte has many lessons to learn about herself, her daughter and her friends and the various decisions that one must face in living life. Charlotte has many choices to make will she make the right ones.
By Mark Graham2 years ago in Critique
Kingdom of Nepotism, Oligarchy, and Hidden Ambitions (KONOHA)
The Kingdom of Aethelred hummed with a discontent that vibrated beneath the surface of its forced merriment. King Edgar, a man of portly stature and even grander ego, sat upon his throne, a monument to excess in crimson velvet and ostentatious jewels. Around him, courtiers tittered and bowed, their smiles as thin as the fabric of their loyalty.
By Moharif Yulianto2 years ago in Critique
Literature
What Makes Something Literary? The question of what makes a text literary has been debated by scholars and critics for centuries. While there is no straightforward answer, literary critics approach this question in different ways. In this article, we will explore the three big factors that determine what makes a text literary. Literature with a capital L vs. literature with a small l The term "literature" originates from Latin and means "the use of letters" or "writing." However, when it entered Romance languages, it took on an additional meaning - "knowledge acquired from reading or studying books." This definition suggests that literary texts provide knowledge and are worth studying. But what texts are worth studying? Canonicity One way to determine literary texts is through canonicity. A work becomes canonical when cultural institutions like schools, universities, or prize committees classify it as a work of lasting artistic or cultural merit. However, this approach has its problems. The Western canon has traditionally been dominated by white males, and inclusion in the canon does not guarantee lasting value. Descriptive Definition Another approach is a descriptive definition - "if you love it, then it's Literature!" However, this definition is too subjective and doesn't account for the historical context of emotional attachment to books. Intrinsic Qualities According to critic Derek Attridge, modern Western Literature is defined by three qualities: 1. Invention or inventiveness in the text 2. The reader's sense of the writer's unique vision 3. A sense of 'otherness' that pushes the reader to see the world differently These qualities focus on the text's style and construction rather than substance, suggesting that Literature can be about anything. Irony and Defamiliarization Some critics argue that irony and defamiliarization are essential to literary texts. Irony requires attentive reading, while defamiliarization forces readers to see the world differently. Roland Barthes' Definition Literary theorist Roland Barthes defines Literature as texts that offer more and different experiences than ordinary texts. Literature is neither entirely subjective nor reducible to intrinsic characteristics. Three Interrelated Factors What counts as Literature depends on three interrelated factors: 1. The world (expectations and cultural context) 2. The text (presentation and style) 3. The critic or reader (receptivity and interpretation) 4. Literature has the power to shape our brains in profound ways. Research has shown that reading literary fiction can: - Increase empathy and understanding of others' perspectives - Enhance cognitive function and memory - Develop critical thinking and analytical skills - Improve emotional intelligence and self-awareness - Expand vocabulary and language skills - Foster creativity and imagination - Provide a sense of connection and community - Offer a unique window into different cultures and experiences - Support personal growth and self-reflection - Even rewire our brains to think more critically and creatively! By engaging with literature, we can reshape our brains and broaden our understanding of the world and ourselves. So, keep reading and let literature shape your brain! Literature has played a vital role in the development of civilizations throughout history. It has: 1. Preserved cultural heritage: Literature has helped preserve cultural traditions, myths, and legends, passing them down to future generations. 2. Shaped values and beliefs: Literary works have influenced moral and ethical values, shaping the way people think and behave. 3. Recorded history: Literary accounts have served as historical records, providing insights into past events and societies. 4. Fostered empathy and understanding: Literature has promoted cross-cultural understanding, encouraging empathy and tolerance. 5. Inspired innovation: Literary works have inspired scientific, artistic, and technological advancements. 6. Provided a platform for social commentary: Literature has been used to critique social injustices, sparking reforms and progress. 7. Encouraged critical thinking: Literary analysis has developed critical thinking skills, essential for informed decision-making. 8. Supported language development: Literature has contributed to language evolution, enriching vocabulary and communication. 9. Provided a means of escapism: Literature has offered a healthy escape from the stresses of everyday life, promoting mental well-being. 10. United people across time and space: Literature has created a shared cultural experience, connecting people across centuries and geographies. In conclusion, literature has been a driving force in the development of civilizations, shaping cultures, values, and beliefs, while inspiring innovation and progress. Conclusion While there is no definitive answer to what makes something literary, these factors highlight the complexity of the question. The only way to experience Literature is to keep reading, and as long as there are avid readers, literary texts will continue to challenge, excite, and inspire us.
By Ali bukhari2 years ago in Critique
Soulmate
'Soulmates' is another part of this 'Dark World' series by L.J. Smith. This is the story of Hannah and Thierry and Maya. Hannah believes that she is not going to see her seventeenth birthday and she needs to know why. She goes to a psychologist, and they do hypnosis that they think will help. This is a story that involves vampires, humans and werewolves and once again try to bring all these factions together to live in peace. Is that going to be possible?
By Mark Graham2 years ago in Critique
The Chosen
Here is another story entitled 'The Chosen'. It is also part of the 'Night World' series by L.J. Smith. In 'The Chosen' this is the story of Rashel, who is a vampire hunter and seems to have an attraction to a vampire who says that they are soulmates. Rashel must find a way to bring humans, vampires, witches, and other night world persona together. This story is also a fast-paced story and you can see the story unfolding.
By Mark Graham2 years ago in Critique
