literature
Geek literature from the New York Times or the recesses of online. Our favorite stories showcase geeks.
Book Review: "Men We Reaped" by Jesmyn Ward
I had never heard of this book until I started looking for something to read in the nonfiction section. As I had recently completed a book called The Barn by Wright Thompson, this ended up in my suggested reading list on Amazon. I thought I would check it out because I'm not going to lie, I enjoyed The Barn so much, I was immersed from start to finish and wanted that kind of reading experience again. So, without further introduction - let me suggest that you read this great book entitled Men We Reaped by Jesmyn Ward.
By Annie Kapur2 years ago in Geeks
Book Review: "The Elected Member" by Bernice Rubens
I read this book because I saw it on social media and found out that it had won the Booker Prize. I was surprised because I have never actually heard of this book before and be that as it may, it had lots of raving reviews and thus, I began to feel out of the loop. I took it to work where I stupidly proceeded to lose it (yes, I lost my book). The very next day though, one of my students returned it to me after finding it in the middle of my class underneath the computer table. Needless to say, that is probably the nicest thing a child has done for me. So, let's get on with the book.
By Annie Kapur2 years ago in Geeks
Of Human Bondage by W Somerset Maugham
Of Human Bondage, published in 1915, is considered one of W. Somerset Maugham's most significant works. This semi-autobiographical novel was written over a period of about five years and initially serialized before being released as a single volume by George H. Doran Company in the United States and William Heinemann in the United Kingdom. Its publication marked a turning point in Maugham's career, establishing him as a major literary figure. Despite facing initial mixed reviews, the novel's profound exploration of the human condition soon gained recognition. Maugham drew heavily on his own life experiences, particularly his struggles with a physical disability and his time studying medicine, to create a vivid and compelling narrative.
By Annie Kapur2 years ago in Geeks
Book Review: "Our Evenings" by Alan Hollinghurst
Many people were telling me about how I needed to read this book, especially if I had read The Swimming Pool Library. It's been a few years since I'd read The Swimming Pool Library and the one thing I remember is not really enjoying it as much as I had hoped. When it comes to Our Evenings there are a number of things that I enjoy about the storyline and quite a few things that I do not. And so, I can definitely say that my opinion on this 'modern classic' is somewhere in the ballpark of 'maybe, but not quite'. So, my opinion about Alan Hollinghurst remains the same. I like his stories, but his writing is a bit dry for my tastes - a bit too much dialogue.
By Annie Kapur2 years ago in Geeks
Book Review: "Dinner at the Homesick Restaurant" by Anne Tyler
“I'm falling into disrepair”- Dinner at the Homesick Restaurant by Anne Tyler I think you guys might remember that back in October I went back to my hometown of Birmingham for a bit and bought some books. One of these books was The Wall by Marlen Haushofer and another one was Dinner at the Homesick Restaurant by Anne Tyler. I also picked up some old books from home that, if it were not for me (the hero), would have been hauled off to somewhere dark and not fit for a book. These were mostly some 1930s copies of orange Penguin Paperbacks and included a book of Modern Short Stories. If you haven't read "The Face" by Peter Fleming then you probably want to do so today. So, let's take a look at Dinner at the Homesick Restaurant then.
By Annie Kapur2 years ago in Geeks
Book Review: "Harriet Said..." by Beryl Bainbridge
I started my Beryl Bainbridge journey this year with a book entitled A Quiet Life and yet, I did begin unsure. After a while, I saw Bainbridge could be witty, write beautifully and grow a story of one character so much that the reader is immersed in learning about them. But when I read Harriet Said... it wasn't like that at all. This book is scary, creepy and reads almost dangerously - as if the reader is reading something they're not really supposed to know. It's a completely different novel and yet, it is just as good - if not better. It reminds me of The Book of Goose by Yiyun Lee, but it goes much, much further into the darkness of power dynamics.
By Annie Kapur2 years ago in Geeks
Movie Review: "Macbeth" (1971)
Roman Polanski’s Macbeth (1971) presents a visually striking but ultimately flawed interpretation of Shakespeare’s tragedy. While the film retains much of the original story, its deviations from the text, lacklustre performances, and questionable directorial choices undermine its potential to stand as one of the best adaptations of the Bard’s work.
By Annie Kapur2 years ago in Geeks
Book Review: "The House on the Strand" by Daphne Du Maurier
Daphne Du Maurier is perhaps one of the best-known writers of the 20th century. She's mostly known for her work with Hitchcock, but I have a bit to tell you about my time with this author. When I was about fourteen, I encountered Rebecca and proceeded straight on to read what became my favourite novel by the writer - My Cousin Rachel. When I was in university, I took a film class in which I scripted The Apple Tree, a short story by Du Maurier, as one of my assignments. Over the years, I have read many of her works including but not limited to: The Birds, Frenchman's Creek, Jamaica Inn and of course, Don't Look Now. So, let's take a look at this novel entitled The House on the Strand.
By Annie Kapur2 years ago in Geeks
Book Review: "The Riders" by Tim Winton
Tim Winton's books continue to fascinate me with the simplicity of their storylines and the expanse they can go to. There is always something about the story that twists and turns the characters and, mainly to do with their development, it serves as a reminder that even the smallest changes in someone's life can send them down an entirely new track for life. So far, I have read Dirt Music and the phenomenal Cloudstreet. And from these books I started to investigate more of his writing. So here's my review of The Riders. Yet another hit from this writer.
By Annie Kapur2 years ago in Geeks
Moby-Dick; or The Whale by Herman Melville
Herman Melville's monumental work, "Moby-Dick", was first published in London on October 18, 1851, by Richard Bentley of New Burlington Street. Initially titled "The Whale", this novel was born out of Melville's seafaring experiences and fascination with the deep mysteries of the ocean. Despite Melville's previous successes, "Moby-Dick" did not achieve immediate critical or commercial acclaim during its initial release. Reviews were mixed, with some critics praising its ambition and depth while others found fault with its unconventional narrative structure and philosophical digressions.
By Annie Kapur2 years ago in Geeks
Book Review: "Great and Horrible News" by Blessin Adams
After reading A Taste for Poison Amazon seemingly thought I wanted to read all this old-world true crime, which I did and so I bought the book Great and Horrible News. This book is an exploration of murder in the Early Modern Period. Now, you all know how much I like to read about stuff in the past, for a while I made the realm of 18th Century French Politics my entire personality. At the moment, I have only recently finished it and so, it's still quite alive in my brain. The beginning is actually quite shocking and as we move into the book, we keep that atmosphere.
By Annie Kapur2 years ago in Geeks
