literature

Geek literature from the New York Times or the recesses of online. Our favorite stories showcase geeks.

Book Review: "The Unicorn Woman" by Gayl Jones
As you probably know, I'm trying to read a little outside of my comfort zone whilst not reading so far out that I get alienated from the book entirely. I found this book in the 'new additions' section of the library and it looked like nobody had snabbed to read this yet. I had definitely not seen it there the time before and I went only the week before. I'm all for a new book in my own home, but on the shelves of the library it's like new produce. It's a whole new realm of excitement. So, let's take a look at what makes this book great...
By Annie Kapurabout a year ago in Geeks
Book Review: "The Florentines" by Paul Strathern
Full Title: The Florentines: From Dante to Galileo by Paul Strathern After reading the wonderful book The Grammar of Angels, I wanted something else rather Renaissance as well. Fun fact here: when I was in university, I read quite a few books to do with the artist Caravaggio, such as the biography by Andrew Graham Dixon, and a book called M by Peter Robb. I'd also read quite a bit about Raphael for no reason whatsoever but here we are today. The Grammar of Angels quite surpasses all the books I've just written about and this one I'm about to review, however I never would have found this read if it were not for Edward Wilson-Lee's brilliant guidance into the Renaissance.
By Annie Kapurabout a year ago in Geeks
Demon Slayer: Bridging Japanese Folklore and Modern Anime
Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba has captivated audiences worldwide, not only for its compelling storytelling and stunning animation but also for its deep roots in Japanese folklore and history. Set during the Taisho era (1912–1926), the series masterfully intertwines traditional themes with modern anime sensibilities, creating a unique narrative that resonates across generations.
By JRManglicmotabout a year ago in Geeks
Beyond the Boy Who Lived. Content Warning.
Trigger Warning: This Article discusses transphobia, including J. K. Rowling’s public statements and their impact on the LGBTQ+ community. Please take care while reading. Support-based resources are listed at the end.
By Jenna Deedyabout a year ago in Geeks
Book Review: "Here One Moment" by Liane Moriarty
It's June and for some reason I'm choosing to read those books that have been stuck on my Kindle for ages and I've just missed somehow. Unfortunately, Here One Moment by Liane Moriarty is one of them. I can understand why. It's buried within some horror novels I was reading and thus, got lost in the noise. However, I feel like I have partially redeemed myself by eventually getting stuck in. This one had an odd storyline and I apologise for not having an interesting discovery story because I genuinely don't know how I found this one. Nonetheless, it is a pretty good read and I haven't really read a thriller like it before.
By Annie Kapurabout a year ago in Geeks
Book Review: Daring Greatly by Brené Brown
About the Author Brené Brown is a research professor at the University of Houston, where she holds the Huffington Foundation Endowed Chair. She has spent over two decades studying courage, vulnerability, shame, and empathy, becoming a leading voice in these fields. Brown gained widespread recognition through her 2010 TEDx talk on vulnerability, which has garnered millions of views. She has authored several bestsellers, including The Gifts of Imperfection, Rising Strong, and Atlas of the Heart. Her work blends rigorous academic research with accessible storytelling, making complex emotional concepts relatable. Brown’s books, podcasts, and Netflix special, The Call to Courage, have inspired a global audience to embrace vulnerability as a strength.
By Am@n Khan about a year ago in Geeks
Book Review: "Mortality" by Christopher Hitchens
This is the one that apart from God is Not Great that I have definitely read before. Mortality is a very different book to the ones Christopher Hitchens fans are used to. It has a sombre, often meditative tone to it and his writing is a lot less animated and contains less figurative language. This book contains more in-depth philosophical discussion about Hitchens himself. I am actually reading this again purely because I am reading (or even re-reading) a lot of Christopher Hitchens' books lately. It felt natural to add this to the collection of books. Let's take a look at what it is about...
By Annie Kapurabout a year ago in Geeks
Book Review: Quiet by Susan Cain
Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can’t Stop Talking About the Author Susan Cain is an American writer, lecturer, and former lawyer known for her work on introversion and its societal implications. A graduate of Princeton University and Harvard Law School, Cain practiced corporate law before transitioning to writing. Her debut book, Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can’t Stop Talking (2012), became a New York Times bestseller, translated into over 40 languages, and sparked global conversations about personality types. Cain co-founded Quiet Revolution, a company dedicated to empowering introverts, and her TED Talk on introversion has garnered millions of views. Her work draws on extensive research and personal experience, making her a leading voice on the subject.
By Am@n Khan about a year ago in Geeks
Book Review: "Meditations for Mortals" by Oliver Burkeman
It's late May 2025 and I've been looking at the self-help industry lately because honestly, I like to pick apart what they are about and look at whether they are workable solutions. I have covered many books that have not been workable, books like those by Cal Newport which definitely come from a place of middle class privilege in which the proposed solutions would not work for your average working class labourer. Well, as this book had a review by Cal Newport on the front which was very positive, I thought I would give this one a try. I went to the Waterstones recently as well and saw that Meditations for Mortals was literally everywhere. So, let's see why this book is so popular.
By Annie Kapurabout a year ago in Geeks
The Man in the Iron Mask
One of the most strange enigmas of French history is the identity of the Man in the Iron Mask, a prisoner who was held in various jails, including the Bastille, during the reign of Louis XIV. His incarceration, which lasted for several decades until his death in 1703, was shrouded in extreme secrecy. Most notably, his face was hidden behind a mask: sometimes reported as iron, though likely made of black velvet, sparking centuries of speculation about who he was and why his identity had to be concealed so completely.
By Annie Kapurabout a year ago in Geeks
Islam and Science: A Historical and Contemporary Perspective. Content Warning.
Introduction The relationship between Islam and science has been a subject of fascination and study for centuries. From the Golden Age of Islam (8th to 13th centuries) to the modern era, Muslim scholars have made significant contributions to scientific disciplines while navigating the interplay between faith and empirical inquiry. This article explores the historical and contemporary connections between Islam and science, highlighting key contributions, philosophical perspectives, and ongoing discussions.
By Am@n Khan about a year ago in Geeks
Book Review: "Spores of Doom" ed. by Aaron Worth
Full Title: Spores of Doom: Dank Tales of the Fungal Weird edited by Aaron Worth There have been some British Library stuff I've been eyeing in this month of May. Hopefully, more and more keeps coming out because I quite enjoy the Crime Classics, but I love the Tales of the Weird even more. There's something about collecting the great horror stories together together under one lovely theme or motif that is quite delightful to read. I would have never thought about the stories in particular ways even though I'd read some of them before. Let us get on with it then, this anthology is entitled Spores of Doom.
By Annie Kapurabout a year ago in Geeks