literature
Geek literature from the New York Times or the recesses of online. Our favorite stories showcase geeks.
The Big Sleep by Raymond Chandler
Raymond Chandler's The Big Sleep was published in 1939, marking his debut novel and the introduction of his private investigator, Philip Marlowe. Chandler had begun his literary career relatively late in life, writing upon his experience working as an oil executive and as a pulp magazine writer. His transition to fiction was spurred by the Great Depression, which led to his dismissal from the oil industry. A great blow to his income, but gave everyone else something to look forward to.
By Annie Kapurabout a year ago in Geeks
Book Review: "The Literature of Terror" by David Punter
Yes, we are back with another bygone university read. I actually wanted to re-read this book and realised I didn't have my copy anymore. I went out in search of it and found it at the library and thus, I got transported back to a time when I was intensely studying the gothic and having the absolute time of my life. David Punter's Literature of Terror is one of the most expansive books you'll read whilst studying gothic literature. This would usually be the case alongside books such as David Punter's own Companion to the Gothic published by Blackwell's and also a personal favourite: The Gothic Vision by Dani Cavallaro. Let's take a bit of a dive into what makes David Punter's Literature of Terror a very special book.
By Annie Kapurabout a year ago in Geeks
Book Review: "Exhausted" by Anna Katharina Schaffner
It's currently mid-May and yet again, it's pretty warm in the country. I mean, apart from that I have had this book sitting around on my Kindle for some time now and totally forgot about it. It's a book about dealing with burnout and though I find it makes some good points, they are points that other people have already made. However, they are also workable - not a lot of them feel like they are coming from a place of privilege and she definitely sees the reality and the irony in the fact that everyone hates their jobs and yet, nobody can actually leave them. If you're like me and you believe that the fat cats at the top are, by design, keeping the people beneath them tired and miserable so that they continue consuming stuff made by the same (or similar) fat cats - you will love this book.
By Annie Kapurabout a year ago in Geeks
The Evolution Of A Word: Eve
Introduction Earlier today, I was merrily traipsing about on X (the platform previously known as Twitter) when I noticed the phrase “Happy Friday Eve” trending. Now, while the word “eve” is usually associated with holiday events (e.g., “Christmas Eve” or “All Hallow’s Eve”), it can certainly be used in other contexts. We could say “Taco Tuesday Eve,” for instance, or “Final Fantasy Pre-release Eve” – and so, without a doubt, we could certainly say “Happy Friday Eve” without expecting much backlash. However, it did start my mind down a certain path, on which I wondered: “What, exactly, is the etymology of the word?”
By Laura Pruettabout a year ago in Geeks
Book Review: "Chord of Evil" by Sarah Rayne
It's May 2025 and at the time of writing this, I have recently recorded my I Wrote This challenge recording and probably made a damned fool of myself at that. I finished reading this particular book quite recently and was perhaps surprised when I learnt it was part of more books. It was refreshing to learn that I didn't have to specifically read the other book or books in the series to understand this one because honestly, I'd picked it up randomly in the library (and in this city there isn't really much of a selection when it comes to horror. There's maybe half a small bookshelf, it's quite depressing really). Let's take a look at Chord of Evil by Sarah Payne.
By Annie Kapurabout a year ago in Geeks
Book Review: "We Had to Remove This Post" by Hanna Bervoets
Again, this is another library find. I have to say that I love reserving books at the library because I don't have spend too much time there. It makes for easily finding books and not being bothered by overly zealous library volunteers. I know I should not complain about that but it does bother me. I want to be left alone for browsing time and if I need you, I will ask. But it seems that because I am the only person actually looking for books in the library and not just sitting there on the phone, or talking to friends - they flock to me and I try to be polite. But it's still annoying. However, this book was a reserve so let's take a look at it.
By Annie Kapurabout a year ago in Geeks
Book Review: "The Moronic Inferno" by Martin Amis
Full Title: "The Moronic Inferno: And Other Visits to America" by Martin Amis I know I said that I didn't like The Rub of Time because it felt like Martin Amis had quite literally disappeared up his own ass. But, ever since reading anthologies like Koba the Dread amongst others, dare I say it, this guy is starting to grow on me. No, not everything in his anthologies will be note perfect and he might have some odd takes here and there, but the point is - it's actually really interesting to read. For some reason, these older ones are better than his later efforts ever were and I think its because at these points, he was in his prime. I think he definitely fell prey to the idea that when you think everyone listens to you then you start doing more rambling self-indulgent nonsense (i.e: The Rub of Time). But, I urge everyone to read his earlier anthologies. They are pretty great.
By Annie Kapurabout a year ago in Geeks
Book Review: "Night-Gaunts and Other Tales of Suspense" by Joyce Carol Oates
Yes, I found that one Joyce Carol Oates novel that I had left to read in the library (when I asked, they said it would take a long time to get any more - we're talking about sixth months or so). I have had my complaints about this city's library but that one really took it to a new level. The less said about it the better though. It's officially May and Britain is going through a bit of a heatwave and so, I've been disappearing back into horror novels and short story anthologies. I think that is very fitting for weather that is quite nice and yet, has a sticky and weird feeling to it. So let's have a look at Joyce Carol Oates' short story anthology, which isn't really horror but definitely has some instances of the supernatural.
By Annie Kapurabout a year ago in Geeks
The Evolution of the Word "Geek"
Introduction The word "geek" has undergone one of the most dramatic transformations in the English language. It used to be a derogatory term for carnival performers, but now it is a badge of honor for intellectuals, tech innovators, and fans of pop culture. How did this shift happen? What does "geek" mean today—and where might it go next? We look at: The shocking history of the word "geek" (hint: biting chicken heads) The transition from insult to subculture in the 20th century The rise of "geek chic" and the tech boom ✔ Modern interpretations: Are you a geek, nerd, or dork?
By Silas Blackwoodabout a year ago in Geeks
