literature

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

Book Review: "Harrow Lake" by Kat Ellis
I've never heard of Kat Ellis and I've never heard of this book. Honestly, I cannot remember for the life of me where I had seen it or why I had taken it out of the library. All I know is that I had reserved it online which means I probably did see it somewhere. Anyways, what I can tell you is that I'm still reading contemporary horror novels, you should be as glad as I am. Harrow Lake is an odd book but I think that even though it lacks atmosphere, you can still get lost in the story because you become invested in the characters. Let's take a look within...
By Annie Kapur2 years ago in Geeks
Book Review: "Reliable Essays" by Clive James (Part 3)
This is part 3 on a series of articles on Clive James' nonfiction essay anthology 'Reliable Essays' and it will be the last part on the series. If you have made it this far on the journey then I would like to thank you massively, I've not done something like this before and it's nice to have the support of my readers even if you just open and read the article without a like or a comment. In previous articles, we have covered topics like Clive James' attitude towards Evelyn Waugh and his works, the way in which he was perhaps very unfair to Marilyn Monroe and Norman Mailer and a bunch of other interesting things. In this section, we will be looking at Primo Levi and Adolf Hitler.
By Annie Kapur2 years ago in Geeks
The Sci-Fi Movie That Predicted the World We’re Living In
It was a lazy Sunday afternoon when I stumbled upon the 1995 film VirtuWorld while scrolling through an old sci-fi movie collection. I’d never heard of it before. The VHS-like cover art was dated, the title font tacky, and the blurb on the back made it sound like another throwaway dystopian flick.
By Muhammad Sabeel2 years ago in Geeks
Book Review: "Reliable Essays" by Clive James (Part 2)
Welcome to Part 2 of the series on "Reliable Essays" by Clive James. Again, we are not going to cover every single essay but the ones I believe are the most important to talk about will be featured here. It was split into parts because it simply ended up being too long. Here, we will see covered the articles on Vladimir Nabokov, Travelling to Rome and Norman Mailer's book on Marilyn Monroe. There will be a Part 3 in which we will see Primo Levi and Adolf Hitler.
By Annie Kapur2 years ago in Geeks
The 10 Most Dangerous Places on Earth (Where Survival Is a Gamble)
Introduction: The Allure of the Forbidden There’s a reason why dark tourism—travel to hazardous or macabre sites—is booming. Humans crave the adrenaline of flirting with danger, even if only through stories. But some places aren’t just risky; they’re actively hostile to life. These 10 locations defy logic: lakes that mummify, islands where snakes rule, deserts that swallow signals, and villages where cold itself is a killer. Governments ban visits to some; others are guarded by tribes who’ve killed intruders for centuries. Buckle up. This isn’t just a list—it’s a survival guide to places where one wrong step could be your last. 1. The Door to Hell (Darwaza Gas Crater, Turkmenistan) Why It’s Deadly: A 230-foot-wide infernal pit burning since 1971. Temperatures hit 1,000°F (537°C)—hot enough to melt aluminum. Toxic methane and hydrogen sulfide gases suffocate unprepared visitors. The Backstory: In 1971, Soviet geologists drilled into a cavern of natural gas, causing the ground to collapse. Fearing methane would poison nearby villages, they set it ablaze, expecting the fire to die in weeks. 50+ years later, it still rages. Survivor Tales & Science: Explorer George Kourounis became the first person to descend into the crater in 2013, wearing a heat-reflective suit. He described it as "standing on another planet." Microbes found in the crater’s extreme heat hint at how life might survive on planets like Mars. Local Myth: Turkmen nomads call it "The Gateway to Hell" and whisper that the flames are the screams of the damned. Can You Visit? Legally? Yes, but tours are rare. Safely? No. Heatstroke and gas exposure are constant risks. 2. Snake Island (Ilha da Queimada Grande, Brazil) Why It’s Deadly: 4,000+ golden lancehead vipers—one bite delivers 7% fatality rate (untreated). Venom melts flesh, causes kidney failure, and paralyzes diaphragms. No antivenom exists on the island. The Backstory: 11,000 years ago, rising sea levels trapped snakes on the island. With no ground predators, they evolved into hyper-lethal hunters. Birds are their prey—and they’ve grown venom potent enough to kill them mid-flight. Horror Stories: The Last Lighthouse Keeper: In the 1920s, a keeper and his family fled after vipers slithered in through windows. Their bodies were later found covered in bites. Pirates’ Curse: Folklore claims the snakes guard treasure buried by pirates. Scientific Oddity: The vipers’ venom is being studied for heart disease treatments—despite its deadliness. Can You Visit? Legally? No. The Brazilian Navy bans all entry. Safely? Only researchers with special permits dare to go. 3. Lake Natron (Tanzania) Why It’s Deadly: pH of 10–12 (as corrosive as bleach). Temperatures reach 140°F (60°C). Alkaline water preserves animals like ancient mummies. The Science: The lake’s extreme alkalinity comes from sodium carbonate leaching from volcanic ash. Most animals that touch it calcify, turning into eerie statues. Survival Paradox: Lesser flamingos thrive here, feeding on algae. Their scaly legs protect them. Photographer Nick Brandt posed preserved birds for haunting images in his book "Across the Ravaged Land." Local Legend: Maasai tribes believe the lake’s crimson hue (from salt-loving bacteria) is the blood of ancient giants. Can You Visit? Legally? Yes, but access is remote. Safely? Only with guides—one slip could mean chemical burns. 4. North Sentinel Island (Andaman Islands, India) Why It’s Deadly: Home to the Sentinelese tribe, who attack outsiders on sight. Illegal to approach within 3 miles (5 km). No immunity: any disease could wipe them out—or you could be speared. The Backstory: The Sentinelese have lived in isolation for over 60,000 years. They survived tsunamis, colonization, and modernity, fiercely protecting their way of life. Deadly Encounters: 2006: Two fishermen drifted too close and were killed. 2018: American missionary John Allen Chau was fatally attacked trying to preach Christianity. Survival Fact: Even helicopters surveying tsunami damage were shot at with arrows. Can You Visit? Legally? No. Indian law forbids any contact. Safely? Absolutely not. 5. The Bermuda Triangle (Atlantic Ocean) Why It’s Deadly: Ships and planes vanish mysteriously. Wild weather shifts, magnetic anomalies, and rogue waves. Theories and Files: Methane gas eruptions could reduce water density, sinking ships. Magnetic anomalies mess with compasses. Rogue waves up to 100 feet high have been spotted. US Navy declassified files cite strange incidents but no conspiracy proof. Famous Disappearances: Flight 19: Five bombers vanished in 1945. USS Cyclops: Largest non-combat Navy loss—309 men gone. Can You Visit? Legally? Yes, cruises cross it daily. Safely? Statistically yes—but mysteries persist. 6. Oymyakon (Russia) Why It’s Deadly: Coldest inhabited place on Earth: −96°F (−71°C). Car batteries die, flesh freezes in minutes. The Daily Grind: Residents leave cars running all day to prevent freezing. Eyelashes freeze solid after minutes outdoors. Survival Tricks: Diets are heavy in meat and fat for warmth. Schools only close below −61°F (−52°C). Can You Visit? Legally? Yes, during winter festivals. Safely? Only with serious cold-weather gear. 7. Danakil Depression (Ethiopia) Why It’s Deadly: Acid pools, toxic gases, temperatures up to 130°F (54°C). The Alien Landscape: Multicolored salt flats, boiling sulfur springs. Home to microbes that survive extreme conditions—potential clues to life on Mars. Local Warnings: Water sources are toxic. The Afar people have adapted, but outsiders rarely last long. Can You Visit? Legally? Yes, but only with armed guides. Safely? Caution is critical. 8. Skeleton Coast (Namibia) Why It’s Deadly: Shipwrecks litter the coast—known as "The Land God Made in Anger." Deserts meet deadly surf with no fresh water for miles. Shipwreck Graveyard: Shifting sands trap ships even today. Whale bones and rusted wrecks create a haunting landscape. Survival Nightmares: Lost sailors often died of thirst long before rescue. Can You Visit? Legally? Yes, with tours. Safely? With preparation. 9. Mount Washington (New Hampshire, USA) Why It’s Deadly: Holds the world record for surface wind speed: 231 mph (372 km/h). Blizzards can strike any season. Deadly Mistakes: Hikers underestimate the weather. Hypothermia claims lives yearly. The Science: Three storm tracks converge here—creating freakishly fast-changing conditions. Can You Visit? Legally? Yes—there’s a summit road and cog railway. Safely? If you monitor weather obsessively.
By amgad2 years ago in Geeks
Book Review: "Reliable Essays" by Clive James (Part 1)
Disclaimer: This is Part 1 of a series of reviews of "Reliable Essays" by Clive James. Here, I feature the author's note, the introduction, George Orwell and Evelyn Waugh. In the next part of the series, you will find: Nabokov, Travel Writing of Rome and Norman Mailer on Marilyn Monroe.
By Annie Kapur2 years ago in Geeks
Book Review: "1000 Coils of Fear" by Olivia Wenzel
I've been back to the library, keen on exploring different literature within the sub-genres associated with horror and trauma fiction. Of course, I haven't been myself lately as some of you might know and I need some books that I can really lose myself in. On a display entitled 'I can't remember what the book was called but the cover was pink...' I found a novel entitled 1000 Coils of Fear and even though it isn't traditional horror, I gave it a go. A social commentary and interrogative trauma-inspired novel, this book really surprised me. I think I might try this sub-genre out some more if only I knew what I'd call it...
By Annie Kapur2 years ago in Geeks
Book Review: "The Ten Teacups" by Carter Dickson
Yes, I'm back to reading The British Library Crime Classics collection and this time, they've got some really good stuff on Kindle Unlimited. If you don't know what Kindle Unlimited is, it is a fee of around £8 a month in exchange for however many books you would like to lend from the library and read as long as the book is marked 'Kindle Unlimited' above. The available books include The British Library Crime Classics and The British Library Tales of the Weird and a number of independent authors you probably would have never discovered without it. Plus, you can also show off that you got a book on this offer when it was available for a short time. For example: there are many books I have snatched up on Kindle Unlimited that were only there for a few days before going back to their normal price. I would highly recommend it. It has saved me a fortune on British Library books. Now, on with the review...
By Annie Kapur2 years ago in Geeks
Book Review: "The Idea of Landscape and the Sense of Place 1730-1840" by John Barrell
Full Title = "The Idea of Landscape and the Sense of Place 1730-1840: An Approach to the Poetry of John Clare" by John Barrell.
By Annie Kapur2 years ago in Geeks
"Into the Abyss: Earth's Most Dangerous and Mysterious Holes"
The 10+ Most Dangerous Holes on Earth: Gateways to Hell, Toxic Death Pits, and Unexplained Mysteries Our planet hides terrifying abysses—some natural, some man-made—that defy logic. These holes swallow buildings, spew poison, and even "scream." Below are the deadliest and most mysterious, ranked by kill count, myth, and sheer horror. 1. The Door to Hell (Darvaza Gas Crater) – Turkmenistan Depth: 98 ft | Temperature: 1,000°F (537°C) | Years Burning: 50+ The Birth of a Fire Pit In 1971, Soviet geologists were drilling for oil when their rig punched through a cavern filled with methane gas. The ground collapsed beneath them, swallowing equipment and leaving a gaping hole. To avoid a deadly gas leak, they set it on fire, thinking it would burn off in a few days. Over five decades later, the inferno still rages. What It's Like Standing There The heat feels like opening an oven door directly into your face—multiplied by 100. The air crackles. Locals believe spirits dance in the flames after midnight. Scientific Discovery Amid the Flames Explorer George Kourounis, wearing a heat-proof suit, descended into the crater in 2013 and found microbial lifeforms. Implication? Life could survive in extreme alien worlds like Mars or Venus. 2. Devil’s Sinkhole – Texas, USA Depth: 400 ft | Bats: 3 million | Hazard: Toxic ammonia fumes A Black Vortex at Sunset Each evening, millions of bats pour out in a black twisting cloud that blots out the sun. Inside the hole, layers of bat guano release ammonia so thick it can melt your lungs. Death Stories In 1967, a caver’s rope snapped. When his remains were recovered decades later, his bones were bleached white by the ammonia. Ancient Rituals Artifacts found around the rim suggest Native Americans performed sacrificial ceremonies, believing it was a doorway to the spirit world. 3. The Great Blue Hole – Belize Depth: 407 ft | Killer: Oxygen-depleted layers and hydrogen sulfide gas The Beauty Hides the Beast From above, it looks stunning—like a perfect navy eye staring back from the Caribbean Sea. But beneath the surface: After 290 feet, a layer of hydrogen sulfide blocks sunlight and oxygen. Past that, death is almost instant. Frozen in Death A 2018 submersible expedition found divers' bodies still preserved—suspended in a timeless underwater graveyard. Mysterious Magnetic Fields Some researchers detect magnetic anomalies nearby, possibly explaining unexplained shipwrecks and disappearances. 4. Kola Superdeep Borehole – Russia Depth: 7.5 miles (12,262 meters) | Temperature: 356°F (180°C) Science Meets Horror It’s the deepest human-made hole. Scientists drilling into Earth’s crust encountered: Strange "boiling rocks." Ancient fossilized plankton two billion years old. The hole had to be abandoned when temperatures became too extreme. The "Well to Hell" Urban Legend In 1989, a fabricated story emerged that workers heard human screams from the depths. Though debunked, the myth refuses to die. 5. Guatemala City Sinkhole (2010) Depth: 300 ft | Formation Time: 10 seconds Urban Nightmare Imagine waking up to find an entire street swallowed overnight. That’s what happened when unstable volcanic soils and leaking sewers created a vacuum below the city. Victims: A textile factory with workers inside. Vehicles and homes disappeared within seconds. Why It Could Strike Again Scientists warn that over half the city sits on similar fragile ground. Another mega-sinkhole isn’t a question of "if" but "when." 6. Dragon Hole – South China Sea Depth: 987 ft | Legend: The resting place of the Monkey King’s treasures The Ocean’s Secret Eye Locals call it the "Dragon’s Eye," believing spirits and sea monsters live below. In 2021: An expedition found bizarre jellyfish resembling alien beings. Three divers went missing; their bodies were never recovered. Scientists found strange low-oxygen zones that act like "invisible nets"—trap anything that descends. 7. Berkeley Pit – Montana, USA Depth: 1,780 ft | Toxicity: More acidic than lemon juice The Toxic Lake of Death This abandoned copper mine filled with rainwater over decades, becoming a stew of arsenic, sulfuric acid, and heavy metals. Effects: One sip could dissolve your esophagus. Even inhaling mist from the surface can cause chemical burns. The Great Goose Massacre In 2016, a migrating flock of geese mistook the pit for a lake. Within minutes, thousands of birds died, their bodies dissolving eerily fast. 8. The Well of Barhout – Yemen Depth: Unknown (over 367 ft) | Folklore: A prison for demons A Hole Without Echo When you throw rocks into it, no sound returns. Locals avoid even looking at it, believing bad luck or possession will follow. In 2021, explorers dared to descend: They found cave pearls, natural marble-like mineral formations. The true bottom has never been found. 9. Dean’s Blue Hole – Bahamas Depth: 663 ft | Deaths: 14+ elite divers The Euphoria Trap Below 200 feet, freedivers experience nitrogen narcosis—a euphoric, drunk sensation that makes them remove their masks, leading to drowning. Tragic Stories In 2013, champion freediver Nicholas Mevoli attempted a world record dive but resurfaced coughing blood. He died minutes later from lung trauma caused by extreme pressure changes. 10. Batagaika Crater – Siberia Depth: 300 ft (and growing) | Nickname: "The Gateway to the Underworld" The Unstoppable Monster As global warming melts Siberia’s permafrost, this massive gash in the earth grows every year—exposing ancient carcasses and viruses. Potential consequences: Release of methane bombs (which could accelerate climate change drastically). Possible resurgence of prehistoric pathogens. Scientists call it a "time bomb" we can no longer disarm. BONUS: 4 More Deadly Holes 11. Harrat Khaybar Lava Tubes – Saudi Arabia Hidden under thin rock crusts. Camel caravans have been swallowed without a trace. In 2014, remains of dozens of camels and two herders were found at the bottom of a 200-foot lava tube. 12. Sima Humboldt Sinkhole – Venezuela Contains a hidden rainforest ecosystem inside. Scientists discovered glow-in-the-dark frogs and plants that evolved nowhere else on Earth. It's a literal lost world inside a pit. 13. Devil’s Toilet Bowl – Florida, USA A spinning sinkhole whirlpool that sucks down swimmers. Local myths claim it’s connected to ancient underground cave networks. 14. Mel’s Hole – Washington State, USA A legendary "bottomless" pit. After the rancher Mel Waters claimed it emitted strange radio signals and alien sounds, the U.S. government reportedly confiscated the area. New Additions: Mysterious Holes Recently Discovered 15. Siberia’s Yamal Craters Massive holes appearing overnight, caused by exploding underground methane pockets. Scientists still don't fully understand them, but one thing’s sure: These eruptions could one day reach cities. Conclusion: The Bottomless Fear From ancient myths of gateways to hell to scientific fears about methane-triggered apocalypses, these deadly holes reveal something terrifying: > The Earth itself is alive—and it can strike back when least expected. We are still exploring space while vast mysteries lie right beneath our feet. And maybe, just maybe, there are things down there better left untouched. Viral Hook 👉 "Would you dare to explore one of these deadly holes for $1 million? Tell us in the comments!"
By amgad2 years ago in Geeks
Book Review: "The City and Its Uncertain Walls" by Haruki Murakami
I would like to say hello to all my readers who are still here. It's been a rough few months for me and it's only March so I'm not holding out much hope for 2025. My mental health has been terrible, my head is simply not there and my life doesn't seem to be on the right track. But, there is one thing I am grateful for and that's books like those written by Haruki Murakami. Murakami has always had a dark almost magical quality to his writing as though he knows just the right words to describe these emotions that usually have no way of being described in our usual words.
By Annie Kapur2 years ago in Geeks
Book Review: "Character Limit" by Kate Conger and Ryan Mac
Full Title = Character Limit: How Elon Musk Destroyed Twitter by Kate Conger and Ryan Mac I think it is important to remember that Elon Musk is one of those human beings that divides opinion. This book goes off the opinion that he destroyed Twitter and to many of us who have Twitter, that is true. The 'bot' accounts he was apparently going to rid us of are worse and more populous than ever, the freedom of speech rule only applies if you aren't making fun of him and finally, his weird endorsements of the government may be viewed as a conflict of interest when it comes to viewing content on Twitter. No, I will not call it X - I am sorry. Perhaps in brackets, it can be (X). But it will remain 'Twitter' for this review.
By Annie Kapur2 years ago in Geeks