Without a doubt, Jane Eyre is my favorite classic novel. It may even be one of my favorite novels period. I relate to Jane on many, many levels. Primarily, I always felt just like her: poor, obscure, plain and little. Beyond that, I respected her for not compromising herself to obtain something she desired. ItContinue reading “Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë: Literary Mixtape”
Author Archives: Rory
Hateship, Friendship, Courtship, Loveship, Marriage by Alice Munro
Let’s talk about sex. Again. I read ‘Hateship, Friendship, Courtship, Loveship, Marriage*’ by Alice Munro for two reasons. The first and easiest to explain is that it’s included on the list of books women should read before they are 30. The second, more complicated reason is that I find sex absolutely fascinating from a psychologicalContinue reading “Hateship, Friendship, Courtship, Loveship, Marriage by Alice Munro”
Burial Rites by Hannah Kent
Hannah Kent’s novel is stunning, almost unfairly so given it’s her debut novel. ‘Burial Rites’ is the sophisticated, yet simple telling of Agnes Magnúsdóttir’s story. She was the last woman executed in Iceland. Unprepared for dealing with a murderess, the courts sent her to the remote family farm of Jón Jónsson, his wife Margret, andContinue reading “Burial Rites by Hannah Kent”
Autumn Reading 2013: A Top Ten List
Let’s call it what it is – a to do list. I have review copies of several of these, so I’ve committed to at least attempting to read them. I’m cheating a little because I’m already at least part way though some of these (Dirty Love, Storm Front, and At Night We Walk in Circles).Continue reading “Autumn Reading 2013: A Top Ten List”
The Mist by Stephen King
Last Monday (September 9th), I had to meet someone three blocks away from my house. There was blue sky overhead and it was stifling hot. As I don’t like to drive, I decided to walk. This was both a good and bad decision*. About a block and a half into my walk (maybe five minutes)Continue reading “The Mist by Stephen King”
Literary Pairings: Books & Music
Although I had good intentions of doing this monthly, every ten weeks seems like as good of a spacing as any. For the second time (my first effort can be found here, although it’s only a mediocre effort), I’m trying out this particular feature. Although I generally pair books with food mentioned within the text, IContinue reading “Literary Pairings: Books & Music”
Wishful Thinking: A Top Ten List
In a perfect world*, the movie would always be as good as the book. This is rarely the case. It does happen occasionally (here are ten movies that are better than the book, I still stand by my belief that anyone who enjoyed the book version of The Last of the Mohicans is a pretentious liar).Continue reading “Wishful Thinking: A Top Ten List”
Fallen Land by Patrick Flanery
Why do I include personal information in book reviews? I’ve thought about this question quite a bit. I do it for innumerable reasons and for reasons I can’t always explain. I do it to celebrate and remember when something good happens. I do it to try and find the humor in a shitty day atContinue reading “Fallen Land by Patrick Flanery”
The Thicket by Joe R. Lansdale
So you’ve read True Grit but thought it could be both funnier and dirtier, maybe with a bit more violence? May I introduce you to The Thicket by Joe R. Lansdale. (It’s worth noting that if you thought True Grit was excellent, you’ll like this one too.) I imagine it’s rare that a book canContinue reading “The Thicket by Joe R. Lansdale”
Vintage & Modern Reading Companions: A Top Ten List
Vintage and modern. Vintage and modern go together like “insert your favorite pair here”. It’s a lovely home décor style (see Schoolhouse Electric) and it makes for well-rounded interests in regards to books, movies, music, etc. I’d like to think of myself as an eclectic reader. I read a little bit of everything, even romance,Continue reading “Vintage & Modern Reading Companions: A Top Ten List”
flannel and folklore 