books Tag

If you’re like most of world, you will find your butt in a movie theater sometime over the next couple weeks reliving the heyday of early 90’s blockbuster cinema. This Friday will see the revival of a former Hollywood powerhouse franchise and what was for many of us a seminal moment in our childhood. Whether or not Jurassic World is any good, we will see it. Why? Because Jurassic Park is. It encapsulated a generation, bringing unprecedented visual wonder, classic characters and Spielberg’s singular stamp of sustained awe and sheerRead More

Joanna Rakoff’s “My Salinger Year” is a memoir that is particularly relevant to 20-something girls. It’s a story we’ve heard before, namely on the popular HBO show Girls, but that does not make this story any less engrossing. Sometimes truth must be told several times before it sets in. Rakoff’s memoir documents her year working for the literary agency which represented J.D. Salinger. The book is not so much about J.D. Salinger, or the fans that write to him whose letters are never delivered. It is more about Rakoff’s comingRead More

Rebecca Makkai’s The Hundred-Year House is a stunning achievement. The story is like an archaeological dig into the history of a house with many secrets. It leaves the reader plummeting through space and time, weaving a narrative with such depth and passion that it cannot be ignored. With nods to the gothic tradition, the story is not one of ghosts, but one of the inextricable link between past and present. It is a treasure hunt on the highest order and readers will find themselves engulfed and intrigued by the twists andRead More

At first glance, the cover of “Season to Taste,” by Natalie Young looks like another boring chick lit novel, clogging the shelves of bookstores. Upon closer inspection this notion is dispelled. “Season to Taste” is a cautionary tale about not getting stuck in a loveless marriage–duly noted. The story chronicles the actions of a sad woman who has just done the unthinkable. Lizzie Prain kills and eats her husband. But this is not the end of the story. Merely the beginning. The story is told in snippets which include flashbacksRead More

As we grow up, reading seems like the biggest chore. I remember dreading my book reports and book assignments, but it’s something that never goes away. Whether it’s for leisure or for requirement, reading is probably the most attractive thing a girl can do. Yeah yeah, I know you think that’s hard to believe but here’s why…   The Brains Reading makes you smart. Despite all those magazine ads and commercials, boobs and ass out aren’t the only things men find attractive, even though it’s probably the first thing they’llRead More

Chuck Palahniuk is a cult-favorite. Either you read every one of his books, or you read none (or just Fight Club – yes, he wrote that. Yes, it was a book before it was a movie). Chuck, as his readers dearly refer to him, pens life lessons through incredibly odd circumstances faced by his characters. While these circumstances don’t play out in our everyday life, Chuck strikes a note that makes us wonder “why not?” Take the scene in Fight Club – the movie – where Tyler Durden and theRead More

2014 is the year to start thinking outside the box for your summer vacation. Consider some of these intriguing fictional destinations for a most memorable trip.   The Shire With beautiful scenery and legendary charm, the Shire is the perfect destination for those who enjoy a Bed and Breakfast type vibe. Or, I should say Bed and Second Breakfast. You can kick back with a pint and a pipe. Everyone is very friendly and knows how to party. Though, you may find accommodations a little, um, cramped.   King’s LandingRead More

Early today I greedily left my local library with a stack of 6 books feeling like I just won the lottery. Why? Because I took 6 books, FOR FREE. I know everyone is stoked on the Amazon Prime train with free 2-day shipping but come on, those books are pricey. Too pricey, in fact, for my young adult bank account to keep up with my reading obsession. Let me outline some important points that I’m sure will convince you to run to your local library and get a card rightRead More

On June 6th, just less than a week away, The Fault in Our Stars film, based on the New York Times Bestselling novel by John Green,will be in theaters nationwide. Self-proclaimed ‘Fault-Fanatics’ are on the edge of their seats as the premiere draws closer, and director Green along with the cast have only contributed to the torturous, unceasing anticipation. Quite regularly, new trailers, promotional videos, and music videos from the soundtrack are released—only to remind us of how much we will sob once the movie hits screens. The trailer:  Read More

There exists in this world great literature. In this same world, there also exists Reality TV. Here’s what would happen if the two were combined… Jay Gatsby of The Great Gatsby: The Bachelor Chris Harrison is so Nick Carraway. Picture their Pre-Rose Ceremony sit downs. Chris Harrison: “So Jay, how do you feel about Ashlee telling you that she is falling in love with you?” Gatsby: “Well, old sport, I just really hope my ex Daisy is watching this.” Gatsby would take those cocktail parties to the next level. He’s soRead More

Since embarking on my career, I’ve gained somewhat of a reputation for myself as “that guy who’s reading instead of doing his job.”  It’s true.  While the grips are rigging and the director is doing a walkthrough with the actors, I often tuck myself into a corner somewhere and pop open a book.  None of that Kindle nonsense either – I flip through page after page of properly bound, warm-scented paper, fresh from my latest Barnes & Noble excursion or pilfered from my friends’ bookcases.  I’ll find myself so deepRead More

If you’re like me and go gah-gah over books then you’ll enjoy the beauty of these book stores from around the world. BBC did their research and I’m ready to jet set around the world for some visits. Here they are, in no particular order: 1. Polare, Maastrict This store in the Netherlands operates out of a 700 year old Dominican church. It is absolutely beautiful from the entrance to all the way through.   2. El Ateneo, Buenos Aires This building was originally built as a theater in 1919.Read More

I read an article the other day from Elite Daily regarding a new app from Spritz that allows you to read a novel in 90 minutes or less. I love books and reading and words and everything that has to do with any of those thing. Hence, this automatically caught my attention. According to Spritz, their program formats words to line up with the eye’s natural movement while reading. This involves something called the “Optimal Recognition Point” (ORP) which refers to the precise point where our brain deciphers all of theRead More

You’ve got something great to tell the world. A novel, a poem, a short story. The words will be worth millions. There will be readership, a New York Times bestseller. Then a movie, and then viewership,and theme parks at Disney World. You sit down to smack some keys. Your mind goes blank. You don’t know where to begin. You get up. You decide to make dinner instead.   Every great story must have a great beginning. I sat down to a couple of national and international classics to see howRead More