Books matching: dedication to writing
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- #1
Save:A must-read for Brontë and Victorian lit aficionados - beautiful, poignant, and rich with personality, even if it’s a bit rose-tinted at times.
'The Life of Charlotte Bronte' by Elizabeth Gaskell is a sympathetic and romantic biography that captures Charlotte Bronte's essence and dedication to her work. The book delves into the tragic and difficult life of Charlotte Bronte, shedding light on her struggles and losses which influenced her literary works. Gaskell, being a contemporary of Bronte and a friend, provides personal insights and details that bring the reader closer to understanding the life of the famous author.
The Leeds and Bradford railway runs along a deep valley of the Aire; a slow and sluggish stream, compared to the neighbouring river of Wharfe. Keighley station is on this line of railway, about a quar...1857•593 pages - #2
Save:A beautifully written, challenging novel brimming with wit and thought - best for lovers of literary puzzles and deep philosophical dives.
'Middle C' by William H. Gass revolves around the complex character of Joseph Skizzen, who struggles with his identity, morality, and place in the world. The book delves into themes of deception, displacement, and the quest for authenticity. Through intricate storytelling and philosophical musings, Gass weaves a narrative that challenges readers to ponder the nature of self and the impact of one's past on their present.
Gass employs a unique writing style that combines erudite prose with playful language and intricate wordplay. The novel is rich in dark humor, deep insights, and profound observations on humanity, war, and the complexities of existence. As the story unfolds, readers are taken on a journey through Joseph's internal struggles, his relationships, and his pursuit of meaning in a world filled with moral ambiguity and existential dilemmas.
Miriam, watching a video, would see the cowboys’ long coats and wide hats, and she would say, They—they looked like that: they wore long black coats hanging almost to the ground, wide-brimmed black ha...March 2013•406 pages A raw, fiercely honest memoir that shines for fans of literary grit, personal redemption, and the Fante legacy - though it's not for readers who want their memoirs sanitized or uplifting.
'Fante' by Dan Fante is a raw and honest memoir that delves into the turbulent life of the author, exploring his struggles with addiction, broken relationships, and the legacy of his father, John Fante. Through vivid and thought-provoking storytelling, Dan Fante paints a picture of a family haunted by alcoholism and dark demons, yet ultimately finding redemption and breaking free from the curse of addiction. provides insight into the Fante family dynamics, the impact of a father's approval on a writer, and the journey towards self-discovery and acceptance.
Winter comes early to the Apennines mountains in Abruzzo, Italy. Snow covers the land for months on end. What little farming is done in this rocky terrain becomes impossible. The few withering vineyar...August 2011•416 pages- #4
Save:A unique blend of poetic memoir and fiction - emotionally powerful, sometimes challenging, best for patient readers who love art, history, and deeply human stories.
Stefan Hertmans' 'War and Turpentine' is a poignant novel that delves into the life of his grandfather, Urbain Martien, a gifted painter and unsung Flemish war hero in World War I. The book is a blend of history, biography, and autobiography, chronicling Urbain's experiences before, during, and after the war. Through Urbain's diaries and family memories, Hertmans paints a vivid picture of a man who lived through poverty, war, and love, capturing the essence of a bygone era in Belgium.
Wild geese are flying over, hour after hour. The first birds came just before dawn, in the frigid interval before daybreak. As they soared over the countryside, cackling, their wings shone in the firs...2013•320 pages - #5
Save:'The Dictionary People: The Unsung Heroes Who Created the Oxford English Dictionary' by Sarah Ogilvie is a historically interesting and engaging account of the individuals who contributed to the monumental effort of creating the OED. Through stories of these diverse and often quirky characters, the author brings to life the unsung heroes who played a crucial role in the making of the English language's most famous dictionary. provides a glimpse into the Victorian Age, showcasing the dedication, heroism, and scholarly pursuits of the people behind the OED.
The author, Sarah Ogilvie, skillfully narrates the tales of these individuals with wit, brevity, and enthusiasm. Her writing style is described as informative, easy to read, and scholarly, making the book a worthwhile read for those interested in language, dictionaries, and historical quirks. Through her storytelling, Ogilvie sheds light on the lesser-known contributors to the OED, giving them the recognition they deserve in the long history of the Oxford English Dictionary.
October 2023•384 pages - #6
Save:A dark, passionate, and addictive romance filled with twists - intense, emotional, and best for readers who like their love stories a little gritty.
'Shattered King' in the series 'Lawless Kings' by author Sherilee Gray tells the story of Hunter King and Lucinda "Lulu" Pierce. Hunter, wrongly imprisoned for a crime he didn't commit, seeks revenge against Lulu and her evil stepfather. As the truth unfolds, their past is revealed to be more dangerous and complicated than imagined. Despite the dark themes of rape and abuse, the book explores themes of love, dedication, and resilience as Hunter and Lulu navigate their tumultuous relationship towards a second chance romance with a satisfying HEA ending. The writing style is described as intense, emotional, and engaging, with a strong focus on character development and conveying deep feelings and emotions.
The Upper East Side townhouse had that smell. A smell that, to me, screamed money and privilege, not something I could describe easily. The word sterile rattled around my skull. Furniture polish. Floo...June 2017•330 pages - #7
Save:Frightening, fact-filled, and fast-paced - a high-stakes bio-thriller that’s equal parts science lesson and edge-of-your-seat race against time. Not for the faint of heart, but unforgettable if you’re into medical suspense.
The Cobra Event by Richard Preston is a chilling thriller that delves into the world of bioterrorism through a genetically engineered virus being used as a weapon. The plot follows CDC scientist Alice Austen as she investigates a series of mysterious deaths in New York City, uncovering a deranged biotechnician's plan to release the deadly Cobra virus. The book intricately weaves together real facts about viruses and bioweapons, offering a gripping and realistic scenario that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. Preston's writing style, akin to nonfiction, provides detailed descriptions of autopsies and symptoms, creating a sense of tension and fear that resonates with readers.
KATE MORAN was an only child. She was seventeen years old and lived with her parents in a loft apartment on the top floor of a handsome old building to the west of Union Square, just on the edge of Gr...1997•448 pages A fun, eye-opening, and smart introduction to the senses of plants that brings science to life without sensationalism. Perfect for anyone who wants to understand how incredible - and relatable - the plant world can be.
'What a Plant Knows: A Field Guide to the Senses' by Daniel Chamovitz is a fascinating exploration of the sensory world of plants, revealing how they see, feel, hear, smell, and remember. Through the eyes of the author, readers are taken on a journey to understand the genetic underpinnings that plants share with humans, shedding light on the evolutionary path that has led to the diverse plant kingdom we see today. Chamovitz's clear and simple explanations, coupled with real-life applications, make this book an engaging and informative read that changes the way we perceive plants and their abilities.
Chamovitz's writing style in 'What a Plant Knows' is described as fun, clear, and simple, making complex scientific concepts accessible without compromising on depth. The author's unique approach to science writing, coupled with a gentle sense of humor and deep integrity, guides readers through the world of plants in a way that is both enlightening and entertaining. not only educates readers on the sensory life of plants but also celebrates the role of scientists in unraveling the mysteries of the natural world, presenting a compelling narrative that highlights the beauty and power of well-done science.
My interest in the parallels between plant and human senses got its start when I was a young postdoctoral fellow at Yale University in the 1990s. I was interested in studying a biological process spec...2012•228 pages- #9
Save:A wild, brainy mixture of fable, satire, and social critique featuring a metaphysical fox and plenty of Russian flavor. Not your typical werewolf tale - come for the shapeshifters, stay for the philosophical deep-dives!
The Sacred Book of the Werewolf by Victor Pelevin is an imaginative and unique novel that blends elements of science fiction, social commentary, metaphysics, and Eastern mysticism. Set in post-Soviet Russia, the story follows A Hu Li, a shape-shifting werefox who is also a millennia-old prostitute. Through her experiences and interactions, the novel explores themes of existence, transformation, illusion, and the search for meaning in a complex world. Pelevin's writing style is characterized by literary allusions, philosophical musings, and a blend of supernatural elements with everyday reality, offering a thought-provoking and multi-layered narrative.
He gave me that ruby when we were sailing on his yacht in the Gulf of Finland and I threw it straight into the water the moment I looked at it. He turned pale and asked me why I hated him. He didn’t,...2004•350 pages A crisp, practical, and inspiring read that champions patience, discipline, and enjoying the journey to mastering anything. Not revolutionary, but a classic for good reason.
"Mastery: The Keys to Success and Long-Term Fulfillment" by George Leonard is a guide that emphasizes the importance of mastering a skill over time, rather than seeking instant gratification. The book delves into the concept of mastery in various fields, discussing the need to break free from the pleasure trap of seeking meaningless pleasures and instead focusing on long-term satisfaction through meaningful work. Leonard draws from his experience in Aikido to provide insights on the journey of mastery, highlighting the challenges and rewards of continuous practice and improvement. The writing style is described as fluid and easy to understand, offering wisdom and guidance on skill development and finding fulfillment through mastering a chosen field.
It resists definition yet can be instantly recognized. It comes in many varieties, yet follows certain unchanging laws. It brings rich rewards, yet is not really a goal or a destination but rather a p...1991•180 pages
