“But reading is active, an act of attention, of absorbed alertness—not all that different from hunting, in fact, or from gathering. In its silence, a “But reading is active, an act of attention, of absorbed alertness—not all that different from hunting, in fact, or from gathering. In its silence, a book is a challenge: it can't lull you with surging music or deafen you with screeching laugh tracks or fire gunshots in your living room; you have to listen to it in your head. A book won't move your eyes for you the way images on a screen do. It won't move your mind unless you give it your mind, or your heart unless you put your heart in it. It won't do the work for you. To read a story well is to follow it, to act it, to feel it, to become it—everything short of writing it, in fact. Reading is not "interactive" with a set of rules or options, as games are: reading is actual collaborating with the writer's mind. No wonder not everybody is up to it.� ...more
Gorgeous, gorgeous cover that definitely caught my eye no doubt about it. Kind of fun how Dr. McTier anthropomorphizes our home galaxy—but not totallyGorgeous, gorgeous cover that definitely caught my eye no doubt about it. Kind of fun how Dr. McTier anthropomorphizes our home galaxy—but not totally sure the first person voice landed for me. Quirky and mildly humorous, “The Milky Way� tells its own story from origin to neighbors, black holes, and potential future demise including various human discoveries throughout history. Intended to be approachable it might be better for a YA audience....more
Went in with zero expectations, had planned on giving this one a miss as I’m not particularly a big fan—but this book surprised me. It was incredibly Went in with zero expectations, had planned on giving this one a miss as I’m not particularly a big fan—but this book surprised me. It was incredibly candid and kind of made me change my mind about her. She’s been at the mercy of others when it comes to her image at times, and hearing the emotion in her voice (I recommend the audiobook) was moving. This book will have you empathizing and cheering her on as she takes back her story and control of her narrative. A quick easy listen. ...more
What a journey! Ever since watching him as Chalky White in Boardwalk Empire, I’ve been a fan of Michael K. Williams (Lovecraft Country was good too.) What a journey! Ever since watching him as Chalky White in Boardwalk Empire, I’ve been a fan of Michael K. Williams (Lovecraft Country was good too.) He had a striking face and a deep well of emotions that were impossible to ignore. This book explains his background, his struggles, and how he got the infamous scar across his face. Another candid memoir (he worked on it before his untimely death), Williams gets raw and honest. Heartfelt through and through, it was hard to put down,and even more poignant for the sad ending of a vibrant light....more