One of the things that I've had to get used to living in the US midwest is the incredibly variable weather. Going from 35-40C heat in the summer to lows of -15C in the winter takes quite the adjustment, particularly for someone so used to very mild English weather. Living in such extremes has, however, … Continue reading Monday Musing: 03/12/18
"In front of me, there's the old TW. Beyond it, a scratchy wooden tableland. There are mismatched salt and pepper shakers, and a company of stubborn toast crumbs. The light from the hall is yellow, the light in here is white. I sit and think and hit here. I punch and punch away. Writing is … Continue reading Review: Bridge of Clay by Markus Zusak
Interested in what's been happening across the literary world this November? Fortunately, I've gathered the best articles, releases, and reviews for you in one place! So grab a cup of tea and take a look at what's been happening this month. Articles 'From Hamilton to Thatcher: the best books about divided governments' by David Runciman … Continue reading The Monthly Reader: November 2018
Answering the question 'What makes a novel a classic?' is a challenging task. What exactly is the common thread that brings a diversity of titles, from various genres and centuries, under this illustrious label? Although I'm sure that there are plenty of opinions on the subject, for me it's something about the universality of a … Continue reading 10 Classic Novels Everyone Should Read In Their Twenties (Part Two)
As most regular readers of The Book Habit already know, I'm someone who needs to be constantly learning. I have always thrived as a student, whether in an official capacity or through picking up knowledge in my spare time. It's probably why I ended up following my academic career to its natural peak as a PhD … Continue reading The 5 Best Places To Learn About Literature Online (For Free!)
Recently, I've been struggling to find balance. Maybe the idea that balance is something we can ever truly find is just an illusion. It seems to me that wherever we're looking for balance - whether in work versus regular life, between different hobbies, in time spent with friends or alone - there's always going to … Continue reading Monday Musing: 12/11/18
"What I mean to say is, we had been considerable. Had been loved. Not lonely, not lost, not freakish, but wise, each in his or her own way. Our departures caused pain. Those who had loved us sat upon their beds, heads in hand; lowered their faces to tabletops, making animal noises. We had been … Continue reading Review: Lincoln in the Bardo by George Saunders
Is it possible to really love a book without wanting to know something about the person that produced it? For me, the two are heavily intertwined. I have a fascination with authors and the background, skills, and habits that have allowed them to make such incredible art. Whether there are patterns in the way that … Continue reading Literary Lifestyles: The Writing Habits of Charles Dickens
I do love writing these Monday Musing posts. For one, they help to set me up for the week ahead. I really enjoy looking through literary quotes as a place for inspiration and understanding. Books have always been my primary source of comfort and the lens through which I learnt to navigate the world. In … Continue reading Monday Musing: 29/10/18
As I mentioned in my previous post, I've recently found myself preoccupied with the idea of endings. There have been a lot of them over the past two years - I left my PhD programme, I left my country. It's required acceptance of the fact that goodbyes and new beginnings often go hand-in-hand. These reflections … Continue reading The Best Endings In Literature: The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald
The Book Habit 