There’s an unfortunate trend of boycotting literature among western universities, that has developed in recent years. All across America and Europe, liberal arts schools are striking books from curriculum for a variety of reasons. Sometimes it is because of an author’s objectionable personal beliefs. Other times it is because the book is seen to propagate bigotry. These decisions are generally made by faculty, borne out of a commitment to social justice, and an attempt to challenge dominant narratives and foster an inclusive environment for minority voices. Book Buttons Embed ISBN: 9781420948363 The stated goals seem worthwhile, but one has to wonder whether the …
It can be disheartening to discover that our favorite authors were not entirely thrilled with the whole of their creative outputs. Rare is the writer who did not have a bone to pick with at least a couple of their novels. As the old cliche goes, “one man’s trash is another man’s treasure”. As it applies to literature, it’s safe to say one reader’s masterpiece could be the authors’s creative low-point. Here are four cases of an author disavowing their work. Franz Kafka: Everything, ever Image courtesy of WordPress You know you’ve made it in writing when you have your …
Even the most accomplished readers and gifted writers have their respective blind spots. It may be a classic book they just can’t get into. A renowned writer who goes right over their head. We all have weaknesses. We try to keep an open mind, but one of the unassailable truths of the universe is that not everybody can like everything. Disparities in taste are inevitable, but it seems to me like the reading world has officially cast their votes re: a certain style of the written word. The verdict is: I just don’t get poetry. Fear not! I used to struggle with this …
Attention! Ellie Kemper is officially joining the ranks of famous comedians turned authors. That’s right. Expect to see her memoir on the bestseller pile next to Bossy Pants, Yes Please, and Modern Romance. Turns out the Bridesmaids star is quite the writer, and is planning to regale fans and comedy lovers with funny and charming stories of her road to success. Image courtesy of giphy On her literary prowess, executive editor at Scribner, Shannon Welch has said: “We were bowled over by Ellie Kemper’s gifts as a writer. She’s brilliant, charming, relatable, unexpected, insightful and hilarious. She couldn’t be better company on the page.“ …
Let’s face it, we’ve all fantasized about meeting our favorite authors. Most of us never do, and even fewer get to hang out with their friends, especially if they lived 200 years ago. But it’s still fun to pretend. From Early Romantic to Post-postmodernism, there are plenty of literary lunch tables to sit at. Find out which one is the best fit for you!
