:fontawesome-solid-pen-nib:{ .anim-flip } Literature & Writing
Analysis of the written word, guides to better writing, and deep dives into the mechanics of language.
How to Read Literature Like a Professor, by Thomas Foster (2025)#
A fantastic analysis of literature that helps a reader go beneath the surface of a book. Covers symbolism, themes, and narrative structures.
The Mother Tongue: English and How It Got That Way, by Bill Bryson (2019)#
A light look at the history and quirks of the English language.
Shakespeare, by Bill Bryson (2021)#
A slim book, what I liked most was how the times and place were brought to life.
I Used To Know That, by Alan Joyce (2023)#
A short read. A collection of anecdotes about famous authors.
Nabokov: The Mystery of Literary Structures, by Leona Toker (2020)#
A detailed look at several of Nabokov’s books. A fruitful area to get lost in.
On Writing Well, by William Zinsser (2020)#
Liked for its clarity. The author practices what he preaches.
The Sounds of Poetry: A Brief Guide, by Robert Pinsky (2020)#
An enjoyable introduction that sharpened my ear and helped me appreciate good poetry.
Eats, Shoots & Leaves, by Lynne Truss (2020)#
How to Read a Book, by Mortimer J. Adler & Charles Van Doren (2020)#
The Elements of Eloquence, by Mark Forsyth (2024)#
A nice breakdown of several great pieces of literature by someone who loves the language.
The Odyssey of Homer, by Elizabeth Vandiver (2024)#
Lots of rich context behind the language, culture, and structure of the Odyssey.
The Elements of Style, by William Strunk Jr. & E.B. White (2017)#
Vigorous writing is concise. A sentence should contain no unnecessary words, a paragraph no unnecessary sentences. A precise, brimming guide to writing.
The Art of Reading, by The Great Courses (2021)#
Audiobook that inspired me to tackle books I previously considered too hard.
The Letters of Vincent Van Gogh, by Vincent Van Gogh (2021)#
A tragic look at Van Gogh’s suffering but passionate life. Helpful editor’s notes.
The Enchanter: An Adventure in the Land of Nabokov, by Lila Azam Zanganeh (2021)#
An exquisite love letter to Nabokov’s works. Emulates his luminous, mad style very well.
The Battles of Tolkien, by David Day (2022)#
A book to be held. With lovely illustrations and binding, it is a joy to read.
Supergods, by Grant Morrison (2022)#
Grant Morrison looks at Super Heroes across the years, weaving in his own childhood and career. Recommended for comic lovers.
The Hero with a Thousand Faces, by Joseph Campbell (2021)#
A beautiful synthesis of major world myths. Great for fans of TV Tropes.
How to View and Appreciate Great Movies, by Eric Williams (2024)#
A look into different parts of the movie making process and what sets apart normal ones from the great ones.
Good Game, No Rematch, by Mike Drucker (2025)#
A gamer’s recollection of a lifetime playing games before moving on to the Comedy and TV industries.
The Chess Revolution, by Peter Doggers (2025)#
A survey of chess from its earliest days to the AI stage and the current surge post-covid.