Maven Books
Reviews about historical, literary, classic, and other fiction. Miscellaneous book things.
2
Sorry, technophiles: 92% of students prefer books to e-readers
"In a new study conducted by American University linguistics professor Naomi Baron, researchers have found that an overwhelming majority of students prefer physical books — you know, with covers and paper — over e-books for serious reading."
2
Reading should not carry a health warning by Frank Furedi
"Contagion, poison and trigger. The idea that books are dangerous has a long history, and holds a kernel of truth."
2
3
3
"You should write because you love the shape of stories and sentences and the creation of different worlds on a page. Writing comes from reading, and reading is the finest teacher of how to write."
--Annie Proulx
(From Annie Proulx, The Art of Fiction No. 199, The Paris Review)
1
History v historical fiction, by Jane Smiley
"Historical fiction is not a secondary form – I was condescended to by a conservative historian who cannot see that he too constructs stories"
1
1
The Best American Short Stories 2015
If these are the best short stories America has to offer, then there's something wrong with fiction writers in this country.
2
3
2
From Books to Ebooks and Back: The Future of Literary Consumption Is Unwritten
"'Devices are not dangerous for literature,' [László] Krasznahorkai said. 'People can be dangerous for literature. People, for example, who do not read.'"
2
2
Life After Life by Kate Atkinson
I get the premise, but it was just so repetitive. I wasn't really interested enough to keep reading, especially with writing that felt very flat and kept getting in the way.
3
1
Infinite Home by Kathleen Alcott
Everyone in this book is broken, and none of them were interesting enough to stick with the constant perspective jumps.
3
The Daughters by Adrienne Celt
Lots of telling, not much showing. Everything felt candy-coated and lacked in substance.
3