Books matching: reader engagement
100 result(s)
- #1
Save:'Six Walks in the Fictional Woods' by Umberto Eco is a collection of six lectures that delve deep into the world of fiction, exploring the intricate relationship between writers and readers. Eco discusses how fiction manipulates us, the way we use fiction, and how we expect our world to conform to narrative. He uses literary examples from a wide range of authors, from Dumas to Fleming to Shakespeare, to illustrate his points. The book is described as philosophical, thought-provoking, and often funny, offering insights into both reading and writing.
Eco's writing style is praised for being clear, simple, and intellectually stimulating. He covers topics such as the importance of accuracy in writing fiction, the role time plays in fiction, and the need for readers to have rational mental points of reference to follow the details of a writer's fiction. Eco also explores the concept of the ideal reader, different types of readers and writers, and the emotional attachment people have to the truth of fiction.
I would like to begin by evoking the memory of Italo Calvino, who eight years ago was invited to give his six Norton lectures but who had time to write only five of them before leaving us. I evoke him... - #2
Save:'Stein on Writing' by Sol Stein is a comprehensive guide that provides a robust set of principles for writing fiction and non-fiction. The book emphasizes the importance of creating vivid and engaging characters, focusing on individuality, and evoking emotions in readers through precise and clear language. Sol Stein's advice covers various aspects of writing, from character development to plot structure, with a particular emphasis on showing rather than telling. The book also delves into the importance of eliminating flab and cliches from writing, and offers practical tips on how to improve one's writing craft.
For thirty-six years I worked one-on-one with writers who had contract deadlines. My primary interest was to provide them with the techniques for solving editorial problems and improving their work in... - #3
Save:'The Interrogative Mood' by Padgett Powell is a unique exploration of life through a series of thought-provoking questions. The writing style is described as full of questions that make the reader laugh, consider deep thoughts, and even engage in a new way of storytelling. is composed entirely of questions, challenging assumptions and beliefs while offering a different and new reading experience that forces the brain to create its own 'story'.
ARE YOUR EMOTIONS PURE? Are your nerves adjustable? How do you stand in relation to the potato? Should it still be Constantinople? Does a nameless horse make you more nervous or less nervous than a na... "Art Objects: Essays on Ecstasy and Effrontery" by Jeanette Winterson is a collection of essays that delve into the role and significance of art in contemporary culture. Winterson critiques the pragmatic approach towards art, pushing boundaries and exploring the transcendence, play, and experimentation inherent in art. She declares herself a neo-modernist with a commitment to experiment and a disdain for realism, all while addressing fundamental concepts in art history and theory.
Winterson's writing style is described as lucid, engaging, and thought-provoking. She weaves personal anecdotes with insightful analysis, addressing readers of all levels of understanding in the ongoing conversation of art and art history. The essays touch on various topics such as the importance of art, the relationship between a writer's life and work, and the need to take art seriously, all while providing a stimulating and captivating read.
I was in Amsterdam one snowy Christmas when the weather had turned the canals into oblongs of ice. I was wandering happy, alone, playing the flâneur, when I passed a little gallery and in the moment o...- #5
Save:'The Emotional Craft of Fiction' by Donald Maass is a writing craft book that delves into the importance of infusing emotion into stories to create compelling and relatable characters. Maass provides practical techniques and exercises to help writers develop three-dimensional characters and evoke emotions in readers. The book emphasizes the need for writers to be self-aware and open in order to craft stories that resonate with readers on a deep level. Maass's writing style is conversational yet informative, with examples drawn from a wide array of genres and styles to demonstrate his points effectively.
'How to Read a Poem: And Fall in Love with Poetry' by Edward Hirsch is a guide that delves into various themes and aspects of poetry, such as desolation, history, art, justice, and the role of the reader. The book provides insights into different types of poetry, introduces readers to a wide range of poets and their works, and explores the emotional and intellectual responses to poems. Through detailed explanations and examples, the author aims to help readers develop a deeper appreciation and understanding of poetry.
This is a book about reading poetry. It is also a book of readings. I have gathered together many poems I have loved over the years, and I have tried to let them show me how they should be read. I let...- #7
Save:Readers find "The Fire in Fiction" by Donald Maass to be a valuable resource for serious writers, providing inspiration and techniques to improve their novels. The book delves into the intricacies of creating likable characters, developing tension, and crafting compelling beginnings and endings. Maass uses excerpts from novels to illustrate his points, making it easier for readers to grasp the concepts he discusses. The book also emphasizes the importance of understanding the mind of a literary agent and what they look for in authors, shedding light on the elements that can make a novel stand out.
- #8
Save:'The Tree of Hands' by Ruth Rendell is a dark and gripping tale that delves into the lives of three interconnected mothers - Mopsa, Benet, and Carol. The story revolves around a chain of terror involving murder, kidnapping, and deceit that binds these characters together. The plot is filled with suspense, unexpected twists, and psychological depth, keeping readers on the edge of their seats. Rendell's writing style is described as masterful, with well-drawn characters and intricate parallel storylines that seamlessly intertwine, showcasing her talent for creating compelling narratives that explore the complexities of human relationships.
- #9
Save:'Supercarrier' in the series 'The Ixan Prophecies' by Scott Bartlett is a space opera military sci-fi novel that follows the crew of the ancient supercarrier Providence as they navigate through a galaxy on the brink of war. Humanity, armed with Darktech, finds themselves facing new enemies and internal strife, with the Providence becoming the focal point of events foretold by ancient prophecies. The story is filled with fast-paced space combat, political intrigue, and a diverse cast of characters as they struggle to protect humanity and unravel the mysteries unfolding around them.
- #10
Save:'A Killer's Mind' in the series 'Zoe Bentley Mystery' by author Mike Omer follows the story of Zoe Bentley, a forensic psychologist working for the FBI, who gets involved in solving a case involving two serial killers. The plot intertwines thriller, suspense, and mystery elements, keeping the readers engaged with unexpected twists and a cliffhanger ending. features a strong protagonist, Zoe Bentley, who is reminiscent of the profilers in the TV show Criminal Minds, but operates mostly solo, showcasing her past trauma and her determination to solve the case at hand.
The sharp scent of formaldehyde filled the room as he poured the liquid into the mixture. He had hated the smell at first. But he’d learned to appreciate it, knowing what it represented: eternity. The...
