Discussions

  • How I Like to Review Books 

    If you’ve ever wondered how I turn my thoughts into a full book review, it all starts long before I sit down to write. From choosing the right book to scribbling quick notes and shaping my final rating, reviewing is a process that grows with every page. Here’s a simple look at how I do…

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  • Should Books Have Age Ratings Like Films? 

    In a world where colourful covers can hide complex and explicit themes, how do we know what’s truly suitable for younger readers? As “spicy” BookTok recommendations continue to blur the line between Young Adult and Adult fiction, it raises an important question: should books come with age ratings like films and games?

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  • Talking Honestly About Books Without Taking It Personally 

    We’ve all been there: someone calls a book their favourite, and the room goes quiet when another reader admits they didn’t enjoy it. Suddenly, a difference in taste feels personal. In this post, I reflect on how we can share honest book opinions — in reviews and book clubs — without turning disagreement into discomfort.

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  • Breaking the Myth: Dyslexics Can Be Bookworms 

    People are often surprised when I say I’m dyslexic and I love to read. There’s this outdated myth that dyslexia and books don’t mix — but for me, stories have always felt like home. Dyslexia doesn’t stop you from being a reader; it just means you experience words in your own unique way. And honestly,…

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  • Kim Jiyoung, Born 1982

    Kim Jiyoung, Born 1982

    Kim Jiyoung, Born 1982 is a powerful and thought-provoking novel that shines a light on everyday sexism and gender inequality in South Korea. Through the life of one ordinary woman, Cho Nam-Joo reveals how deeply rooted these issues are in both family and society. I especially liked how the author wove real statistics into the…

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  • The Fossil Woman: A life of Mary Anning

    This biography by Tom Sharpe chronicles the life of fossil hunter Mary Anning, exploring her contributions to palaeontology as well as personal challenges, like a childhood lightning strike. While informative and well-researched, the book’s factual style occasionally feels repetitive, making it less engaging at times. It’s recommended for enthusiasts of Anning and earth science.

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  • Smut Books: The Evolution of a Steamy Genre

    There is a new term circulating on social media currently representing a certain type of romantic book: ‘smut’. But is this a new genre, or something that has been around for centuries? The word smut comes from the English word ‘smutten’, meaning to defile or debase, related to the German ‘schmutz’ meaning filth or dirt.…

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  • The Healing Pages: How Reading Nurtures Mental and Physical Health

    For me, delving into a good book isn’t just a pastime—it’s my personal oasis, a tranquil retreat where time seems to stand still. It’s one of my go-to remedies for unwinding and shaking off the day’s stresses. But amid all the talk about how beneficial reading is for both body and mind, I’ve often wondered:…

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  • The Role of Setting in Fiction: Creating Vivid Imagery and Atmosphere

    When we immerse ourselves in the captivating pages of a work of fiction, a wondrous transformation occurs. We find ourselves whisked away to a different world, where vivid imagery and a tangible atmosphere accompany us, even after we reluctantly close the book. Within this realm of imagination, there exists a vital and often underestimated element:…

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  • The influence of book-to-screen adaptations: Analysing successes and failures

    From Marvel and DC comic books to ongoing movie triumphs, and from timeless classics like Charlotte Bronte’s “Jayne Eyre” to beloved pop culture phenomena such as Stephanie Meyer’s “The Twilight Saga” or J.K Rowling’s Harry Potter Series a multitude of film franchises have emerged from global bestsellers. While every book-to-screen adaptation has added a touch…

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  • The significance of book cover design: Unveiling the art of judging books by their covers.  

    As I stroll through the local bookstore, my eyes scan the shelves in search of a cover that captivates my attention. It’s ironic, really, considering I’ve always believed in the adage “don’t judge a book by it’s cover”. Yet here I am, traversing the aisles, eagerly waiting for something to seize my gaze. It leads…

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  • From Pages to Pixels: A Comparison of Kindle and Physical Books

    In today’s digital age, the way we enjoy literature is undergoing rapid transformation. With the advent of e-readers like the Kindle, many people are drawn to the convenience of carrying an entire library in the palm of their hand. However, this shift towards digital reading has sparked a debate about the future of physical books.…

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