The Stories
Dragons and Laughter, in Terry Pratchett’s ‘Dragons at Crumbling Castle’
Dragons at Crumbling Castle is a collection of 14 short stories, mostly written in the author's youth. These stories were published in various publications over years, unlike the author's later work which apparently all take place in a singular universe called the Discworld. I absolutely loved how layered the humor is in this work, yet the stories themselves remain simple. It’s easy to connect with them since the punch is clear yet lands with surprise.
Charmed and Content: ‘The Quiet Truth of The Cat Who Saved Books’
When Natsuki’s grandfather dies, he inherits the bookshop. A talking cat appears and promptly announces they must enter a labyrinth in order for them to save all books. And without much question, we are off. The fable-esque nature of this was both charming and comforting.
Unraveled and Unimpressed: The Empty Mystery of ‘In My Dreams I Hold a Knife’
It is a pain being in the head of the main character. She is insufferable and annoying, both in the past and the present. Maybe especially in the present, because she is so hung up on her past that she can’t move forward.
Poetry, Puzzles, and Simplicity: A Journey Through ‘Dearly’ by Margaret Atwood
Some of the themes in this collection revolve around memory, femininity, love, and family. The poems are simple, direct. Very few truly reached out to me. One that caught my attention early on was “Feather.” It reminded me how brutal art can be. How beauty is so often recognized only after the artist is gone.
Unraveling and Rebuilding: The Quiet Power of ‘Lion’ by Sonya Walger
I wanted to believe her family would find its way back to itself. If not, I hoped—prayed—that something good would happen to the little girl caught in the center of this mess of love, loss, and disillusionment.
Finding Connection in Gather Me by Glory Edim: A Journey Through Words and Life
Every reader’s journey into books begins differently. Some, like me, might start with those simple 10-peso books sold near schools or at the market, which doubled as coloring books and storybooks. Others, like Glory Edim, may have been captivated by stories read to them by a parent, finding themselves drawn into the magic of words from an early age.
“The Fifth Child” by Doris Lessing: A Silent Collapse of Family and Identity
At the heart of the story is Harriet, whose dream of a perfect family collapses with the birth of her fifth child, Ben. Lessing’s portrayal of Harriet’s internal struggle is vivid—particularly in scenes around the kitchen table in their “dream” home. These moments of family closeness gradually deteriorate as tension builds.
Empathy Meets Efficiency: Lessons from Working Well
Working Well: Creating Workplaces for Happy Employees tackles these challenges head-on. It explores what employees truly need, how to support their personal growth, and how to handle various factors that shape the work environment. The book is packed with practical tips on creating workplaces where people feel supported and engaged, which is key for a positive work atmosphere.
The Enduring Magic of Anne of Green Gables: A Journey Through Imagination
It's easy to see oneself in Anne—young, full of dreams, and wonderfully imaginative. In Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery, Anne’s perspective on the world and everything in it is captivating, making her adventures feel personal and relatable, especially for someone like me who loves reading and visualising scenarios. The combination of Anne’s childlike wonder coupled with her strong moral compass is truly endearing.