The Stories

The Enduring Magic of Anne of Green Gables: A Journey Through Imagination
Jon Carter Jon Carter

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.

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A Modest Apocalypse: Exploring the Father-Son Dynamic in The Road
Jon Carter Jon Carter

A Modest Apocalypse: Exploring the Father-Son Dynamic in The Road

Although I don’t usually pay much attention to reviews, I skimmed a few because of the book’s popularity and a recommendation from someone I know. From what I gathered, it seemed to promise an apocalyptic tale—one I expected to be quite dark. To my surprise, it wasn’t as grim as I anticipated. Instead, it’s a story centered around a father and son navigating a world where personal survival is the sole priority.

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Heartfelt Bonds and Timeless Struggles: A ‘Little Women’ Review
Jon Carter Jon Carter

Heartfelt Bonds and Timeless Struggles: A ‘Little Women’ Review

“Little Women” follows the lives and loves of the March sisters, four wonderfully beloved characters with unique personalities and endearing adventures. We follow the girls as they experience life within their own world, each growing slowly into mature women. The lessons learnt about adapting to the needs of others, and their realisation of the value in that, is truly a wonderful thing to experience. There are moments of selfishness, as that is part of the human condition.

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A Refreshing Return: Embracing The Near Witch
Jon Carter Jon Carter

A Refreshing Return: Embracing The Near Witch

As I dove into this book, I could see Schwab’s unique style shining through. There’s a distinct presence of her voice in the writing; however, I noticed she felt a bit more juvenile here compared to her newer works. Given that this book is aimed at a younger audience, I can completely understand that choice. The story follows Lexi, a girl who was raised by her father to embrace the versatility of being human rather than focus solely on the fragility of being a woman in her time.

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A Compelling Yet Flawed Journey: The Midnight Library
Bjorn Carter Bjorn Carter

A Compelling Yet Flawed Journey: The Midnight Library

The Midnight Library by Matt Haig is captivating in its exploration of the very human desire for improvement, while showing that often the only reason we don’t, is because we don’t want to. Haig’s writing style is accessible and subtly evocative, making the book an easy yet engrossing read. It should take most readers the time between breakfast and lunch to work through it. The simplicity of the narrative coupled with the almost desperate pursuit for poignancy somehow works for a book that deals with themes of loss, regret, and ultimately human failure. There is a hint of hope, but even that can’t make up for the desperate failure the protagonist insists on being.

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Exploring Imperfection and Authenticity: A Deep Dive into Sylvia Plath & ‘The Bell Jar’
Bjorn Carter Bjorn Carter

Exploring Imperfection and Authenticity: A Deep Dive into Sylvia Plath & ‘The Bell Jar’

The Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath is a profound exploration of character development, flaws, and the open-ended nature of the narrative, mirroring the unresolved journey of the protagonist, Esther Greenwood. Plath’s writing, while nuanced for its time, raises consideration about the alter states in which her work was often published, a practice aimed at preserving the face of those she wrote about.

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