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Links for February

By Reason Alone • 101 implied HN points • 21 Feb 25
📚 Literature Book Reviews Philosophy Classics Contemporary History
  1. PhD programs are not taking as long to finish as people think. Many students are completing their degrees faster than before.
  2. Curiosity is an important trait for learning and exploration. It helps us understand complex topics and makes us better listeners.
  3. Reading widely, especially foundational texts like the Bible or works by important figures like Shakespeare, can greatly enhance our understanding of literature and culture.

Poetry intermission

The Art of Enchantment, with Dr Sharon Blackie • 1178 implied HN points • 18 Jun 23
📚 Literature Poetry Authors Readings Contemporary Classics
  1. The author shares three audio/video recordings of poems read by actors that they find are perfectly matched to the poems.
  2. The author observes a trend in their preference for male poets in contrast to their interest in reading novels by women, sparking self-reflection.
  3. The author highlights 'The Love Song of Alfred J. Prufrock' by T.S. Eliot, 'The Song of Wandering Aengus' by W.B. Yeats, and 'At Roane Head' by Robin Robertson as must-listen poems with actor readings.
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Good Gravy

Nice Try • 279 implied HN points • 10 Mar 23
📚 Literature Fiction Short Stories Creative Writing Narrative Contemporary
  1. Relationships can be complicated and painful, sometimes leading to unexpected situations like being shot by someone you know. Humor and absurdity can help lighten these heavy moments.
  2. The experience of pain and healing can bring people together, as seen with friends stepping in to help after an injury. It's all about how we support each other through difficult times.
  3. Life is full of challenges and disappointments, but finding ways to appreciate and love even the tough experiences can lead to personal growth. Embracing life's chaos can make it feel more meaningful.

A Conversation with Caleb Caudell

Political Currents by Ross Barkan • 11 implied HN points • 21 Nov 24
📚 Literature Fiction Autofiction Creative Writing Contemporary Cultural criticism
  1. Writing about sex can be found in contemporary literature, but the author believes we need a deeper and more critical perspective on it. They're aiming to show how sexual issues connect to wider social problems.
  2. The writer thinks being from a place like Indiana shapes their work differently than writers from major cities. Yet, they also feel that true talent can shine no matter where someone is from.
  3. They share their writing routine is flexible, often fueled by coffee and exercise. Writing is something they enjoy, regardless of whether they make money from it or not.

Sexcapade

Castalia • 239 implied HN points • 04 Jul 22
📚 Literature Fiction Short Stories Contemporary Narrative Character Study
  1. Rachel and Jerianne have a complicated friendship where Jerianne often leads Rachel into more adventurous and risky situations. Rachel feels more cautious and less exciting when she is with Jerianne.
  2. Jerianne's life seems conventional on the outside, but she struggles with personal issues and often relies on Rachel for support. She also has a complicated relationship with a younger man named Anthony, which adds drama to her life.
  3. Rachel starts to question the value of her friendship with Jerianne. As she spends more time alone, she begins to focus on her own needs and entertains thoughts of Anthony, showing a shift in her priorities and desires.

New(ish) Books

Castalia • 79 implied HN points • 22 Jun 23
📚 Literature Book Reviews Fiction Contemporary Fantasy Cultural Commentary
  1. Kelly Link's book blends fairy tales with modern life, creating enchanting stories that follow unique rules. Her writing shows how fantasy can express complex human emotions in a relatable way.
  2. Shehan Karunatilaka's novel explores the afterlife in a war-torn Sri Lanka, focusing on a man's struggle between seeking revenge or moving on. It highlights the chaos and disillusionment of life and death in a corrupt society.
  3. Both authors challenge traditional storytelling by exploring themes of human relationships, morality, and the struggle for meaning amid chaos. Their work encourages readers to think about how imagination and reality intertwine.

Pool Boy

Castalia • 79 implied HN points • 21 Apr 23
📚 Literature Fiction Short Stories Creative Writing Contemporary Urban
  1. The story explores complicated relationships among young adults. It shows how confusion and manipulation can exist in love and friendship.
  2. Stevie, one of the characters, has a unique perspective on life and doesn't care what others think. His laid-back attitude helps him navigate adult situations without losing himself.
  3. Arianna, another character, struggles with her desires and expectations in relationships, showcasing how people's wants can lead to disappointment and a sense of emptiness.

Girl Talk

Castalia • 59 implied HN points • 16 Jan 23
📚 Literature Short Stories Fiction Narrative Contemporary Character development
  1. Relationships can be complicated, especially when it comes to comparing partners and feeling imbalanced. Both partners need to feel valued and respected for the relationship to work.
  2. Moving on from a tough relationship can feel freeing and open up new opportunities. It's possible to enjoy independence and even find success after a breakup.
  3. It's natural to wonder about past relationships, but sometimes transparency doesn't lead to understanding. Open dialogue is important, but not always easy.

Weirdo Watch

Castalia • 39 implied HN points • 12 Feb 23
📚 Literature Fiction Short Stories Narrative Creative Writing Contemporary
  1. Steven, the main character, struggles with feelings of inadequacy and loneliness after a difficult breakup, showing how even seemingly successful people can face deep emotional challenges.
  2. His friends try to support him by taking turns spending time with him, but he feels more like a charity case, which complicates their interactions and deepens his sense of isolation.
  3. Despite his struggles, Steven finds fleeting moments of joy and connection through music, highlighting how something as simple as a song can evoke strong emotions and feelings of value.

Bodies Bodies [13]

The Author Is Dumb • 0 implied HN points • 23 Feb 25
📚 Literature Fiction Narrative Creative Writing Short Stories Contemporary
  1. Friends often engage in reckless games, like running into traffic, to feel something exciting and alive. It shows how teenagers sometimes seek thrills together.
  2. The struggle of growing up with social media is tough. One person reflects on being treated like a product by parents who cared more about views than their child.
  3. Relationships can change when people focus too much on appearances or success instead of genuine connection, leading to misunderstandings and conflict.

The Legend : Yayoi Kusama

Bee Curious's Newsletter • 0 implied HN points • 11 Oct 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Contemporary Feminism Japan Activism
  1. Yayoi Kusama is famous for her polka dots and colorful art. She is also known for her big sculptures, especially a pumpkin that stands out.
  2. Kusama has faced many challenges, including mental health issues, but she has turned her struggles into powerful art. Her work often carries messages of love and peace, even reflecting on topics like feminism.
  3. At 95 years old, Kusama continues to create art that inspires people around the world. She started making art as a way to cope with her childhood experiences and has since become a leading figure in the art world.