A book with an unresolved ending can be great. “At Night All Blood Is Black” is not, writes book columnist Ryan Lillestrand PZ `23.
Author: Ryan Lillestrand
Literary wanderings: The poet who shows us the beauty of everyday moments
Frank O’Hara’s observational poetry inspired the artists of The New York School. It also inspires TSL book columnist Ryan Lillestrand PZ `23.
Literary wanderings: The haunting brilliance of Kawakami’s ‘Heaven’
Kawakami’s novel “Heaven” is a disturbing and gorgeous depiction of a Japanese middle school, writes book columnist Ryan Lillestrand PZ ’23.
Literary wanderings: The inimitable style of Joan Didion
Book columnist Ryan Lillestrand PZ `23 declares his love for Joan Didion’s writing, though he doesn’t dare imitate her signature style.
Literary wanderings: Ocean Vuong on grief and the violence of the English language
Ocean Vuong’s poetry has long explored his relationship with his mother, book columnist Ryan Lillestrand PZ ’23 explains. Now, in “Time is a Mother,” he explores grief in the wake of her death.
Literary wanderings: Hisham Matar’s ‘The Return’ redefines the memoir
In his very first memoir, “The Return,” Hisham Matar tells more than just a story: he creates magic. And so, according to book columnist Ryan Lillestrand PZ ’23, writing is like art.
Literary wanderings: The many truths of the ‘Black Star Trilogy’
Although a bit lackluster at times, Marlon James’ “Dark Star Trilogy,” particularly “Black Leopard, Red Wolf,” must be acknowledged for its brilliant structure, according to book columnist Ryan Lillestrand PZ ’23.
Literary wanderings: The weirdest book I’ve ever read — it’s lit
What’s the weirdest book? According to book columnist Ryan Lillestrand PZ ’23 it’s “Nothing to See Here,” a story that might just set your heart aflame.
Literary wanderings: Are readers ready to re-live the pandemic?
Novels are, inevitably, a reflection of the time and place in which they are written. And so, it is no surprise that now, in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, a new genre of literature is emerging. Last year, the list of novels written (explicitly or tangentially) about the pandemic
Literary wanderings: Humor holds David Sedaris accountable in ‘The Best of Me’
How do writers tell their story without changing personal relationships? Book columnist Ryan Lillestrand PZ ’23 tackles this by analyzing “The Best of Me.”