The graphic novel “Beautiful Darkness” questions whether the greatest horrors are to be found within human nature itself, writes Tomi Oyedeji-Olaniyan CM ’24.
Tag: Book Column
Literary wanderings: A 240-mile cycling trip
After an impromptu 240-mile cycling trip, book columnist Ryan Lillestrand PZ ’23 discovered the inspiring and illuminating “Bike Battles: A History of Sharing the American Road,” a galvanizing read for any cyclist.
Shelf life: Saga #55 is a gloriously familiar fever dream
Despite the fantasy genre of returning novel “Saga”, the sex-drugs-and-aliens packed comic remains deeply human, asserts book columnist Kate Jones PO ’24.
Literary wanderings: Portrait of a novelist on the brink of stardom
Anthony Veasna So’s “Afterparties” showcases the late author’s immense talent and potential, writes book columnist Ryan Lillestrand PZ ’23.
Literary wanderings: The ghost of Ueno Park
Book columnist Ryan Lillestrand PZ ’23 explores how the magical realism in “Tokyo Ueno Station” works to highlight sharp inequalities in Tokyo.
Throw away the junk mail in Sally Rooney’s ‘Beautiful World, Where Are You’
Master of the beach read, Sally Rooney experiments with emails in her new book, “Beautiful World, Where Are You” — but these confusing messages are the novel’s downfall, book columnist Katie Hanson SC ’25 writes.
Literary wanderings: On fiction as environmental activism
Book columnist Ryan Lillestrand PZ ’23 argues that despite its fictional nature, Richard Powers’ “The Overstory” is a powerful vehicle for environmentalism.
Literary wanderings: Getting lost in Lyon
Book columnist Ryan Lillestrand PZ ’23 praises Bill Buford’s “Dirt” for its vivid imagery and reflects on the merits of the modern personal narrative.
Assorted novelties: My year of Zadie Smith thinking
After a year reading Zadie Smith, book columnist Anna Solomon PZ ’23 concludes that Smith’s writing, in forcing readers to take up another’s perspective, is mandatory quarantine reading.
Assorted novelties: Iconoclasm, admiration and Patti Smith
Book columnist Anna Solomon PZ ’23 reflects on reading Patti Smith’s “Just Kids” and when admiration becomes a desire to emulate.