Book Reviews
Books are one of the sacred tomes where we can journey through the life of another person from the past. You obtain a glimpse of what they learned to build this creation. Join Kevin on his own path of reading these books as we discuss some of the highlights and lessons from the teachings of others.
New book reviews come out every month.
The Only Writing Handbook You Need
Zinsser’s On Writing Well is a timeless guide passed down through generations of writers. Covering principles, methods, forms, and attitudes, it balances clarity and depth without fluff. Though some chapters drag, its insights remain essential. A strong 5/5, alongside Bird by Bird.
Brutally Honest Carnality
Mary Karr cuts straight to the bone in The Art of Memoir—a brutally honest guide that shows why the hardest truths are where the deepest meaning lies.
On Writing Well
A book you will revisit. The chapters walk through the full journey of a writer. Some chapters are better for starting and others for revising or finishing. Zinsser provides in-depth examples for analyzing written text and says what’s good and bad about them. I skimmed through a lot of it, but did find the morals good for writing my piece. My ratings are as follows: timelessness (5/5), clarity (4.5/5), entertainment (3.5/5), education (4/5). Overall, a ~4/5 read.
Bird by Bird
A quick read with insightful notes throughout for any writer or creative. There are aspects of the deeper meaning of writing that resonate well wherever you are in life. It covers all the dimensions from writer’s block to the first draft to fully encapsulate the writing process.