literature
Geek literature from the New York Times or the recesses of online. Our favorite stories showcase geeks.
Book Review: "Good Behaviour" by Molly Keane
It's not everyday I go outside but when I do, I like to pop into the bookshop and see what's on offer. On a two-for-one there were these lovely Virago Modern Classic books and so, of course I picked up Molly Keane's Good Behaviour, a book I have been needing to read for a while. From chapter 1, I was captivated because of the dark humour and undercurrent of satire. I feel like this is a book every woman should read before she takes anyone's shit. It is a brilliant look at how growth is massively impacted by the way in which we see others of our own kind - especially the main character's mother. This book was brilliant.
By Annie Kapur3 months ago in Geeks
Book Review: "The Plague" by Albert Camus
Albert Camus is one of those writers I don't read often and the reason for that is because there's so much talk about his works on the internet already, sharing my views may be like beating a dead horse. Well, I first read The Plague some years ago and back then, I have to admit I didn't think much of it - but since I've returned with a little bit more time - I've managed to reread it, revisit my old thoughts and make sure I've become clear with my point of view. Here's my point of view very clearly: I don't think much of The Plague still, and I don't think it is Albert Camus best effort at a philosophical novel. However, I am quite understanding when it comes to the fact that this book is important to modern literature.
By Annie Kapur3 months ago in Geeks
Book Review: "Selected Poems" by Charles Baudelaire
Charles Baudelaire was a great poet, I think we can all accept that. Recently, in the 'used book shopping' I do, I have had some interesting finds and one of them was this book by Charles Baudelaire with the French and English written on opposite pages. I've often read these types of books with Lorca and even with Neruda (probably because they're a bit more modern than Baudelaire) but, let's investigate exactly how good these selected poems are. Remember, when it comes to an editor selecting poems for an anthology, it's also about the order it's been put together in, not just the poems they've chosen...
By Annie Kapur4 months ago in Geeks
Book Review: "Blueprint" by Robert Plomin
This book wasn't on my radar at all and I didn't want to just dive into another science book (you'll see what I'm talking about if you stick around to see what's on in 2026). But it was cheap so here we are. I'm more about reading things that contain ideas I find interesting - which means it is weird that I chose this book because when I was at school, I hated science. I was also really bad at it, I could never understand what was going on but, as I've aged I've developed quite an interest in aspects of it. Learning about us humans is something that I like to read books about (again, stick around for 2026 and you'll see where this is going) and well, Blueprint may have been all about DNA - but I still found it a great read.
By Annie Kapur4 months ago in Geeks
Book Review: "Meeting Dr Johnson" by James Boswell
The Life of Samuel Johnson is a book that needs tackling and probably annotating. I have so far tried to dip my toes in it now and again to find out what it is like. As you probably know, I have some stuff lined up for 2026 and I would like Samuel Johnson's life to be a part of it somehow - if not in 2026 then the following year (if all goes to plan and it doesn't crash and burn). Of course, during his own lifetime, Dr Johnson had the reputation of being a sage and a brilliant mind, though he was also known to be abrasive and a bit arrogant as well. When we come to looking at this strange friendship James Boswell describes though, we get to see another side to him, one that people rarely got to see.
By Annie Kapur4 months ago in Geeks
Book Review: "The Feast" ed. by Simon Winder
I like to read odd books every now and again so one of the things I tend to do is buy a book I've never even heard of. I was looking for books on a used bookshop website and found someone selling this book. No idea what it was about, hadn't heard anything about it and I even reufsed to read the on-screen summary. I just bought it. This is about as adventurous as I am willing to get. Do this with food and I will be anxious as hell, often refusing to eat. Do this with my everyday life and I will actually have a panic attack. Do this with my coffee and you will probably summon a demon. But books are my safe space.
By Annie Kapur4 months ago in Geeks
Heart of a Dog by Mikhail Bulgakov
Mikhail Bulgakov’s novella Heart of a Dog (Собачье сердце) was first written in 1925, though it was not officially published in the Soviet Union until 1987, several decades after Bulgakov's death. The work was written during a time of intense political and cultural terror in the Soviet Union, following the Russian Revolution of 1917 and the subsequent rise of Stalin's regime. The novella represents Bulgakov’s true feelings about the Soviet machine, especially in its attitudes toward social engineering, the intelligentsia, and the flawed implementation of Marxism.
By Annie Kapur4 months ago in Geeks
Book Review: "Sister Carrie" by Theodore Dreiser
Theodor Dreiser is not someone I have explored many times, one or two perhaps and my writings on his book An American Tragedy was well-received. Since then, I have made it my business to read and reread more of his novels, including the often overlooked Sister Carrie. Once I started reading this book I absolutely could not stop. An enthralling story which often shocked me as it was written in a time where perhaps these stories of nonconforming women were still not taken seriously, it is a fantastic narrative even if the main character's morals are shifty at best. Carrie is definitely one of those characters we look forward to learning more about as she experiences more of the world. But, that doesn't mean we like her...
By Annie Kapur4 months ago in Geeks
Book Review: "Nobody's Girl" by Virginia Roberts Giuffre
Content Warning: The following review discusses topics of child abuse, rape, drug/alcohol addiction, human trafficking and suicide. Take these into account when considering if and when you will read the review. Continue with caution if you hold any sensitivity to the topics mentioned.
By Annie Kapur4 months ago in Geeks
