Blog
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The Art of War, and other conflicts
The Art of War would be better marketed today as “The Art of Problem Solving.” As far as warfare goes, you won’t find anything here that has not been amply represented in documentaries, novels, movies, and current events. I guess we are (morbidly) privileged in the 21st century to have seen Sun Tzu‘s advice played… Continue reading
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This Side of Paradise – a peek into the life of F. Scott Fitzgerald
My first attempt to read this book was on a plane, four years ago. I had been going through some tough times, and as I plodded through the first fifty pages, my mind kept wandering. I grew tired of the apparently carefree protagonist – who had the romantic name of Amory Blaine – and ultimately… Continue reading
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The Brothers Karamazov – 11 & 12 (Conclusion)
I finished The Brothers Karamazov this past weekend. From the last two parts, “Brother Ivan Fyodorovich” and “A Judicial Error,” I was left with no particularly strong feelings or impressions. It was a struggle to finish – ultimately, I rate the book 3.5 out of 5 stars, leaning towards 4 on Goodreads (which still doesn’t allow… Continue reading
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The Brothers Karamazov – 10: Boys
Click here for other installments in this review series… What does it say about Dostoyevsky that, after the roller coaster of the last three parts, he switches gears and writes a whole section about – schoolboys? Let me just say: any remaining reservations I had about his writing skills disappeared in this part. I mean… Continue reading
About Me
Hi, I’m Marian—I talk about classics, history, and other books on this blog, as well as on YouTube.
Currently Reading
Recent Posts
- What I’m Reading – Morning Coffee Edition
- Oddly Specific Things I Love in Books (and a Few Movies)
- The Tenant of Wildfell Hall – A Long Overdue Review
- My Favorite Films and Music of 2025
- Ten Books I’d Like to Read (and Possibly Own)
Classics Considered 