all things literary, book reviews + recommendations, books, books + writers, freedom, home + belonging, Turkish Literature, women's fictionLeave a comment

Ece Temelkuran’s Together: Heart-Shaped Stones, Whitman & Us

November 20, 2021November 20, 2021 Neriman K., PhD

The intertextual connection between Whitman’s “Song of Myself” and Turkish journalist and writer Ece Temelkuran’s latest book Together: 10 Choices for a Better Now (2021) may seem far-fetched to some. I do think, however, that there is a reason why I walked up to my library and picked up the stiffly-aged 1983 edition of Leaves of Grass (1855) and wanted to read “Song of Myself” right after I finished Together. Continue reading Ece Temelkuran’s Together: Heart-Shaped Stones, Whitman & Us

all things literary, reflections13 Comments

On Perfectionism and Creativity: Does Academic Writing Kill Creativity?

August 29, 2021August 29, 2021 Neriman K., PhD

In the past month, I’ve found myself reminiscing about those days when the act of writing didn’t involve any other pressures (than the one applied to my finger). I’d say: when the act of writing was as simple and organic as riding a bike, but well, I never learnt how to ride a bike. Continue reading On Perfectionism and Creativity: Does Academic Writing Kill Creativity?

all things literary, book reviews + recommendations, books, books + writers, books in translation, My Most Anticipated Books Series, Reading Around Asia2 Comments

The Power of Narrative & Why Edward Said Would Be Proud: 35 Palestinian Narratives to Read

May 30, 2021June 9, 2021 Neriman K., PhD

Edward Said’s call to “narrate” and “record” has never stopped being relevant in the Palestinian struggle. In fact, Palestinian narratives have taken an increasingly important role in the resistance against the systemic erasure of their history. Continue reading The Power of Narrative & Why Edward Said Would Be Proud: 35 Palestinian Narratives to Read

all things literary, book reviews + recommendations, books + writers, Middle Eastern +Unapologetically Muslim Reading Challenge, Reading Around Asia, women's fictionLeave a comment

From Puyallup to Mount Sinai: The Girl Who Fell to Earth by Sophia Al-Maria

May 5, 2021 Neriman K., PhD

This is Sophia Al-Maria’s gentle reminder that you’re part of something bigger than the constructs of nations, religions, and ethnicities–you’re part of something bigger than yourself. Continue reading From Puyallup to Mount Sinai: The Girl Who Fell to Earth by Sophia Al-Maria

all things literary, book reviews + recommendations, books + writers, reflections, Write Better8 Comments

Reading Susan Cain’s ‘Quiet:The Power of Introverts’ As a Teacher

April 18, 2021June 9, 2021 Neriman K., PhD

Quiet has helped me revisit some of the seemingly insignificant moments that had an impact on my growth as an introverted student. Continue reading Reading Susan Cain’s ‘Quiet:The Power of Introverts’ As a Teacher

all things literary, book reviews + recommendations, monthly wrap-ups, reflections, World literature3 Comments

Monthly Wrap-Up | February-March 2021

April 3, 2021April 3, 2021 Neriman K., PhD

Perhaps I’ll soon have the capacity to see the silver lining in my experiences that marked the month of March; for now, I certainly know that March has emphasized the importance of good friends and books, as well as cats of course, yet once again. Continue reading Monthly Wrap-Up | February-March 2021

all things literary, book reviews + recommendations, books + writers, home + belonging, Reading Around Asia, women's fiction1 Comment

In Conversation with Joanna Eleftheriou: This Way Back (2020)

March 6, 2021June 9, 2021 Neriman K., PhD

Joanna’s insight into the dynamics of love and loss as one seeks a sense of belonging is moving and captivating and guided our conversation about her book. Continue reading In Conversation with Joanna Eleftheriou: This Way Back (2020)