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Tag: weekly inspiration

all things literary, quotable23 Comments

Van Gogh on Hope & Melancholy

April 27, 2020June 18, 2020 Neriman K., PhD

“So instead of giving way to despair, I took the way of active melancholy as long as I had strength for activity, or in other words, I preferred the melancholy that hopes and aspires and searches to the one that despairs, mournful and stagnant.” Continue reading Van Gogh on Hope & Melancholy

all things literary, books + writers, quotable10 Comments

Maya Angelou on Language

April 6, 2020November 13, 2020 Neriman K., PhD

“When I’m writing, I am trying to find out who I am, who we are, what we’re capable of, how we feel, how we lose and stand up, and go on from darkness into darkness. I’m trying for that. But I’m also trying for the language.” Continue reading Maya Angelou on Language

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A few years ago (it’s been a decade already, I think), Kürk Mantolu Madonna (1943) by Sabahattin Ali became a bestseller in Turkey— following the publication of an updated edition. I wanted to read it badly then but was too busy dissertating. One of my goals for this year has been to read more poetry, and Yeats makes it quite easy. To all the strong, admirable women who “twist away from tradition”: happy international women’s day 🤍 I haven’t read in Turkish for such a long time. I went into the bookstore the other day and bought a collection of modern Turkish classics. I read these two masterpieces in English already, but what a privilege to read them in Turkish. Turkish writer Nazlı Koca's debut The Applicant is out today. Hi friends, thank you for checking in, following the earthquakes in Turkey & Syria. Many of you have also asked me how you can help. Unfortunately, at times like this, there will be people who will want to take advantage. My suggestion is to support reputable Turkish organizations that are already in the affected region. In the post, you can read about some ways in which you can help--and not worry if your donation is really going to where it is needed. The link is in my profile as usual, and I will try and share the individual links on my story.

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