I’ve just finished reading a biography of Freya Stark, an adventurer & travel writer in the 1900s. I’m struck by the beauty of Stark’s writing, where it’s excerpted - and by how a biography can itself seem outdated, more than even the content it’s writing about. Perspectives on British imperialism, World War II, marriage, homosexuality, … Continue reading Reading notes: a biography of Freya Stark
Category: reading & writing
Books on writing: Amina Cain & Elena Ferrante
I just finished reading A Horse At Night, by Amina Cain. It’s a lovely book, a love letter to LA, and a reflection on writing & life. Just gorgeous (and as an added bonus, I kept having these shocks of recognition - yes! it’s like that! as I read it, because the author got it, whatever it is, so right). As … Continue reading Books on writing: Amina Cain & Elena Ferrante
A Book of Days
I just finished reading A Book of Days, by Patti Smith, after going to see her speak at City Arts in San Francisco. Smith is just enough older than my generation’s obsessions that I didn’t start out familiar with her work, but I had the general idea that she’s a legend - and as she told … Continue reading A Book of Days
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