When you want to read a book filled with courage and whimsy, you most likely think of a fantasy. The last thing to cross your mind would be a book about an eight-year-old boy and his imaginary friend. However, I have never experienced such immense amounts of courage and whimsy in a book since I…
Top Five Books to Read for Aspiring Writers
Have you read countless books with dreams of writing your own book? Maybe, you’ve read a book so bad you thought to yourself you could do better. The number one advice people give to aspiring writers is to read a lot. You have to read a lot to write well. Reading helps you figure out…
6 Books For Mental Health Awareness Month
Happy Mental Health Awareness month! May was declared mental health month back in 1949 and we continue to learn and advocate more each year. I find learning more about mental health important not only because I work in the field of mental health, but because it is necessary to learn in order to better myself…
The 7 Major Forms of Literary Conflict
As unfortunate as it may be, we all love to read about human struggles. Without these struggles, there would be no books, no movies, or no stories worth telling. When we read a book we are reading to find out how the protagonist will resolve all of his problems. Problems arise due to conflict. Someone…
5 Fictional Places You Can Visit in Real Life
Have you ever read a book and wished you could visit the places described? I know when I first read Narnia I peeked in the back of closets hoping for a glimpse of a winter wonderland. Some authors possess an undeniable ability at describing beautiful landscapes, from majestic forests to stunning castles, all the way…
The Sin Eater Book Review
“Don’t I know by now that folk see their sins in the way they choose? There’s always a reason as to why selfishness is not really selfish and crimes are honest and waiting safely by while some folk else is killed is really the more courageous choice.” Megan Campisi, The Sin Eater Do you ever…
Seven Major Story Elements Used in Every Story
All great stories contain the same basic story elements. From Shakespearian literature, to children’s imaginative daydreams, to the next big Hollywood movie, to story based video games, the same building blocks are used in all story creation. Oftentimes, we don’t focus on the individual pieces or why each piece is important to the story. If…
The Hound of the Baskervilles Book Review
I grew up watching Sherlock Holmes movies. From the ones starring Robert Downey Jr. to the TV show starring Benedict Cumberbatch, I convinced myself I loved Sherlock Holmes. So when I saw The Hound of the Baskervilles on my scratch off poster of must read novels, I thought I had found an easy read. I…
10 Must-Read Realistic Fiction Novels
Not too long ago, Jonas wrote a piece on different genres. However, in his list, he missed one of my favorites. Realistic fiction is often overlooked, so I can’t say I blame him. I think the reason being is they carry many different themes that leave them being sorted into different genres. While books can…
I’m Glad My Mom Died Book Review
Welcome to Umbra Ex Libris’s first nonfiction book review! All of our previous book reviews have been on fiction novels because that’s what we like to read most. I find a lot of nonfiction books boring and easy to put down. However, I could not put this book down. This is probably the first memoir…