Every day, priests minutely examine the Law And endlessly chant complicated sutras. Before doing that, though, they should learn How to read the love letters sent by the wind and rain, the snow and moon. ~ Ikkyu (1394–1481, Japanese Zen Buddhist monk, saint and poet)
Tag Archives: words
Book Review: Their Lips Talk of Mischief by Alan Warner
Scottish writer Alan Warner’s novel Their Lips Talk of Mischief is a boisterous, vigorous and energetic novel about two literary wannabes (Lou and Douglas) living in a glum 80’s Thatcherite slumland in Britain. The pair share an interest in Lou’s enigmatic and sexy girlfriend Aoife. Thus develops a complex menage a trois that follows. The yearContinue reading “Book Review: Their Lips Talk of Mischief by Alan Warner”
Book Review: Winterwood by Patrick McCabe
This was an unusual little book. I think many people will be familiar with McCabe from his other incredibly popular and critically acclaimed work of literally fiction, the Butcher Boy which was published back in 1992 and subsequently turned into a film. This was the story of a confused and wayward young boy who unwittinglyContinue reading “Book Review: Winterwood by Patrick McCabe”
Book Review: The Fahrenheit Twins by Michel Faber
I had the pleasure of meeting Michel Faber at the Auckland Writers Festival this autumn. He’s a reserved, humble and softly-spoken fellow who was gobbled up by the overly bold interviewer, someone far less important, whose name escapes me. Faber brought with him onto the stage a pair of dainty red women’s shoes and onlyContinue reading “Book Review: The Fahrenheit Twins by Michel Faber”
Book Quotes that will give you an insatiable desire to read the whole thing
If you’re not already a complete recluse and homebody like I am, you will be after reading these book quotes, which are succinct, powerful, compelling and just amazing. There is no need for literary context here, each quote possesses a standalone brilliance that makes it irresistible. Light thinks it travels faster than anything but itContinue reading “Book Quotes that will give you an insatiable desire to read the whole thing”
A tribute to the phenomenal Scottish writer William McIllvanney
William McIlvanney or Willie to his nearest and dearest was single-handedly responsible for the genre of Tartan Noir, the bleak and rainy Glaswegian streets, grisly crime screnes steeped in whisky and venomous characters that were the stomping ground of characters like Inspector Laidlaw (changed to Taggart for the famous TV show). All other Scottish crimeContinue reading “A tribute to the phenomenal Scottish writer William McIllvanney”
Book of Hours: Eric Gill at Terse
Action is for the sake of contemplation. The active for the sake of the contemplative To labour is to pray. Work is the discipline (the yoga) by means of which The body holds its noise and leaves the soul free a little. Recreation is for the sake of work. Leisure time is for the sakeContinue reading “Book of Hours: Eric Gill at Terse”
Book of Hours: Po Chü-i at Compline
At night, in my dream, I stoutly climbed the mountain. Going out alone with my staff of holly-wood. A thousand crags, a thousand valleys – In my dream journey none were unexplored And all the while my feet never grew tired And my step was as strong as in my younger days. Can it beContinue reading “Book of Hours: Po Chü-i at Compline”
Book of Hours: Deshimaru at Vespers
You must concentrate upon and concentrate yourself wholly to each day. As though fire were raging in your hair. – Deshimaru, Zen Master.
The Ultimate Soothing Tokyo Lullaby: Book and Bed
This is a novel concept that could only be conceived by the Japanese. A bed and book hostel. This captures the very essence of snuggling comfort- falling asleep while reading a good book! The Book and Bed Hostel is a bookshop that’s also a hostel and allows bibliophiles to hire out a nest-like bunk bedContinue reading “The Ultimate Soothing Tokyo Lullaby: Book and Bed”
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