Latest Stories
Most recently published stories in BookClub.
My Book Wishlist
My book wishlist is low at the moment. I bought a big chunk of them, and I still haven’t had time to read them all yet. Currently in-between four books at the movement, but there are some that I really want to get, and I might save for my Christmas Wishlist.
By Chloe Gilholy2 years ago in BookClub
The living legend himself wrote a book
In the illustrious world of self-improvement, Arnold Schwarzenegger has boldly thrown his hat into the ring with his latest creation, "Be Useful: Seven Tools for Life." So, let's break this down and dissect whether it's a gold mine of wisdom or a well-disguised pitfall.
By sherif adel mohamed2 years ago in BookClub
"The Art of Laughter: Unearthing Comedy in Everyday Life"
"Have you ever taken notice of how numerous jokes commence with the phrase, 'Have you ever noticed?' And what's up with, 'What's the deal?' There's an abundance of humor hidden in the everyday, mundane aspects of life that we usually overlook. So, if you're aiming to inject some levity into your tale, presentation, or screenplay, here are a few tips and techniques for unearthing the comical. All exceptional storytelling, comedy writing included, is made up of a handful of fundamental ingredients: who, what, when, where, why, and how. Writers have been probing these questions since at least the 1st century BC, and none of them can be addressed with a mere 'yes' or 'no.' They crave details, and the more precise those details are, the more amusing the narrative becomes. Let's kick off with the 'who,' the comical character. Think about the books, TV shows, and films that tickle your funny bone. They typically feature amusing archetypes. The know-it-all, the endearing underdog, the terrible boss, the neurotic, the scatterbrain. Interestingly, these are all stock characters hailing from Commedia Dell'Arte, the artistic comedy of the late Renaissance Italy, and they've yet to lose their charm. The Commedia principle for crafting comedic characters is simple: find the flaw, then magnify it. Alternatively, you can experiment with opposites. When the smartest person in the room commits the silliest blunder, or the goofball outsmarts the genius, our laughter is triggered because we didn't anticipate it. The ancient Greek humorist Aristotle is reputed to have asserted, 'The key to humor is surprise.' This surprise, or incongruity theory of humor, posits that we laugh at things that appear out of place or defy our expectations, such as a frog dating a pig, a lizard peddling insurance, a baby grooving to disco, a nun dancing to disco, or a feline showcasing any disco-related moves. Actually, just a baby, a nun, or a cat doing pretty much anything, especially involving disco. One fun way to identify incongruities is by forming connections, literally drawing them in a mind map. Begin small; select a word, let's say 'pickle,' jot it down, and then as swiftly as possible, establish connections. What do pickles bring to mind? Who savors pickles? What cherished pickle-related recollections from childhood do I have? Another excellent method for generating comedic content is shifting from observation to imagination. Transition from 'what is' to 'what if.' For instance, what if instead of a horse, you had a pair of coconuts? Now, envision some memorable moments in history, literature, or film and consider how they'd unfold if coconuts were involved. Allow your imagination to run wild, even if an idea seems overdone, too apparent, or just plain daft, jot it down nonetheless. What seems evident to you might not be to someone else, and the most foolish idea could unexpectedly turn out to be the cleverest. Speaking of real-life absurdities, have you ever noticed how much comedy revolves around the exasperating, infuriating, and mortifying experiences we encounter? Will Rogers once quipped, 'Everything is funny as long as it happens to somebody else.' So, if you're having a dreadful morning, imagine it happening to a character you're crafting, and by the afternoon, you might have a humorous story to tell. After you've delineated your characters and plot, here are a few swift and simple comedy writing techniques to make them sizzle. The 'rule of three' or 'zig-zag.' Experiment with setting up an anticipated pattern (zig-zig), then subvert it (zag). A rabbi, a priest, and a coconut stroll into a bar. The 'punchline rule' suggests placing your punchline at the end of the sentence. A rabbi, a priest, and a coconut sashay into a disco. This leads us to the 'rule of K.' For some reason, words with a 'k' sound tend to tickle our ears and are deemed comical. Coconut, disco, pickles, crickets? Well, we don't always elicit a chuckle. Humor is subjective, comedy is an experiment, and writing is all about revising. Keep on trying. Discover the imperfections, uncover the details, introduce incongruities, incorporate 'k' words, and bear in mind the most pivotal rule for crafting comedy: relish the process. As Charles Dickens once mused, 'There is nothing in the world so irresistibly contagious as laughter and good humor.' And disco."
By Alisa İnnokate2 years ago in BookClub
The Letter That Time Forgot
For as long as Lily could remember, the letter had been a fixture in the old mahogany desk that sat in her grandmother's attic. A single envelope, its paper yellowed with age, the edges frayed and stained. Her grandmother had passed away years ago, but the attic and its mysteries had always held a certain allure for Lily.
By jahangir iqbal2 years ago in BookClub
Ishtar
Ishtar: history and importance of the ancient city Ishtar is one of the most important ancient cities in human history. This ancient city is located in an area between the Tigris and Euphrates rivers in what is now known as modern Iraq. Ishtar is distinguished by its ancient history and rich culture dating back thousands of years. In this article, we will explore the history of Ishtar and its cultural and historical significance.
By Samah Ramdan Ali2 years ago in BookClub
The Profound Impact of Best-Selling Novels: Catalysts for Exploration, Understanding, and Social Change
Best-selling novels have a remarkable influence on both avid readers and the realm of literature itself. They serve as transformative gateways to new worlds of fiction and thought, offering not only entertainment but also education and enlightenment. As we contemplate these literary masterpieces, it becomes evident that they have the power to captivate minds, enlighten souls, and provoke reflection.
By Tanvi Punia2 years ago in BookClub
"Ella's Dream: Unveiling the Forgotten Blue Sky"
Once upon a time, in a small village nestled between rolling green hills, there lived a young girl named Ella. Ella had spent her entire life surrounded by a perpetual grayness, with thick clouds hanging low over the village, casting a shadow that seemed never-ending.
By Apu Kumar Saha2 years ago in BookClub
Gallery of Whispers
In the heart of an ancient city, hidden away from the bustling streets and flashing neon lights, there stood a modest yet enigmatic gallery. It was known as the "Gallery of Whispers," a sanctuary for art lovers and seekers of forgotten tales. This is the story of a unique gallery where every brushstroke and sculpture was imbued with the power to unlock the secrets of the past.
By Rajesh kumar 2 years ago in BookClub
The Power of Fun
The author of "The Power of Fun," I expected her to provide a step-by-step guide on how to have more fun every single day. However, what truly stood out was her emphasis on the fact that fun is already present in our lives—we just need to be more aware of it. Price introduced the concept of a "delights practice," inspired by Ross Gay's "The Book of Delights," which encourages us to actively seek out and appreciate the small moments of joy that often go unnoticed. By adopting this practice, we can enhance our overall sense of happiness and fulfillment.
By Muhammad Mohsin2 years ago in BookClub
Dive into Literary Excellence: 5 Must-Read Books Across Genres
"To Kill a Mockingbird" by Harper Lee Genre: Classic Fiction Harper Lee's timeless masterpiece takes us to the heart of the American South in the 1930s, addressing themes of racial injustice, moral growth, and compassion. It's a poignant exploration of humanity that continues to resonate.
By Francisco Silva2 years ago in BookClub
