i picked up a paperback for the first time in three years
before I talk about the book I recently read, I want to talk about this
I never thought I would ever get a Kindle.
"I like the feel of a real book in my hands," I constantly said, so much so that the words started to feel more like a reflex than the truth. Granted, I would still said it was the truth until three years ago, but maybe it became one of those truths you don't really think about because it's all you know. Like how the sky is blue and cats say meow.
So when my boss and I got talking about books, a familiar topic between us over the years, they happened to mention that they had a Kindle. Instead of internally cringing as I usually did, I asked them about it, or more importantly, did they miss the feel of a book in their hands.
Suddenly, the idea of a Kindle didn't seem so crazy, and after a couple of months of putting squirreling a little money away, I purchased the Kindle I still read from today. (Most of the times anyways; sometimes I end up using the app on my phone.)
Now, don't worry, this is not some it-changed-my-life-so-you-should-get-it ad. Maybe it's more of a to-each-their-own tale.
Because until this week, I hadn't read from a 'real' book for over three years, and no, I wasn't keeping track. I had to go look it up - thank you Amazon for that search bar in the orders section.
Unlike my choice to get a Kindle, reading from a physical book wasn't.
Enter Dan Whitlam (the man on the right). I was doom scrolling through TikTok, as I used to do quite often about a year ago...okay, I still do it, but less often.
Anyway.......
I happened across a video of a man on train, reciting a self-written poem.
I don't think we can be friends.
Not like you imagined anyway...
During a time when quite a bit of my feed was a blur of people reading their poetry, very few stuck with me, and Dan was one of them.
So, when he announced his debut poetry and short story collection "I Don't Want To Settle," (or more importantly, when he announced the pre-order) it should come as no surprise I rushed to Amazon only to find...
....it wasn't available for Kindle users.
Without a second thought, I ordered the paperback.
It wasn't until a week ago, as I was quickly flipping the third, fourth page, that it clicked.
While I might have bought a couple of physical books before, this was the first one I actually planned to read all the way through.
And it felt like the idea of coming to your childhood home for a visit, some nostalgic reminder of what I unknowingly missed.
Does this mean I'll be temporarily retiring my Kindle?
No. I like the ease of having one, being able to read at all hours of the night without holding some flashlight I snuck away. Or being able to carry a small library with you instead of lugging a small duffel back around.
But coming back home to visit, in the physical pages where a fantastical story or thought-provoking poem waits, that'll be happening a little more often.
***
So about that book review...
I'm hoping to write it up in the next few days after scanning through the book while listening to the audiobook again, which the idea of me listening to an audiobook not once but twice is (self)mind-blowing in itself.
Actually, I want to address that very quick. I've tried before, and absolutely hated it, so much so, I wiped the title of the book it was out of my mind. It was one of those ones I read before and liked, so I thought it would be a good one to attempt listening to the audiobook.
While I will be talking about what I loved from the book and audiobook, I'll also be talking about certain parallels of Dan's poems and stories with my life and feelings. Once I'm done, I plan to attach the link at the end of this story or in the comment section. (Let me know which will be easier for you.)
About the Creator
Alexandria Stanwyck
My inner child screams joyfully as I fall back in love with writing.
I am on social media! (Discord, Facebook, and Instagram.)
instead of therapy: poetry and lyrics about struggling and healing is available on Amazon.
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Containers Fall From Ships During Storm Goretti, Raising Alarms Over Maritime Safety
Storm Goretti has left a trail of disruption across land and sea, but one of its most serious and less visible impacts unfolded far offshore. As violent winds and towering waves battered shipping routes, dozens of cargo containers were reported to have fallen from commercial vessels, reigniting global concerns about maritime safety, supply chain resilience, and environmental risks. A Storm That Tested the Seas Storm Goretti arrived with little mercy. Meteorological agencies warned of hurricane-force gusts, sudden pressure drops, and waves reaching dangerous heights. While coastal communities braced for flooding and transport chaos, cargo ships already at sea had no choice but to ride out the storm. Modern container ships are engineered to withstand rough weather, but Goretti proved unusually volatile. Rapid shifts in wind direction and wave patterns caused ships to roll violently, placing extreme stress on container stacks. In several confirmed incidents, lashings failed, stacks collapsed, and containers were swept overboard. What Happens When Containers Fall? A single container can weigh up to 30 tonnes when fully loaded. When dozens fall into the sea, the consequences are immediate and long-lasting. Some containers sink quickly, but others float just below the surface, becoming invisible hazards for fishing boats, ferries, and yachts. Maritime authorities issued navigation warnings after reports confirmed drifting debris along major shipping lanes. Beyond navigation risks, the contents of the containers pose another threat. While many carry consumer goods, others may hold chemicals, plastics, electronics, or industrial materials. When submerged, these items can leak, break apart, or disperse across marine ecosystems. Environmental Risks Beneath the Waves Environmental groups have raised serious concerns about the ecological impact. Lost containers often release microplastics, packaging materials, and synthetic fibers that persist in the ocean for decades. Marine animals can ingest debris or become entangled, leading to injury or death. Past incidents have shown how container spills can wash ashore months later, scattering household goods, footwear, and packaging across coastlines. Cleanup efforts are expensive, slow, and often incomplete, leaving local communities and wildlife to bear the long-term cost. Storm Goretti’s container losses have once again highlighted how extreme weather events amplify environmental vulnerabilities at sea. A Growing Problem in Global Shipping Container losses are not new, but their frequency appears to be rising. Experts point to several contributing factors: larger ships, higher container stacks, tighter shipping schedules, and increasingly severe weather linked to climate change. Modern mega-ships carry more containers than ever before, stacked higher to maximize efficiency. While this reduces transport costs, it also raises the center of gravity, making vessels more susceptible to rolling in extreme seas. Storm Goretti exposed how even well-equipped ships can be pushed beyond their limits when weather systems intensify faster than forecasts predict. Impact on Global Supply Chains The immediate loss of cargo disrupts supply chains already under strain. Businesses waiting for goods face delays, shortages, and insurance claims. Ports may experience congestion as damaged ships are rerouted for inspections or repairs. For smaller companies, a lost container can be financially devastating. Even with insurance, claims can take months to resolve, affecting cash flow and customer trust. In an interconnected global economy, what happens hundreds of miles offshore can ripple through markets, prices, and delivery timelines worldwide. Calls for Stronger Regulations In the aftermath of Storm Goretti, maritime safety experts are calling for stricter international standards. Proposals include improved container lashing systems, better real-time weather routing, and limits on stacking heights during storm seasons. Some argue that shipping schedules should allow more flexibility, enabling vessels to slow down or change course without financial penalties. Others emphasize the need for improved tracking technology so lost containers can be located and recovered more quickly. There are also renewed calls for transparency, as container losses are often underreported unless they pose immediate danger. Climate Change and the Future of Shipping Storm Goretti is part of a broader pattern. Scientists warn that warming oceans are fueling stronger and more unpredictable storms. As extreme weather becomes more common, shipping companies may face an uncomfortable choice: adapt rapidly or accept growing losses and risks. The shipping industry moves nearly 90% of global trade. Ensuring its safety is not just a commercial issue—it is a global priority. A Wake-Up Call at Sea Containers falling from ships during Storm Goretti serve as a stark reminder that even the most advanced global systems are vulnerable to nature’s force. What appears as an isolated maritime incident is, in reality, a complex challenge involving safety, environment, commerce, and climate resilience. As investigations continue, one thing is clear: storms like Goretti are no longer rare exceptions. They are becoming the new test of how prepared the world truly is for a changing climate—and whether lessons at sea will be learned before the next storm arrives.
By Fiaz Ahmed 3 days ago in Journal
Comments (1)
I read on Kindle, paperback and hardback, Though I tam thankful for Project Gutenberg (its why we have ereaders) I still like hard copy. I feel the same about music, and I will be doing a story over the weekend about an album that is a physical work of art. . Excellent article.