Kreeger Reads

         Hello! I have been rather off-the-grid since the start of this semester, mostly because of my course load, but also because I feel as though the subject of my postings has become rather monotonous and boring. I want to begin to take my page into more directions. I intend to continue doing the reviews I initially started this blog to do, but I also want to have more "series" if you will. Some of the ideas I've had are analyzing modern musical lyrics in pop, mature perspectives on fairy tales and their true meaning/contexts, and maybe even posting some of the pieces I am writing at uni to give you guys an idea of the kind of work that interests me (and hopefully will interest you as well). These are just examples, but the addition I am most excited about is the creation of a Tumblr account! On this Tumblr I will be posting snipets, quotes, poems and other pieces I have written but do not intend on using in any sort of publishing in the future. This is rea...

Summary               Circe played an assisting role to many of Greek mythology's most famous heroes; Jason and Odysseus being examples. However, in Madeline Millers most recent novel, she plays second fiddle to no one- finally telling her own story as she lived it. The novel weaves her role in many of the most well known myths together: the Odyssey , Scylla, Prometheus, and Jason and the golden fleece. Review        As you can probably tell from past books I have reviewed, Circe seems a bit out of my genre. However, I chose to read this book because Miller's first novel, The Song of Achilles , is my favorite of all time. I think that is what made this piece so frustrating for me. I want to preface this review by saying I did not hate it, but I would not read it again. I think the reason Circle was a flop for me was because the character it followed simply was not intriguing enough. From interviews I have read, Miller's mai...

Summary        McCann's As Meat Loves Salt follows Jacob Cullen, a former gentleman turned servant, through the tumultuous civil war that plagued seventeenth century England. A reflection of the war-torn and class-torn country itself, Jacob battles madness. His dark humor and passion color his relationships throughout the novel- whether it be his family, fellow soldiers, community members, or the man he is obsessed with. Review        To review this book first requires me to take a *deep* breath. I have read many novels in my life, the majority of which end sadly. However, I have never read a book like this- a book this dark. As any reader will discover, Jacob Cullen is insane (Note: I use the term insane in the colloquial term, not the scientific. I will make mention in the side notes at the end my thoughts on applying psychology to this novel).  I would not call Jacob a protagonist as that alludes to him being a heroic character, but ...

Summary The Charioteer by Mary Renault is a historical fiction and LGBT+ book set in England during World War 2. The novel follows the recovery of Laurie Odell, a 23 year old who sustained an extensive knee injury in Dunkirk, in a rural rehabilitation center. During his recovery, a Quaker and conscientious objector, Andrew Raynes, begins working as an orderly at the center. Against the backdrop of quaint, rural hospital life these two kindle an understanding- which eventually teeters into the gray area and expectations of something more. Interrupting this, however, Laurie reunites with an old mentor and idol from his boarding school, Ralph Lanyon, while receiving a series of special treatments in the city. Ralph comes with an introduction to a tiresome gay scene, which is in sharp contrast to the quite life he lived with Andrew. Eventually Laurie is forced to choose between not only these two men, but these two lifestyles and, ultimately, so much more. Review This work elicit...

*Spoiler Alert* To analyze all of Andre Aciman’s Call Me by Your Name would take years, and test my own emotional endurance as I am still quite raw. Therefore, I will analyze the ending only (after all, as proven by the novel, one truly cannot go back in time). The reason Elio and Oliver's love affair ends after Oliver leaves for the states is because they burned too brightly- they're obsessive love could in no way exist in the real world. Such a flame only burned in the most perfect of conditions- in Italy, in the summer, in the 80s, in a beautiful villa complete with tennis court, balcony, and about the most romantic setting you'll ever see. They both said that they would write and call etc., but both knew their days were numbered and that this love could only exist in the present. Furthermore, the reason Oliver went on to marry a woman and have kids while Elio did not was because Oliver was chronically "okay" with everything. Although he exuded this larger ...

       Hey guys! My name is Kile Kreeger and welcome to my book blog. There are many like it, but this one is mine. The inspiration behind creating this blog- I kept finding myself reading lesser known books, and then not being able to find any discussions on them after they had successfully ripped my heart out. I have a very eclectic taste in literature, and just hope some people will be able to relate and find my humble insights/rants/reviews helpful. I am a second year English major and, when left to my own devices, gravitate heavily towards biographies, historical fiction, and LGBT+ literature. Without shame, I can also admit to reading the occasional mainstream young adult novel- though I am positive their will be no shortage of reviews out there about such novels. As a result, my reviews will be primarily on books that are more niche- which should be great for adcents. I have one review that I wrote hastily in the notes of my phone back when I was swamped at un...