Eggplant.place

2d

What’s the first book you remember loving?

3d

The Magician of Tiger Castle by Louis Sachar review – whimsical fantasy in a kingdom long, long ago Takahe has limited support for this type: See Original Page

the-magician-of-tiger-castle-by-louis-sachar-review-whimsical-fantasy-in-a-kingdom-long-long-ago

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3d

My latest read: "Kenai" by Dave Dobson @davedobson - See my Goodreads review for details but if you're searching for a new science-fiction novel, this one's worth a look!

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/7826009327

@specfic @scifi @bookstodon

#scifi #specfic #book #bookrec #bookreview #books #booksofmastodon #readersofmastodon #readingcommunity #bookstodon #booktodon

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2d

How to Restore a Rembrandt

It takes more than good chemistry

By Sara Kiley Watson

https://nautil.us/how-to-restore-a-rembrandt-1230774/

Rembrandt at PG:
https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/author/7232

#books #art #painting #restoration

The Nightwatch, or Militia Company of District II under the Command of Captain Frans Banninck Cocq (1642).

Thepaintimg depicts Captain Frans Banninck Cocq in black with a red sash, striding forward and gesturing with his left hand, while Lieutenant Willem van Ruytenburch in bright yellow and white walks beside him. They lead a lively company of Amsterdam civic guards, all armed and in motion.

Rembrandt breaks from the static formality of traditional militia portraits by showing the men mid-action: muskets being loaded and fired, flags waving, a drummer beating time, and a dog barking. The scene is dramatically lit with golden light piercing deep shadow, creating strong contrasts and directing the viewer’s attention to key figures.

In the midst of the bustle, a mysterious girl in a golden dress — symbolically linked to the company’s emblem — stands illuminated, carrying a chicken with claws visible at her belt.

https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:The_Night_Watch_-_HD.jpg

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3d

A thing I love about Austen's work is how immensely quotable it is. All you need to do is open up one of her books and you'll soon enough find a quote to your liking!

#AmReading #AmWriting @bookstodon #books #Bookstodon #WritingCommunity #ReadingCommunity #Regency #Georgian #JaneAusten @romancelandia

Light green flowered background. There are two lines of medium green curlycues at the top and bottom of the image. The text reads, "And your defect is a propensity to hate everybody." "And yours, he replied, with a smile, "is wilfully to misunderstand them." Below the bottom two golden yellow lines, it says, "Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen"

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2d

Inventing the American Revolution: On Thomas Paine’s Guide to Fighting Dictatorship

“How are free people supposed to stay free? One short answer: don’t trust anyone over thirty.”

By Matthew Redmond

https://lithub.com/inventing-the-american-revolution-on-thomas-paines-guide-to-fighting-dictatorship/

Thomas Paine at PG:
https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/author/91

#books #literature #history

Portrait of Thomas Paine by John Wesley Jarvis, c. 1806–1807.

Paine is shown bust-length, turned slightly to one side, his gaze meeting the viewer with a direct look. His face is lined with age — high forehead, prominent cheekbones, and deep-set eyes.

He wears a dark coat over a waistcoat, with a white cravat neatly tied at his throat. His hair, thinning and swept back, is rendered in soft, light strokes, possibly a powdered style or simply greying with age.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thomas_Paine#/media/File:Thomas_Paine_A16220.jpg

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2d

How a public library's summer game took over a Michigan city

by Neda Ulaby

https://www.npr.org/2025/08/04/nx-s1-5477533/public-library-summer-game-ann-arbor-michigan

#libraries #books

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3d

My thoughts on Blood Meridian (spoilers)

The beginning of this little think piece of mine will cover the ending of the book, as I believe the ending is the glue that binds the rest of the novel together. I’ll then add some general thoughts about plot, pacing, and prose.

The epilogue, consistent with the rest of the book, is metaphor in its most profound form. In my mind, the holes taken from the earth represent the progress of humanity. Humanity as a whole brings hell about the natural land it inhabits and destroys God’s creations indiscriminately, but an infinitesimal number of men lead the charge. Those who are not leaving have no choice but to comply. The holes have already been carved, and their contents incinerated; as followers, we have no choice but to watch our step, lest we twist an ankle.

As for the last chapter, I will not pore over the whole thing. Instead, I’ll say that it is clear the judge is supposed to represent God to some degree (literal or otherwise). At the very least, his character is used as an example of how power and knowledge harnessed by capable hands is able to commit atrocities on a biblical scale; and just as the christian god accrues followers, and just as the christian god’s philosophies oft end up causing more harm than good, so too does the judge accrue followers, and so too do his philosophies, grand and astute as they may be, result in harm. Perhaps the judge is an allegory for Manifest Destiny.

I do wonder what significance the imbecile holds. The judge requires a follower of some sort, and so bereft of that, he resorts to the imbecile, perhaps?

As for the rest of the book, I do have a few bones to pick.

I really am not one for this writing style. I see it as a hindrance. It’s bearable, but people liken the prose to Moby Dick (brazenly displayed on the front AND back cover of the book), and frankly, this is an insult to Melville. Yes, the imagery is vivid, the subtext is rich, and the book gets very philosophical at points. But in his prose, McCarthy only holds a candle to Melville when the judge is speaking.

The lack of quotation marks coupled with the run-on sentences were novel and helped set the mood initially, but the more I read, the more these aspects came off as pretentious, needless obstruction.

The book also gets into a rut towards the middle: vivid depictions of nature, a taste of philosophy, an atrocity, a town, an atrocity, rinse and repeat. The book’s complete lack of emotion is harrowing, but also tends to make things blend together, especially in the middle.

All in all, this book definitely has weight, and I have lots to think about.

I’m curious as to what messages you all got from the book as a whole. What meaning did you gleam from the tail end of the book? What do you think of the prose?

I can dive into thoughts on characters, specific events, etc. in the comments.

Takahe has limited support for this type: See Original Page

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2d

The Three-Body Problem Trilogy by Cixin Liu

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15h

I AM ready for words (b*tch)! So I'm taking suggestions for book book books 😂

@bookstodon @scifi @speculativefictioncomedy @bookbubble @humour

#SciFiMemes #SciFi #Memes #Humor #Humour
#GiveMeAllYouveGot
#Book #Books #Novel #Novels
#Mastobooks #BooksofMastodon #Bookstodon #Bookworm #Bookwyrm #Bookstodon #BookLove #BoostingIsSharing

Message by Lord Penis:
Two pictures of Dune by Frank Herbert and a message saying, You assholes didn’t tell me this is like a book book
Reply by your fantasy dad;
hope you like words bitch

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1d

A Man Read 3,599 Books Over 60 Years, and Now His Family Has Shared the Entire List Online

https://www.openculture.com/2025/08/a-man-read-3599-books-over-60-years-and-now-his-family-has-shared-the-entire-list-online.html

One page of Dan's list of books

#books #literature

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1d

What's new, you ask?

"The Nemesis Legacy" is coming in January!
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/228875406-the-nemesis-legacy

To celebrate, a Kindle giveaway for "8" in the US:
https://www.goodreads.com/giveaway/show/419607-8-tales-of-the-big-men-from-the-nod-wells-timelines

Ronald McGillvray & I have a plan...

So, yeah... a lot! 📚🤪👍
http://michaelshotter.com

@bookstodon @specfic @scifi @horrorbooks

#bookstodon #booktodon #booksofmastodon #readersofmastodon #book #books #read #reads #reading #readingcommunity #whattoread

Michael Shotter is a lifelong resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. As a lover of science, fiction, and fantasy, his works aim to push beyond the boundaries of traditional genre fiction into new and exciting realms born from literary craftsmanship.

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1y

Aphra Behn, the First Englishwoman to Earn a Living With Her Writing, Is Finally Getting Her Due
A year-long event series aims to champion the pioneering 17th-century writer’s legacy

By Elizabeth Djinis via @SmithsonianMag

https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/aphra-behn-the-first-englishwoman-to-earn-a-living-with-her-writing-is-finally-getting-her-due-180984662/

Aphra Behn's The Amorous Prince, or, The Curious Husband was staged this month for the first time in 350 years.

#books #literature #theatre

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1d

Many public libraries — including the one in San Antonio — have stopped charging late fees, which is a good thing for one family. An individual based in Oregon posted "Your Child, His Family, and Friends" back to the library, 82 years after it was due, saying that they had found it in their father's possessions after his death, and that the book must have been borrowed by their grandmother. I hope there is no late fee for it because Grandma won't be able to pay for it anymore," the writer said. The library said that had they still imposed fines, it would have been in the region of $900. The 1940s parenting book will now be donated for sale at a used book store. Here's more from @CBSNews.

https://flip.it/kTtZqc
#Books @bookstodon #History @histodons #SanAntonio #Texas

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1d

I suppose an introduction is in order. Better make one before I forget...

I'm Ferrus, your local queer goat! 🐐

I'm a #pansexual, #agender, and #aromantic of the #autistic #furry variety! My presentation is primarily feminine, though I incorporate some masculine or neutral pieces when the mood strikes me.

I was born and raised in #newzealand, though you wouldn't know that from my accent, a weird american-british-kiwi hybrid.

My Hobbies/Special Interests include but are not limited to: #linux, #anime, #vidogames, #tabletop, #books, #movies, #tv, #space, #fantasy, #sciencefiction, #oldtechnology, #lego, and #sustainablefashion

My favourite pieces of media are: #Warhammer40K, #TheExpanse, #StarTrek, #StarBlazers, #Tensura, #DungeonsAndDragons, #Pathfinder, #WorldofDarkness, #Stargate, and the #nasuverse

I may occasionally toot about these

Currently looking for education in some kind of Systems Administration Role, and run #NixOS on a daily basis. I also build my own machines.

My toots and boosts may occasionally be #NSFW. DNI with these unless you are of legal age.

Feel free to DM me, unless you're a #troll, #bigot, or anything else of the sort.

Offenders will find themselves fed to an Elder Wyrm (the mute/block button)

#introduction #welcome #newhere

Edited 1d ago

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42d

Read 1 novel and call me in the morning — how bibliotherapy can improve our well-being | CBC News

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4h

‘State-driven censorship’: new wave of book bans hits Florida school districts Takahe has limited support for this type: See Original Page

florida-new-book-bans

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1h

Any good books on coding?

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1d

My latest read: "Pact" by Daniel Lorn - See my Goodreads review for details but if you're in search of a quick horror tale to churn your gut and rattle your brain, this one's worth a look!

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/7829904612

@bookstodon @specfic @horrorbooks

#horror #novelette #book #books #bookrec #bookrecs #bookreview #bookreviews #booksofmastodon #readersofmastodon #reading #readingcommunity #bookstodon #booktodon

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11d

What can I do with my Fire HD 8 10th generation

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1d

Very much enjoyed this talk of Adnan Husein with Alana Lentin.

Lentin makes a good case that Zionism is where Western racial fascism and colonialism have always been headed. Clarified a lot to me about the hasbara "the West is next" and the unconditional support of Western governments and the support of fascists for Zionism.

They talk about many things, like CRT, the antisemitism of anti-antisemitism, and how anti-colonial and anti-racism concepts/terminology are used in service of the colonialism and racism of the status quo. Sounds like a very interesting book, good analysis.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=3XK8g5U3DnM

#AntiColonialism #Counterinsurgency #RacialCapitalism #books #TheNewRacialRegime #zionism #fascism @bookstodon @palestine @israel

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3h

📖 **When The Solution Is Worse Than The Initial Problem**

I was advised by a friend to intersperse fiction books in between my reading of non-fiction material. He said that it would help with concentration and removing boredom. Taking his advice to heart, I have started doing exactly as advised. This has led me into a quandary. The latest fiction book that I chose is over one thousand pages of historical fiction. The choice of book came from an online recommendation. I am currently on page two hundred and eighty-eight and it has been a struggle getting this far. Ostensibly a 'palate cleaner' my current choice is boring and can in no way be described as a page turner. The easiest solution would be to stop reading and move on; however, I find that really difficult. I know it is a personal flaw and something that I need to address and change. In the meantime, I will continue to struggle and hope the thousand-page mark comes quickly.

#DNF #Reading #Fiction #Nonfiction #Books #Bookstodon @bookstodon

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1d

Animal Farm at 80: why the animals really matter in Orwell’s parable about communism

Orwell wrote his short, shocking novel at a time when it was considered scientifically inadmissible for animals to be granted thoughts or even feelings.

By Charlotte Sleigh

https://theconversation.com/animal-farm-at-80-why-the-animals-really-matter-in-orwells-parable-about-communism-246713?utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Latest%20from%20The%20Conversation%20for%20August%2014%202025%20-%203485335498&utm_content=Latest%20from%20The%20Conversation%20for%20August%2014%202025%20-%203485335498+CID_ae8c2a2908db309198a7304bffc37b62&utm_source=campaign_monitor_uk&utm_term=Animal%20Farm%20at%2080%20why%20the%20animals%20really%20matter%20in%20Orwells%20parable%20about%20communism

#Books #literature

Cover to first edition of Animal Farm by George Orwell.

The title “Animal Farm” appears in large, bold, sans-serif lettering at the top, with “A Fairy Story” (the original subtitle) placed beneath in smaller type.

The background is filled with dynamic, radiating lines, giving the design a sense of movement and urgency.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Animal_Farm#/media/File:Animal_Farm_-_1st_edition.jpg

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1d

We Love Libraries

Honoring the libraries and librarians that have shaped the way we live, learn, and fight.

Want to foment a revolution or win a war? Fight for justice, freedom, and civil rights? Make sure women have a safe social space? Or just leave your mark on the world? We recommend you start at the library.

By The Editors

https://daily.jstor.org/we-love-libraries/

Libraries & librarians at PG:
https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/subject/10467
https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/subjects/search/?query=librarians

#Books

One of four shop signs for the pharmacy “Zum goldenen Löwen” in Josefstadt by Ferdinand Georg Waldmüller (1793–1865) .

This is a finely crafted example of early 19th-century commercial art, blending practical signage with painterly skill.

The sign is painted in oil on panel, intended to be displayed outdoors above the pharmacy in Vienna’s Josefstadt district.

https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Ferdinand_Georg_Waldm%C3%BCller_Apothekenladenschilder_4.jpg