It is a truth universally acknowledged that M. Dirda is a sucker for anything bookish in the way of artwork. Michael Dirda acknowledgeartworkbookish Change image and share on social
Like most people, I find watching the lazy and quiet underwater realm of a big aquarium exceptionally calming. Michael Dirda aquariumbigcalm Change image and share on social
No matter how beautiful the paper, artwork, printing, and binding, I'm seldom drawn to a book unless it's by a writer I care about or on a subject that appeals to me. Michael Dirda appealartworkbeautiful Change image and share on social
I do think digital media encourages speed-reading, which can be fine if one is simply seeking information. But a serious novel or work of history or volume of poetry is an experience one should savor, take time over. Michael Dirda digitalencourageexperience share on social
People who've read my reviews know my tastes, know how I approach a book, know my background. I can write with believable authority. It doesn't mean I'm always right. Michael Dirda approachauthoritybackground Change image and share on social
What I enjoy about reviewing and writing for newspapers and periodicals is simply the chance to talk about all kinds of books and lots of them. Michael Dirda bookchanceenjoy Change image and share on social
For years, I meant to read 'Arabian Sands', Wilfred Thesiger's account of two punishing camel journeys during the late 1940s across Southern Arabia's Empty Quarter. Now that I have, I can sheepishly join the chorus of those who revere the book as one of the half dozen greatest works of modern English travel writing. Michael Dirda 1940sarabiaarabian share on social
The savagery and power of Edith Wharton's ghost stories surprised me. Michael Dirda edithghostpower Change image and share on social
I find that the Amazon comments often are exceptionally shrewd and insightful, so I'm not going to diss them. But you don't really have any guarantees that what you're reading wasn't written out of friendship or spite. Michael Dirda amazoncommentdis share on social
In my own case, my folks didn't actually object to comics, as many parents did, but they pretty much felt the things were a waste of time. Michael Dirda casecomicfelt Change image and share on social