About the website
This website is named “The Book Keep” for two reasons, one relating to the website’s goal and the other to a more personal philosophy. Firstly, this website aims to be a space in which a reverence for books—the art of writing and storytelling and the wonder of reading—is safeguarded, appreciated, and shared. This website is the keep and the contents its beloved treasures. Secondly, as I’ve created “The Book Keep” to indulge my personal passion for literature, I felt it necessary for the name to reflect something of that spirit. Though I dream of owning a vast library one day, alas, it is prudent that I exercise control upon entering a bookstore, both for mind of space and pocket; and so, I created a rule that I will only buy a book if, being so enraptured by it, I will be certain to read it again.
It is thus my hope that in reading the reviews shared here, you, too, will find your own books to safeguard and treasure for many more readings in the future.
About the reviews
Writing anything from a poem to a 1,000-page epic is a praiseworthy endeavor, regardless of how well it is received. I do not believe, either, that a “bad” story or “bad” writing should be torn apart—not just because what makes a good book is defined differently by each person but because such stories and writing are, rather, better seen as opportunities to learn and grow. The book reviews on this website thus seek to be as objective as possible, with a focus on the craft of storytelling. As a reader, I often ask questions like, What is working for this story? Is it believable? Do I respond (whether in a good or bad way) to these characters? among others. Of course, even then, how I perceive a book may be very different from another reader’s perception, and so—if anything at all—I hope that these reviews may encourage you to think more about a book you’ve read or maybe even open a friendly, thought-provoking discussion with a fellow reader.
About me
Ever since I was little, storytelling—whether in film, video games, or books—captivated me. As I got older, this love for writing (as that is where most stories are conceived) and language eventually led me to earn a B.A. in English and pursue a career as a freelance editor. When I’m not at my computer editing, I’m drawn to anything that has to do with stories, language, or words, with books being my most constant companion. My favorite genres are fantasy, magical realism, and speculative fiction, though I’m always open to trying something new.
The Book Keep 