Robert Bruce

LATEST ARTICLES ( 529 )

• Do You Care If A Book Is Self Published?

  That’s my question for you today.As I’m patiently waiting to hear from a publisher about my book idea, I’ve also considered self-publishing as a fallback. But i... Read more

  Posted on 10 October 2014 BOOKS, CULTURE

• Nat Turner’s Stolen Book

  The Confessions of Nat Turner is a heavy novel.But one of William Styron’s strengths is balancing that heaviness with light humor or just observations on the... Read more

  Posted on 09 October 2014 BOOKS, CULTURE

• This 12 Year Old’s Essay Is Brilliant

  

  This 12 year old kid gets it.He just gets it.Now go out and win today, just like this kid. Image via Grammarly. Read more

  Posted on 08 October 2014 BOOKS, CULTURE

• IKEA Marketing For The Win

  I’ve never much been an IKEA guy, but I’ve got to admit their marketing is brilliant, as evidenced by this ad that went viral a few weeks ago (I know, I’m... Read more

  Posted on 07 October 2014 BOOKS, CULTURE

• Fall Break Is In Effect

  Hey friends. I’m taking a little fall vacation for the next few days.101 Books will return with new posts on Tuesday.Until then, enjoy some of the “greatest... Read more

  Posted on 01 October 2014 BOOKS, CULTURE

• Who Was Nat Turner?

  Nat Turner was a real guy.So, while The Confessions of Nat Turner is a novel, it’s very much based on fact. Nat was a slave in Virginia who led a revolt and... Read more

  Posted on 30 September 2014 BOOKS, CULTURE

• Bill Clinton’s 21 Favorite Books

  Although I’m not a big fan of politicians, I’ve always kinda, sorta liked Bill Clinton.He’s always seemed like an approachable guy who would be easy to talk... Read more

  Posted on 29 September 2014 BOOKS, CULTURE

• 7 Bad Dating Tips From Literature

  When I was single, I hated dating—which is probably why I didn’t do much of it. There are so many unspoken rules, and girls play games, and it’s enough to make... Read more

  Posted on 26 September 2014 BOOKS, CULTURE

• Don’t Leave Your Love Note In This English Class

  

  This English teacher is a winner at life.Some love-stricken student left a love note in his English class. So he took the opportunity to correct said student’s... Read more

  Posted on 25 September 2014 BOOKS, CULTURE

• Next Up: The Confessions Of Nat Turner

  I’m not a huge fan of historical fiction, but this one looks pretty good.The Confessions of Nat Turner, written by William Styron, is historical fiction in a... Read more

  Posted on 24 September 2014 BOOKS, CULTURE

• Book #74: Appointment in Samarra

  

  “If you want to read a book by a man who knows exactly what he is writing about and has written it marvelously well, read Appointment in Samarra.” -Ernest... Read more

  Posted on 23 September 2014 BOOKS, CULTURE

• What’s Your Signature Word?

  Matthew Malady wrote an interesting column for Slate last week about “signature words.” He says a signature word is basically a word we unknowingly use often... Read more

  Posted on 22 September 2014 BOOKS, CULTURE

• 13 College Football Teams Reimagined As Famous Authors

  

  Earlier this year before the Super Bowl, I made a list that reimagined all 32 NFL teams as favorite authors. That was fun.With college football season now... Read more

  Posted on 19 September 2014 BOOKS, CULTURE

• Say Hello To Pottsville

  Ever heard of Pottsville, Pennsylvania?Until last week, the answer to that question, for me, was a firm “no.”Pottsville is the hometown of author John O’Hara,... Read more

  Posted on 18 September 2014 BOOKS, CULTURE

• Place “Only” Anywhere In This Sentence

  

  English is a wacky language.Just ask my 4 year old, who recently corrected me for saying that he “bought lunch.” He said, “No Daddy, I buyeded lunch.” You’re... Read more

  Posted on 17 September 2014 BOOKS, CULTURE

• Meet One Of The Saddest Couples In Literature

  I’ve got to admit that I really like Appointment in Samarra.Knowing very little about the novel before I started, I’ve been pleasantly surprised with how much... Read more

  Posted on 16 September 2014 BOOKS, CULTURE

• Previewing The Next 5 Novels

  Last week I posted the list of books that I still have to read from the Time list—27 in all.As I’m getting close to wrapping up Appointment in Samarra (it’s... Read more

  Posted on 15 September 2014 BOOKS, CULTURE

• Literary Fun With Google Translate, Part 1

  I titled this post with a “part one”—which implies there will be a “part two”—but I honestly don’t know. I guess we’ll see how this goes over.Here’s the deal. Read more

  Posted on 12 September 2014 BOOKS, CULTURE

• On September 11 And The “Why” Behind Tragedy

  Today is September 11.If you don’t live in America, today might not be that big a deal to you. It’s just another Thursday.But, for us, today marks the 13th... Read more

  Posted on 11 September 2014 BOOKS, CULTURE

• Some Thoughts On The 27 Remaining Novels

  Let’s take a look at the 27 books I have left to read from the Time list, shall we?Here’s what’s left: The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie (1961), by Muriel Spark... Read more

  Posted on 10 September 2014 BOOKS, CULTURE