There are the addicts who devour every book by their favorite author and even read the magazine from cover to cover in the waiting room of the doctor's office - just because of the letters. If you want to exchange ideas with others about reading, you will find a whole parallel universe on the Internet: the literary bloggers. We introduce two book-crazy students.
We need to talk… about books
Gerrit and his blog colleague Tabitha want to “jump from line to line, from verse to verse and from page to page.” And in fact, on her blog you can find the review of Anja Kümmel's "V" right next to thoughts on Ilse Aichinger's early stories or the examination of her own blogging activity, for which Marcel Reich-Ranicki's "On Literary Criticism" is used. Gerrit knows what he is writing about there. The 26-year-old is studying German literature at the Humboldt University in Berlin. He doesn't see the contrast between a "dry study of literature" and "living literature." “Literary studies gives you the tools you need to understand literature and describe it precisely,” says the blogger. “An alert mind must protect you against the danger of institutional calcification.” Blogging also helps against too much theory. He now sees literary blogs as an important contribution to the conversation about literature. That's why we don't make a ton of purchase recommendations in a row, but rather have conversations about literature - and preferably controversially.
Gerrit's...
... first book: At the age of 12, the classic one: “The Lord of the Rings”. I would still defend it against all resistance.
... Favorite writer: This varies from phase to phase of life. In fact, I would have to name the three great Thomases of German-language literature: Thomas Mann, Thomas Bernhard, Thomas Glavinic.
... Favorite genre: I can rather say which genre I don't know what to do with: the ever-present genre of (Scandinavian) crime novels, which has flooded the market in masses.
... current book tip: A really big event: “The Dead”, the new novel by Christian Kracht.
Crises, chaos, horror
Gina likes books that are full of emotion and tension. Diving into another world for a few hours and playing detective as a reader is the greatest thing for the 24-year-old, who studies literature and media practice and communication sciences at the University of Duisburg-Essen. On her blog she lets her followers share and gives recommendations for what to read next. She is always up to date with new releases that promise thrills. For her readers, Gina also creates book lists with top 10 topics such as the “10 exciting thrillers from the perspective of the perpetrator” or the “10 saddest romance novels”. Your blog also acts as a reminder and communication channel with other reading enthusiasts. “I’ve always loved reading a lot,” says Gina. “But very few of my friends share this hobby with me.” That’s when she came up with the idea of starting a blog. Almost every post is commented on and discussed - but the murderer is never revealed. She would like to live out her love of words professionally in the literary world in the future. »Preferably in the press department of a publishing house or for a literary magazine.«
Ginas...
... first book: My very first book was “The Little Aquarius” by Otfried Preußler. My parents read the book to me night after night until I dared to read the first pages myself.
... Favorite writer: Stephen King. His books are simply brilliant stories, with authentic and unique characters and offer a good dose of horror.
... Favorite genre: Fantasy novels. I love delving into unknown worlds and their adventures.
... current book tip: “The House of Lost Children” by Linda Winterberg – the perfect read for a few cozy hours of reading, snuggled up under a warm blanket.
Literary blogger. We introduce two book-crazy students.
