This wonderful book, I think, will make me pay much more attention to Ursula K. Le Guin's books. But what really made me highly appreciate it was her perspective, her sincerity, and her ideas about the topics she pondered. Defining authors only by their novels is something that is very lacking. In fact, there is an indirect love involved. When we love the stories and characters created by the author's imagination, we are actually indirectly establishing a connection with the author. But when the intermediaries disappear, it's like having a sincere conversation with the author at a table face to face. Metaphors, characters, the story, all are taken away, and we finally get the chance to enter the backstage.

I hadn't been able to finish a famous work of the author whose name I don't want to mention now. I just couldn't get into the story no matter what. But sometimes, there may not be suitable times to read or watch something, just like authors can't write whenever they want (Ursula Le Guin dealt with this topic so beautifully).

I'm sure this will be one of my favorite books. There were countless places that I underlined, and I know very well that I will go back to those lines whenever the opportunity arises. It goes without saying that it is one of the best books I read in 2018.

This is an extensive reading, but since it is of essays, it can be read in a fragmented way.

I really enjoyed it.

The variety of topics covered in these essays makes it a rich and engaging read.

Each essay presents a unique perspective and offers valuable insights into different aspects of life, society, or a particular subject.

Whether you choose to read it from start to finish or dip in and out as you please, there is always something interesting to discover.

The writing style is engaging and accessible, making it suitable for a wide range of readers.

Overall, it is a great collection of essays that I would highly recommend to anyone looking for an intellectually stimulating and enjoyable read.

This collection was an absolute blast. It truly was a remarkable experience that left me continuously delighted, in a state of awe, and deeply moved.

However, perhaps a word of caution is in order. The title proclaims that this is about "the writer, the reading, and imagination", yet it must be noted that approximately one third of the essays do not actually revolve around any of these subjects. Instead, those essays delve into themes such as being a woman in a world that is predominantly built for men, grappling with the choices of how to describe things, and pondering what the value of a person is in a world that places a premium on money and profit.

Nevertheless, this collection is, without a doubt, a great one to read for writers, readers, and human beings in general. Le Guin, as always, demonstrates profound wisdom, a sharp sense of humor, and an almost wizard-like mastery of words. Her writing has the power to engage, inspire, and make us think deeply about the various aspects of our lives and the world around us. It is a collection that is well worth exploring and savoring.

I've been really out of it for the past two weeks because of some health issues.

However, this has been a consistent read for those moments when I'm awake and able to concentrate.

I don't believe there was a single uninteresting piece for me. Although a couple of essays did repeat some things that she had already covered before, it wasn't necessarily a bad thing.

If essays on these kinds of topics are within your area of expertise or interest, you won't be let down.

It provided interesting food for thought and was great fuel for the brain.

It really helped me pass the time and engage my mind during this period when I wasn't feeling my best.

Overall, I'm quite glad I had this to turn to when I needed something to read.

It's a collection of essays that I would recommend to others who are interested in these topics.

Le Guin's magnificent collection of non-fiction texts - essays, conferences, etc. - deal with various themes, but above all writing and literature. Her opinions highlight themes and make you aware of questions that are still of absolute relevance. Some reflections have seemed dense to me at times, but I can't help but share her opinion on many things she says, besides being surprised by her literary style, her sensitivity and sense of humor. Essential for followers of the author and lovers of literature in general.

"I think that imagination is the most useful tool that humanity possesses. It even surpasses the opposable thumb. I can imagine living without the said big toe, but not without imagination."

"I have more trace to invent things than to remember them."

"They come from another world, they take yours, they change it, they exploit it, they reduce it to a property, to a commodity. And since your world has no meaning for them until they convert it into theirs, by living among them and adopting their meanings, there is the danger of losing your own meaning."

I didn't complete the entire collection. Instead, I only delved into "Rhythmic Pattern in The Lord of the Rings".

This piece is likely one of the most perceptive essays regarding LOTR. It's fascinating to witness how the author meticulously dissects Tolkien's prose and reveals some of the fundamental elements of storytelling. There are numerous minute details that both I and the average reader might overlook. Tolkien's use of language is truly beautiful, and I adored the way it was examined. In fact, I have a strong desire to reread it.

The essay isn't overly long, yet it makes for a highly interesting read, particularly if you're a devoted fan of Tolkien. It offers a fresh perspective and a deeper understanding of the literary masterpiece that is The Lord of the Rings.

It's amazing how such a short piece can provide so much valuable insight and enhance one's appreciation of Tolkien's work. I would highly recommend it to anyone who has an interest in literature or is a fan of the LOTR series.

It is to enter the mind and heart of the writer and of all the authors we have read. My first time with Úrsula, I love her. It is to get into the kitchen of literature, whether you are a reader or a writer or both, and into a lot of the writer's personal experience. A delightful book.

When we open a book, we embark on a journey that allows us to explore the inner world of the writer. In the case of Úrsula, her story takes us on a captivating adventure. We are able to see through her eyes, feel her emotions, and understand her perspective. It is like being invited into her private space, where we can witness her joys, sorrows, and everything in between.

As readers, we have the opportunity to connect with the characters and the story on a deep level. We can learn from their experiences, gain new insights, and expand our own understanding of the world. And for writers, this kind of exploration can serve as inspiration for our own work. We can study the techniques used by the author, the way she constructs her sentences, and the emotions she evokes in the reader.

In conclusion, reading is a wonderful way to enter the minds and hearts of others. It allows us to experience different cultures, perspectives, and emotions, and to expand our own horizons. So, pick up a book today and start your own journey of discovery.

Bedeniyle çalışır,

Gündelikçidir.

Emek verir, doğum sancısı çeker,

Terler, sızlanır.

Kendisidir enstrümanı,

ağırşağı, mekiği, çıkrığı.

Kendisidir yapışkan yün, ham kil ve

Gündüzleri işçi yevmiyesine

Çalışan bilge elleri.

Bedeni içinde işler

Bir gece canlısını.

Koşar duvarlar arasında.

Avlanır yem olur.

Sinsi sinsi gezinir, üzerine atılır öldürüp yer

Sessiz kanatlarıyla uçar.

Gözleri deler karanlığı.

Kanlıdır bıraktığı izler

Çığlık attımı donar kalır her şey

O başka bilgeliği duyunca.

Kimine göre çalışan her kadın savaşçıdır.

Yanaşmıyorum bu tanıma.

Mecbur kaldı mı bu savaşçıdır, elbet,

Bilge bir savaşçı.

Profesyonel bir savaşçıya,

Los Generales'e geldi mi değişir iş,

Kahraman olmak için yapacağı

Daha iyi işler vardır.

Madalyalar daha düz göğüslüler içindir.

Rahatsız ederler onların göğüs uçlarını

Komik dururlar.

Uymaz üniformalar.

Kalçasından vursa birini

Bakar ki Freudcular alkışlar -

Gördün mü, gördün mü? derler,

Gördün mü, gördün mü? O da istiyor!

(Benimkini istiyor!

Ama olmaz onda!

Olmaz de mi baba?

Olmaz oğlum.)

Bununla birlikte, bende değişmeyen bir şey var; bedenimin içinden geçtiği bütün o şaşırtıcı, heyecan verici, korkutucu ve hüsran yaratıcı değişmelere rağmen değişmeyen bir yan. Sadece göründüğü şey olmayan biri var orda: onu bulmak ve tanımak için irdelemem, içime, derinlere bakmam gerekiyor. Sadece mekanda değil, zamanda da.

Belleğimi kaybedene kadar kayıp olmayacağım.

Walter Ong, 'Ses ancak varoluşu sona ererken var olur,' diyor. Çok karmaşık bir basit ifade bu. Aynı şeyi hayat hakkında da söyleyebilirsiniz. Hayat ancak varoluşu sona ererken var olur.

'Zincirlerinizden başka kaybedecek bir şeyiniz yok, ' ama biz onları öpmeyi yeğliyoruz.

'Adaleti hayal etmezsek kendi adaletsizliğimizi görmeyeceğiz. Özgürlüğü hayal etmezsek özgür olamayacağız. Adalet ve özgürlüğün erişilebilir olduğunu hayal etme şansına sahip olmamış birinden bunları erişmeye çalışmasını talep edemeyiz.'

'Dünyayı bir öyküye dönüştüremeyen insanlar çıldırır.'

'Ancak edilgenlik kırılganlık anlamına gelir; medyada anlatılan öykülerin çoğu bu kırılganlığı sömürür.'

Soljenitsin'in şu sözündeki anlamda betimleyebilir. 'Iyi ve kötü arasındaki çizgi her insan kalbinin tam ortasından geçer.' Ciddi fantazide esas savaş ahlakı ve manevidir. Pogo'nun dediği gibi düşmanla karşılaşmışsınızdır, düşman bizizdir. Iyilik yapabilmek için \\"şer ekseni\\"nin kendi içlerinde olduğunu bilmek ya da öğrenmek zorundadır kahramanlar

'Rüyalarda başlar sorumluluk, demişti şair. Rüyalarda, hayallerimizde birbirimiz olmaya başlarız. Ben senim. Engeller iner.'

'Gençken zihnimde ve bedenimde, içinde vücut bulabileceğim; kuvvetli, derin, bedensel bir sekilde özleşebileceğim hayali bir kişi bulduğumda, yazacak bir hikayem olduğunu anlardım. Aşık olmaya öyle benzerdi ki belki de gerçekten aşık olmaktı.'

'Fakat Virgina Woolf'un 'gerçek mesele cinsiyetin çok ötesindedir.' görüşüne katılma eğilimindeyim.

'Ama sesten öte bir şeydi bu. Bedensel bilgidir. Beden öyküdür, ses onu anlatır.'

Bir yumru var şuracıkta, diyor.

Taş gibi bir şey -mercimek gibi-

Uyuyamıyorum.

Yarım nohut büyüklüğünde

Bir şey var yazamadığım.

Doğru yazamadığım.

Uyuyamıyorum.

Kalkıp yazıyor onu

İşi hiç bitmiyor.

Hermosos y divertidos ensayos sobre la creación,

in which Le Guin takes a review of her own life and her relationship with some of the people who accompanied her, either her or her family, like Ishi, the last person of his tribe and who met the writer's father (the renowned anthropologist Alfred Koeler). Ursula insists that there is no secret to writing or, more appropriately, the secret to being a writer consists in writing. As one writes, one learns to develop the skills that allow one to find the rhythm of each story, with the characters, the plot, and the atmosphere. She emphasizes the importance of practice and perseverance in the writing process. Le Guin's essays offer valuable insights into the creative mind and the journey of a writer. They are not only a source of inspiration but also a practical guide for those who aspire to write. Her words encourage us to pick up a pen and start writing, to explore our own creativity and to tell our own stories.

Qué mujer tan maravillosa.

The first half of the book was a bit more challenging for me, but the parts where she speaks with such affection and eloquence about reading and writing, I have navigated them more happily than a partridge. It has also inspired me and I hope it lasts, or at least I will know where to turn when I feel demotivated. One more lady to whom I owe so much ❤️‍

I really liked the first half of this collection.

It consisted of personal, poetic pieces, as well as essays on other writers, stress, and rhythm. These elements combined to create a truly engaging and thought-provoking reading experience.

The personal nature of the pieces allowed me to connect with the author on a deeper level, while the poetic language added a touch of beauty and elegance.

The essays on other writers provided valuable insights into their works and writing processes, and the discussions on stress and rhythm were both interesting and relevant.

Strangely, however, the pieces in the second half, which were more about theories of writing, left me much colder.

Perhaps it was because I found the subject matter less engaging, or perhaps it was because the writing style was less accessible.

Whatever the reason, I simply didn't find myself as invested in these pieces as I was in the first half of the collection.

Overall, though, I still think this collection is worth reading, especially for those interested in personal essays and writing about writing.

I haven't delved deeply into Ms Le Guin's fiction as of yet. However, (especially after this experience) I hold a great deal of respect for her and the way her mind works.

I found most of the essays in this collection to be quite engaging. In particular, "Dogs, Cats, and Dancers: Thoughts About Beauty" really stood out to me. It was a fascinating exploration of the concept of beauty.

Nonetheless, I was somewhat frustrated with her gender-related essays. They seemed to focus solely on cisgendered men and women, ignoring the vast complexity and diversity that exists within the realm of gender. Given that Ms Le Guin is the author of one of the more captivating fictional portrayals of gender variance, namely "The Left Hand of Darkness", I had anticipated a more open and inclusive perspective that wasn't so binary-minded.

That being said, this was my only significant concern. The majority of what I read in this collection was both humorous and wise, and it truly made me think deeply. I often found myself longing to own a copy so that I could underline all the brilliant insights and ideas she was presenting. Overall, this collection is definitely worth a read.