Zadie Smith, Not the kind of crush you might think
‍5 February, 2025
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At first, I intended to write about the latest book I read by Zadie Smith, her essay collection Feel Free (needless to say, I’ve read all her books—this was the only one left). But I soon realized it wasn’t a specific book I wanted to write about—it was her.John Berger, in Ways of Seeing, says, “We only see what we look at. To look is an act of choice.” For me, Zadie Smith’s way of looking at the world and her choices about what to look at create a deep sense of connection. What I mean is that when I open one of her books, it feels like stepping through the door of a home. A new home—unknown but somehow also familiar. The setting mightbe her childhood neighborhood in London, a story unfolding in the U.S., or... Read More >>

In reverence to Mount Shasta
‍7 December, 2024
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It was October, and we were heading to Mount Shasta, nestled in the Cascade Range of Siskiyou County, Northern California. The day was sunny—neither too hot nor too cold—the kind of beautiful California weather that makes you feel at ease. Our journey, spanning about five hours, was filled with quiet anticipation. Our plan was to overland while enjoying the view of the majestic Mount Shasta. Having spent my entire life in cities, I had always considered myself a city person. I loved the vibrant shops with their stylish allure, the tastefully adorned restaurants, terraces full of life, and the convenience of having everything within walking distance or a short metro ride. Even the occasional traffic and the endless stream of people... Read More >>