Books · Movements · Craft · Criticism

On the things
humans create.

Essays on art, literature, and creative movements. I'm talking what they were responding to, why they still matter, and what they reveal about the people who made them.
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Art  & Lit
April 19, 2026
8 min read

Surrealism: an Artistic Movement in Western Society

Are the pictures in this essay unlocking your subconscious mind? If not, maybe you should paint like the surrealists to unlock what's within!
Read the essay →
Art  & Lit
April 3, 2026
7 min read

An Irish Breakthrough in an English Literary World

Are you tired of the English invading Irish spaces? I'm sorry... I have one more example for you! But at least this one discusses an author who cared what it was actually like for the Irish all those years ago.
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Art  & Lit
January 15, 2026
5 min read

Awareness vs Exploitation in Media

This essay covers the depiction of violence against minorities in media and whether or not it brings awareness or crosses the line into exploitation. Touchy subject, and maybe even more important to talk about because of that.
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Illustration of a local bookstore with pink and yellow striped awning and a display window.

Shop local sellers first

Independent bookstores are community infrastructure.... and they're an endangered species right now! If you have one nearby, use it. They curate better anyway.

Find yours via IndieBound →
Colorful row of six decorative books with floral, hearts, stripes, and checkered patterns on their covers.

Barnes & Noble

Still a physical bookstore. Still a human at the register. Still better than a warehouse's online algorithm (*cough cough* Amazon) deciding what your interests should be.

barnesandnoble.com →
Illustration of a brick library building with a green double door and multiple windows.

Your library is free

Your library card costs nothing and funds one of the last truly public spaces in America. Use it. Renew it. Defend it! They even have an online database of books to download!

Find your library via WorldCat →
Laptop displaying books on screen with a magnifying glass beside it, symbolizing online book search.

Best online options

If there baren't a lot of options for you, try shopping at one of these online book stores first:

bookshop.org →
ThriftBooks →
Book Outlet →

AbigaiL Shaw

Always learning. Occasionally publishing it.
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