Agatha Christie's success as the best-selling novelist of all time was built on her cleverly constructed mystery novels. One of her key techniques was to limit the scope of her stories by setting them in isolated locations, which built tension and limited possible suspects. She also simplified her characters to a handful of simple traits, which made them predictable suspects but also relied on harmful stereotypes. However, she worked to make her characters feel authentic by closely observing the people around her and constantly scribbling down details from overheard conversations. Christie used clues to intentionally mislead her audience, and her most enduring sleuths were outsiders who slipped past security and made suspects let their guard down. By learning these techniques, students can develop their own compelling writing and critical thinking skills.

Choosing the right point of view is one of the most important decisions an author makes when telling a story. The point of view can transform a story completely, creating unique possibilities and constraints. The three main perspectives are third person, first person, and second person, each with their own benefits and limitations. A third person narrator can create distance and highlight certain elements, while a first person narrator creates closeness and suspense. Second person is a less common choice, but can build urgency and suspense. Authors are constantly experimenting with fresh variations on point of view, and new virtual and augmented reality technologies may expand the possibilities for this experimentation. By understanding the different perspectives, students can gain a deeper appreciation for the craft of storytelling and develop their own unique writing style.

Virginia Woolf's writing explores the slippery nature of subjective experience and the internal experience of alienation. She uses a stream of consciousness, interior monologue, and multiple perspectives to contrast the rich world of the mind against external existence. Woolf's work is a key example of Modernism, a cultural movement that sought to push the boundaries of how reality is represented. Her novels "Mrs. Dalloway," "To the Lighthouse," and "The Waves" all delve deeply into the characters' traumatic pasts, weaving the inner world with external reality. Through deep thought, Woolf's characters temporarily transcend their material reality, and in its careful consideration of the complexity of the mind, her work charts the importance of making our inner lives known to each other. Studying Woolf's work will help students understand the complexity of the human mind and the importance of subjective experience.

The Metamorphoses is a spellbinding collection of classical myths that are savage, sophisticated, witty, and wicked. This new rendition of Ovid's masterpiece is fluid, readable, and accurate, making it perfect for contemporary readers. The Metamorphoses is a treasure trove of miraculous transformations, from the creation of the universe to the apotheosis of Julius Caesar. Allen Mandelbaum's poetic artistry brings to life the Roman poet's far-from-reverent sensibility, making this classical literature masterpiece a must-read for anyone who loves myths and legends. Recommended for students of literature, classics, and mythology, as well as anyone interested in exploring the timeless themes of transformation, power, and identity. This book might also be of particular interest to writers, artists, and creatives looking for inspiration and new perspectives. The Metamorphoses is a fascinating window into the ancient world, and its relevance to contemporary culture is undeniable. This book is a great resource for anyone seeking to deepen their understanding of the human experience and the power of storytelling.

"The Flavor Thesaurus" is not your typical cookbook. It's a beautifully written and imaginative guide to understanding the language of flavor. Author Niki Segnit breaks down the vast universe of ingredients into 99 essential flavors, suggesting classic and lesser-known pairings for each. But this book is much more than a reference guide - Segnit infuses it with her own insights and opinions, making it a witty and engaging read. Whether you're a novice cook or an experienced professional, "The Flavor Thesaurus" will improve your cooking and inspire you to experiment with flavors like never before. Recommended for foodies, aspiring chefs, and anyone who wants to take their cooking to the next level, "The Flavor Thesaurus" is an essential guide to understanding the language of flavor. This book is not just a reference guide to classic and lesser-known flavor pairings, but a beautifully written and imaginative exploration of the art of cooking. With insights and opinions from the author, Niki Segnit, this book will inspire you to experiment with flavors and create your own unique dishes. Whether you're a professional chef or a home cook, "The Flavor Thesaurus" is a must-have reference for anyone who loves to cook.

Frida Kahlo's life and art provide a captivating glimpse into the world through her unique perspective. Despite facing near-fatal injuries that left her bedridden, Kahlo used painting to express her singular vision. Her mesmerizing self-portraits, which often incorporated symbolism and religious imagery, explored her physical disabilities and tempestuous relationship with fellow painter Diego Rivera. Kahlo's work also celebrated Mexicanidad, a movement that embraced indigenous culture and Mexican nationalism. Her use of surreal imagery was not to explore the unconscious mind, but to represent her own physical body and life experiences. Kahlo's legacy reminds us that there are no simple truths about the life, work, and legacy of the woman behind the icon. By exploring her art, students can gain a deeper understanding of themselves and the world around them.

Annie Ernaux's uncompromising honesty and ability to give words to hard experiences has earned her the Nobel Prize in Literature. Her work explores personal memory, class, and French society at large, and has been adapted into feature-length films. Despite being a favorite for years, Ernaux is only the 17th woman and the first French woman to win the award. The Nobel Prize is widely considered to be the greatest honor a writer can achieve, and is worth almost $900,000.

Abstract Expressionism, a movement that began in 1943 and developed after the end of World War II, is characterized by large, primarily abstract paintings, all-over compositions without clear focal points, and sweeping swaths of paint that embody and elicit emotions. The group of artists who are considered Abstract Expressionists includes Barnett Newman, Willem de Kooning, Helen Frankenthaler, and Jackson Pollock. Pollock's signature technique, which involved dripping industrial paint onto a canvas laid on the floor, was supposedly born out of his subconscious. While anyone could technically have done what Pollock did, he and the rest of the New York School were the ones who actually did it. They destroyed conventions of painting that had stood for centuries, forcing the art world to rethink them entirely. Pollock's work embodied fascinating contradictions, resulting in a mythified status of the genius artist as hero. Learning about Abstract Expressionism can inspire students to explore their own creative potential and challenge conventions in their own fields.

The story of the Mona Lisa is not just a tale of a famous painting, but a testament to how we create and maintain celebrity. Leonardo da Vinci's groundbreaking studies on human optics and artistic techniques are striking, but it is the painting's rise to worldwide fame that is truly captivating. The painting's status as arguably the world's most famous painting today is due to factors beyond the canvas, such as King François the First of France's purchase of the painting, Giorgio Vasari's popular biography, and Peruggia's 1911 heist. Learning about the Mona Lisa can inspire students to explore the history of art, the factors that contribute to fame, and the impact of art on society. By independently exploring academic topics through reading, reflection, writing, and self-directed projects, students can develop their intellectual curiosity and critical thinking skills, while also gaining practical knowledge that can benefit them in their future academic and professional pursuits.

In "Rembrandt: The Painter Thinking," art expert Ernst van de Wetering delves deep into the mind of the legendary artist, uncovering the secrets behind his unparalleled talent. Through meticulous research, van de Wetering uncovers how Rembrandt defied traditional artistic conventions and pushed the boundaries of painting to create masterpieces that still captivate us today. This beautifully illustrated book offers a fascinating glimpse into the mind of a true artistic genius, and is a must-read for anyone seeking to understand the creative process behind great works of art. Recommended for art enthusiasts, historians, and anyone interested in the creative process, "Rembrandt: The Painter Thinking" offers a unique and insightful look at one of the greatest artists of all time. By exploring Rembrandt's unconventional techniques and theories, van de Wetering sheds new light on the practice of painting in the Dutch Golden Age, making this book a valuable resource for students of art history and anyone seeking to expand their knowledge of this fascinating period. Additionally, the book's focus on the creative process and the importance of experimentation make it relevant to anyone seeking to unlock their own creative potential.

Josephine Baker's life is a rags-to-riches story of a musical icon, stage sensation, and heroine of the French Resistance. She took 20th Century Europe by storm with her unique dancing style, sartorial sense, and provocative banana skirt. Baker's life teaches us about the importance of perseverance, hard work, and courage. Her story inspires us to pursue our dreams despite the challenges that we may face. Learning about Josephine Baker's life can help us develop our creativity, talent, and self-confidence. Additionally, her contributions to the French Resistance show us the power of standing up for what we believe in and fighting against injustice. Baker's life is a reminder that we can achieve great things if we believe in ourselves and work hard towards our goals.

Latin is a language that can teach us a lot about life. Latin literature is full of timeless truisms that are as relevant today as they were to the Romans over 2,000 years ago. By exploring Latin scholars and the quotes they have written down that have passed through all these generations, we can learn valuable lessons about human nature, love, and friendship. For example, Catullus reminds us to think about our own faults before criticizing others. Virgil shows us that love is a divine force that we should yield to rather than fight against. Cicero tells us that if we have books and nature, we have everything we need. Pliny the Elder reminds us that wine can loosen the tongue and reveal the truth. Ovid warns us to work out who our real friends are before it's too late. By exploring these concepts, we can gain a deeper understanding of ourselves and the world around us.

Art has been an integral part of human history, serving various purposes such as religious, social, and cultural. The definition of art has evolved over time, and today we appreciate it in terms other than traditional functions. Art is a form of communication that visually conveys meaning beyond language, and it has the power of iconography to convey messages. The history of art is a conversation that reflects the ideologies, mythologies, belief systems, and taboos of the world in which it was made. Exhibits are organized by curators to recontextualize or remix cultural artifacts in a collective presentation. As viewers, we can consider art in terms of a common theme that might not be apparent until we see it alongside another, and new meanings can be derived and reflected upon. Learning about art can help us explore the trail of past human experience, leading right to our doorstep, and continuing on with us.

Learning about ancient civilizations can be a fascinating way to travel back in time and understand how our world has evolved. The earliest form of writing, cuneiform, was used over 5000 years ago and was finally deciphered in the Victorian era. This allowed us to understand the Epic of Gilgamesh, the first known author in recorded history who was a woman, and the numbering system that was sexagesimal. We also learn that women in wealthy families had agency and could reach high positions in Mesopotamian religion. Additionally, the Mesopotamians were keen letter writers who gossiped and complained about money, similar to our own correspondence today. By studying the past, we can learn so much about ourselves and the world we live in. It's important to preserve information, and ancient methods of recording information may prove to be the best way to do so.

Waiting for Godot by Samuel Beckett is a play that changed the face of modern drama. The play explores the existential conundrum of two characters, Estragon and Vladimir, who wait in vain for an unknown figure to give them a sense of purpose. The absurdists deconstructed plot, character, and language to question their meaning and share their profound uncertainty on stage. While this may sound grim, the absurd blends its hopelessness with humor. Beckett's unique approach to genre in Waiting for Godot, which he branded "a tragicomedy in two acts," reflects the characters' interactions filled with bizarre wordplay, repetition, and double entendres, as well as physical clowning, singing, and dancing, and frantically swapping their hats. Beckett reminds us that just like our daily lives, the world onstage doesn't always make sense. It can explore both reality and illusion, the familiar and the strange. The lack of any clear meaning makes Godot endlessly open to interpretation, keeping audiences guessing and increasing their fascination with his surreal worlds and enigmatic characters.

Academic exploration is not limited to traditional subjects, but can also include the history and cultural significance of everyday gestures. Take, for example, the popular photobomb pose of bunny ears. While it may seem harmless, this gesture has a darker history rooted in the Middle Ages, where it was used to shame men whose wives had cheated on them. Understanding the cultural significance of this gesture can expand your knowledge of history and language, as the term "cuckold" comes from the French word for cuckoo. Additionally, exploring the origins of bunny ears can help you become a more culturally aware and sensitive individual. So, while it may seem like a silly prank, taking the time to learn about the history behind everyday gestures can broaden your horizons and make you a more well-rounded individual.

Jean-Michel Basquiat was a 21-year-old black Brooklynite who became one of America's most charismatic painters. He learned by wandering through New York galleries and drawing inspiration from unexpected places. A medical encyclopedia that he read when he was hit by a car ignited a lifelong fascination with anatomy that manifested in the skulls, sinew, and guts of his later work. Basquiat repurposed both present-day experiences and art history into an inventive visual language. He worked as if inserting himself into the legacy of artists he borrowed from, producing collages that were just as much in conversation with art history as they were with each other. Despite his increasingly mainstream audience, Basquiat insisted on depicting challenging themes of identity and oppression. Marginalized figures take center stage, such as prisoners, cooks, and janitors. His obsession with bodies, history, and representation can be found in works evoking the Atlantic slave trade, African history, and contemporary race relations. Basquiat's art retains the power to shock, inspire, and get under our skin.

The Canterbury Tales, one of the most esteemed works of English literature, seamlessly blends the lofty and the lowly in a collection of 24 stories told by a talkative cast of characters. Written in Middle English, the Tales are a vivid record of the different ways Medieval audiences entertained themselves. The varied dialects, genres, and literary tropes make the work a compelling read for everyone, with something for every reader. Chaucer uses the quirks of the characters' language to satirize their worldviews, and no level of society is above mockery. The Canterbury Tales is a great way to learn about the different social classes and the professional class of merchants and intellectuals that emerged in Medieval society. By reading and understanding this work, students can develop their critical thinking skills and gain a deeper understanding of the English language and its evolution.