ABOUT THE LOGO

The logo for The Literary Variable displays the positive first quadrant of the Cartesian plane, with four “exponential curves” that resemble the pages of an open book. Visually, this acknowledges the duo influences of math and literature in my life; metaphorically, the curves suggest the exponential growth we might hope to witness in a more literate and present society. I hope to foster and encourage a love of reading that modern civilization is abandoning at a disastrously linear rate.

I also plan to write a piece expanding on these ideas as well!

A bit about me: my name is Valeria, I currently study mathematics at the University of Florida, and my career interests lie in the quantitative research and financial engineering. My lifelong interest in math has been an assiduous one, but I am certain it would not be without the perspectives and insights I’ve gained from my concurrent passion for reading.

I read solely for pleasure, but I also admit to a fondness for sharing my (generally unsolicited) opinions; since I mostly refrain from social media use, a written blog seemed like the most appropriate—and enjoyable—route for me to share my reviews and commentary.

I may share an occasional non-literary notion or general update here and there—I should disclose, I carry the constant burden of having too much to say about anything and everything—but my primary interest is in sharing my reviews of my recent reads, providing recommendations, and literary analyses.

My usual reads will fall under literary fiction, historical fiction, occasional sci-fi and magical realism, and of course, the ever-reliable—and increasingly realistic—dystopia.

PETS & PHOTOS

I have a four-year-old son named Espooky, though he is generally—and selectively—more responsive to Spook or Handsome, reasonably so. He is perpetually unimpressed and can be a bit off putting; I suppose there may be occasional evidence that he picked up these traits, but I assure you “nature vs. nurture” is just no match for such chronic misanthropy. His favorite books include occasional light reads such as Sun Tzu’s Art of War and How to Take Over the World: Practical Schemes and Scientific Solutions for the Aspiring Supervillain by Ryan North.

I also have a dog living with my parents, Juanita. She is a bit more agreeable than Spook, having a tolerance for at least two additional people. Considering the bulk of my camera roll is populated by pets, I think it is fair to expect frequent images of them. For now, please enjoy a selection of pictures of my dapper young man and Nita below.