Harley J. Sims

Harley J. Sims is a writer and independent scholar living in Ottawa, Canada. He holds a Ph.D. in English from the University of Toronto, as well as an M.A. and B.A. from Carleton University.

A lover of languages and their ability to craft worlds, he has published various articles, chapters, and reviews in scholarly and popular publications in the U.S., U.K., and Canada. At home, he is a literary and linguistic contributor to national television and radio programs. A proud husband, father, and weightlifting enthusiast, Harley can be reached on his website at www.harleyjsims.webs.com, where many texts and video clips can also be found.

Favourite books of 2012

18 Dec 2012 |

tags: book reviews, books, literature, reading

Looking for a good read over the Christmas holidays? A late present? Look no further.

75 years of The Hobbit

7 Dec 2012 |

tags: fantasy, J.R.R. Tolkien, literature

J.R.R. Tolkien's imaginative adventure has become the gold standard of children’s literature.

The Victims’ Revolution

9 Nov 2012 |

tags: book reviews, higher education

In a new book a gay writer pens a powerful indictment of identity studies as dogmatic cults.

The Casual Vacancy

22 Oct 2012 |

tags: book reviews, Harry Potter, literature

J.K. Rowling’s first novel for adults is a sprawling, dark, misanthropic tale about the worst kind of Muggles.

Donner and Blitzen! Where’s my pipe?

8 Oct 2012 |

tags: censorship, literature, smoking

A publisher bowdlerises familiar verses to produce a non-smoking Santa for the edification of children.

A geek lesson about sensitivity

20 Sep 2012 |

tags: censorship, gender, language, race

If the language sensitivity police are right, one of the most expressive words of the tech revolution should be banned.

The latest trend in comic books—gay superheroes

19 Jun 2012 |

tags: comic books, homosexuality

Why are the publishers of major comic books turning some of their superheroes into gay icons?

Spartacus: human dignity in meltdown

29 May 2012 |

tags: film reviews, historical fiction

Starz Entertainment’s series manages to up the ante on extreme content even in a desensitized age.

Meet the genre master

22 May 2012 |

tags: comic books, film reviews

Joss Whedon is proving a master of popcorn with two films currently in the theatres, The Avengers and The Cabin in the Woods.

What does a “realistic” fantasy look like?

4 May 2012 |

tags: book reviews, fantasy, literary realism

The slaughter, rape, incest and deceit in "A Game of Thrones" or the nobility and dignity in "The Lord of the Rings"?