Controversies in the world of literature and articles on authors and their books.
In this ambitious post, I will write about four different books all set during World War II. Why aren’t authors and readers tired of World War II? If you have any ideas, please share them with me. I know that people my age grew up with stories about the war and the bravery of those who lived through it. One reason we are seeing more
I have tried to read what reviewers label as ‘Beach Reads’, and many times these books just don’t do it for me. Not that I am a literary snob, because I have read and enjoyed many books that are simply entertaining. So, I am willing this sumer to try a few new suggestions that I have noticed in several publications. First of all, Elisabeth Egan,
Several readers responded about their favorite authors, or at least authors whose books they routinely enjoy. Linda Dove said she was a true Backman fan, and Becky Peace wrote, Anne Tyler is a favorite. She has the amazing talent of writing about daily life and ordinary people so that we both understand others better and see ourselves clearer. And she does that with beautiful, concise
The Our World Committee on Kiawah Island has sponsored two mini-course sessions this spring. The topic has been, both times, short stories. Professor Emeritus Paula Feldman of the University of South Carolina has been the leader. For her first session, participants read stories based on nature, and Feldman donated the proceeds to the Audobon Society. She presented the check at a showing of Pam Cohen’s
Few can resist the lure of California. Such a diverse state, extreme beauty and, at least lately, extreme weather! After a trip to California last summer, I can personally attest to its charm. In fact, I have a few photos to share!! I have come across several recent novels set in California and want you to know about them. You can make up your own
The Dream Hotel is Jenna’s pick for March. Written by Laila Lalami, the book is something of a science fiction. The main character Sara has agreed to have an implant that will monitor her dreams. It is called a Dreamsaver, and Sara didn’t realize that the terms of use included a clause that gives the government the right to monitor her dreams. One day when
As you know, I like to read books about women who were previously overlooked by historians. I have found three books, all non-fiction, that introduce us to seven women who made important contributions during and/or after World War II. Now, let’s see if you recognize any of them: Hedwig Kohn, Lise Meitner, Hertha Sponer, Hildegard Stucklen, Josephine Baker, Etta Shiber and Kitty Bonnefous Uness you
Five books! That’s a lot to feature in one blog entry. It had to be done, however, because the volume of new books coming out these first few months of 2025 is overwhelming. In addition, with five authors represented here, you are bound to really like at least one of them, right? As you look at the covers of the five books, think about each
Time of the Child by Niall Williams is a book that I meant to feature at Christmas. The story is set in the 60’s in a small Irish village called Faha. While Williams has written many other books, the one he wrote before Time of the Child (This is Happiness) is also set in Faha. This isn’t a Christmas book, but it takes place during
It’s the beginning of a new year. Have you made any resolutions? I did. I bought a ‘stretching journal.’ Everyday, I am supposed to do these specific stretches, which are apparently necessary at my age if I want to continue to get in and out of a bath tub or climb stairs or whatever! So, I have gotten as far as opening the journal and
