In Western, English as first language culture, we do not talk about death. Perhaps you and your family or friends are the exceptions to this, but on the whole- we do not have good culture habits about discussing death, dying, and desire. Our cultural practices center around avoiding death, despite the fact that our present … Continue reading New Review: When Breath Becomes Air
Tag: Nonfiction
New Review: Who Are You?: The Kid’s Guide to Gender Identity
I received an e-book version of this title from Edelweiss for review. It is a very interesting experience to have a hysterectomy when you still have young children. I don't know when I might have said the word "uterus" to my seven-year-old if I hadn't been having it removed. As the information we gave him at … Continue reading New Review: Who Are You?: The Kid’s Guide to Gender Identity
New Review: Born a Crime
If I could read this book for the first time again, I would get the audiobook version. Trevor Noah's voice comes through so clearly in his writing that being able to listen to him narrate the story would give it additional charm and character. Born a Crime: Stories From a South African Childhood is Noah's autobiography that … Continue reading New Review: Born a Crime
New Review: Not My Father’s Son
Content note: mentions of physical abuse In reading celebrity reviews, I either seek out someone I know and like or someone about whom I'm curious. I knew Alan Cumming, but I hadn't watched any of shows. I don't live where I could see him in live theater. I wasn't terribly curious about him. However, I … Continue reading New Review: Not My Father’s Son
New Review: You Can’t Touch My Hair: And Other Things I Still Have to Explain
I definitely laughed out loud at Phoebe Robinson's You Can't Touch My Hair: And Other Things I Still Have to Explain. I also heaved some deep sighs and, at one point, I put the book down for two days in frustration. Still, despite its ups and downs, I definitely come out in favor of this book … Continue reading New Review: You Can’t Touch My Hair: And Other Things I Still Have to Explain
New Review: Hillbilly Elegy
It's taken me a couple weeks to sit down and write this review. In part, I have no ability to be objective about Hillbilly Elegy: A Memoir of a Family and a Culture in Crisis. Not only did it stir up things from my own childhood, but the realities that it exposes require wrestling and … Continue reading New Review: Hillbilly Elegy
New Review: Born Bright
Most white people lack the language to talk knowledgeably about race and class in the modern United States. Even the most woke white person doesn't know what she doesn't know (unknown unknowns!). Having the humility to admit this and that you can be very wrong in what you do know takes nerves. I am steeling … Continue reading New Review: Born Bright
Review: I’m Judging You
In the past week, I’ve struggled to finish a book, any book. I have half-read books all over the place, but they have too much plot or not enough, or I need more attention to learn from them, or I just can’t bring myself to care about the people or characters in the book. This … Continue reading Review: I’m Judging You
Bullet Review: The Sound of Gravel
Enjoyed: Well-paced, easy entry into the story Author acknowledges her feelings at the time, but doesn't dwell on them Characters do not disappear from the narrative without the reader being informed Location becomes an additional character in the book through excellent description Little to no attempt to explain or justify difficult or unusual religious beliefs … Continue reading Bullet Review: The Sound of Gravel
