My talented college roommate, Alison Macor, is an accomplished author and film expert. In honor of National Library Week, she’s giving away a copy of her first book, Chainsaws, Slackers, and Spy Kids: Thirty Years of Filmmaking in Austin, Texas. Here’s a description: Continue reading
An Ode to Libraries During National Library Week 2020
I had a terrific childhood. For five years during grade school I lived in an idyllic children’s wonderland called… Fort Leavenworth, Kansas. I know, I know, “there’s a prison there, right?” Very true, but the prison is just a very small part of the post. For people assigned there voluntarily it’s more like a beautiful, old college campus than a prison site or even a traditional Army post. And, in fact, it’s a hub of Army learning, so the campus image is fitting. Continue reading
Book Review: Caleb’s Crossing by Geraldine Brooks
Caleb’s Crossing is set in colonial New England, mostly during the 1660s, and tells the story of an English puritan girl, Bethia, whose friendship with Native American Caleb has unusual consequences – Caleb becomes the first Native American to graduate from Harvard. Continue reading
5 Book Series to Binge Read
Whether you’re on vacation, self-isolating, or just not feeling very social, it’s good to have a list of engrossing book series to binge read. If you’re you’re like me, sometimes the books on your “to be read” list just don’t appeal to whatever you’re in the mood for. A good, go-to book series can be just the thing to cure this ailment – the characters are like old friends and you trust the author to deliver a good story. Continue reading
Book Review: Death on the Nile by Agatha Christie
Death on the Nile is a Hercule Poirot mystery. The little Belgian sleuth with the big brain and dramatic mustache can’t catch a break – he’s supposed to be retired and on holiday, but murder seems to follow him around. This time, the murder takes place on a Nile riverboat and the victim is a young, wealthy, beautiful newlywed named Linnet Doyle.
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Book Review: To the Hilt by Dick Francis
Strong characters, a bit of intrigue and, of course, a horse make Dick Francis’s To the Hilt a good read. Continue reading
Reader Rec’s Page Updated
Hello, everyone!
It was time for the annual updating of the Reader Rec’s page, so we added about 35 new books to the list, bringing the grand total to just under 175. Wow! Hope you find this page useful when looking for your next good read. Continue reading
Book Review: Destiny of the Republic by Candice Millard
Historical nonfiction can be so good when the subject is interesting and the author is talented. Destiny of the Republic has both things going for it. This book about President James Garfield’s life and assassination is engrossing and devastating. Continue reading
Book Review: Their Eyes Were Watching God by Zora Neale Hurston
Their Eyes Were Watching God, first published in 1937, is a story of a southern black woman seeking love and self-fulfillment in 1930’s Florida. It’s considered to be a standout among African American literature due to its affirmation and celebration of the culture as well as the fact that it has a strong female protagonist, which was unique for its time. Continue reading
Book Review: Watching You by Lisa Jewell
In a small town in England, the neighbors are all watching each other. But did anyone see who committed the murder in the yellow house on the hill? So many secrets to unravel in Watching You! Continue reading
Book Thoughts from Bed 