The Age of Jackson by Arthur Schlesinger
"For the White House the new year began in gloom." There's a casual remark in one of Gore Vidal's later essays that "No one seems to read The Age of Jackson anymore." And if you read his novel Burr, which is set right in the middle of it, you see that, indeed, he has. The history is both … [Read more]
Rambling Rose by Calder Willingham
On the one hand this book is both really funny and insightful in some significant ways; but on the other hand, it's a kind of accidentally disturbing book than plays in some ordinary misogyny and casual sexual abuse. Fun! There's a movie version of this starring Laura Dern in the title role and … [Read more]
Across the Green Grass Fields by Seanan McGuire
Regan is having a hard time with her friend group. After one of her friends inadvertently makes 'queen bee' Laurel mad, Regan chooses the security being close to said popular girl brings, and the other girl is shunned. But when Regan learns something upsetting and confusing about herself, she makes … [Read more]
I Live in a Tree Trunk by Meg Fleming
I live in a tree trunk. I live in a barn. I live in a shoebox. I'm down on the farm... So say the animals (and much more) of I Live in a Tree Trunk. Each animal, in simple text by Meg Fleming and simple art by Brandon James Scott, tell us where they live. Things are aimed at the aged three … [Read more]
Black Star by Eric Anthony Glover
CBR15Passport, already own I read an interesting graphic novel. There are interesting illustrations that support, compliment, and become its own character. The equally interesting text can be taken "as is" and straightforward, or you can look for a deeper meaning. This is not a onetime read, as … [Read more]
Common Ground: A Turbulent Decade in the Lives of Three American Familes by J. Anthony Lukas
"Sunlight struck the gnarled limbs outside his window, casting a thicket of light and shadow on the white clapboards. From his high desk under the eaves, Colin Diver could watch students strolling the paths of Cambridge Common or playing softball on the neatly trimmed diamond." This book is a … [Read more]
