Barbara Kingsolver: “Novels are True…”

Dave and I heard author Barbara Kingsolver speak at Dominican University last week. Her latest novel, Demon Copperhead, won the Pulitzer Prize. I haven’t read it yet, but I will now that I’ve heard her talk about its inspiration in Dickens’s David Copperfield and her intention to write “the great Appalachian novel” as a window … Continue reading Barbara Kingsolver: “Novels are True…”

One Book Short

Teen has a numbers quirk: they have to be even. The stereo and TV can't be set to 9 or 11, but to 8 or 10. He's thrilled that his birth date contains all even numbers, and irked by his rugby bag: #733. So I won't bother to tell him that, as of this moment, I've read … Continue reading One Book Short

Reading Crisis and Pursuit of Virtue

One of my healthier antidotes to life's Too Much-ness is burrowing inside the covers of a good book. Preferably while also tucked tight into my bed covers at day's end, hot cup of tea at hand, until I can't keep my eyes open. Just one more page, just one more, just one, just... In addition … Continue reading Reading Crisis and Pursuit of Virtue

Books – The Recent Round-Up

Even though May might just be my favorite month - days slightly brighter and longer and birds and flowers singing and springing - the end of school year seems always to twist me up and set me spinning. Not enough time! Too much to do! You have a what project that requires what supplies and you … Continue reading Books – The Recent Round-Up