Banned Books: Animal Farm Revisited
If there’s only a single book you can recommend to readers of all ages to explain the concept of banning books, what would that title be? The question is similar … Read More
Staff Picks
Staff Picks: “Perspectives on the Life and Works of Gabriel García Márquez” by Gustavo Arango
Have you ever read a book that had such a profound impact that it defined you and your career for the rest of your life? Contributing to the English-language literature … Read More
The Joy of Reading Guidebooks
I’ve previously written about my experiences reading through historical and manuscript cookbooks for my food writing. While this is technically “research,” I honestly really enjoy it! In all actuality, I … Read More
Women’s Equality Day – August 26
Women’s Equality Day is August 26, the day that women were gained the constitutional right to vote. Technically, the 19th Amendment allowed women the right to vote nationally on August … Read More
Staff Picks: “Breaking Through: My Life in Science” by 2023 Nobel laureate Katalin Karikó
Breaking through: My life in science, a modest and unpresuming title, sounds unlike the typical editorializing titles of memoirs published by “celebrities” in the popular culture sense of the word. … Read More
Hamburger America: Burgers and Books (Part 2)
This post continues my (non-competitive) efforts to highlight a cross-section of food, books, and libraries, previously detailed in Hamburger America: Burgers and Books (Part 1). Our Hamburger Story (cont’d) While … Read More
Hamburger America: Burgers and Books (Part 1)
Without trying to compete with our in-house foodie and accomplished food writer, Becky Diamond, in this post I’d like to highlight a cross-section of food, books, and libraries that I … Read More
Systemic Racism
Systemic racism (defined as the oppression of a racial group to the advantage of another as perpetuated by inequity within interconnected systems) can come in many forms. The following books … Read More
Three Sisters and Historical Fiction
A good title is short and memorable. As such, titles of literary works can’t be copyrighted. For generations, Three Sisters referred to a play by Russian author and playwright Anton Chekhov. who … Read More
Conmen and Vagabonds: Caper Stories through Centuries
Is there honor among thieves? Inspired by our last post on Crook Manifesto, Colson Whitehead’s Harlem-set work of fiction, which appeals to all readers of caper stories, let’s take a … Read More