After his extraordinary debut novel, What Belongs to You, was published, I eagerly anticipated Garth Greenwell’s second novel. What Belongs to You was set in Sofia, Bulgaria and the main character taught literature at the American school The same setting frames the second novel. In neither is the narrator named and the characters are identified … Continue reading
While the number of serious readers always seems to be in decline, the truth might be even more pronounced in poetry circles. Maybe a few reviews and positive word-of-mouth can stem the tide or at least forestall it somewhat. My interest in particular poets is often rooted in an introduction through biographies or other nonfiction … Continue reading
If you are a Rachel Maddow fan and follow her show, you would expect this biography to be complimentary. It does live up to that presumption. Though there are no bombshells in the book, it does provide some insight into Maddow’s approach to her work and how it has evolved throughout her (still young) life. … Continue reading
Ian McKellen was raised in a middle-class household near Manchester and excelled as a student in his public school, even achieving recognition as “Head Boy,” an honorific bestowed on the top student. His childhood was not without tragedy. When he was 12 years old, his mother died of breast cancer. In 1964, his father died … Continue reading
Edie Windsor died in 2017 but was working with Joshua Lyon to write her memoir. Because of her unexpected demise, the book is a hybrid of memoir and biography. It is a compelling read and perhaps made even better because Lyon can illuminate many of Edie’s stories with background information and diligent research through … Continue reading