This "fictional" account of the experiences of two young men sentenced to sadistic treatment at a reform school in Florida is based on a true story. IThis "fictional" account of the experiences of two young men sentenced to sadistic treatment at a reform school in Florida is based on a true story. It's as haunting and disturbing as you can imagine; but, despite the disclaimer, I bet there isn't much of a discrepancy between the horrors described on these pages and those of the students that attended the institution that provided Whitehead with the drive to write this book. ...more
Amy Byler isn't exactly appealing, but she has an important message for martyred parents. If you can tolerate her self-righteousness and like happy enAmy Byler isn't exactly appealing, but she has an important message for martyred parents. If you can tolerate her self-righteousness and like happy endings, this is the book for you. On a lighter note, she also makes a few egregious grammatical errors, which I found mildly entertaining given that the protagonist is a librarian. ...more
Less a cookbook than a call to action, this "love letter to the plant kingdom" is a compendium of Jose Andres' mission, philosophy, principles, ideas,Less a cookbook than a call to action, this "love letter to the plant kingdom" is a compendium of Jose Andres' mission, philosophy, principles, ideas, and recipes. Filled with gorgeous photos, I've read it dozens of times for inspiration. Andres is a beautiful human being, and his food is as alluring as his magnanimousness and humanity. The whole roasted cauliflower with barbecue sauce is a nice new twist on a classic. Both of the brussels sprout recipes were superb, and a nice change from roasting with garlic and olive oil. As we're still harvesting tomatoes from our garden, I can't wait to try his mouthwatering recipes for the fruit....more
I put off reading this book because I was loath to hurt the feelings of the person who thrust it upon me. (The title is off-putting. It isn’t a preferI put off reading this book because I was loath to hurt the feelings of the person who thrust it upon me. (The title is off-putting. It isn’t a preferred genre. The plot is sophomoric. Blah, blah, blah.) Alas, much to my horror, I really enjoyed the story. I cared about the characters. I loved the message. And, to quote the piano man Billy Joel, I forgot about life for a while. No small feat. ...more
This collection of Lucia Berlin's best short stories is delightful. I had to limit my reading so that it would last longer...This collection of Lucia Berlin's best short stories is delightful. I had to limit my reading so that it would last longer......more
This collection of essays reveals Irby’s considerable talent. The first story, My Bachelorette Application, an homage to her love for the show, had meThis collection of essays reveals Irby’s considerable talent. The first story, My Bachelorette Application, an homage to her love for the show, had me laughing from the first page, so I was unprepared for the considerable poignancy that flows throughout the book. But her sense of humor helps us deal with the sadness of the serious issues that she discusses, sometimes with excruciating detail. Although I truly appreciated the author’s candor, some readers may find it uncomfortable....more
The authors apparently couldn’t decide what voice they wanted to use, so they split the difference and combined first and third person. I found it uttThe authors apparently couldn’t decide what voice they wanted to use, so they split the difference and combined first and third person. I found it utterly annoying. I should have stopped after reading the first chapter- a boring slog through the negotiation of frequent flier miles and the like. Don’t bother....more
Tomlinson, a finalist for the 2005 Pulitzer in commentary, has written a gruelingly honest and insightful memoir about his lifelong battle with obesi Tomlinson, a finalist for the 2005 Pulitzer in commentary, has written a gruelingly honest and insightful memoir about his lifelong battle with obesity. But it could just as well be a tale of the human condition, using food as a metaphor for (insert struggle here). I was pleasantly surprised....more
I love Caro's writing style, his work ethic, his integrity, his humility. And, even though I wish that it had included more new information and had beI love Caro's writing style, his work ethic, his integrity, his humility. And, even though I wish that it had included more new information and had been less redundant, there are many subtle lessons to be learned from this short book. I urge everyone who cares about America to pick it up and savor it. Caro is truly an American treasure....more
I didn't know much Smith until I read this charming book of essays. This simple collection was quite entertaining.I didn't know much Smith until I read this charming book of essays. This simple collection was quite entertaining....more
Janny Scott is a wonderful writer & I love her style. But I just wasn't engrossed enough to thoroughly enjoy the narrative of her wealthy forebears. IJanny Scott is a wonderful writer & I love her style. But I just wasn't engrossed enough to thoroughly enjoy the narrative of her wealthy forebears. I look forward to her next book, though.......more
If Worlitzer weren’t incredibly talented, it would have been hard to make it to the end of this book. What starts out so promising loses steam somewheIf Worlitzer weren’t incredibly talented, it would have been hard to make it to the end of this book. What starts out so promising loses steam somewhere in the middle, becoming repetitive, and I might add, patronizing. Please don’t tell me the same thing 50 times. Please don’t overexplain simple concepts or familiar art. Please get a new editor, MW....more
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