for lovers of literature and culture
I took a break last week to follow the impeachment trial in the Senate. I don’t plan to share my opinions here but I felt so engrossed in everything going on that tackling anything else – even reading – seemed overwhelming. That said, I did finish my third book in my democratic primary reading list. […]
Woven in Moonlight is a heart-warming novel. I love stories where the author shines through. Ibañez does a wonderful job incorporating her culture into a story that is relevant to the current political climate, particularly where race and identity are concerned. Ximena, as the decoy for her people’s leader, is held by their enemy for the […]
Last week, I posted a review of Pete Buttigieg’s Shortest Way Home and I will start by saying that I think I should have read his last because it was a lot easier to get through than this one. This means that I will be comparing all the other ones I’m reading before Super Tuesday to Pete’s […]
Pagans is an incredibly fascinating history of western religion. O’Donnell takes a deep dive into the Roman faith and the elements that evolved to be incorporated (and redefined) by the rise of Christianity. I grew up in the South – where what church you went to was a standard, introductory question for anyone you meet – […]
MISSION ACCOMPLISHED! I did get read my classic this month: Brave New World. It is a striking novel. Odd to say the least, but the ideas and satire it was written to address can still be seen all around us today. I’m sure that any story this old will have many interpretations. However, the one […]
Long Bright River is not like the other crime/detective novels I’ve read. I guess it’s not really a detective novel at all. The main character, Mick, is a beat cop but there’s still a detective-style solution to nearly every circumstance that arises. I can’t say that I loved it. Moore’s writing style is unique and […]
Alright, it’s an election year and I will start this post by saying that a diverse set of political perspectives are valuable and necessary in any democratic institution. (In fact, democracy is not democracy without competition. This is because if you don’t have people with different views and plans to choose from, then you’re not really choosing […]
Lee Goldberg has been writing crime novels for a while but I’ll be honest – I’ve never read one before now. With all the hype around this book coming out and the promise of a strong-and-real female lead, I was quick to get my hands on it. I was not disappointed. Lost Hills reads like […]
THIS POST IS NOT ABOUT RESOLUTIONS OR EXERCISE! Refreshing! I know. I AM super excited for 2020 and all of the opportunities and adventures and new things it will bring. I want to share some of the things I’m most excited about coming around this month. First, the amazing books we’ll get this month! Here […]
H O L L Y + O A T E S 