The title immediately hooked me and what made me stay was the stark, brutal honesty that Trisha Low offers in SOCIALIST REALISM. This is a book long essay that is part travelogue, part stream of conscious, part art criticism, and part memoir. Low finds herself moving west, searching for home or a utopia or an … Continue reading Review: Socialist Realism
Nonfiction
Review: The Reckonings
This is another selection from the Between the Covers podcast and this time I chose Lacy M. Johnson's essay collection, THE RECKONINGS. I'm a sucker for a great essay collection and I was utterly obliterated by Johnson's meticulous and careful examination of society's (and her own) motivations, not to mention her intimate vulnerability. THE RECKONINGS … Continue reading Review: The Reckonings
Review: Ballad of the Whisky Robber
Ballad of the Whiskey Robber: A True Story of Bank Heists, Ice Hockey, Transylvanian Pelt Smuggling, Moonlighting Detectives and Broken Hearts, is maybe the longest title ever, but Julian Rubinstein writes a hell of a story, yet it's all true. This was our nonfiction read for this month in my local book club and while it didn't … Continue reading Review: Ballad of the Whisky Robber
Review: The Council of Dads
I haven't come across many books that just don't land with me, but Bruce Feiler's, THE COUNCIL OF DADS is one of those books. I just could not get into it, and maybe it was in part that I listened to it on audio book, which was narrated by Feiler himself or maybe it was … Continue reading Review: The Council of Dads
Review: Dear Ijeawele; or, A Feminist Manifesto in Fifteen Suggestions
I've been waiting to read Ms. Adichie for a long time and I was not disappointed with getting a taste here. It should also not be a secret that I'm a father to a strong-willed daughter, so I'm always looking for insights. Thanks to both maturity and my wife's tireless work to open my eyes, … Continue reading Review: Dear Ijeawele; or, A Feminist Manifesto in Fifteen Suggestions
Review: Anthropocene or Capitalocene?
I'm going a different route with this review, since this is a heady volume of academic scholarship, but one that is extremely relevant to our times of economic and environmental upheaval. This book was one of the most refreshing pieces of academic literature I have read in months. Moore and co. cut to chase and … Continue reading Review: Anthropocene or Capitalocene?
Review: Between The World And Me
Ta-Nehisi has crafted a blunt, honest letter to his son, and in turn all of us. He does not sugar coat his experience, and unlike others that I have read of the black experience in America he does not try and fabricate a hope when he feels none. In some ways, this book is lost … Continue reading Review: Between The World And Me
Review: Deep Work
Deep Work is one of the best books I've read on productivity and the focused life. Cal Newport outlines what "deep work" can be in an age of shallow distractions and offers a worthy alternative. He issues the challenge to leave mediocrity behind and embrace the best possible work you can do. Newport is fully aware that … Continue reading Review: Deep Work
Pyles of Books 