When Jules was in elementary school, he lost both his parents and was shipped off to boarding school, along with his two older siblings. Awash in grief and disbelief, he folded into himself, casting off his previous self in an effort to simply survive the new life fate had thrown at him. For his siblings, coping manifested in different ways - his sister's cool detachment and … [Read more...]
Ng’s ‘Little Fires Everywhere’ A Sizzling Sophomore Novel
I first became acquainted with Celeste Ng when her debut novel, Everything I Never Told You, was a book blogger favorite but hadn’t hit the mainstream yet. It was before she won Amazon’s best book of the year in 2015 and she graciously joined in #30Authors. Since then, I’ve patiently (okay, not so patiently) awaited her sophomore novel and I’m overjoyed to report … [Read more...]
‘The Hate U Give’ by Angie Thomas Worth Every Piece of Praise
I often hear that we live in a post-racial America, that we have come a long way, and that progress has been made. For years we lived in a country where it was easier to sweep everyday racism and micro aggressions under the rug, giving the glossy veneer of a more accepting society.But those of us who pay attention know the truth: we live in a country where white … [Read more...]
Are We Smart Enough to Know How Smart Animals Are? by Frans de Waal
I love animals. I'd like to think that I understand them because I have rescued more than my fair share of birds (including a wild owl incident), have been chased by a pack of baby raccoons, and love my dogs to pieces. Plus, I've always believe that animals know a lot more than they let on. For many years, science did not support this line of thinking. Animals were … [Read more...]
‘The Marvelous Misadventures of Ingrid Winter’ Misfires
I've read a lot of books over the years. Many I've loved, many I've hated, but a few have left me with no feelings, whatsoever. Unfortunately, The Marvelous Misadventures of Ingrid Winter by J.S. Drangsholt fell into this last category. It wasn't that I disliked the book, but rather I finished it not knowing exactly what I had just read and was unsatisfied. I'm not sure if this … [Read more...]