A few years ago, I watched a movie titled Pitch Perfect and was utterly charmed by the protagonist, Beca, played by Anna Kendrick. I didn't know anything about her - not her past acting jobs nor her personal story, but she was hilariously endearing in an awkward way that we can all relate to. In the years since, she has made a name for herself both professionally and … [Read more...]
Sixteen Writers On Not Having Kids
It is a truth universally acknowledged that not wanting kids makes you a horrible person. Okay, that's not exactly how the line goes and not wanting kids certainly doesn't mean there's something wrong with you, but society does have a tendency to stigmatize those, especially women, who don't want to push out a child and raise it for decades to come. This stigma is ludicrous, of … [Read more...]
This is the Story of a Happy Marriage
I've been an Ann Patchett fan for years. I loved State of Wonder and adored The Patron Saint of Liars, so when I was given the opportunity to read about Ann Patchett by Ann Patchett, I jumped. And boy, am I glad I did! Confession: I had no idea she started out writing magazine articles. I consider myself to be pretty up-to-snuff when it comes to the writing histories … [Read more...]
‘The Friend’ Found Its Way With These Essays
The Friend Who Got Away: Twenty Women's True Life Tales of Friendships that Blew Up, Burned Out or Faded Away by Jenny Offill and Elissa Schappell (author of Blueprints for Building Better Girls, which is on my Kindle) is a book of essays written by women who lost a female friendship. Some were by choice, others by mistake, and a few for no reason at all. As a woman who is … [Read more...]
‘Lives of Wives’ is Lukewarm
The Secret Lives of Wives: Women Share What It Really Takes to Stay Married by Iris Krasnow (an Oprah "Ten Titles to Pick Up Now" book) is a book that delves into the personal stories of various women and what it takes to keep their marriage going. Most of the book emphasizes the importance of having hobbies and friends outside of the marriage while other women discuss the pros … [Read more...]
‘Outrageous Acts’ is Outstanding
About two months ago, during a class simulation, I was in the hallway speaking with several male classmates. Despite that fact that I had done my research and was an active participant, 90% of the men I was with completely ignored me, despite my overt attempts to join the conversation. It was so bad, in fact, that all but one of them walked away while I was still talking. … [Read more...]
Ten Letters That Feel Familiar
In April 2014, Saslow won a Pulitzer Prize for explanatory reporting. His series of the difficulties people on food stamps face was featured in The Washington Post.A few weeks ago I received an email about a Washington Post author who was visiting the local school's campus to sign copies of his new book. I had never heard of the book itself, but the title sounded vaguely … [Read more...]