From the author of Reading Lolita in Tehran comes a mind-expanding followup called The Republic of Imagination. The idea for the book is the result of a question about whether Americans appreciate their fiction and spirals into an analysis of three American classics and their impact on our democratic ideals. The driving argument through the book is that to appreciate … [Read more...]
‘Secret Rooms’ is an Exposé of the Wealthy (Book Review)
In 1940, John the 9th Duke of Rutland, locked himself in the servants quarters of his 356-room castle with his papers and journals and refused to leave, jeopardizing his health and ultimately leading to his death. What he did in these rooms, known as the Muniments Rooms, was a mystery until a few years ago, when the rooms were unsealed for the first times since … [Read more...]
‘City of Thieves’ is Captivating
Some time ago, I picked up City of Thieves by David Benioff at the urging of my sister, who loved it. What I didn't know until I wrote this post is that Benioff is the co-creater of the blockbuster show Game of Thrones, which I don't watch - but I might now that I know he's involved! Anyway, back to the review - I wasn't in the mood for a serious read at the time, though, so I … [Read more...]
‘Rules of Civility’ is the Cat’s Meow
When I first picked up Rules of Civility by Amor Towles, I was unsure whether I would like the book or not. I had heard and read so many great things about it that I was willing to overlook the preconceptions I had about it. Going into it, I thought I was going to be reading a book about climbing up the social ladder during the late 1930's (think Mean Girls with long cigarettes … [Read more...]