Such a month was October. I resolved some health issues and have regained a modicum of my energy. Unfortunately, being awake and aware this month came with its own trials. I don’t know about you, but I don’t remember ever being so scared about an election. An election that’s less about issues and more about what democracy means. The fact that this is even up for discussion ... Read More...
The Dutch House by Ann Patchett
Maeve and Danny live of a life of contrasts. Their house is by far the grandest in their neighborhood and money is not something they ever have to think about, but their mother left when Danny was only three and Maeve ten. Their father is a taciturn man who excels at real estate, but shows little interest in either of his children. What they have is each other and it’s enough, ... Read More...
The Book of Unknown Americans
We’re the unknown Americans, the ones no one even wants to know, because they’ve been told they’re supposed to be scared of us and because maybe if they did take the time to get to know us, they might realize we’re not that bad, maybe even we’re a lot like them. And who would they hate then? When their daughter, Maribel, suffers a traumatic brain injury that ... Read More...
Adnan’s Story: The Search for Truth and Justice after Serial
If you were one of the millions of people like me who were addicted to the podcast Serial then you may remember Rabia Chaudry. A family friend of the Syeds she is also a lawyer and has been a tireless advocate for Adnan since he was convicted in 2000 of murdering his former girlfriend Hae Min Lee. If Serial left you wanting to know more about Syed’s case then you need ... Read More...
Commonwealth: A Novel
The Keatings and the Cousins turn into one extended broken family when Mr. Cousins decides to kiss Mrs. Keating at her daughter Franny’s christening. Two divorces and relocation follow and what were two distinct sets of children merge into one unruly tribe in Virginia every summer. This is Ann Patchett’s latest novel, Commonwealth, and it is a story as comforting in its ... Read More...
In the Language of Miracles
The American Dream is portrayed in any number of novels, often from the perspective of the struggle to reach it, but In the Language of Miracles Samir and Nagla Al-Menshawy are Egyptians who have already achieved the dream. He is a doctor and they live in a nice New Jersey suburb with their three children. They have been close friends with their next-door neighbors the ... Read More...
