Everyday I go to work at the library, Day-to-day our patrons always vary. Along comes this stranger, I didn’t sense danger: But nevertheless, I thought to be wary. It started out innocently enough: He asked about my hair and how I got it to fluff. “I can’t use products; it’s not manly,” he said. “No one cares what … More No Thanks, I’m Married
The Madonnas of Leningrad is a two-fold story from the perspective of Marina, a docent at the State Hermitage Museum and survivor of the Siege of Leningrad during World War II. Debra Dean writes compellingly as both young Marina living through a Russian winter in the museum’s basement and as aging Marina, who can’t remember … More The Madonnas of Leningrad by Debra Dean
Since moving to Columbus, Ohio a little over a year ago, Kyle and I try to visit a new-to-us place to eat, drink, or be merry every weekend. Columbus is in the midst of a restaurant bubble with trendy bars and eateries opening every month, so it’s hard to keep up. Last weekend we found ourselves visiting three new-to-us … More Bourbon, Fries, and Homemade Soda
Defining Art has baffled philosophers, scholars, artists, politicians, and the public since the first red-ocher bead. An idea, a tangible object, a feeling: Art is as complex and mysterious as Love. Art has imbued me with critical skills, empathy, and passion. Art is part of my identity. … More Art Is
The Amazon.com description of West With the Night will tell you that it is Beryl Markham’s autobiographical memoir of her time as a British Kenyan, at the twilight of Europe’s Golden Age of African Colonialism, racing horses and flying her plane. While being factually correct, this description indicates that the heroine of this story is … More West With the Night by Beryl Markham
Cleveland Museum of Art, how shall I describe thee? With your sweeping atrium and objects so divine, Wandering through your galleries, I fill with glee: Though the art belongs to everyone, I feel you are mine. Traveling through the ancient world: we roam. Stumbling out of Africa, the Python Slayer waits. Up marble stairs, deep breath, the Baroque … More Sonnet #2 – Art Museum
Hermione Granger tapped her toe and shifted the books in her arm. It was 9 o’clock already by her watch, yet, the Monomouthshire Public Library’s little green door stood stubbornly shut. At ten years old, the bushy-haired, buck-toothed, brown-skinned girl was the youngest of the three people waiting to get inside. From behind her, Hermione heard … More Hermione Granger and the Public Library
Siegal wrote The Anatomy Lesson as if this were a thesis her university wouldn’t let her defend. The book is titled after Rembrant’s work, The Anatomy Lesson of Dr. Nicolaes Tulp, painted in 1632; the main character of the book is the corpse being dissected in the painting. Compelling idea, to have the criminal in the painting … More Book Review: The Anatomy Lesson by Nina Siegal
About women what can be said? They persist and resist, Thriving in this atmosphere of dread. Looking skyward she raises her fist: “We are not going away!” Determined and angry, beautiful and proud, Women march together today, They will not be cowed. A vagina or uterus does not a woman make: A brain, a passion, … More Sonnet #1 – About Women
Elizabeth Gilbert is a talented author: she wrote a book with an extremely unclear plot, but one which I was compelled to finish to the 523rd page. The Signature of All Things is largely the life-long story of Alma Whittaker, the fictitious daughter of a fictitious upstart businessman who made his somewhat unscrupulous fortune through … More Book Review: The Signature of All Things
The Ohioan 