Motherhood So White: A Memoir of Race, Gender, and Parenting in America
by Nefertiti Austin
Informative & Heartfelt (8/17/2019)
Nefertiti Austin's memoir is excellent in many ways. It is extremely factual (with statistics and research I had no idea had been done), and therefore eye opening and at the same time heartfelt and humorous - also balanced in terms of criticism of our culture. The book taught me so much about race and parenting in America that I would not have known had I not read the book. Having known many single mothers but not one black adoptive mother her memoir educated me and changed my view of so many aspects of black parenting and society's myths about it. I highly recommend this thought providing, one of a kind book.
Red, White, Blue
by Lea Carpenter
Intellectually entertaining (8/18/2018)
Red, White, Blue is a thinking person's book. Similar to international films, the reader is not spoon fed or taken for a quick read ride through the story. Carpenter gives us a sneak peak into the work of intelligence and espionage in a style that is thought provoking, thrilling and philosophical. I found the need to focus through the unusual sequence of chapters invigorating although some may find it cumbersome or confusing, hence the need to take it slow and think it through while reading. Overall the book is fascinating, funny, educational and relevant.
Strangers in Budapest
by Jessica Keener
Travel to Budapest (11/28/2017)
Take a trip to Budapest compliments of Jessica Keener. The author transports the reader to modern day Budapest and swiftly immerses one in the culture, history and current landscape of a country at once beautiful and sad. Added to one's visit is to accompany a young American family on their exploration of the city and hope for the future and their connection to an elderly American in Budapest with a secret purpose. An enticing read. The author's descriptions of everything Budapest from the smells of the city, exhausts from cars, food (and beer) jewelry, gypsies, architecture, Hungarians and their perception of Americans are superb and well worth reading. The book is a travelogue with action and mystery.
The Life of the World to Come
by Dan Cluchey
Best Read of 2016 (5/22/2016)
Mr. Cluchey's book is terrific and the best I've read this year. I do read a lot. The author has put so much of himself into this book I can't imagine he has anything left and yet I'm looking forward to more. The plot is interesting and easy to follow. What makes the book special is the skill the author has in blending social and political commentary, philosophy and historical vignettes into the story with ease. The book is enjoyable, unusual, thought provoking, funny, heady and filled with great dialogue. I also enjoyed the fact that the chapters were not formulaic and short as is the case in many modern novels - some long, some short depending on the content. Reading this book is similar for an art film in that it requires active thought by the reader as opposed to just taking the reader for a ride. So looking forward to more from this author.
A Kim Jong-Il Production: The Extraordinary True Story of a Kidnapped Filmmaker, His Star Actress, and a Young Dictator's Rise to Power
by Paul Fischer
Fascinating Peek into North Korea (1/4/2015)
This book, although non-fiction, reads like a thriller. Mr. Fischer provides the reader with a fascinating look into the politics and culture of North Korea. The author deftly juxtaposes a love story with the cruelty of the North Korean regime. This book is a must read for anyone who has visited Korea or has an interest in traveling to lovely South Korea. Reading this book provokes significant thought and soul searching relative to perceptions of the United States in parts of the world opposed to our beliefs and culture. Certainly very timely in terms of the SONY issue as well.
 (1).gif)
