Book Reviews
A Slightly Malicious Poetry Puzzle Perhaps Intended to Confuse and Mystify
Joan L. Cannon writes: Most people read poetry (if they read it at all) for the pleasure of it. I get very irritable when the author makes that impossible on purpose — very much like the 'modern' artists and composers who seem not to care a whit if their production is pure fraud. Of course, they get a way with it a lot because no one can figure out how to prove it's bogus. more »
Culture Watch. A The Art of Mystery Writing: What’s in a Series? The Latest Books of Andrea Camilleri, Linda Fairstein, Robert Galbraith (J. K. Rowling), Donna Leon and Louise Penny
Jill Norgren Reviews: Why do mystery writers create a series? Obviously, the pleasure of developing characters over time has appeal as well as the opportunity to explore varying issues within an established framework. Doting fans and good money also speak to the attractiveness of the genre. On the other side of the table sit the readers. What is the pull of a series for them, and does a series ever lose its allure? more »
Mind and Body Disconnect: I Am Not Ready To Get Off the Stage!
Rose Madeline Mula writes: I have a serious disconnect between mind and body — thank goodness. No way do I want to face reality! Instead, I'm going shopping. I want to buy a couple of sleeveless mini dresses, some skinny jeans with frayed knees, a pair of stilettos, and a new bikini, which I'm going to need when I start my surfing lessons next week. more »
CultureWatch Review, Colm Toibin's The Master: A Novel
Joan L. Cannon writes: Reading The Master was so like my memory of reading Henry James, I was amazed that a member of the 21st Century could so faithfully reproduce not only the literary style, but the moral stance of the 19th, especially in a fictional personification. Just to make sure the resemblance was deliberate, I read a recent essay by Mr. Tóibín. No question the diction, syntax, and authorial posture were carefully chosen to suit the narrative. The feeling engendered for the reader is uncanny and moving. more »