Book Reviews
Culture Watch: J.K. Rowling's The Casual Vacancy and Larson's In the Garden of Beasts
Julia Sneden writes, There is a long line of British novels that aim to raise social consciousness: Dickens springs to mind, as do the mysteries of writer Dorothy L. Sayers, whom J.K. Rowling has said she admires. Rowling’s standards could hardly be higher than those two, and her story comes close to being every bit as distressing and rewarding and inspiring as the books of her idols. In Larson's book, as civil liberties eroded and Jews endured terrifying attacks, US Ambassador William Dodd endeavored to make the State Department aware of what was happening in Germany. His measured, careful responses to the growing chaos did not please the fascists nor, sadly, did they stir up outrage back home. more »
Roses for a Philosophical Garden
Ferida Wolff writes: What a marvelous philosophical garden we could have if everyone could plant his or her people-supporting ideas within our society. Some of them would not prove viable, no doubt, but some might be just what we need. And it wouldn’t matter which side of the aisle the planter came from because a good idea would grow into something beautiful and benefit all. more »
Writing a Novel in a Month? Go on, you can do it, if not this year, next.
Editor's Note: The pumpkins are now decorated with turkey feathers, the waters are receding, it isn't tax time (yet), and after voting, you can turn off the commercials, so sharpen the pen or keyboard and go to it. And good luck. more »
Culture and Political Watch, The Spirit of Compromise: Why Governing Demands It and Campaigning Undermines It
Jill Norgren writes: "The authors explain this failure of representatives to work together as fallout from the permanence of campaigning in modern American politics. Successful campaigning selects for men and women who present themselves as tenaciously principled agents. These candidates appeal to voters with take-no-prisoner policy positions (refined for local predilections)." more »