Articles

Fraught with danger and intrigue, Ms. Mantel gives us a view into the complex, brilliant mind of Thomas Cromwell, and deftly enables us to follow his reasoning and machinations as he strives to do his master’s work, that of Henry VIII. If you have not read Ms. Mantel’s earlier book, Wolf Hall, you will benefit greatly from tackling it before moving on to Bring up the Bodies. When J. K. Rowling delivers the mystery series in the future based on The Cuckoo's Calling characters, it will provide readers with some very satisfying hours — or, as a friend says about her love of crime fiction, some delectable "comfort food of the mind." So, after selling more than half a billion volumes of Harry Potter, does Rowling deserve our attention in her new literary adventure? No question about it, she does. more »

Cookie lovers probably would agree that nothing makes lazy summer afternoons more pleasant than relaxing on the porch or shaded patio with a plate of cookies and sweet mint ice tea. Children come home from swimming or playing ball with ravenous appetites, and they like a cold glass of milk with their cookies. Such afternoon cookie breaks are the essence of easy summertime living. more »

Rose Madeline Mula writes: When you don’t want to drive at night — in fact, when you don’t want to be out at night even if someone else is driving. When you’d rather be home in your bathrobe in front of the TV instead of all dressed up and in a front-row seat of a Broadway show because slippers and snuggies are so much more comfortable than stilettos and Spandex. more »

Julia Sneden writes: The last time I crossed from a red to a blue state, I don’t seem to recall a discernible difference. Oh, the license plates were different, but the language was the same (even if the accent was not), and the federal government was still in charge. In both states I saw churches of every denomination, as well as temples and mosques, and in speaking with citizens of both states, I witnessed wide differences of political opinions (the latter within one family, never mind within one state). more »