Any reader could multiply critical strictures, but this short book is in the Joycean’s path, may not be avoided, is constantly entertaining, and in many ways as enlightening as the more considered pronouncements of more conservative critics. Reviewed by Bob…
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A review of Taking Off by Eric Kraft
The seriousness and complexity of Kraft’s novels varies. Taking Off has a modest scope compared to Leaving Small’s Hotel or Reservations Recommended, but each book by Kraft has a consistency of its own that is enjoyable on its own merits and is enhanced by its…
A review of Open Closed Open by Jehuda Amichai
The forms are so various that one may wonder if one could define poetry satisfactorily. But there is no question when the poetry transcends play and places us in another dimension. This is where Amichai takes us and while he…
A review of Smart Chip from St.Petersburg and other tales of a bygone chess era by Genna Sosonko
Smart Chip from St.Petersburg and other tales of a bygone chess era is an immensely fascinating collection of Genna Sosonko’s chess journalism. Many of the pieces in this book, as in his earlier Russian Silhouettes (also reviewed at this site), will especially appeal…
A review of How to Beat Your Dad at Chess by Murray Chandler
This ambivalence regarding its readership is unfortunate, because How to Beat Your Dad at Chess (the title, alas, is uninformative about the book’s content) is an elementary introduction to tactics – and especially checkmating patterns – that would be very useful for…
A review of Pervalism by M.E Ellis
M.E’s skill is consummate. Her voice, consistent and eerie, will ensnare the most reticent reader. An English setting, the backdrop for Brookes’ heinous acts, provides a rich tapestry of British culture that weaves depth and a strong sense of place…
A review of Write, Publish and Sell Your Book by Patricia Fry
Throughout the book are anecdotes from Fry’s own experiences, sidebars, bits of humour, and re-useable templates for everything from queries to press releases. In some instances examples are taken straight from The Right Way to Write, Publish and Sell Your Book so…
Blue Arabesque: A Search for the Sublime by Patricia Hampl
It is a short book but has a range and depth that is uncommon. The skill of the author is disarming and the orchestration of this personal essay is flawless. Some books we welcome, but this is a book to…
Imagination and International Perspective: Devendra Banhart’s Cripple Crow
In “Now That I Know,” Devendra Banhart sings, “You got to pay back every penny you owe,” and Banhart sings in a low, hushed but clear voice, and a guitar’s notes create a solemn mood as the song explores debt, secrecy, time passing, travel, elusive connections, and there are assertions of honesty and talk of glory.
A review of Get Used To It by The Brand New Heavies
“Let’s Do It Again,” a song with a dance beat, seems to celebrate the Brand New Heavies. The subjects of the album’s focus are music and love. The music on the album is actually quite vivid without being very original—and…