While it’s unlikely anyone could possibly write something new on this subject, what Biss has done with The End of the World is to create characters who express various viewpoints on what I assume Biss sees as the most noteworthy issues affecting our species, and rather than give us the answers—which, of course, he doesn’t have—encourages us to chew on these questions for ourselves. In this he has succeeded.
A review of 1000 Checkmate Combinations by Victor Henkin
That being said, 1000 Checkmate Combinations is an excellent book containing a wealth of tactical examples, including 456 (!) exercises. The solutions could perhaps have been more fulsome and detailed, since usually only the main line of a combination is given.
A review of Buffalo Unbound by Laura Pedersen
Through her nostalgic but realistic lens, readers may find themselves looking at their own hometowns in a new way—one that is not the idyllic memory of childhood, but more true to life, warts and all. It is clear that Pedersen makes no apologies for Buffalo’s hardscrabble past, but instead chooses to celebrate the unique spirit and character of her hometown.
A review of Whose Cries Are Not Music by Linda Benninghoff
I especially liked when she reaches a moment of spirituality in “Dream” that has a happy, feel to it “… Your eyes quivering in the light / Where is God / But in a dream where / the light between us, always yellow …” hints that there is something more one can obtain beyond our life.
A review of Chung Kuo 1: Son Of Heaven by David Wingrove
This book is brutal and unforgiving. The author is not afraid to graphically depict the consequences of violence, he is not afraid to introduce you to a lovable character and kill them off later in the story, and he is not afraid to let the characters become increasingly unhinged and desperate. He uses gritty dialogue, gritty events and gritty locations to depict a world in the throes of the greatest change it has ever seen. And all these things are just right for a story such as this one.
African Griots of Joy: Mamadou Diabate and his Courage; and the Owiny Sigoma Band, featuring Joseph Nyamungu
Instrumental music can be beautiful, have meaning, and bring joy. In Mamadou Diabate’s “Humanity,” written out of concern for the troubles of the world, there is drama, though no words are used. The tones are drawn out, and the great weights of the notes achieve emphasis and suspense.
Weird Enough to be Symbolic: The album 100 Lovers by DeVotchKa
It is easy to be lost in the world and lost to it—brilliance and love can move one beyond easy paths, as can ignorance or hate, but art provides a map, a beacon. It can be a shock to youth to realize that some people do not care if the maps exist—or worse, enjoy shooting out the lights. It can be a shock to the old too. Those who care about a certain kind of civilization must be vigilant.
Permanent Culture: Zuill Bailey and Awadagin Pratt, Brahms Works for Cello and Piano
Zuill Bailey studied at the Peabody Conservatory and Juilliard; and early in his career Bailey was a featured participant in the American premiere of Miklos Theodorakis’ “Rhapsody for Cello and Orchestra” and Bailey performed Beethoven’s cello sonatas at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Zuill Bailey, known for both his charismatic personality and expert technique, has performed at Carnegie Hall, Alice Tully Hall, and the Kennedy Center, and with symphony orchestras in Chicago, San Francisco, and other American cities, as well as abroad—including in China, England, France, Israel, Jordan, Russia, and Spain.
A Light Left On: Imprint by the Julia Hulsmann Trio
It is not hard to imagine the atmosphere in a room, a conversation, in “A Light Left On.” I find myself asking whether artists invest significant warmth in music as it is often lacking, when it matters, in the world.
A review of Injuring Eternity by Millicent Borges Accardi
This is an unusual collection of insightful moments, people, relationships and life throughout the day into evening. Many will find something of value just by randomly opening the pages and selecting something new, including births, deaths, lovers, children, snooping, guns, the down side of Las Vegas, soap operas and birthdays.