It is possible that under the poor structure and pretty prose lies a deeper truth – some vision about the world and what matters. Or perhaps we are to read into the book that nothing matters – that in the…
A review of Crabwalk by Gunter Grass
Crabwalk is a complex and difficult novel which challenges the reader to think about history, about perspective, and narrative truth, but keeps the reader at arms length. The story is narrated by Paul Pokriefke, a 50 year old survivor of…
A review of What’s Wrong with Dorfman by John Blumenthal
The style is a marvelous succession of deadpan one-liners, quick and funny. A perceptive reader will see in this a device whereby Dorfman, the narrator, distances himself from his problems. Reviewed by Bob Williams What’s Wrong with Dorfman? By John…
A review of Good Faith by Jane Smiley
Stratford is an interesting narrator, and his passive acceptance, even in the worst of situations keeps the tone of the book light. In typical Smiley style, Good Faith is a tight, fast paced, and carefully set out novel full of…
A review of Stress Free Foods by Lee Gold
According to nutritionist/chef/home economist Lee Gold prolonged stress can lead to significant health problems from heart disease to stroke, ulcers, depression, cancer, diabetes, and more. It is a vicious cycle. The more stressed you get, the more you will develop…
A review of The ABCs of Writing For Children
If you are a writer or illustrator of childrens’ books, or want to be, Koehler-Pentacoff’s book is really a must read. This is no didactic guide from a world weary author, but instead, is a series of questions and answers…
A review of Where in the World by Simon French
This is an engrossing and sensitive story. The subtlety of the narrative structure is one which French handles in a way that makes it clear and easy for young readers to handle, while still complex enough to keep the interest.…
A review of Where Do You Stop? by Eric Kraft
It may seem strange that, in a book where so much is tied together in ways that have to do with physics, a contrary motion coming from the same source is also possible. The key to the book is discontinuity.…
Interview with Ruhama Veltfort
The author of The Promised Land talks about the extensive research she did for her novel, her unusual structure, her characters, Jewish mysticism and mysticism in general, the “little gremlins” which affected her book sales, her unpublished novel, her company…
A Review of The Promised Land by Ruhama Veltfort
While the novel slouches towards magic realism, the double voice enables the reader to maintain enough of a distance to create a tension. It is quite possible that Yitzhak is a visionary. It is equally possible that he is either…