Three girls, three writers, three quite different stories come together into one amazing stand-alone book that captures the heart, mind and emotions in a raw adventure about discovery. Discovery of self, definitely, but also things like true friends, loyalty, sexuality, and love.
An interview with Dr. Aysha Akhtar
The author of Our Symphony with Animals talks about her book, her biggest writing inspiration, some of her most interesting interactions, key themes in the book, the story behind the title, the most challenging and rewarding aspects of writing the book, key lessons, and lots more.
A review of Boats for Women by Sandra Yannone
Sandra Yannone’s brave poems contribute to popular history of the time, flooding us with the arc, the ache, of family and lesbian relationships in her first full-length collection. Some poems live in heartbreak, some, in ecstatic joy. They are worthy of many rereads.
Robert McDowell’s Narratives in Quiet Money and The Diviners
To understand the poetry of Robert McDowell, it is important to see him through the lens of the late, great poet Philip Levine, whom Robert McDowell recalls proclaiming, “Robert, he’s his own cat!” In a way that is prophetic and unique, Robert McDowell enters the circus of human stories, and tells them wryly, reminding us that humor exists even in some of our darkest and bleakest moments.
A review of Wonder By R. J. Palacio
The main character in Wonder is August Pullman: Auggie. He is a funny and sensitive ten-year-old boy from New York who was born with a facial deformity. The story follows his first year at school, after having been home schooled. Auggie wants to feel normal but this is hard when people stare at him and avoid him.
A review of brookings: the noun by Jennifer Maiden
As with all of Maiden’s books, brookings: a noun is powerfully astute and thought-provoking, pulling together disparate ideas, deep emotion, and critical thinking and empathy in places where they’re often not found. Above all though, Maiden is a poet’s poet, with a rich lyrical ear.
A review of Writers on Writing: Conversations with Allen Mendenhall
Each included author has something important to say and Mendenhall has a talent for finding just the right way to allow the authors to express themselves. Mendenhall has a knack at getting to what is significant, and revealing truths both about the writers and about their books. Nor do the interviews shy away from topical issues or cultural conflicts.
Interview with Tim Smith
Tim Smith, author of The Other Woman talks about his latest novel, his other work, how he began writing, his biggest challenges, inspirations, advice for other writers, and lots more.
A review of Known by Salt by Tina Mozelle Braziel
Braziel’s lyrical, captivating voice will no doubt only get richer and stronger as she continues to write. Yet, the young voice she has now is so fine, lovely, true, and strong. Readers can only begin to imagine what might come next from this rising star of modern poetry.
A review of The Book of Dirt by Bram Presser
So much of what makes the present tense of the novel possible comes down to luck, small acts of kindness, and the often random connections that take place. The book is beautifully written, poetic throughout and very moving. There is a lyrical richness and cadence which creates immediacy.