Art Spiegelman's "Maus: A Survivor's Tale" is one of the most critically acclaimed and poignant tales of Holocaust survival. In April, we reviewed Part I, and will now be looking at Part II: And Here My Troubles Began. I found the title of this volume striking, as if Vladek hasn't had any troubles until now... Continue Reading →
Book clubs offer a great opportunity for friends and book lovers to gather (whether virtually or in person) to catch up and discuss a good book. There’s only two problems with this activity and they seem to come up at every meeting: what book should the group read next and how do you find enough... Continue Reading →
Book clubs offer a great opportunity for friends and book lovers to gather (whether virtually or in person) to catch up and discuss a good book. There’s only two problems with this activity and they seem to come up at every meeting: what book should the group read next and how do you find enough... Continue Reading →
Art Spiegelman's "Maus" has been on my to-be-read list for quite some time. This graphic novel/memoir has been on several lists since its publication in 1986. While it was the winner of the 1992 Pulitzer Prize, "Maus" has also appeared on several "Banned Books" lists over the years - up to and including in 2022... Continue Reading →
“The Book Thief” is a title you have probably heard of within the past few months. Markus Zusak’s 2005 novel won awards and critical acclaim when first published, and had a second wave of attention with the 2013 film adaptation last year. I did not know what to expect when I first opened... Continue Reading →
When Matthiessen’s last novel was published just days after he died in April of 2014, a reviewer on Good Reads had the audacity to complain that “In Paradise” was not entertaining. Given that the book is about the Holocaust, it seems inconceivable and impertinent to suggest that a livelier, lighter tone should have been adopted.... Continue Reading →
Who could forget Meryl Streep’s Academy Award-winning role in Sophie’s Choice? Having literally begged for the part, she didn’t disappoint her audience. Her dedication and mimicry of the perfect Polish accent is renowned. You’ll love the book. Be warned, though, it’s of epic proportions: I nibbled at it for over a month, but enjoyed every... Continue Reading →
Whenever I see that Yann Martel has a new book out, I anticipate something potentially exciting. Unfortunately, for fans of Life of Pi, though, Martel appears to be another one-hit-wonder. Beatrice and Virgil, Martel's latest offering was disappointing in the extreme, and I'm pretty sure I will never be tempted to pick up another of... Continue Reading →
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