American Literature
-
How the Post Office Created America
The Post Office became a much-needed social spot. Men and women went to gather their mail, enjoying chats with neighbors in the process.
-
5 Reasons to (Finally) Read 1776
This year, I was beckoned by the book 1776 by David McCullough. I remember purchasing it long ago, soon after it was published. I purchased it in the spirit of “Everyone is buying it. Therefore, it must also be on my shelf.”
-
Review: A Thousand Heartbeats
There’s something about Cass’ writing—I really think it is the “color” she adds to her characters—but the book made me nostalgic. It felt like I was listening to Love Story for the first time, as I was introduced to Annika and Lennox.
-
Review: The Ballad of Perilous Graves
Set in New Orleans, The Ballad of Perilous Graves is a love letter to that noble city. It teases from the historical woodwork elements of magic so convincing that one could believe Nola is actually like that.
-
5 Amazing Facts About Louisa May Alcott
Alcott was a unique woman for her time. A defender of women’s rights and fiercely independent, her life can inspire us as much as her book has done.
-
Overrated? THE FOUR WINDS by Kristin Hannah
Ignore the naysayers and read The Four Winds if you want a story packed with drama and a struggle to survive. There are proud moments; there are fearful moments. There are also moments in which you’ll be thankful that you weren’t alive during the Depression.
-
The Invention of Nature by Andrea Wulf
Though it might seem as if everything in the world has been discovered, there is always some marvelous thing that needs to be seen for the first time, if not by the world, than by the person looking.
-
On Robert Frost and the Rise of Poetry
We are fortunate to be living in a time when poetry is once again becoming popular. Instagram poetry is on the rise; it’s easy to post our work for thousands to see. If we learn the use of hashtags and posting times, we can build an impressive following. It is a breath of relief, since…
-
Bird by Bird: On Writing & Honesty
What does it mean to be a writer? Ask anyone who practices the craft. You might hear several answers, because people have different reasons. Anne Lamott’s memoir Bird by Bird offers a response I believe few would disagree with: The very first thing I tell my new students on the first day of a workshop…
-
A Farewell to Arms by Ernest Hemingway
This is my first Hemingway novel. It’s a quick read and struck me for being so detached. The writing style seems indifferent by nature, focusing little on the main character’s emotions and more on dialogue. I don’t know if Hemingway’s writing is like this in other novels. It isn’t bad: the way the main character…
Mariella Hunt & the Tearoom 