history
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‘The Pirate Queen’ by Ariel Lawhon
Grace O’Malley has long occupied the space between history and legend, but in The Pirate Queen, Ariel Lawhon restores her humanity. More than a swashbuckling adventure, this is a richly researched work of historical fiction about leadership, resilience, and a woman determined to chart her own course in a world that continually tried to confine… Continue reading
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What Does It Mean to Know?
What does it mean to ‘write what you know’? A look at Mary Shelley, the Brontës, and Emily Dickinson reveals that imagination and emotional honesty count as knowledge too. Continue reading
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‘A Founding Mother’ by Laura Kamoie and Stephanie Dray
We have recently celebrated the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, making this an especially fitting time to revisit the people who shaped the earliest years of the American republic. Abigail Adams may not be the most famous figure of Revolutionary America, but I came away convinced that she—and the entire Adams family—were indispensable… Continue reading
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The year of reading old books
This year, I am doing something that feels unnatural to me. Instead of going out and looking for new books to add to my shelves, I’m going to look at those shelves for books I already own. It is not necessarily in the spirit of anti-consumption, for if I won the lottery, I would still… Continue reading
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James Madison, Father of the Constitution
Madison tends to melt into the background when compared to the other Founders. This doesn’t mean that he was less significant: he helped to shape our country into what she is now. Continue reading
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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. Continue reading
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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.” Continue reading
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Mary Todd Lincoln Wasn’t ‘Crazy’
Why does Mary seem to get all of the blame for their broken marriage? While we’re at it, Why was Mary offered so little sympathy, even after her husband was killed by her side? Continue reading
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The Early Sorrows of Martha Washington
Much of the Washingtons’ union remains a mystery. After George’s death, Martha burned most of the letters they exchanged. Continue reading
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Martha Washington: The First Founding Mother
Indeed, if there were Founding Fathers, there must have been Founding Mothers, too—and foremost of them all is Martha Washington. Continue reading
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History in Art, #1
Doctor, I die hard; but I am not afraid to go; I believed from my first attack that I should not survive it; my breath can not last long. Haunting and poignant, these are George Washington’s final recorded words, spoken as life slipped from his body. His death occurred on December 14, 1799. He had… Continue reading
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31 Years Old & Reading Fairy Tales
At the young age of 31, though I wish I’d managed to achieve more by now, I am reminded of the C.S. Lewis quote: I am old enough to begin reading fairy tales again, and I’m going to make my reading this coming year more intentional. Continue reading
Mariella Hunt & the Tearoom 