I grew up in a conservative household in a conservative village in farm country Illinois. My father and mother were both state employees for most of their lives, and for as long as I could remember, both railed against the Democrats that ruled Illinois government. To say that my environment prepared me to be a … Continue reading Review: Dying of Whiteness
politics
Behind on My Review Schedule
I’m behind on my review schedule. This past Tuesday, I was supposed to post my review for the paperback edition of Dying of Whiteness by Jonathan Metzl from Basic Books. I bought the hardcover earlier this year, and it sat on my to be read pile. When I saw the chance to review the paperback … Continue reading Behind on My Review Schedule
Review: Peace Talks (Dresden Files #16)
Jim Butcher's Peace Talks delivers exactly what I want from a Dresden Files novel. Highly recommended.
Review: Hiding in Plain Sight
Sarah Kendzior's Hiding in Plain Sight is beautifully written, thoroughly researched, and absolutely terrifying. Highly recommended.
Review: The Human Factor
I'm not a subscriber to the Great Man Theory of history. It's entirely too simple a look at the complexities of life. Force of personality doesn't alter history alone. Circumstances - economic, political, physical - set the stage on which leaders shine or falter. Studying these leaders, though, helps understand the circumstances better. Studying relationships … Continue reading Review: The Human Factor
Review: John Adams Under Fire
National myths set a foundation for a country's character. One of my favorites is how John Adams defended British soldiers after the Boston Massacre. His actions show that everyone, even people that we despise. In the United States, the law is the supreme arbiter, and we all are equal under the law. But myths also … Continue reading Review: John Adams Under Fire
Review: Unmaking the Presidency
Already much more fraught than anyone expected, 2020 is here. Potential war on the horizon, impeachment battles, and a fall election loom over the United States. The third year of the Trump presidency is coming to a close, and the fourth - hopefully, final - year of this administration promises to be as controversial and … Continue reading Review: Unmaking the Presidency
Review: Checkpoint Charlie
In Iain MacGregor’s Checkpoint Charlie the history of this contentious crossing comes alive. MacGregor explores the conflict through the people that inhabited the city, that crossed the border, that lived on the front line of the Cold War.
Review: How to Be an Antiracist
Once while riding in a van headed to the airport after a few days of martial arts training, I told a story to the friends I traveled with. I don't remember the story at all, but I distinctly remember one part of it. At some point, I said "…the black man…" and my friend replied, … Continue reading Review: How to Be an Antiracist
Review: The Hound of Justice
Novels offer us options. One could view novels as paths not taken, and dystopian, political, and near-future fiction can be viewed as the path not yet taken. In recent years, the United States has become a divided nation in ways not thought possible just a few decades ago. Hate crimes are on the rise, as … Continue reading Review: The Hound of Justice