Adam Burgess
James Baldwin’s If Beale Street Could Talk (1974), is a kick in the teeth. As I wrote in my one-sentence review for Goodreads, Baldwin always brings the fire, and the love. I’m not sure I’ve ever experienced that more clearly and directly, though, in… Continue Reading “If Beale Street Could Talk by James Baldwin”
A Book of Common Prayer is the story of two American women in the derelict Central American nation of Boca Grande. Grace Strasser-Mendana controls much of the country’s wealth and knows virtually all of its secrets; Charlotte Douglas knows far too little. “Immaculate of… Continue Reading “A Book of Common Prayer by Joan Didion”
Rishi Reddi’s “Justice Shiva Ram Murthy” is an interesting and insightful short story about the struggles displaced immigrants may face in big-city America. The author successfully applies techniques such as setting, characterization, and point of view to explain the main character’s motivation and to… Continue Reading “Justice Shiva Ram Murthy by Rishi Reddi”
While Halloween has always held a coveted spot in my heart and imagination, the truth is, I used to get almost as excited for the 4thof July. It was like the summertime version of my favorite autumn day, where the rules were bent and… Continue Reading ““Joansing” for Didion”
Go Set a Watchman by Harper Lee Final Verdict: 3.75 out of 4.0 For a long time, Scout (Jean Louise) Finch of To Kill a Mockingbird reminded me of Huckleberry Finn. Just a kid from the American south, smart but crass, and willing to… Continue Reading “Thoughts: Go Set a Watchman by Harper Lee”