Published in The Book Cafe·May 26Book Review: Recessional by David MametThe Death of Free Speech and the Cost of a Free Lunch David Mamet is a good writer. That is not to say that he is a brilliant writer. I think not. Although, his plays might be considered so. Who can doubt the brilliance of Glengarry Glen Ross or The Verdict or Wag the Dog. However, these little essays of three or…Books4 min read
May 2War and Rumors of WarLessons From History — Once we are through with the 1619 project perhaps, we could move on to the Vietnam War Project. While we are at it and are stressing over our fighting a proxy war with Russia and fearing the possibility of a nuclear confrontation let us remember that we (the USA) are…War2 min read
Published in The Book Cafe·Apr 29Book Review — Nelson Algren’sSomebody in Boots — The miners came in ‘49 The whores in ‘51 They jungled up in Texas And begot the native son -Old Song Somebody in Boots was originally titled Native Son, but Nelson Algren gave this title away to Richard Wright who used it to his great advantage. Boots were a symbol…Books4 min read
Apr 21Fear and Loathing on the Way to GalvestonA journey to the heart of the American dream — I drove the 117 miles to Owensboro and arrived at Buddhas in the early afternoon. This was the first leg of our journey to the heart of the American Dream. I gassed up the White Whale, a 2011 gas guzzling Nissan Maxima, the day before, and put together a road…Gonzo7 min read
Published in The Book Cafe·Apr 15The Weight of InkA Novel by Rachel Kadish — The Weight of Ink is a historical novel superbly crafted by writer Rachel Kadish. It is not the sort of book I would normally have picked out for myself, but it was gifted to me by someone special and is so well written that I honestly couldn’t put it down. …Books2 min read
Published in The Book Cafe·Mar 19AftershockThe first thriller in a new series — Andrew Vachss writes like an avenging angel who has just been through hell. I have long been a fan of Vachss and have read all the Burke series. He is sort of a guilty pleasure for me, not exactly literature, but a compelling read nonetheless. The man can write! I…Books2 min read
Published in The Book Cafe·Mar 8Norwegian WoodA Novel by Haruki Murakami — Norwegian Wood is the second Murakami book that I have read. The first one was Kafka on the Shore. I was looking for a second book to get into when I landed on Norwegian Wood. I understand that it is a bit of a departure from his other books, but…Books2 min read
Mar 6Is that a Dagger I See Before Me?The Tragedy of Macbeth (2021) Macbeth, directed by Joel Coen and shot entirely on a sound stage, was certainly a sight to behold. …Movies2 min read
Mar 3Psycho Blue Boots in the 3rdTravels with Aunt Renie Aunt Renie came to Louisville, Kentucky for a visit. It was in the spring of the year and nearing Derby Day, so I decided to take her out to Churchill Downs to watch the horses run. We drove to south Louisville where the track is located and parked the car…Fiction3 min read
Feb 15Pick your PoisonBergman or Strindberg? Miss Julie, and other plays by August Strindberg, translated by Michael Robinson Why read Strindberg today? Because he is as relevant today as he was in 1887. Strindberg was one of the most extreme theatrical innovators of the late 19th century and ultimately the most influential. The five plays presented here mark his transition from naturalism to modernism. In The Father, Strindberg…Drama2 min read
