This is a kind of narrowly focused history of a specific American penchant for the belief in the completely implausible and fantasy (ie unsupported by empirical evidence) by a journalist and novelist. For the most part, I think it makes a lot of sense and takes on a thesis that it supports with a ton of evidence and even more examples. It begins with the ways in which America as a continent was created, mythically, out of whole cloth, lies, speculation, and overly generous readings […]
All The Hard Times Are Coming
“Looking out at the ice-cold water all around me I can’t feel any traces of that other place” –Vampire Weekend, “Diplomat’s Son” Less than a year ago, The New Yorker published Ronan Farrow’s article “From Aggressive Overtures To Sexual Assault: Harvey Weinstein’s Accusers Tell Their Stories.” It propelled the young journalist, son of Mia Farrow, into the spotlight, which wasn’t the point; Farrow insisted that the stage belonged to the brave women who had been willing to risk their careers, and more, to tell their stories. […]
If I told you her real name, I’d have to kill you…
I wasn’t sure what this book was about, just that it was good. So I took a chance and was thrust into the interrogation of a Scottish World War II war prisoner for the Germans. The subject of the interrogation? Not your usual WWII prisoner, as it’s a female. And she seems especially…perky?…for being interrogated. Okay, maybe perky isn’t the best choice of words, but she’s definitely not short on wits, snark, or even a sense of humor. And who can resist someone who says […]
*Not ALL Americans*
I hate Americans. I hate the way they think they are (or ought to be) the greatest country in the world. I hate that they define Trump as the leader of the free world and I hate their self-righteousness as liberators of oppressed countries. Which is why I hate The Storyteller by Jodi Picoult. We start off with the blandest of bland protagonist, cookie-cutter pretty girl with a scar and a shameful past. She’s also a baker, because she wants to bake all night to […]