Ascension is a sci-fi novel that shines a spotlight on characters whom you might not encounter in novels very often. Author Jacqueline Koyanagi wanted to write a story featuring people like herself and her friends, and so in Ascension we are introduced to some very strong and smart women (and a man) who might be living with physical disability, and/or have different skin, and/or be gay, and/or who might be involved in open relationships. While this is a refreshing change, and timely as many of […]
The Power of Words
Jacqueline Woodson’s 2014 poetic memoir Brown Girl Dreaming won a slew of awards: a National Book Award for Young People’s Literature, the Coretta Scott King Award, a Newbery Honor, an NAACP Image Award, just to name a few. It is the beautifully told story of Woodson’s childhood, of the people and environments that formed both her and her dream of becoming a writer. It also offers glimpses into the civil rights movement and the experience of racism through the eyes of a child who witnessed […]
Nevertheless, She Persisted
…[R]efugees would not risk their lives on such a dangerous journey if they could thrive where they were. ~Melissa Fleming, office of United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees Too many people in the West, particularly in the US, seem to think that refugees are moochers who want to selfishly come here to get something for nothing. We have little to no idea how refugees become refugees, and more tragically, we often just don’t give a damn. It’s not our problem, right? “If these people would […]
To The Extreme
Confessions is a psychological thriller/murder novel that keeps a fast pace and tight organization throughout. Told from the points of view of multiple narrators, the story focuses on the murder of a middle school teacher’s 4-year-old daughter and the fallout from that murder. Parent-child relationships, teacher-student relationships and the allure of revenge are the themes that run throughout. Chapter one is narrated by middle school teacher Moriguchi. It is the last day of the term, and she announces to her class that it is also […]