Although I have a “To Read” list on Goodreads and have books and authors scribbled down on the backs of various envelopes and whatnot, I am also a pretty impulsive reader. Especially at my favorite local used book store. It’s a wonderful place where they give you credit for any books you bring in and also offer a 50% discount when you use that trade credit. When I’m there, I completely ignore my scribbles and my “To Read” list and just buy books on impulse. […]
Sex, Drugs, and…Big Band Music?
I always like to do a little research on the authors before I start writing my reviews. In this case, it actually helped make a lot od sense: Petersen is a professor and part-time writer for sites like Buzzfeed and The Hairpin, which is probably why her book reads a little like a dissertation and a little like an article you’d find in Slate. I’m not going so far as to say that’s a bad thing, but for a topic with such promise of dirt […]
I love a vicarious scandal. (Also, half cannonball!)
I discovered Anne Helen Petersen and her brand of celebrity history over on The Hairpin. I was never a religious reader of her articles; there just isn’t enough time to read all the things, all the time. But, when I found out that she was putting together a book based on classic scandals I added it to my list and kept an eye out. Here’s the Goodreads summary, in case you are unfamiliar: Believe it or not, America’s fascination with celebrity culture was thriving well […]