American Odd: The Cremaster Cycle by Matthew Barney
This week for American Odd I write about The Cremaster Cycle by Matthew Barney. Continue reading American Odd: The Cremaster Cycle by Matthew Barney
Author: driftlessareareview
Besides writing book reviews for his own blog, Karl writes reviews and essays for several other venues. He lives in the Midwest and has a full-time job. Posts might be irregular, but a commitment to quality is the first priority. The blog has a variety of subject matter, ranging from guilty pleasures to out-of-print hidden gems.
CCLaP Fridays: A Kingdom in Crisis, by Andrew MacGregor Marshall
This week I review “A Kingdom in Crisis,” by Andrew MacGregor Marshall, a fearless expose of Thailand’s corrupt politics and looming succession crisis. Continue reading CCLaP Fridays: A Kingdom in Crisis, by Andrew MacGregor Marshall
On Being Human Redux: The Strange Case of the Rickety Cossack, by Ian Tattersall
Ian Tattersall’s new book, “The Strange Case of the Rickety Cossack,” explores the intellectual history of paleoanthropology and seeks to answer, “What does it mean to be human?” Continue reading On Being Human Redux: The Strange Case of the Rickety Cossack, by Ian Tattersall
American Odd: History of Joseph Smith by His Mother, by Lucy Mack Smith
In this installment of American Odd, I review a biography of the Mormon Prophet Joseph Smith, as told by his mother, Lucy Mack Smith. Continue reading American Odd: History of Joseph Smith by His Mother, by Lucy Mack Smith
CCLaP Fridays: Cities of Empire, by Tristram Hunt
This week I review “Cities of Empire: The British colonies and the creation of the urban world,” by Tristram Hunt. Continue reading CCLaP Fridays: Cities of Empire, by Tristram Hunt
Syrian Notebooks: Inside the Homs Uprising, by Jonathan Littell @ NYJB
From the author of The Kindly Ones, comes a raw street-level look at the situation in Syria. Continue reading Syrian Notebooks: Inside the Homs Uprising, by Jonathan Littell @ NYJB
American Odd: A Curious Man, by Neal Thompson
This week I write about Robert “Believe It or Not!” Ripley in this new biography by Neal Thompson Continue reading American Odd: A Curious Man, by Neal Thompson
On Being Human Redux: Notes on “Orphan Black”
An occasional series that is a continuation of my essay anthology, On Being Human: critical looks at books and movies that examine the question of humanity. (Buy the limited edition hardcover, Kindle version, or download it for free at the Chicago Center for Literature and Photography.) Via Orphan Black: Season 3 will be premiering on April 18, 2015 on BBC America. Below are a series of notes on Seasons 1 and 2. Due to the nature of these essays, they contain many spoilers, major and minor. If you haven’t seen the series, I would suggest watching it before reading these … Continue reading On Being Human Redux: Notes on “Orphan Black”
One Nation Under God: How Corporate American Invented Christian America, by Kevin M. Kruse @ NYJB
“One Nation Under God” sheds light on the shadowy history of political conservatism, big business, and populist fervor. Continue reading One Nation Under God: How Corporate American Invented Christian America, by Kevin M. Kruse @ NYJB
CCLaP Fridays: All the Happiness You Deserve, by Michael Piafsky
“All the Happiness You Deserve” by Michael Piafsky is a modern bildungsroman built around Tarot cards. Continue reading CCLaP Fridays: All the Happiness You Deserve, by Michael Piafsky
The Driftless Area Review 