Tag: literature

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John Updike is one of those names I had always heard of but had never checked out. Finally, a few weeks ago, I decided that it was time for me to get acquainted with Mr. Updike. I must say that the first work I chose to read of his did not disappoint me. Bech at…

Out Of the Silent Planet by C.S. Lewis – A Book Review

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I am a big C.S. Lewis fan. He won me over as a child with his Chronicles of Narnia books, but it was his thought-provoking and inspiring Mere Christianity that solidified his genius in my mind. That being said, it is with great vacillation that I must reveal I did not care for his science…

Back In the World by Tobias Wolff – A Book Review

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Are you reading Tobias Wolff yet? Are you? If not, you should be. With Back in the World, Wolff gives us yet another outstanding compilation of short stories. As always, Wolff’s stories are brief and absolutely potent, offering all the complexities and awkwardness of the human condition in a direct and entrancing manner. His…

Close Range: Wyoming Stories by Annie Proulx – A Book Review

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I decided to check out Close Range: Wyoming Stories on the recommendation from Stephen King in his memoir, On Writing. Imagine my surprise when I saw that it included the (very) short story “Brokeback Mountain!” You know, the source material for the 2006 Academy Award Best Picture nominee. But, I’ll get more into that later.…

The Cement Garden by Ian McEwan – A Book Review

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This is probably one of the most disturbing books I’ve ever read. I don’t mean disturbing as in thought provoking and edgy, I mean disturbing as in tasteless and barbaric. I found nothing redeeming about this novel whatsoever. McEwan may be a fine writer, but his choice of subject matter and plot, in my eyes,…

A Model World by Michael Chabon – A Book Review

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Michael Chabon once again proves why I believe he is America’s premier living author. In this collection of short stories, he presents many normal circumstances, every day sorts of things, but he gives them to us with such captivating, realistic characters that you must turn the page to find out how everything ends. Now, this…

“He’ll Be Just Fine” – My July Bloomington News and Views Short Story

Jun 29, 2008

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in Author News

With my baby girl arriving any day now, I’ve had fatherhood on my mind quite a bit. Such thoughts led to my latest story in Bloomington News & Views for the Young at Heart, “He’ll Be Just Fine.” Forced to wait, George Murdock is left with his thoughts … and fears … about his role as a…

Wait … Fifty Books For Three Weeks At No Cost? That’s Crazy Awesome!

Jun 24, 2008

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in Opinions/Editorials

So now that we have a baby girl arriving in a few days, Kristen and I are looking for new and innovative ways to save money. One of the best ways for me to personally save us a few dollars is to cut down on my book buying. Apparently there’s this facility in most towns…

The Crossing by Cormac McCarthy – A Book Review

Jun 22, 2008

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