Life in Kana-text (er… CONtext)
I'm re-reading Robert B. Parker's 'Spenser' novels, stories narrated by a wise-cracking Boston private eye. Parker is long gone, but the series has been continued by writers appointed by his sons, and I continue to enjoy them. One of the things I've always liked about the Spenser novels was how he described people---and specifically, how … Continue reading Spenser “With an ‘S,’ Like the Poet”
I've always been drawn to the aesthetic of collage, and my office door in our house is a perfect example. Actually, two examples---the door to the room that used to be my office (now our guest room) is entirely collaged with stickers about books and reading and travel and ocean and prayer, with some photos … Continue reading Wall of Heroes
When our parents used to tuck us into bed at night, Mother usually sang something---they had a broad repertoire of folk songs---and Daddy was our stories guy. He had an ongoing saga about a pair of mischievous alligators, "the Lucys," who followed us on all our travels, getting into trouble as they tried to keep … Continue reading The Daddy-Daughter Downpour
I've been undecided as to whether I should begin with or finish with this author's age. Because here's the thing: his writing is GOOD. No qualifiers needed, this guy writes well. And what makes it all the more extraordinary (ah, I've made up my mind) is that he's only fourteen years old. The reason I … Continue reading A Virtual Sit-Down with Author Keshav Porwal
Usually, when you read a book, it's easy to tell how far along you are, and how much you have left. Not so with Dan Beachy-Quick's A Whaler's Dictionary---at least, not if you follow its instructions. Usually, when you read a book, you don't need instructions, but this one comes with a "How to Use … Continue reading A Virtual Sit-Down with Author Dan Beachy-Quick
Yesterday I was put in mind of a play I had to read for my Irish Literature class. You may have heard of it, though I kind of hope (for your sake) that you've never had to read it. Waiting for Godot is an entire play's worth of dialogue between two guys who are waiting … Continue reading Waiting for Godot
It's only natural that most of us try to keep most of our possessions in unspoiled and "like-new" condition for as long as possible. We don't like it when our phone-screens get webbed with cracks, or the paint chips off our cars, or the knees go out in our jeans (well, maybe that's still fashionable … Continue reading Beat to Hell
Kana's Chronicles 