By JD Rhoades
As the return of the sparrow heralds the onset of Spring, the arrival of the author’s copies tells up Publication Day is not far behind…
Via: J.D. Rhoades
By JD Rhoades
As the return of the sparrow heralds the onset of Spring, the arrival of the author’s copies tells up Publication Day is not far behind…
Via: J.D. Rhoades
By JD Rhoades
Let the Devil Speak: Articles, Essays, and Incitements by Steven Hart
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Smart, witty, acerbic essays about American culture, literature, and music. The book’s real tour de force is the first chapter, “He May Be a Fool, But He’s Our Fool”, which proceeds from a curious juxtaposition between two cultural events: racist Georgia Governor Lester Maddox’ contentious appearance on the “Dick Cavett Show” and Randy Newman’s seminal 1974 album “Good Old Boys.” Newman had often said that the Maddox appearance, where Newman felt the Governor was treated unfairly, was the inspiration for the album’s opening track “Rednecks.” Steven Hart uses that connection to trace not only the divergent careers of Newman and Maddox, but the thread of bitter, corrosive resentment, inevitably tinged with racism, which runs through right wing politics to this day.
My favorite passage is the one about Pat Buchanan’s “culture war” speech at the 1992 Republican convention. Hart writes: “the imperturbably sunny face of the Reagan Presidency had been replaced by a frothing troglodyte with an anti-tax pledge in one paw and a picture of a bloody fetus in the other.” That passage perfectly sums up the moment when I got off the moderate fence I’d been sitting on during the first George H.W. Bush term and threw in with the liberals.
It’s not all politics, however: “The Ents From The Orcs” provides a fascinating glimpse of another particular moment in time that left an indelible mark on our culture: a night-long conversation in 1931 between three Oxford University academics (Henry Victor Dyson, C.S. Lewis, and J.R.R. Tolkien) that led to the writing of Lewis’ “Chronicles of Narnia” and Tolkien’s Middle Earth series. “Bruno” is an appreciation of the life and work of the late Jacob Bronowski (of “Ascent of Man” fame). All of the essays share the same insight and sharp, incisive, sometimes cutting prose. I found myself nodding along in some places, laughing out loud in others. Great book, and highly recommended.
Via: J.D. Rhoades
By JD Rhoades
212 by Alafair Burke
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Alafair Burke is an incredibly talented writer. One of her many strengths is the ability to use just the right detail (the unmatched desks in a detective squad room, the contrast between a DA’s cheap Bic pen and a defense lawyer’s expensive one) to make the reader feel that they’re right there in the scene. The plotting is tight and just twisty enough to keep the reader guessing without going so over the top as to elicit eye rolling. And her characters are very well drawn. For instance, I love how Burke portrays Ellie Hatcher, the protagonist of 212. She’s certainly less than perfect, but without so much baggage that it weighs down the story. This is police procedural done right. Highly recommended.
Via: J.D. Rhoades
By JD Rhoades
The Pilot Newspaper: Opinion
Once again, we look into our slightly cracked crystal ball for our annual tradition of fearless predictions for the year to come. Without further ado, we bring you 2015 in preview:
As we like to say at this season (with a hat tip to poet Ogden Nash): Duck! Here comes another year!
Via: J.D. Rhoades
By JD Rhoades
Polis Books is running a very nifty giveaway for the upcoming release of my latest Jack Keller Novel, DEVILS AND DUST, as well as Dave White’s new one, NOT EVEN PAST. Here’s how it works:
Via: J.D. Rhoades
By JD Rhoades
The Pilot Newspaper: Opinion
Christmas is a time that brings people together. At least that’s the theory. In reality, there’s one thing that can often lead to stress and disharmony at this time of year.
Via: J.D. Rhoades
By JD Rhoades
The Pilot Newspaper: Opinion
You know, I’m really going to miss “Stephen Colbert.”
Can Colbert the comedian deliver the same bite and sting to a mainstream late night talk show on stodgy old CBS? I have my doubts. But then again, I’ve learned not to bet against him. RIP “Stephen Colbert.” Long live Stephen Colbert, America’s greatest living satirist.
Via: J.D. Rhoades
By JD Rhoades
So this letter ran today in the Pilot:
Classic wingnuttery: using a public forum to complain endlessly about how that forum is violating their right to free speech.
Via: J.D. Rhoades
By JD Rhoades
The Pilot Newspaper: Opinion
Via: J.D. Rhoades
By JD Rhoades
The Pilot Newspaper: Opinion
Via: J.D. Rhoades