On the Road Again
Summer is upon us, and with it, the unmistakable urge for going. I’ve got a trip lined up in a few weeks to visit my family on the west coast, and … Continued
Lexi, Lily, and the Octopus
Steven Rowley’s debut novel Lily and the Octopus is about the bond between man and dog, between friends, and also lovers. It follows frustrated writer and chronic first-dater Ted and his dog, best friend ever and constant companion and confidant Lily, a 12-year-old dachshund who develops a brain tumor. Yes, it’s sad, and yes, it will probably make you cry.
Hang Ten: Nonfiction Picks for Summer
What does a surfer and a woman suffering from chronic depression and anxiety have in common? They’re both amazing authors with the ability to pull the reader into their stories, even if you’ve even seen a surfboard in real life and are cool as a cucumber in all situations.
In Memoriam: Anton Yelchin
Mourning the passing of actor Anton Yelchin, here are three of his best films.
Nonfiction Books about Grief
Randy Pausch was a Pittsburgh professor whose book, The Last Lecture (DB 66601), became a bestseller in 2008. Pausch wrote this while dying of cancer and it was based … Continued
Blue is the [Most Beautiful] Color
Illustration, yet another way books make you feel things. Big things like happiness, sadness, anger and hope. Julie Maroh’s graphic novel, Blue is the Warmest Color makes you feel all that and more.
Picture Books–Not Just for Kids
Picture books are not just for kids. They are multifaceted and at the forefront of—and sometimes precede—social change.
Read Between the Gap…
The #WeNeedDiverseBooks movement is showing no sign of slowing down. Here is a list of titles by diverse authors that promote understanding and compassion.
Only Lovers
What do you like to do on the weekend? Me, I like to make a nice breakfast, take some naps, sing a little off-key to the radio, and now and … Continued
Listening to Veterans’ Stories
A few weeks ago, local scholar Todd DePastino visited the West Pittsburgh History Club to give a presentation of his work with local veterans. Not simply an academic, Todd’s work with veterans extends outside the tower through the Veteran’s Breakfast Club, a group he co-founded.