Books have always been treasures for thinkers, but given today’s politically correct public education system, from kindergarten through high school and (with a few exceptions) indoctrination factories called universities, they’re even more important for anyone wishing to develop independent and critical thinking. Teachers at all levels often have curricula that …

Can’t take a nice walk or go to the beach because of those big gray clouds hanging over you? Don’t worry, it won’t weaken your plans. Take advantage of this free time to indulge in simple pleasures. Brew yourself a cup of hot chocolate and make yourself comfortable by your …

I’m not proud of it, but unfortunately there are some writers whose work I do not discuss until after they die. So although I vaguely heard of the late great Paule Marshall, contemporary of Toni Morrison and James Baldwin and recipient of the MacArthur Fellowship, I finally decided to open …

Following widespread protests from local citizens and national groups including the National Coalition Against Censorship, an Alaskan school board voted 6 to 1 to reverse its decision to withdraw five classic works of fiction from the Grade 11 English language reading list. Students will again be able to read: I …

With a little more time for us in the foreseeable future, and another socially distanced holiday weekend on the horizon at the end of May, we’re going to have to start looking for new ways to keep things interesting like the conditions of the COVID pandemic. -19 Continue. Maybe an …

UPDATE 7/7/2020 – The Mat-Su School Board held a meeting on 6/5/2020 where members were to reconsider their original decision. After hours of testimony, the vast majority of which supported conservation of the books, the board voted to defer their new vote until a meeting later in May. The NCAC …

In this time of crisis, we are reminded that literature offers historical empathy and perspective, breaking down the isolation that we feel curled up in our homes to connect, across time zones and centuries, with others. who have experienced similar events. It evokes our worst nightmares (Poe’s Mask of Red …