John and Abigail’s letters to each other are famous; less known are the letters between Abigail and her sisters, Mary and Elizabeth. They were separated by geography, family life, and in some cases ideology, but throughout their lifetimes relied on each other for knowledge, comfort, and humor. In Dear Abigail: The Intimate Lives and Revolutionary…
Tag: non-fiction
Review: Gunn’s Golden Rules
Tim Gunn is best known for his work on Project Runway, where his “Make it work” anthem rings repeatedly in the ears of designers and viewers alike. It’s been Gunn’s mantra for at least a decade, so of course it had to be the title of his book. Gunn’s Golden Rules: Life’s Little Lessons for…
Quickie Reviews: Heroes, Crowns, and Dirty Minds
Although I’m picky enough about what I read that I’m generally sure I’ll enjoy the books I borrow or buy, occasionally there are some that miss the mark. These are books that had promise, but fell flat. The Hero and the Crown This book was promising — strong female main character, dragons, etc. — but…
Review: The Invention of Murder
Murder has been around for thousands of years, but it was the Victorians who perfected the art of publicizing it. Every kind of murder — from disemboweling to poisoning — was fodder for journalists, authors, playwrights, and songwriters. Audiences could not get enough, and it’s been the same ever since. In The Invention of Murder:…
Review: America Walks Into a Bar
The bar. What is today a sticky, crowded space whose blaring televisions and tchotsky-covered walls dull the will to live has a long history of nurturing dissidents and serving up rebellions. The American Revolution fomented in taverns in Pennsylvania and New Jersey. Abraham Lincoln’s killer plotted with his conspirators in Surratt Tavern. Bar owners smuggled…