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A Muslim’s view of Jesus
Some people are outraged by Reza Aslan’s new book about Jesus. Some praise it. Lots of people seem to have opinions. Steve Wishnevsky has a suggestion: read it. Reviewed by Stephen Wishnevsky ZEALOT: THE LIFE AND TIMES OF JESUS OF NAZARETH. By Reza Aslan. Random House. 336 pages. $27. This is a most entertaining new…
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At least, it’s witty
The esteemed reviewer, actor, haikuist and petanquer (I’m sure I’m leaving some important role out) Bob Moyer has resurfaced after a summer on the road. Here he takes a look at the latest offering in a long-running series. Reviewed by Robert Moyer GUILT. By Jonathan Kellerman. Ballantine Books. 378 pages. $28. Jonathan Kellerman’s detecting duo,…
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FDR, commander in chief
Paul O’Connor, when he’s not commenting on the shenanigans in our state government or teaching aspiring journalists, is a devoted student of American history. Here he takes a look at a new book about Franklin D. Roosevelt and World War II. Reviewed by Paul T. O’Connor ROOSEVELT’S CENTURIONS: FDR AND THE COMMANDERS HE LED TO…
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Letters, love and life
A historical novel dealing with both World Wars, a sweet love story – Jessica Brockmole’s first novel is an engaging, light novel, a good pick for entertaining end-of-summer listening or reading. Reviewed by Linda C. Brinson LETTERS FROM SKYE. By Jessica Brockmole. Books on Tape (Random House). Read by Elle Newlands, Katy Townsend, Lincoln Hoppe,…
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Love, war and murder
Chris Bohjalian is without a doubt one of the finest writers in America today. His novels are literary without pretension and compelling stories without unnecessary artifice. He writes about terrible events so that we comprehend their enormity without being blinded by our horror to their greater truths. Reviewed by Linda C. Brinson THE LIGHT IN…
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When things heat up
While it’s still summer, read Maggie O’Farrell’s latest novel, the aptly named Instructions for a Heatwave. If you read it, as I did, as an audio book when driving, you’ll really get the atmosphere right when you begin to listen upon returning to your hot car after it’s been parked in the sun. The emotional…
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Life, love and friendship – retold
Here’s a good, rather old-fashioned novel that relies on excellent writing, skilled character development, vivid descriptions and considerable insight into human nature to tell its story. In print, it would be a great choice for a vacation or other time when you can savor a book. I found the audio version an excellent traveling companion.…
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North Carolina and the KKK?!
The KKK in North Carolina? White hoods and crosses may not be much in evidence these days, but Tom Dillon reviews a book that argues that the Klan’s legacy is strong in today’s political climate. Reviewed by Tom Dillon KLANSVILLE, U.S.A.. By David Cunningham. Oxford University Press. 337 pages, $29.95 hardback The biggest political gathering…
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Those who serve, and those who wait
A number of recent articles have looked at the growing military/civilian divide, the reality that even though the United States has been at war since just after Sept. 11, 2001, the vast majority of Americans don’t know anyone in the military and have very little understanding of the lives of those who serve and those…