Memoir and Criticism in Matthew Specktor’s ‘Always Crashing the Same Car’
As a critic of both films and literature, Matthew Specktor has a balanced touch that keeps the scales even in his memoir, Always Crashing in the Same Car.
Linda Levitt
Reading, thinking, talking and writing. Communication PhD and assoc prof in Texas.
Billie Jean King’s ‘All In’ Takes a Swing at Gender Equity and the Big Game Called Life
A maverick force in promoting women’s sports, Billie Jean King’s courage and diligence also helped transform acceptance of gay and lesbian culture in America.
What’s So Funny About Tragic Things?
Scepanski’s Tragedy Plus Time takes a serious look at how comedy and satire in American media make light of dark matters.
‘Winter in Sokcho’ Offers an Icy Narrative of Identity and Distance
Author Elisa Shua Dusapin draws from her own challenges of entwined cultures and a feeling of not belonging in Winter in Sokcho.
Anthony Bourdain’s Last Word on Travel
In World Travel, readers are once again welcomed to Anthony Bourdain’s world, although that world is trapped in time.
15 Years Ago Paul Simon’s ‘Surprise’ Synthesized Traditional and Transformational Songwriting
Surprise shows that the familiar pleasures of Paul Simon’s work are the themes and musical sparks that leave a lasting influence.
What Made Mahjong Click with Suburban Americans?
In Annelise Heinz’s cultural history, ‘Mahjong’, the role of games tells more significant stories than simply recording how we use our leisure time.
Robert Whiting’s Life Comes Full Circle with His Latest Book, ‘Tokyo Junkie’
Robert Whiting’s aim in ‘Tokyo Junkie’ and all of his writing is to delineate the cultural differences and similarities between Japan and the United States.
How “Hip Checks” Betray Our Gender-Mediated Gaze
Erica Rand applies the sports method, “hip checks”, to explore race and gender bias in ‘The Small Book of Hip Checks’.
Hilma af Klint’s Art Gives Shape to the Things We Cannot See
Swedish artist Hilma af Klint embraced theosophy and its intent of exploring occult phenomena by uniting spirituality and science.
Visual Culture’s Power Over You
Visual culture is not just ubiquitous, it's also a potent force.