Nonfiction The Year of Living Danishly by Helen Russel I read this book early in the year, while the bitter winter swarmed outside my windows, much the way it does now. It was a pleasure to read, bringing light, warmth,
Favorite Books of 2017
Why I Love Halloween
It’s October. The air is crisp, the leaves are crunchy, the cider is hot, the sweaters are chunky. There are apple and pumpkin flavors of everything – if you’re into that. It’s a sweet relief from summer’s heat, but a barrier
Rejection and Rotten Floors
Throughout the Christmas season I was feeling that surge of optimism that comes with that time of year. The bounce in my step seemed to say this is it. This is the year I will find an agent. I may
My Favorite Books of 2016
2016 had some dark spots. But despite the turmoil, some wonderful work was released by authors and publishers who are showing up and doing good work. Someone asked me what my favorite book I read this year was, and I
How are the Roads?
In Michigan, in February, there is one question I hear more than any other question – more even than “How are you doing?” What question is that? “How are the roads?” As much as people instinctively respond “good” to the
10 Things I’ve Learned About Living in a Small Town by Walking in Mine
1. Construction can cause traffic jams anywhere. 2. The sidewalk outside the Village does not get plowed. 3. It is possible to walk to Where the Sidewalk Ends in every direction. 4. The sidewalk can get you to a lot