Literature and Poetry
Culture Watch Reviews: Teaching Girls About Women’s Political Gains Crucial For Progress
Nichola Gutgold writes: Preserving women's history and reminding our younger generations, especially girls and young women about it, is crucial for continued progress. The sad truth is women who have run for the United States presidency are frequently left off the history pages. Researchers found that one in four children believed it is illegal for women and minorities to hold the office of president. more »
One Hundred Books Famous in Children's Literature at the Grolier Club: Stories and illustrations entwined with enticing worlds
Powerful narrative, unforgettable characters, illustration that stirs the imagination, and insights that engage the mind and heart — literature for children is forged from the same enduring elements as literature for adults. Children's books with these qualities often shine for generations, with some achieving landmark fame. A few such books ultimately go on to enter the canon of classics of children's literature. more »
Culture Watch: Historical Memories, Both Collective and Individual, in Three Compelling World War II Books
Serena Nanda writes: Central to all three is the importance of women in keeping their families together under the most agonizing conditions of exile in Germany and France during WW II. Although similar in setting, narrative and characters, each book provides different perspectives on history, demonstrating that historical memories are both collective and individual. A love affair with "the enemy" is central in each story, causing us to deeply reflect on the impact of war on human relationships. more »
Season Five, Downton Abbey, A Mystery! Called Grantchester and More: Every Secret Has a Price
The United Kingdom has its first Labor Party prime minister. Five new characters are introduced. Plot threads left dangling from the last season of Downton Abbey, including Lady Mary's courtship contest, Lady Edith's trials as a secret single mom, Thomas's scheming against Bates. A new Mystery! series includes a charismatic young clergyman and Robson Green as the Police Inspector as well as the series, Indian Summers, with Julie Walters more »