| Marta's Reading Insight |
number 17 |
 |
CHANGE
Have you ever suddenly realized that the world has changed around
you while you were busy living life?
|
|
The author of Bobos in Paradise reports on the American
march to the future with America as the "cosmic blonde"
of nations, sailing through a charmed and superficial existence
while the "cosmic brunettes" of the world write, read,
worry, condemn, evaluate, judge and doubt . Sharp observations
from a perceptive social critic. |
|
|
Political travelogue rich with details of the former Soviet
Union, Iran, Mongolia, China and Vietnam. Sometimes comical
and often discomforting, Burkett's adventures shine a light
on the "evil empire" to reveal daily life and local
reactions. Other cultures, not just imagined, but experienced
and retold with vigor. |
|
|
Typos or "thinkos", Nunberg hears the changes in our
language and makes the connections between words and issues.
Core concerns are reflected in his observations; for example
how the use of "Gallic" refers to the perceived character
traits of the French, when it pops up in political columns and
administration positions. Word lovers with interest in current
events will savor this gem. |
|
|
Those who appreciate the exact and graceful use of the English
language should seize any opportunity to read the essays of
Lopate. Here he takes a tour around the ever-changing character
of the shoreline looking at the history, lore, culture and politics
of the "permanently docked luxury liner going nowhere"
known as Manhattan. A literary classic of New York. |
|
|
Tracing the complex history of white American attitudes toward
Native religions from Colonial days to the present, Jenkins
traces each thread of Native belief as it becomes part of the
fabric of contemporary spirituality. From savages to Dances
with Wolves, from Castaneda to New Age Sedona, this is an
engrossing account of our changing attitudes. |
Updated 9/15/04
dcelia@westportlibrary.org