Great things can come from games of make-believe. As a girl, Sarah Edmonds practiced at being what her father wanted most: a boy. This skill later served her (and the Union army) well when she joined ranks as a male nurse. “What part... Read More

Memories consist of momentary flashes, glimpses of the profound and mundane events that became more than mere moments in time; they defined us. "Merit Badges", an unconventional read by Kevin Fenton, feels like rummaging through... Read More

It would be relatively easy to fill an entire bookshelf with books about retirement. Most of them, however, deal with investments and financial security, or where to retire. "The Couple’s Retirement Puzzle" is a different kind of book... Read More

Contrary to what one might suspect, the authors of this “moral case for respectful disbelief” do not want to convince others to give up religion. Instead, they aim “to show that religious believers’ beliefs about atheists are... Read More

Like it or not, Noam Chomsky is America’s conscience. His indignant voice cuts through all the official “patriotic” babble to lay bare actual causes and effects in this country’s political policies, both foreign and domestic. It... Read More

Among the far right are media personalities, politicians, and denizens of the blogosphere who spew anti-Obama venom that stirs their followers to such a fevered pitch that three preachers prayed publicly for Obama’s death, notes... Read More

Literature is one of the few places left for savoring the gifts of maturity; in this vein, the musings and conclusions of Edward Hoagland, long-time essayist, must not be missed. Hoagland has traveled widely—the essays in this book... Read More

“I am still facing my mother, who is still facing me, and for one last second, we look at each other without anything wrong between us.” Van Meter was five years old when he shared this moment with his mother. He had just asked his... Read More