Willa Cather, 1936 (Photo: Carl Van Vechten; Public domain, via Wikipedia) It's nearly two years since I posted on a Library of America (LOA) short story, and it's over a year since they published Willa Cather's "The bookkeeper's wife" as their Story of the Week. However, this morning I had a quiet moment and decided to … Continue reading Willa Cather, The bookkeeper’s wife (#Review)
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O. Henry, Conscience in art (#Review)
Followers of the short story form will probably know of O. Henry, the pen-name of American author William Sydney Porter (1862-1910). Although he also wrote poetry and non-fiction, Henry was best known for his prodigious short story writing. His legacy, as Wikipedia says, includes the O. Henry Award, which is an annual prize awarded to outstanding … Continue reading O. Henry, Conscience in art (#Review)
Ernest Hemingway, Cat in the rain (#Review)
As I often do with Library of America (LOA), I bookmarked their recent Story of the Week featuring Ernest Hemingway's short story "Cat in the rain" to read later. "Later" came today. I have no Hemingway on my blog, so this seemed a perfect opportunity, and I do like short stories anyhow. First ed. cover, from Wikipedia article. … Continue reading Ernest Hemingway, Cat in the rain (#Review)
James Weldon Johnson, Stranger than fiction (#Review)
Several months ago, I bookmarked a Library of America (LOA) Story of the Week offering - as I often do for later use - but, despite its being a very brief offering, I've only got to it now. It's on James Weldon Johnson (1871–1938), and was timed, 17 June 2021, to synchronise with the 150th anniversary of his birth. … Continue reading James Weldon Johnson, Stranger than fiction (#Review)
Bill curates: Mary Church Terrell’s What it means to be coloured …
Bill Curates is an occasional series where I delve into Sue’s vast archive, stretching back to May 2009, and choose a post for us to revisit. In 2011, when today's post was first published, Barack Obama was in his first term as President and then Senate Majority Leader, Republican Mitch McConnell, was pursuing a scorched earth policy of … Continue reading Bill curates: Mary Church Terrell’s What it means to be coloured …
Gene Stratton-Porter, The last Passsenger Pigeon (#Review)
I have passed up reading and/or posting on so many Library of America (LOA) Story of the Week offerings over the last months - sadly, because there have been some excellent selections chosen for their political relevance. However, when I saw a sentimental favourite, Gene Stratton-Porter (1863-1924), pop up, I knew I had to break the drought. … Continue reading Gene Stratton-Porter, The last Passsenger Pigeon (#Review)
Fannie Barrier Williams, Women in politics (#Review)
It's been months since I posted on a Library of America (LOA) Story of the Week offering, but this week's piece by African American activist, Fannie Barrier Williams, captured my attention. Several LOA offerings this year have been relevant to the times - including stories about infectious diseases - but this one is so spot on for … Continue reading Fannie Barrier Williams, Women in politics (#Review)
Joan Didion, Quiet days in Malibu (#Review)
As for many people I expect, Joan Didion's now classic The year of magical thinking made a lasting impression on me, so I was keen to read her essay "Quiet days in Malibu" when it popped up as a Library of America (LOA) Story of the Week back in November. I was also interested in the subject matter. … Continue reading Joan Didion, Quiet days in Malibu (#Review)
Lafcadio Hearn, Yuki-Onna (#Review)
I can't believe how long it's been since I've posted on a Library of America (LOA) Story of the Week. I usually "do" a few a year, but this is the first for 2019, even though I've identified several that I've wanted to do. However, when Lafcadio Hearn popped up last week - and with a Japanese story … Continue reading Lafcadio Hearn, Yuki-Onna (#Review)
Kate Chopin, Her letters (#Review)
There are a few American authors who, when they pop up as a Library of America (LOA) Story of the Week, I try to read. These include Edith Wharton, Willa Cather and Kate Chopin. I don't always manage to read them, but I have read the latest Kate Chopin story they've published, "Her letters". And my, … Continue reading Kate Chopin, Her letters (#Review)
Whispering Gums 