Monthly Archives: November 2020

…but then you read

Posted on November 10, 2020 by Brian D. Butler

Inspired by James Baldwin’s powerful 1963 book The Fire Next Time, musician and poet Meshell Ndegeocello created this intriguing short film based on Baldwin’s writing.

Posted in Animation, Art, Books, Music, USA, Writing | Tagged , , | 1 Comment

be an ingenuous reader

Posted on November 9, 2020 by Brian D. Butler

“I must be a very ingenuous reader, because I’ve never thought that novelists mean to say more than what they say. When Franz Kafka says that Gregory Samsa woke up one morning transformed into a gigantic insect, it doesn’t strike … Continue reading →

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More than Nordic Noir

Posted on November 8, 2020 by Brian D. Butler

In recent years, there has been an amazing interest around the world in Nordic Noir literature. But long before it became trendy, Iceland  was producing compelling books. I first became interested in Icelandic writers way back in the 7th grade. … Continue reading →

Posted in Books, Europe, Writing | Tagged , , | 3 Comments

How to be at home

Posted on November 7, 2020 by Brian D. Butler

Director Andrea Dorfman and poet Tanya Davis teamed-up to create this wonderful short film that is very timely. Must of us need this right about now.  

Posted in Animation, Books, Uncategorized | 1 Comment

Is nostalgia a coping mechanism

Posted on November 6, 2020 by Brian D. Butler

As I was attempting to deal with the overwhelming political anxiety of this fraught time in the United States, I chose to fall back on my go to method of diversion: travel nostalgia. It’s hard to believe that I haven’t … Continue reading →

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November for beginners

Posted on November 5, 2020 by Brian D. Butler

“November for Beginners” by Rita Dove Snow would be the easy way out—that softening sky like a sigh of relief at finally being allowed to yield. No dice. We stack twigs for burning in glistening patches but the rain won’t … Continue reading →

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When book-lovers dream of luxury…

Posted on November 4, 2020 by Brian D. Butler

Drifting into dreamland after the ultimate reading experience… When book-lovers dream of luxury, they dream of Detroit’s Book-Cadillac Hotel–at least according to this fabulous ad copy from 1928. The curtains flutter, the readers snuggle, and service is swift and silent. … Continue reading →

Posted in Architecture, Books, History, Hotels, Tourism, USA | Tagged , , | 1 Comment

Writers Against Authoritarians

Posted on November 3, 2020 by Brian D. Butler

Writers Against Trump is an association of American authors and writers working together to oppose Mango Mussolini’s regime and re-election, and to encourage voter turnout. They are planning a series of post-election events on November 5, in partnership with several independent … Continue reading →

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Help Save a Paris Landmark

Posted on November 2, 2020 by Brian D. Butler

I have had the pleasure of visiting Paris many times over the last 40 years. And ever time that I’m in Paris the iconic bookstore Shakespeare and Company is one of my first stops. Even if you have never been … Continue reading →

Posted in Books, Bookstore Tourism, Europe, History, Libraries | Tagged , , , | 6 Comments

You can judge these books by their covers

Posted on November 1, 2020 by Brian D. Butler

California-based artist Seth Bogart is a painter, designer, musician, and ceramic artist. TBTP reader Will tipped me to these very clever ceramic books and book covers from a recent series by Bogart. You can see more of these “hardcover” volumes … Continue reading →

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