Author Archives: Brian D. Butler

The problem with despair

Posted on October 22, 2025 by Brian D. Butler

“It may just be a refusal to take the counsel of despair. I think to admit despair and to revel in it — as many 20th- and 21st-century writers do — is an easy way out. Whenever I get really … Continue reading →

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America’s Book Club is Live

Posted on October 21, 2025 by Brian D. Butler

America’s Book Club, C-SPAN’s new primetime weekly series, debuted last Sunday, October 19, with an episode featuring John Grisham. The program airs at 6 p.m. and re-airs at 9 p.m. Eastern and Pacific. Hosted by author and interviewer David M. … Continue reading →

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What Do You Do with the Mad That You Feel?

Posted on October 20, 2025 by Brian D. Butler

I am too old to have grown-up with the iconic Public Broadcasting children’s television show, but I was always a fan of the beloved Fred Rogers. In 1969, Fred Rogers appeared before the Senate to argue against cutting federal funding … Continue reading →

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Would You Eat Bookstore Flavored Bread

Posted on October 19, 2025 by Brian D. Butler

When I first read about “Bookstore-Flavored Bread”, I thought that it was a joke. However, it’s a real thing in Korea and it’s going viral. “Yonsei Milk Kyobo Bookstore-Flavored Fresh Cream Bread” is sold exclusively at CU convenience stores.  CU … Continue reading →

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I don’t need anything from here

Posted on October 17, 2025 by Brian D. Butler

“I would leave everything here: the valleys, the hills, the paths, and the jaybirds from the gardens, I would leave here the petcocks and the padres, heaven and earth, spring and fall, I would leave here the exit routes, the … Continue reading →

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Lessons in reading

Posted on October 16, 2025 by Brian D. Butler

We went from “what good are the humanities?” to “suddenly, no one can read” in a few years, and it’s no coincidence that we’re suddenly awash in misinformation and lack of critical thinking. This is WHY we need the humanities. … Continue reading →

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The 2025 Nobel Prize in Literature Goes to László Krasznahorkai

Posted on October 15, 2025 by Brian D. Butler

There Goes Valzer László Krasznahorkai, translated by George Szirtes My name​ is Róbert Valzer and I like walking, not that I have anything to do with the famous Robert Walser, nor do I think it strange that walking should be my … Continue reading →

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Do Halloween like it’s 1920

Posted on October 14, 2025 by Brian D. Butler

I recently stumbled upon this fantastic vintage Halloween book filled with crafts, decoration ideas, DIY costumes, and more. The book is called Dennison’s Bogie Book for Halloween. It was written in 1920, but the activities and decorations inside can make … Continue reading →

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Book of Demons and Ghosts

Posted on October 13, 2025 by Brian D. Butler

The Book of Dreams and Ghosts by 19th century Scottish novelist and poet Andrew Lang brings together 78 spooky tales, ranging from a demon encounter in 17th-century England to a 19th century poltergeist haunting in China. Lang  offers commentary on … Continue reading →

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even though the whole world is burning

Posted on October 12, 2025 by Brian D. Butler

 

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