Category Archives: Books

Pity the Nation

Posted on July 29, 2023 by Brian D. Butler

Pity the nation that wears a cloth it does not weave and eats a bread it does not harvest. Pity the nation that acclaims the bully as hero, and that deems the glittering conqueror bountiful. Pity a nation that despises … Continue reading →

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To be hopeful in bad times is not just foolishly romantic

Posted on July 28, 2023 by Brian D. Butler

To be hopeful in bad times is not just foolishly romantic. It is based on the fact that human history is a history not only of cruelty, but also of compassion, sacrifice, courage, kindness. What we choose to emphasize in … Continue reading →

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When is a travel book not a travel guide

Posted on July 26, 2023 by Brian D. Butler

As a collector of, and dealer in, the niche market of travel books, I’m always on the lookout for rare and unusual travel books. Many years ago, I read about a special travel book that was not in any way … Continue reading →

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Summer reads and more

Posted on July 24, 2023 by Brian D. Butler

It’s that time of the year when former President Barack Obama releases his summer reading list. Since he has such impeccable and varied tastes, those of us who care about books take notice. While I usually have read at least … Continue reading →

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Pushing back against AI

Posted on July 23, 2023 by Brian D. Butler

The Authors Guild has submitted an open letter to the CEOs of prominent AI companies, including OpenAI, Alphabet, Meta, Stability AI, IBM, and Microsoft, calling their attention “to the inherent injustice in exploiting our works as part of your AI systems without … Continue reading →

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Happy Hemingway Day

Posted on July 21, 2023 by Brian D. Butler

“Cat in the Rain” by Ernest Hemingway There were only two Americans stopping at the hotel. They did not know any of the people they passed on the stairs on their way to and from their room. Their room was on … Continue reading →

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Life-Changing Books

Posted on July 18, 2023 by Brian D. Butler

Among the many vocations over the course of my life was a two decade stretch as a psychotherapist. While the most rewarding work, it was often filled with self-doubt and angst. During my graduate school education, I was fortunate to … Continue reading →

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Bookstore Tourism: Best bookshop name ever

Posted on July 17, 2023 by Brian D. Butler

I recently discovered the best named bookstore in America. Mother foucault’s bookshop in Portland, Oregon offers a well curated collection of rare, antiquarian and secondhand books selected by the owner Craig Florence. Located in a somewhat dingy, light industrial neighborhood, the shop’s … Continue reading →

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Compelling Firsts

Posted on July 15, 2023 by Brian D. Butler

 

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Writer’s Life

Posted on July 11, 2023 by Brian D. Butler

 

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