Category Archives: Writing

We’re All Mad Here

Posted on November 13, 2020 by Brian D. Butler

I maintain the firm belief that we can never have enough new editions of Alice in Wonderland, especially illustrated versions. So, I was happy to see the Pushkin Press has issued a very special Alice that features the marvelous artwork of the brilliant Dutch … Continue reading →

Posted in Art, Books, Writing | Tagged , , , , | 1 Comment

Bookstores make you feel

Posted on November 12, 2020 by Brian D. Butler

 

Posted in Animation, Books, Writing | Tagged , | Leave a comment

…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 →

Posted in Books, South America, Writing | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

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

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 →

Posted in Books, USA, Writing | Tagged , | Leave a 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 →

Posted in Books, Bookstore Tourism, Freedom of Speech, History, USA, Writing | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

I shared a vagrant optimism

Posted on October 30, 2020 by Brian D. Butler

Hunter S. Thompson —”I shared a vagrant optimism that some of us were making real progress, that we had taken an honest road, and that the best of us would inevitably make it over the top. At the same time, … Continue reading →

Posted in Books, USA, Writing | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Reading is good for you

Posted on October 29, 2020 by Brian D. Butler

 

Posted in Books, ebooks, Writing | Tagged | Leave a comment

Belief and Technique by Jack Kerouac

Posted on October 28, 2020 by Brian D. Butler

 

Posted in Books, USA, Writing | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment