I was pleasantly surprised to find a simple but beautiful narrative quality here; the allusions to 'To Kill a Mockingbird' are overt without overshadoI was pleasantly surprised to find a simple but beautiful narrative quality here; the allusions to 'To Kill a Mockingbird' are overt without overshadowing the uniqueness of Stevenson's story. There's also a clear Christian resonance here that I would hope even the most conservative readers would be compelled by. If you can enter into the pain of some of these stories you will finish the book more humane, more human, more able to stand with image bearers whom society marks condemned....more
Camosy offers an evenhanded, non-vitriolic account of the current abortion debates that have defined what's been called "America's second civil war" sCamosy offers an evenhanded, non-vitriolic account of the current abortion debates that have defined what's been called "America's second civil war" since Roe v. Wade's passage in 1973. The book aims to be accessible to both "pro-lifers" and "pro-choicers" (terms that Camosy puts in quotes to suggest that even these binaries are limited) but is overall rooted in Catholic moral theology, although accessibly so. I think the book ends up being different from what it intends to do--to find common ground in the abortion debates--because the personhood of the fetus is a nonstarter for many pro-choice advocates. That said, what the book *does* do--talk about the abortion debates in constructive terms with actual policy consequences--is admirable and worth engaging. I especially thought the policy proposals regarding federal paid programs for mothers and children was worth the price of the book, and could convince some Democrats who don't enshrine abortion rights as core to their party's platform. I also found the overview of the pro-life feminist case to be helpful. Overall a helpful and evenhanded resource for anyone who's invested in these debates....more
One of the most fascinating accounts of recent American history out there. It's both meticulously researched and highly engaging, which is a difficultOne of the most fascinating accounts of recent American history out there. It's both meticulously researched and highly engaging, which is a difficult feat for a historian to pull off. Also I just found the subject matter really inspiring for the way it defies tired culture-war categories. A must-read for any student of US religious and cultural history....more
Full of acerbic wit and vivid, oftentimes silly characters. I loved how "small" the story is: families, community, and marriage. But the writing is slFull of acerbic wit and vivid, oftentimes silly characters. I loved how "small" the story is: families, community, and marriage. But the writing is sluggish and somewhat didactic in many sections. I can see why it’s a classic; it’s just not my jam (though the BBC version will always be a delight)....more
A tepid 3 stars. The writing is original and fresh and occasionally stunning, although a bit stuffy in places. (She tends to repeat several phrases anA tepid 3 stars. The writing is original and fresh and occasionally stunning, although a bit stuffy in places. (She tends to repeat several phrases and metaphors.) I loved the first half of the book, which gives the perspective of the husband in the central marriage. What a complex and tragic (AND COMIC!!) character whose fate the reader felt deeply invested in. The second hand of the book, centered on the wife's experience and perspective, dragged on and had me rolling my eyes at several points. It included so many unnecessary and uninteresting plot twists that I had a hard time investing in, in part because I never felt that I knew Mathilde/Aurelie. This is surely in part intentional, meant to offer comment on the role and nature of "wife." Still, it's hard to stay invested in a character whose center seems inscrutable.
A small note, but I found the author's point about "not being sure she believes in marriage" in the acknowledgements annoying. You are married and are happy in it by your own account, and you've spent a whole book talking about marriage, so it seems like you believe in the institution. No need to assure us that you aren't *that* bourgeois....more
A highly readable and engaging account of Rwanda's political turmoil and improbable success in the past 50 years, with extensive quotes from Paul KagaA highly readable and engaging account of Rwanda's political turmoil and improbable success in the past 50 years, with extensive quotes from Paul Kagame serving to frame the historical account....more
An enlightening and humanely told story of the millions of migrants heading to Europe for survival. Kingsley puts to rest some myths about why migrantAn enlightening and humanely told story of the millions of migrants heading to Europe for survival. Kingsley puts to rest some myths about why migrants are leaving and what effect their presence will have across Europe. The storytelling dragged at times, and the subjects were hard to keep track of, but overall a worthy read. ...more
I'm of two minds on this one. Some of the essays in this collection are so incisive (specifically, on sexual violence and rape culture, and 'The Help'I'm of two minds on this one. Some of the essays in this collection are so incisive (specifically, on sexual violence and rape culture, and 'The Help' and 'Django Unchained') and others are just...meh, like the thought was only partially fleshed out. I really appreciate that Gay seems really comfortable in her own skin. Her writing is casual and off-the-cuff. But man, some of the sentences are clunkers. I guess I was surprised that the writing wasn't awesome. Still, a worthy read for anyone interested in feminism, black identity, and pop culture. ...more
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