Emile Zola used to be more widely known than he is today. Indeed, the place he is most likely to be referenced these days is a passing mention of his famous essay “J’accuse” about the Dreyfus Affair, but then again few people remember the Dreyfus Affair anymore. Indeed, was Zola pro or anti-Dreyfus? And what century are we even talking about? Such is the fickle nature of fame. In the late 19th century, he was one of the most well-known novelists in the world. In addition to multiple other … [Read more...] about The Miner Prophets
Great Books
The Unquenchable Spark of Humanity
“I wish the book didn’t make me SO sad — I started reading it knowing nothing about the storyline or the author. There are no happy characters, no tying things in a bow, no joyous moments unmarred by sorrow. Yet, you can’t help but sympathize with each of the main characters.” That was the summary one of my former students provided in a fledgling online reading group. The book: Toni Morrison’s Beloved. But, first some background (which will seem to you, Dear Reader, to be utterly without … [Read more...] about The Unquenchable Spark of Humanity
Destiny and the Coin Flip
“Most people dont believe that there can be such a person. You can see what a problem that must be for them. How to prevail over that which you refuse to acknowledge the existence of.” No Country for Old Men, Cormac McCarthy Anton Chigurh is what you, Dear Reader, would call a homicidal psychopath. That is not what he would call himself. The difference between your description and his description reveals much about how you see the world. (Side note: Chigurh is pronounced something like … [Read more...] about Destiny and the Coin Flip
A Jolly Time with Martin Chuzzlewit
If you made a list of the Best of Charles Dickens, you would almost certainly not include Martin Chuzzlewit. You would not be unusual. A sign of where this book ranks in the popular imagination: Doctor Who once met Charles Dickens and while expressing his general admiration, he did wonder what in the world Dickens was thinking when he wrote this novel. Is it really that awful? A complicated question, that. The subtitle of Martin Chuzzlewit could be A Tale of Two Novels. Well, really two … [Read more...] about A Jolly Time with Martin Chuzzlewit
Your Mind is an Arrant Thief
How does your mind work? Has there ever been anyone who didn’t spend time musing on that question? What we can dub “Mind Studies” is a rather popular genre of literature. Not only are there the books written by psychologists and neuropsychologists and biologists and economists, but every self-help book ever written fits into the same category. Discover how your mind works and you can unlock the key to making it work better. So, if I told you I recently read one of the most fascinating books on … [Read more...] about Your Mind is an Arrant Thief
Opium and Reptiles
Confessions of an English Opium Eater is one of those oddly compelling titles. “Confessions” has that hint of allure, and the phrase “English Opium Eater” is quaint with a touch of scandal. I picked up my copy many decades ago at a library book sale. But alas, the title was compelling enough to part with a quarter to purchase it, but not tantalizing enough to actually read the book. Until now. Hearing the tale, you will be forgiven for thinking this is a penny dreadful, but while having … [Read more...] about Opium and Reptiles