The baby boomer generation grew up in times of prosperity and economic growth. We often reflect on how different our childhood was from what young people are experiencing today in terms of materialism and lifestyle. Conversely, boomers had so many more advantages than our parents, most of whom grew up during The Depression and carried that experience with them throughout their lives. They instilled in…
Caroline Adderson’s A Russian Sister is entertaining, engaging and well-written
You don’t have to be a fan of Russian literature (which I am) to enjoy A Russian Sister by Caroline Adderson. It’s a novel of historical fiction written with Anton Chekov’s sister as the main character. Actually, there are three main characters: Masha aka Maria Chekov, and her friend Lika Mizinova, with Anton Chekov providing plot complications. Adderson thought a look at the famous Russian author’s…
I bought a new dress and I feel maahvelous!
For years now I’ve been searching for a cute little summer dress. Something breezy that falls gently and forgivingly over my floppy bits. I don’t like to show cleavage or too much skin and I prefer cap sleeves to spaghetti straps. If I still had a waistline, I would have a few more options, but that ship has sailed. I’m not crazy about solid colours,…
A case of identity theft unlocks multiple mysteries
Identity theft is a particularly devastating kind of fraud and deception. It can take years to sort out one’s affairs after someone taps into your personal data and takes over your life. You Can’t Catch Me by Catherine McKenzie is the fictional account of such a crime. It hit home with me because a couple of years ago I had my wallet stolen from my purse…
The New York Times declares “Sweatpants Forever”
The other day I announced to no one in particular—actually, it was my husband, but he never listens to me and as proof, he didn’t even bat an eye—that I want a whole new wardrobe. Pandemic frump fashion has destroyed my self-image. For nearly five months now I’ve worn nothing but yoga pants, athletic shorts, loose tee shirts, and the same pair of sandals—day after…
Emma Donoghue delivers an intense best-seller with The Pull of the Stars
Best-selling author Emma Donoghue’s newest novel The Pull of the Stars is a timely commentary on history repeating itself. The story takes place during the Spanish Flu pandemic in the final days of World War I. Julia Power is a twenty-nine-year-old nurse who recovered from a relatively mild dose of the potentially fatal disease so she is considered immune and able to return to her work…