Between Shades of Gray, by Ruta Sepetys: A Book Review

Don’t freak, dear reader! This has nothing to do with Fifty Shades of Gray! I’ve often wondered why World War II has become such a popular historical fiction topic in recent years, and I’ve come to only one sensible conclusion. It is simply that the men and women who lived through it are dying, slowly […]

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The Boy in the Striped Pajamas, by John Boyne: A Book Review

NOTE: There are spoilers in this article, so if you haven’t yet read The Boy in the Striped Pajamas, I’d suggest doing that first! I’m sure every adult, let alone every parent, has run into the roadblock of having to explain a tough subject to a curious little one. Kids are uncannily perceptive, and just […]

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A “Year of Wonder”-Ful Classical Music: December

NOTE: Is this a December-themed post appearing in March? Yes, yes it is. While the timing is not ideal, I’d like to point out that a New Year’s Resolution that takes a year and three months is still a completed goal. Even better news is that the timing doesn’t affect your enjoyment of the music! […]

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An Advent Sonnet…

Today is Gaudete Sunday, and I find myself once more in the third week of Advent. Most every Catholic knows that this is a season of hopeful preparation, of joyfully anticipating the re-birth of the Christ Child in our hearts at Christmas. This season, as I feel harried and rushed by many obligations, I look […]

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