We have some killer book reviews on board this week for the literary set, while in a change of mood, the politics section becomes reflective. In between are game reviews, music reviews, and some industry insider stuff in Sci/Tech. Rather read about sports? Yeah, we've got that, too.
Let me remind those of you who are chosen that you are invited to submit your own pick for next week (due to space considerations, please limit it to one). Please feel free to email me your picks (including the URL) by next Tuesday.
MUSIC
From Music Editor Connie Phillips:
In Bootleg Nation: The Rolling Stones 02/24/73, Mat Brewster not only reviews the particular Rolling Stones concert mentioned but also looks at why bootlegged recordings are so special to the fans.
Richard Marcus delivers another insightful review with CD Review: Funky Funky New York Various Artists. He looks not only at what is on this CD but the genre as a whole.
More than just a review, John Owen gives a comprehensive look at George Jones' career in CD Review: The Essential George Jones. It is an informative and entertaining read.
BOOKS
From Books Editor Natalie Bennett:
There were two excellent reviews of books addressing "The United States and war" this week, which make an irresistible pair.
Book Review: Falling Through the Earth by Danielle Trussoni, by Tim Gebhart
Tim provides a clear and reflective account of the nature of the memoir—of a daughter who grew up with a father shattered by the Vietnam experience—and an interesting reflection on the new problems that the genre is experiencing.
Book Review: When The War Came Home: The Inside Story Of Reservists and the Families They Leave Behind by Nik Dirga
Bringing the story right up-to-date, Nik reviews a memoir from a peace activist whose husband is a reservist who was sent to Iraq. Nik finds that the candour of the writer makes up for the few flaws in the book.
From Editor Gordon Hauptfleisch:
I'm always on the lookout for a good mystery or police procedural series. Howard Dratch's review of Acqua Alta by Donna Leon introduced more fully a writer I haven't read, and brought to vivid life an intriguing mystery story and promising series that is - and this is the clincher - character driven. Indeed, as described by Howard, it doesn't seem that it will take much effort and just a short amount of time before I, too, can "settle into the comfort of characters already known to me, who I like and who will only become better known." The exotic setting in Venice doesn't hurt either. Plus we get a lesson in art forgery—I'm always looking for a new hobby, too.
TV/FILM
No picks this week.
CULTURE
From Culture Editor Diana Hartman:
Dave Nalle poignantly cites the productive differences between environmentalism and conservationism, between do-gooders and those who do good in Earth Day vs. Arbor Day.
Article comments
1 - Nik
Thank you kindly natalie -- although I need to note it's "Dirga," not "Durga." (I'm used to it!) Thanks again!
2 - Lisa McKay
Fixed, Nik! Sorry about that.
3 - Richard Marcus
Many thanks Connies for the nod,I've always loved late sixties early seventies funk. So finding this little horde of lost treasures to review was a treat. Of interest to all you Bob Marley freaks out there, this disc is released by the former owner of Studio One in Kingston, who now lives somewhere in New York City and runs a record label.
4 - Richard Marcus
Many thanks Connies for the nod,I've always loved late sixties early seventies funk. So finding this little horde of lost treasures to review was a treat. Of interest to all you Bob Marley freaks out there, this disc is released by the former owner of Studio One in Kingston, who now lives somewhere in New York City and runs a record label.
5 - Mat Brewster
Thanks for the nod, Connie and congrats to everyone else.
6 - John Owen
Hey, hey! Thanks for the nod, Connie! Richard, that review of yours is outstanding work... as a dedicated funkateer (I gots my Funk Express Card and everything) I need to get that disc.