Tag Archives: ficiton

Review of “Family Lore” by Elizabeth Acevedo

Plot: Widowed and about 70, Flor Marte asks her family for a living wake so she can enjoy it while she’s still here. She’ll get to see everyone again, especially her three sisters, Matilde, Pastora, and Camila. They are originally from the countryside of the Dominican Republic and immigrated to the United States at differentContinue reading “Review of “Family Lore” by Elizabeth Acevedo”

Review of “The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian” by Sherman Alexie

The Stuff and Ramblings:This semi-autobiographical YA novel centers on an adolescent young man called Junior growing up on the Spokane Reservation. Like the author, he was born with hydrocephalus and underwent surgery as an infant. Both also suffered seizures as children. Because he is not athletic, he is easy prey for bullies. He has oneContinue reading “Review of “The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian” by Sherman Alexie”

Review of “Robinson Crusoe” by Daniel Defoe

Plot: The story has been told, retold, satirized, whitewashed, Disneyfied, and adapted for films and plays for about three hundred years. Author Daniel Defoe even wrote sequels. Phrases like “man Friday” have entered everyday language. Long ago and far away, I read a kiddie version, along with books that were inspired by it—The Swiss FamilyContinue reading “Review of “Robinson Crusoe” by Daniel Defoe”

Review of “Death in Vivid Blue” by Lawrence Buentello

Plot: Liam Terrell sees the beauty of the euthanasia agent when it first enters the sparse room. The agent is a robot and, though not designed to look human, displays an artistic form and grace. It walks on two legs. Its hands are crafted to handle delicate and fine manipulations. The whole body is finishedContinue reading “Review of “Death in Vivid Blue” by Lawrence Buentello”

Review of “The Seven Billion Habits of Highly Effective Robots” by Aidan Doyle

Plot: There is no plot. This is a list of satiric inspirational sayings for robots. A coherent world view emerges, one that is (as it should be) a reflection of own. The list begins: Recharge your batteries. Keep a gratitude journal. I’m grateful this city is our home. I’m grateful The Supreme Council of RobotsContinue reading “Review of “The Seven Billion Habits of Highly Effective Robots” by Aidan Doyle”