by Sophie The American Women's Club of Amsterdam (AWCA) is is a vibrant and diverse group of over 300 women, ranging from newcomers to long-time residents of the Netherlands. They embrace life abroad while staying true to their American roots, and strengthen the bond between the Netherlands and the United States through [...]
The Odyssey by Homer After ten years of war, Odysseus turns his back on Troy and sets sail for home. But his voyage takes another ten years and he must face many dangers. Polyphemus the greedy one-eyed giant, Scylla the six-headed sea monster and even the wrath of the gods [...]
The Iliad by Homer One of the epics in Western literature, The Iliad recounts the story of the Trojan wars. In his introduction, the author observes that although the violence of the Iliad is grim and relentless, it co-exists with both images of civilized life and a poignant yearning for [...]
Stoner by John Williams William Stoner is born at the end of the nineteenth century into a dirt-poor Missouri farming family. As years pass, Stoner encounters a succession of disappointments: his marriage estranges him from his parents; his career is stymied; his wife and daughter turn coldly away from him; [...]
by Sophie Since the inception of the Ursula K. Le Guin Prize in 2022 I’ve been reading along with the whole shortlist each year. I’ve written about the books here on the blog for the 2023 and the 2024 prize, and here – FINALLY – is my report on the books nominated [...]
Becoming Janice by Ragini Werner Fine lesbian fiction set in London and Amsterdam Becoming Janice is relatable lesbian fiction, a captivating coming-of-age story that follows Janice in her search for love and personal growth in London and Amsterdam. The story begins with Janice, newly arrived in London from Auckland, seeking [...]
by Iris A few years ago, I fell completely in love with novellas. I’d read a couple before, but I guess not enough to fully appreciate the form. Or maybe it was just a timing issue? But at some point during the Covid years I started absolutely inhaling novellas and I've [...]
Radiant Star by Ann Leckie Space opera's sharpest mind returns to the world of the Imperial Radch in this brilliant standalone from award-winning author Ann Leckie. The Temporal Location of the Radiant Star has always been a source of both conflict and hope for the people of Ooioiaa. However, the [...]
The City We Became by N.K. Jemisin In Manhattan, a young grad student gets off the train and realizes he doesn't remember who he is, where he's from, or even his own name. But he can sense the beating heart of the city, see its history, and feel its power. [...]
Pot Shot by Laura Piper Lee Nomi Wyeth, former valedictorian and current pothead, has her heart set on opening her own boutique cannabis dispensary in charming downtown Sparrow Nook, New Jersey. Cannabis changed Nomi’s life, giving her relief from Crohn’s disease when nothing else could, and it’s her dream to [...]
