reviews

Of Death and Life and Revenge Author: Susan Speranza Francesca is drowning, and all she can think of is what once was: the clarity of her music, her playful daughter, her loyal dog, and the perfect love she shared with her husband, Ben. Only, Ben has left her here to drown. He has left their daughter too. He saved himself, and he didn’t even look back. As the waters close over Francesca, she thinks of love and revenge, she flashes over her life and wonders how she got here, how everything went to pieces; she strains to call out to her [...]

Mary Laura Philpott as Portable Therapist Author: Mary Laura Philpott In her outstanding sophomore collection of essays, Mary Laura Philpott has established herself as a relatable, wise, and exceedingly empathetic voice of Generation X. In fact, I would like to shrink Philpott down to pocket-size so I can pull her out whenever I feel the pressing need to consult with someone who gets it. “It” referring to the angst we feel over not being able to protect our loved ones. “It” referring to the act of raising little kids who turn into teenagers and then (sob) college students. “It” referring [...]