I’m a writer and editor and specialize in reviewing books written for adults and writing educational standards-based books and articles for kids and teens. My work has been published in The New York Times Book Review, The Washington Post, Chicago Tribune, San Francisco Chronicle, The Oregonian, Publishers Weekly, and other publications.

Featured Reviews: Adult Books

Unsheltered by Barbara Kingsolver

The world as we know it is falling apart. At least it seems that way. The polar ice caps are melting. A contested Supreme Court nomination is but the latest in a long string of embittered clashes between Democrats and Republicans. Frustrated Americans are raging against the current administration (or, more often, each other) while stocking up on anxiety-reducing gravity blankets (yes, that’s now a thing). But, as Barbara Kingsolver so wisely points out in a letter at the beginning of the advanced readers’ copy of her politically engaged ninth novel, Unsheltered, this isn’t the first time this has happened, though it might feel that way. … [Read More...]

The Mars Room by Rachel Kushner

An obese woman, still in shackles, slumps over in her seat before rolling onto the bus’ dirty floor. A few rows away, a chained and visibly pregnant 15-year-old girl in a metal cage cries out from labor pains. She’s on the verge of delivering a child she’ll never have the chance to love. In both cases, the women and their outbursts are ignored. Along with 58 other women, they are being transferred under the cover of darkness to Stanville Women’s Correctional Facility, a notorious prison in Northern California. By the next morning, all — save the obese woman who is later pronounced dead — will have been strip-searched, given ill-fitting … [Read More...]

Featured Reviews: Adult Books

Boomer1 by Daniel Torday

When attempting to read a novel in which the world described inside closely mirrors the reality outside, it’s easy to react in one of two ways. One: You compare each plot twist with what’s happening in the news headlines and assess the novel’s insight, perspective and relevance. Or, two: You fight the urge to, and sometimes do (sorry), throw the book across the room. I’ll admit it. Daniel Torday’s latest novel, Boomer1, warrants a little of both. Let’s start with the mirroring aspect first. As many of us are probably all too aware, these are hyperactive, hypercritical times in America. There’s finger pointing, blame and shame being thrown around every which way. For … [Read More...]

My Year of Rest and Relaxation by Ottessa Moshfegh

Imagine, if you will, taking a bona fide break from the world. You know, rolling down the shades. Turning off the light. Crawling into bed, maybe with some Cheez Doodles. Pulling the covers over your head and just … resting. Sounds blissful, no? Now visualize doing so for the better part of a year while on a wheelbarrow’s worth of psychiatric drugs and sleep medications. Paints quite a different picture, yes? If this premise piques your curiosity, you’ll get quite a kick out of Ottessa Moshfegh’s second novel, My Year of Rest and Relaxation. But take heed. As  in her previous works — McGlue, a novella; Eileen, her debut novel; … [Read More...]