archive
Books
Raymond Carver's 'Writer's Life' Poignantly Exposed
November 27, 2009 When writer Raymond Carver died in 1988, the Times of London christened him "The American Chekov." The epitaph has stuck. Author Susan Jane Gilman has the review of a new, 578-page biography entitled "Raymond Carver: A Writer's Life."
Book Reviews
R. Crumb's Awesome, Affecting Take On 'Genesis'
October 19, 2009 The godfather of cartoon counterculture takes on the Bible in his new comic, The Book of Genesis Illustrated. Reviewer Susan Jane Gilman says R. Crumb's latest effort is serious — and brilliant.
Opinion
However Great His Talent, Polanski Is Still Guilty
September 29, 2009 Commentator Susan Jane Gilman asks: If a great artist sexually abuses a minor, should their achievements somehow mitigate their guilt?
Book Reviews
An Exhaustive, Invigorating 'Case For God'
September 28, 2009 When it comes to our current understanding of theology, former Roman Catholic nun Karen Armstrong attempts to bring "something fresh to the table." Reviewer Susan Jane Gilman calls Armstrong's Case for God a "stimulating, hopeful work."
Book Reviews
On The 'Wisdom Trail,' Platitudes Prevail
July 27, 2009 Long on generalities and short on real wisdom, The Wisdom Trail does not do justice to the women it profiles.
My Guilty Pleasure
Escape To New York: A Sentimental Trip Through 'Time'
July 23, 2009 Time and Again spans time, finds mystery, delves into Science-Fiction, grounds itself in Einstein's theories and ultimately, settles into romance fantasy. So what's the problem? Author Susan Jane Gilman explains her guilty addiction to this cult pop thriller.
Book Reviews
Count On This: Two Entertaining Economics Books
April 29, 2009 Author Susan Jane Gilman recommends two books — Niall Ferguson's The Ascent of Money and Alan Beattie's False Economy — to help you unravel the economic crisis.
Book Reviews
Journalist Looks At The 'Why' Behind Columbine
April 17, 2009 In his new book, Dave Cullen delivers a clear-eyed portrait of the brains behind the Columbine killings. He says the massacre wasn't an emotional outburst or revenge fantasy carried out by a couple of social outcasts. Reviewer Susan Jane Gilman calls the book strong, but says it doesn't quite sing.
You Must Read This
A Journey From The Ghetto To The Ivory Tower
March 25, 2009 Ron Suskind's A Hope in the Unseen tracks a familiar story — an ambitious kid's escape from the inner city. Author Susan Jane Gilman says Suskind treats his subject with such care that this nonfiction tale has the impact of an epic novel.
