As an avid reader of feminist literature, a student of feminist theory, and general lover of feminism, I have read a lot of books that talk about gender, race, class, xenophobia, and discrimination. For me, the importance of these topics is obvious. We need to have discussions about these topics and should be having more … Continue reading
Category Archives: nonfiction
(Re)-defining survivor/victim stories: a review of amanda lovelace’s new poetry collection
Her third collection aligns with her previous works and centres on themes of self (re-)discovery, how to find your own voice again, and the struggle with remembering and letting go of the past. Continue reading
Being Muslim in America: a review of Ayser Salman’s memoir “The Wrong End of the Table”
Ayser Salman’s memoir The Wrong End of the Table is a story of awkward childhood-teen antics and trying to figure out who you are when you have so many different cultures pulling you in different directions. Salman arrives in the U.S. with her family after they leave fascist Iraq in the 1980s. Figuring out who … Continue reading
A review of “Maid”: we need to talk about the working poor
Stephanie Land’s memoir comes at an extremely important time in the world’s social and political climate. The very existence of her memoir is in direct defiance of the shame and stigma surrounding poverty. When I saw this memoir appearing in my social media feeds I was extremely excited to know more from Land. Although her … Continue reading
“Mindfulness and Its Discontents”: why we need to rethink mindfulness
Mindfulness has become a buzz word in the last few years. The term has taken on so many different meanings in the West and is all at once meditation, letting go of your ego, getting to know your inner self, practicing kindness, learning to let your thoughts go, sitting still for a long time, not … Continue reading
Life Lessons from Michelle Obama’s “Becoming”
Michelle Obama’s memoir is a bestseller for all the right reasons. Regardless of your political affiliations and opinions, this book reflects a new era in politics. The lines between politicians and the contemporary notions of celebrities are becoming more and more blurred. The way that we consume, critique, and engage with politics and celebrities is … Continue reading
5 Books to Gift this Valentine’s Day
Valentine’s Day is approaching and whether you’re romantically in love, single, or anything in between Valentine’s Day doesn’t have to just be about roses, chocolates, and platters of oysters. For me, Valentine’s Day is a day where you get to tell the people in your life that you love them. This is not just for … Continue reading
A Review of J.M. Monaco’s “How We Remember”
CONTENT WARNING: discussions of sexual assault, cancer, death by suicide, and drug/alcohol abuse. As a passionate researcher in memory studies I am always drawn to books, both fiction and nonfiction, that draw on and play with the way we remember collectively and individually. J.M. Monaco’s novel is an exquisitely painful exploration of collective remembering within … Continue reading
“The Land Before Avocado”: a truly bittersweet look at Australia’s past
When I saw The Land Before Avocado by Richard Glover I knew I had to read it. Not only am I missing Australia a little bit these days, but I also felt drawn to the title, which I assume is a not so subtle reference to millionaire real estate mogul Tim Gurner and his ‘advice’ … Continue reading
A Review of “Tiny Hot Dogs”: recipes for life and food
Mary Giuliani’s memoir Tiny Hot Dogs: A Memoir in Small Bites intrigued me because I love talking about food as much as I love reading. Just yesterday I had a friend over for coffee and when she left my husband remarked, “You spoke about food for two hours straight…” Giuliani owns a catering/events business that … Continue reading
You must be logged in to post a comment.