“Jane Austen invented a new voice for fiction: conversational and intimate.”

A review of  “Jane Austen in 41 Objects” in 100 words by Catherine Stover

Jane Austen, born 250 years ago, was the first to write novels based on the everyday objects, language, routines, and concerns of women. Her books are realistic, observant, witty, and avant-garde. I have a feeling … Read More

“Unless you’re a doubter and a worrier, a nail-biter, an apologizer, a rethinker, then memoir may not be your playpen.”

karr2When the Paris Review interviewer ask Mary Karr – author of the wild memoir The Liars’ Club — what the biggest problems were with memoirs today, she said, “They’re not reflective enough. They lack self-awareness.” The importance of developing a capacity for reflection is one of the central themes in … Read More