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Colorful illustration with two people. Text reads: we're trans, we're survivors, we are joyful, we feel rage, we're universal

The Weekly Roundup, July 21, 2021

Illustrating Public Paint Day, folk music at People’s Light, and writing with Chet’la Sebree

Painting with Mural Arts, discovering folk with People's Light, and the Wilmington Writers Conference highlight the week. Kyle V. Hiller rounds up.

Kyle V. Hiller

Jul 21, 2021 Previews 5 minute read

Cover of Artists of Wyeth Country, with a painted illustration of a man with a thoughtful expression in a rural landscape.

Artists of Wyeth Country by W. Barksdale Maynard

Art icons of the Brandywine

Artists of Wyeth County explores three icons of the Brandywine Valley: Howard Pyle, N.C. Wyeth, and Andrew Wyeth, honoring their techniques as well as the reasons for their fame. Pamela Forsythe reviews.

Pamela J. Forsythe

Jul 13, 2021 Reviews 5 minute read

A fine example of historical fiction that's relevant today. (Image courtesy of Dutton.)

‘Fifty Words for Rain’ by Asha Lemmie

The bonds of family

In Asha Lemmie's debut novel set in post-World War II Japan, a young girl with a Japanese mother and an African American father struggles to find acceptance in a family that despises her. Helene Cohen Bludman reviews.

Helene Cohen Bludman

Jul 05, 2021 Reviews 3 minute read

Krys Malcolm Belc’s new memoir explores nonbinary birth and parenthood. (Image courtesy of Counterpoint Press.)

‘The Natural Mother of the Child’ by Krys Malcolm Belc

Redefining the parenthood memoir

In his new memoir, Philly writer Krys Malcolm Belc writes about his journey as a nonbinary gestational parent. Kirsten Bowen reviews.

Kirsten Bowen

Jun 29, 2021 Reviews 3 minute read

A giant but little-known figure. (Image courtesy of Sutherland House Books.)

‘Norman Jewison: A Director’s Life’ by Ira Wells

Jewison finally gets his due

Norman Jewison, director of ‘Fiddler on the Roof,’ ‘Jesus Christ Superstar,’ and ‘Moonstruck,’ is one of the most prolific filmmakers of the second half of the 20th century. A new biography by Ira Wells finally gives him his due. Stephen Silver reviews.

Stephen Silver

Jun 08, 2021 Reviews 4 minute read

Poet and memoirist Elaine Terranova. (Photo by Millie L. Berg.)

‘The Diamond Cutter’s Daughter: A Poet’s Memoir’ by Elaine Terranova

Facets of family life

Poet Elaina Terranova has more in common with her father than she knew. ‘The Diamond Cutter’s Daughter’ explores power, fear, and longing in a Philadelphia Orthodox Jewish family. Anndee Hochman reviews.

Anndee Hochman

May 24, 2021 Reviews 5 minute read

Ray Didinger looks beyond wins and losses. (Image courtesy of Temple University Press.)

‘Finished Business: My Fifty Years of Headlines, Heroes, and Heartaches’ by Ray Didinger

Head of a journalist, heart of a fan

Famed Philadelphia sports journalist Ray Didinger shares 50 years of a historic career in his new memoir, ‘Finished Business.’ Pamela Forsythe reviews.

Pamela J. Forsythe

May 24, 2021 Reviews 5 minute read

Navigating the duality of your identity can taste good, too. (Image courtesy of Penguin Random House.)

'Crying in H Mart’ by Michelle Zauner

The love language of food

In Michelle Zauner’s debut memoir, Crying in H Mart, grief and loss run parallel to heart and humor as a daughter comes to terms with her mother’s death and her Korean American identity. Emily Savidge reviews.

Emily Savidge

May 18, 2021 Reviews 3 minute read

A woman reckons with past heartbreak and her career’s future when she joins a rock band. (Image courtesy of Sourcebooks.)

‘The Girl with Stars in Her Eyes’ by Xio Axelrod

Women who rock

In Xio Axelrod’s new novel, love and ambition collide when a young guitarist joins an up-and-coming rock band. Kirsten Bowen reviews.