Books

393 results
Page 19
Whom does history reflect? David W. Young’s ‘Battles of Germantown’ wonders. (Image courtesy of Temple University Press.)

‘The Battles of Germantown’ by David W. Young

Restoring the history that includes us all

The northwest corner of Philadelphia known as Germantown far predates the city itself, and the real roots of its history are only just coming into public light. David W. Young’s ‘The Battles of Germantown’ reveals that work. Pamela Forsythe reviews.

Pamela J. Forsythe

Articles 5 minute read
Brittney Morris’s debut novel ‘SLAY’ plays no games with identity. (Image courtesy of Simon & Schuster)

‘SLAY,’ by Brittney Morris

Slaying the book game

Brittney Morris's debut YA novel tackles identity, online and off, as a canny teenager takes the online gaming world by storm, with unexpected consequences. Kyle V. Hiller reviews.
Kyle V. Hiller

Kyle V. Hiller

Articles 3 minute read
Finally, fans know what Vernell would say. Cover of ‘The Vernell Poems’ chapbook courtesy of Moonstone Press.

‘The Vernell Poems’ by Herman Beavers

What would Vernell say?

Poet Herman Beavers, in his new chapbook 'The Vernell Poems,' riffs on the stories of the indomitable Vernell Spraggins—folk philosopher, lover, liar, and trickster. Suzanne Cloud considers.
Suzanne Cloud

Suzanne Cloud

Articles 5 minute read
Wendell Young’s ideas live on in his memoir. (Image courtesy of Temple University Press.)

‘A Life in Philadelphia Labor and Politics,’ by Wendell W. Young III

Conscience at work

Wendell Young died in 2013, but his newly published memoirs are a striking window on Philly politics and labor in the late 20th century, including many causes we’re still fighting for today. Pamela Forsythe reviews.

Pamela J. Forsythe

Articles 5 minute read
How much does it hurt? The cover of ‘Cursed.’ (Image courtesy of Charlesbridge Publishing.)

‘Cursed’ by Karol Ruth Silverstein

Anything but perfect

We’re used to the arcs of YA novels like ‘Cursed.’ What’s new is a realistic protagonist navigating high school and a serious chronic illness. Anndee Hochman reviews.
Anndee Hochman

Anndee Hochman

Articles 4 minute read
A worthwhile read for that last beach trip of 2019: Chuck Wendig’s ‘Wanderers.’ (Photo by Michelle Nugent.)

‘Wanderers’ by Chuck Wendig

Walkers at the end of the world

Pennsylvania author Chuck Wendig launched his latest novel in Doylestown this summer. ‘Wanderers’ isn’t so much concerned with the aftermath of the apocalypse as our humanity and inhumanity within it. Michelle Nugent reviews.
Michelle Nugent

Michelle Nugent

Articles 3 minute read

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A gift you love—but where do you put it? (Image courtesy of Temple University Press.)

‘Contested Image': Redefining the City Through Visual Culture by Laura Holzman

The Barnes, ‘The Gross Clinic,’ and 'Rocky'

Laura Holzman’s ‘Contested Image’ follows Philadelphia as it hurled itself into debates over art that would shape our city’s modern identity. Pamela J. Forsythe reviews.

Pamela J. Forsythe

Articles 5 minute read
Hands like tiny starfish: The grandkids. (Image courtesy of Random House.)

‘Nanaville: Adventures in Grandparenting’ by Anna Quindlen

Love the grandkids; hold your tongue

In her new memoir, Anna Quindlen shares advice based on her latest role in life: grandparent. Kathye Fetsko Petrie reviews.
Kathye Fetsko Petrie

Kathye Fetsko Petrie

Articles 4 minute read
Author Laurada Byers with students of the Russell Byers Charter School. (Photo by Ryan Brandenburg.)

‘Wild Wisdom: A Warthog’s Tale’ by Laurada Byers

Surviving the jungle

In ‘Wild Wisdom,’ a new graphic memoir, a Philadelphia woman who’s seen more than her share of grief offers unexpectedly uplifting life lessons with the help of a special ambassador: the warthog. SaraKay Smullens reviews.
SaraKay Smullens

SaraKay Smullens

Articles 4 minute read
Mayor Frank Rizzo in 1972. (Photo by Oliver F. Atkins, via Wikimedia Commons.)

‘Blue-Collar Conservatism: Frank Rizzo’s Philadelphia and Populist Politics’ by Timothy J. Lombardo

How we got here

Timothy J. Lombardo’s ‘Blue-Collar Conservatism’ follows an icon of late-20th-century Philadelphia politics and presages the rise of the right on America’s national stage. Pamela J. Forsythe reviews.

Pamela J. Forsythe

Articles 4 minute read