Books translated from esoteric languages
The Bibliophile See the world through the perspective of other cultures. Experience the lives and emotions of natives thanks to these three translations. They run the gamut from first-person stories to Russian interwar history to contemporary humor originally in Catalan, Yiddish and Swedish. The Art of Wearing a Trench Coat: Stories, by Sergi Pàmies, translated by Adrian Nathan West,... READ MORE
Local author gives back with each book
Last November, Maryland children’s book author Zoe Michal received an unexpected and very exciting email. Sarah Ferguson, the Duchess of York, had chosen Michal’s second book, Mission: Protect Bear, to read on her YouTube channel, “Storytime with Fergie and Friends.” Ferguson, the former wife of Prince Andrew, who has written four children’s books, started the channel during... READ MORE
During pandemic, she wrote three books
At a certain point in life, we want to finish the story. That was Dr. Daryl Cumber Dance’s thought. Upon retirement from a career as a professor of English, Dance had been asked to send her papers to her alma mater, the University of Virginia. As she went through her extensive collection of writing, Dance found projects unfinished and things unsaid. She realized she didn’t want... READ MORE
Read the stories of sports champions
The Bibliophile Fans love to reminisce about iconic coaches, championship seasons and unforgettable upset victories by their favorite teams. These books by sports insiders are sure to enhance those memories. Buzz Saw: The Improbable Story of How the Washington Nationals Won the World Series, by Jesse Dougherty, 320 pages, Simon & Schuster hardcover, 2020, 336 pages Simon &... READ MORE
Memoirs from newsmaker, news writers
The Bibliophile These autobiographies provide fascinating perspectives into a prime newsmaker of the recent past and those who reported on other powerful Washington figures. A Promised Land, by Barack Obama, 768 pages, Crown hardcover, 2020 The 44th president takes readers on an intimate journey from his emergence on the political scene to the 2011 killing of Osama bin Laden. This is ... READ MORE
Local author draws on her own childhood
In Richmond author Meg Medina’s latest children’s book, Evelyn del Rey Is Moving Away, two best friends face the sadness of separation but vow an enduring friendship. Daniela is a light-skinned Cuban American; Evelyn is a darker Cuban African. Their story, their ethnicity and their skin color are at the core of Medina’s mission: to bring to life the experiences of under-represented ... READ MORE
Radio host gives voice to new audiobook
“Afternoon drive host” Nicole Lacroix recently brought Classical WETA listeners Beethoven’s Symphony No. 7 and Rachmaninoff’s Symphonic Dance #1. She then spent time in a shoe closet, recording a pandemic mystery novel. All in a day’s work for D.C. native Lacroix, 67, who for the past 20+ years has helped air the classics over WETA, 90.9 FM. She has also just completed... READ MORE
Help is here to start 2021 with a smile
The Bibliophile Whether it’s an anthology of jokes, a humorous caper or a fun-filled calendar, start 2021 with a clean slate and a good laugh. Is This Anything? by Jerry Seinfeld, 480 pages, Simon & Schuster hardcover, 2020 Comedian Jerry Seinfeld shares his 45-year compilation of routines arranged by decade and topic. No muddling through a memoir, no soul-searching prose. No... READ MORE
A spy reveals her life in disguise
“Don’t look back” — someone is definitely following you. “Use your gut” to choose your next move. Are you being bugged with microphones and cameras in the walls of your office or apartment? “Assume that you are.” As you drive to a crucial meeting with an asset, if you realize you’ll be boxed-in by other vehicles, scoot away. Then, before you duck out of the car,... READ MORE
Parting with what parents leave behind
Your folks weren’t crazy for keeping all that stuff, even if it’s driving you crazy trying to figure out what to do with it. Believe it or not, you’re going to have just as hard a time getting rid of all that stuff as your parents had. In the days and weeks following the loss of your last surviving parent, everything your mom or dad touched will carry with it a reminder and become... READ MORE