Festival encourages writers of all stripes
“If there’s a book that you want to read, but it hasn’t been written yet, then you must write it,” Toni Morrison, the first Black woman to win the Nobel Prize for Literature, said in a 1981 speech. This may well be true for how CityLit Festival, Baltimore’s annual celebration of literary arts now in its 20th year, came to be. “Honestly, it was a grassroots kind of... READ MORE
Books about the residence of presidents
The Bibliophile Learn more about the White House, also known as the Executive Mansion, in these three books. Although John Adams was the first president to live in the White House, it was George Washington who selected the site and was instrumental in planning and building the home of all his successors. The White House: An Historic Guide, by the White House Historical... READ MORE
On spoiling the grandchildren — a poll
Three things that are always true: As soon as you wash your car, it will rain. A dog will be your best friend. And grandparents exist to spoil their grandchildren. I’ve long believed the first two. But more and more, the third seems to be undergoing challenge and change. Once upon a time, grandparents were relentless, surreptitious treat providers. If their precious little... READ MORE
Local legend retires from life on the road
Johnny Castle, a Mid-Atlantic music legend, has officially retired from almost 60 years of playing rock ‘n’ roll, bluegrass, country, rockabilly, and pretty much any musical style you can imagine. He has been a member of many bands, including the Nighthawks, the Thrillbillys, Bill Kirchen and Too Much Fun, Tex Rubinowitz and the Bad Boys, Arty Hill and the Long Gone Daddys,... READ MORE
Local writer publishes new Jackie O bio
Jacqueline Bouvier Kennedy Onassis has occupied the mind of local author Oline Eaton since she was 12 years old, the year the former first lady passed away. Some three decades later, Eaton has published Finding Jackie: A Life Reinvented, which looks with compassion and insight into the glorious and tragic life of “Jackie O.” Although many other biographies of Jacqueline Onassis... READ MORE
Should Tom Brady hang up his cleats?
My adult children and I agree on many things, but sports is not one of them. They root for teams. I root for individuals. Asked if I watched the latest big game on TV, I will usually say yes. Then I will launch into a detailed analysis of how my favorite player performed. “But don’t you CARE who wins and loses?,” my son will typically ask. “Not really,” I will reply.... READ MORE
Funny calendars, cartoons and guides
The Bibliophile Resolve to start the new year with a smile. Subpar Parks: America’s Most Extraordinary National Parks and Their Least Impressed Visitors, by Amber Share, 224 pages, Plume hardcover, 2021 What could be more entertaining than a humorous guide to the National Parks? Pick your next vacation destination without being overwhelmed with exhaustive... READ MORE
Oz backstory, “Wicked,” is a holiday treat
The crowd-pleasing, Tony Award-winning musical Wicked was first performed on Broadway in 2004. With music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz and a book by Winnie Holzman, it is today among the top 12 longest-running productions on Broadway. Now at the Kennedy Center on a national tour, a recent performance included a number of young adults decked out in sparkling green attire in honor of ... READ MORE
Sherlock Holmes spoof now at Everyman
Believe it or not, not everyone is a fan of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s creation, Sherlock Holmes. There’s a certain reproach for a man who seems to have all the answers, is ever in command, and whose lifelong companion, Dr. Watson, seems specifically designed to make him look superior. That’s why such a character makes a wonderful target for comedy. Fortunately for theater... READ MORE
Make way for younger folk? No, thank you
She’s 83 years old and still the dynamo she has always been. She works full time. She volunteers for countless causes. She jogs three miles every morning. She’s right there to care for her husband, her grandchildren, her pets, her petunias. She’s what all of us should hope we still are in our ninth decades. Except for her attitude about making way for the next generation. She ... READ MORE
