Books reveal untold World War II stories
The Bibliophile Even today, remarkable tales about the Second World War are emerging. These books shed light on lesser-known aspects of the war and of heroes from the Greatest Generation. Immortal Valor: The Black Medal of Honor Recipients of World War II, by Robert Child, 288 pages, Osprey hardcover, 2022; paperback, June 2023 The Medal of Honor is the highest military... READ MORE
Alexandria’s corner jewelry shop endures
It may not have the pizazz and glitter of Tiffany’s, but David Martin’s 800-square-foot Virginia shop and studio, Gold Works, glows nonetheless. For 33 years, Martin has designed, made, restored and sold jewelry in the modest brick building on the corner of Old Town Alexandria’s King and West Streets. “This store is my wife and my baby,” Martin said. Gold Works sparkles with ... READ MORE
Facing up to my limitations at a singalong
We graying (or gray) souls have all had one or more of these experiences: We attend a business meeting and we’re the oldest person there. We mention “November 22, 1963” in a room full of Gen Xers and are met with a sea of uncomprehending faces. We read “OMG,” “ICYMI” or another hip digital abbreviation, and we have no idea what it means. Now I have another log to... READ MORE
Ideas and advice for venturing outdoors
The Bibliophile Time to head outdoors and enjoy springtime. These books offer ideas for activities close to home. AIA Guide to the Architecture of Washington, DC: Sixth Edition, by G. Martin Moeller, Jr., 383 pages, Johns Hopkins University Press softcover, 2022 This comprehensive guide covers more than 400 structures of distinction in the nation’s capital. Whether you’re an... READ MORE
Surgeon lost sight and became a sculptor
Dr. Matthew Kessler was working as a dental surgeon and teaching at two D.C.-area universities when he noticed changes in his vision. “It came on pretty quickly,” Kessler, now 88, said. “It looked like someone put Vaseline on everything.” Diagnosed with macular degeneration about 25 years ago, which blurred his central vision, Kessler had no choice but to retire. Although... READ MORE
Musical tells story of jazz, R&B pioneer
In the 1940s, an Arkansas woman with an electric guitar began playing gospel music in night clubs, and music has never been the same. Shout, Sister, Shout!, now playing at the historic Ford’s Theatre, is a unique and meaningful musical about her life. Written by Cheryl L. West and based on a biography by Gayle F. Wald, it is the story of Sister Rosetta Tharpe (1915-1973), an... READ MORE
A nod to my late penny-pinching friend
Which regular human activity reveals the inner truth about a person? Some would say driving, which can uncover hostility and entitledness in surprising amounts. Some would say the telephone, which can unmask just how friendly — or unfriendly — you really are. But my vote goes to the grocery store, in memory of a friend who died a couple of months ago. He was in his late... READ MORE
Teaching brings joy to poet, art instructor
“When I teach poetry, I get more energy after the class than when I began. It’s the opposite of being drained — it’s being hydrated,” said Maryland Poet Laureate Grace Cavalieri. At age 91, Cavalieri is passionate about teaching poetry to students at different universities and schools across the country. “Younger generations are where the energy is,” she said. Cavalieri ... READ MORE
Movies remembered on the printed page
The Bibliophile The 95th Academy Awards will be presented March 12. Not up to speed on new releases? You may prefer a stroll down memory lane. These books add context to your favorites of years gone by. Leave the Gun, Take the Cannoli: The Epic Story of the Making of the Godfather, by Mark Seal, 448 pages, Gallery Books hardcover, 2021 Journalist Mark Seal has penned a rollicking and ... READ MORE
Shakespearean spoof amuses at Toby’s
The musical Something Rotten, currently running at Toby’s Dinner Theatre, is both thoroughly Shakespearean and completely modern. In the tradition of Cole Porter’s Kiss Me, Kate, this madcap 2016 Broadway musical pulls names and characters from the Bard’s most famous works and turns them on their head in very amusing ways. For example, Nick Bottom, the blustering anti-hero from... READ MORE
