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On the Summer Shelf

Shannon Calder — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 11:02:09 +0000

E.B. White once wrote in a letter to his brother that “Birds are all right except you get practically nothing done, as they make everything else seem so unimportant.”

So in the vein of Mr. White, let’s blame my lack of…

The Bookworm Is In: ‘Flammable Skirt’

Shannon Calder — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 12:00:50 +0000

There is something vividly sharp and alluring about the word “quirky.” Many of us who see this adjective tacked onto nearly any noun will be enchanted, and we are bound to further inspect said objects.

Characters in books - protagonist, antagonist…

‘The Invention of Hugo Cabret’

Shannon Calder — Thu, 26 Mar 2009 06:00:18 +0000

The Caldecott Medal is given every year for a children’s picture book. It is awarded by the American Library Association to the most distinguished artist in the childrens illustration book arena.

I’m assume you are familiar with picture books. They line…

Book Review: ‘Revolutionary Road’

Shannon Calder — Mon, 02 Feb 2009 12:45:15 +0000

All fundamental truths I learn from fiction. This surprises many to hear and makes some question my intelligence. An editor once ended a conversation on this subject with a rather condescending, “You mean non-fiction. You’ve learned from non-fiction. Fiction is…

A Small Year with Big Stories

Shannon Calder — Sun, 14 Dec 2008 13:00:48 +0000

My year began in a small cottage situated near a field dotted with pygmy goats and three bossy ostriches.

The time there was quiet and perfect and short. But in those brief months many wonderful pages were turned. Wow, were they…

The Book Worm: Freethinking Dogs and Vampires

Shannon Calder — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 12:00:04 +0000

Stop and think about how your November unfurled. Any surprises come your way? Any twists in the autumn fate you weren’t expecting? Of course. None of us can plan our days down to single minutes and play-by-plays, no matter how…

“I See You Everywhere”

Shannon Calder — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 01:54:11 +0000

The contribution is small, so you think.

You set out to write a book simply because you haven’t yet and have always wanted to.

The first attempt wins you the National Book Award, and subsequently, you travel many places. One of which…

Same cliches, different book: ‘How to be Single’

Shannon Calder — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 03:40:12 +0000

How to be Single

by Liz Tuccillo

This review begins with blindness. Mine. Blinded at my local Target store. What a cover—a beautiful and delicate woman unzipping herself with gracefully slender arms out of an equally beautiful and delicate pastel dress.

Next my…

The Bookworm is in: Books and men

Shannon Calder — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 05:32:48 +0000

Twice in one month I have had two distinct conversations with male acquaintances on the theme of women and literature.

Both of these men are well-educated.

Both boast personal libraries which rival those of the small town public sort.

Both I consider peers…