Oscar Wars: A History of Hollywood in Gold, Sweat, and Tears by Michael Schulman
history / nonfiction / review

Oscar Wars: A History of Hollywood in Gold, Sweat, and Tears by Michael Schulman

Oscar Wars is very long and detailed-500 pages of actual text and another 100 of sources. The strongest bit was the first 1/3 or so when he writes about the Academy’s early days and “Old Hollywood”. Then he strays from the long-established pattern of talking about the literal making of the movies and the stars … Continue reading

Mott Street: A Chinese American Family’s Story of Exclusion and Homecomingby Ava Chin
history / nonfiction / review

Mott Street: A Chinese American Family’s Story of Exclusion and Homecomingby Ava Chin

I was a little disappointed by Mott Street. It’s a fascinating history and family story but I felt like the author veered too far into the speculative at times. Sometimes she would start anecdotes with phrases like “I wonder if this is what it was like”, “Maybe she felt like this” which is fine and … Continue reading

Unraveling: What I Learned about Life While Shearing Sheep, Dyeing Wool, and Making the World’s Ugliest Sweater by Peggy Orenstein
crafts / memoir / nonfiction / review

Unraveling: What I Learned about Life While Shearing Sheep, Dyeing Wool, and Making the World’s Ugliest Sweater by Peggy Orenstein

Honestly, I was a little disappointed by Unraveled. I almost didn’t request it because I had her confused with the odious Peggy Noonan and thought what a waste of a good idea on her! Then I realized my mistake and waited weeks to get it. I thought this would be a real book highlight of … Continue reading