BookWomen

In 2001 my writer friend (we make the books together) introduced me to this publication and I’ve subscribed to it ever since.  It’s part of Minnesota Women’s Press…”a readers’ community for those who love women’s words”.  (There are some books by men talked about too.  ) It’s mostly written by Bookwomen subscribers and includes a column from each of the 2 excellent founders and editors, Mollie and Glenda, who lead many book retreats as well.   Every so often they send out a request for responses to this or that subject so when they asked for readers who blog I thought it might be a chance to put in a plug for Blipfoto!  (maybe someone will join?)   so now this issue is out and it’s only fair that I blip it and put in a plug for BookWomen on blip!  This was a particularly rich issue with, aside from bloggers . (yes I sent them my blip photo..I'm sure they will wonder about the boat). articles from a reader who learned so much about Islam and her recommendations, (some on my list)  the New Zealand writer Ngaio Marsh (that I now want to read!) books about reading, one about how much store should a reader put in the hype about new books, general book reviews, (I always get many ideas) an article about the first black women writers in the comic publishing industry - - a new companion series to this years Marvel Black Panther comics, an article about “Waking up White and Finding myself in the Story of Race” (another book on my list now) and lots of  little tidbits like ..Donald Trump does not read books (according to his ghostwriter)…but we all knew that!!!! 

book women website


And for anyone possibly interested in my Hansel and Gretel review:   I thought this production from Glyndebourne was really imaginative and creative.   It’s not easy to stage an opera about a cannibal.   The historical poverty and starvation of the family in the brothers’ Grimm era was emphasized —they lived in a cardboard box, and the witch was particularly gruesome/hilarious with her (it was a him here) house made out of a candy store.  How does one portray a wicked witch who eats children in a not so scary way.   Quote from the program “ This witch personifies an economic system that reduces people to living in cardboard boxes, industrialized agriculture that destroys the environment for quick profit  (the forest was a wasteland) and a culture of marketing and entertainment dedicated to keeping children addicted to junk food and sugar (tv screens with candy and big macs descended on them as dreams when they were asleep) .  she’s everywhere and nowhere, both a faceless corporation and a goofy looking character tenor—both entertaining and terrifying.”   the kids did overcome their greed and gluttony and the witch went onto that oven.    I sort of wish we had been able to work it out to being the older grandchildren —there was plenty to think about ……but I’ll stop.