Alexander McCall Smith almost always charms me, and The Case of the Moderate Extremists is no exception. The title alone is lovely. I’m not sure whereAlexander McCall Smith almost always charms me, and The Case of the Moderate Extremists is no exception. The title alone is lovely. I’m not sure where this one fits in, but it seems to be part of a nascent series set in Malmo, Sweden featuring Detective Ulf Varg who heads the “Department of Sensitive Crimes”. This one is really the length of a novella. The crimes are not particularly serious, but the story features McCall Smith’s typical quirky characters and thoughtful human observations. It seems like a promising series. Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an opportunity to read an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
Merged review:
Alexander McCall Smith almost always charms me, and The Case of the Moderate Extremists is no exception. The title alone is lovely. I’m not sure where this one fits in, but it seems to be part of a nascent series set in Malmo, Sweden featuring Detective Ulf Varg who heads the “Department of Sensitive Crimes”. This one is really the length of a novella. The crimes are not particularly serious, but the story features McCall Smith’s typical quirky characters and thoughtful human observations. It seems like a promising series. Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an opportunity to read an advance copy in exchange for an honest review....more
3 1/2 stars. To Be Black in America Is to Walk With Fury by Nathan McCall is a very short follow up essay to McCall's book Makes Me Wanna Holler in wh3 1/2 stars. To Be Black in America Is to Walk With Fury by Nathan McCall is a very short follow up essay to McCall's book Makes Me Wanna Holler in which the author observes that not much has changed for black people in the United States since 1994 when his first book was originally published. He reflects on a number of contexts, including his experience as a professor at Emory University and his travels to South America, and expresses deep frustration at the pervasiveness of racism in the US, and the lack of recognition and attention to the issue. He notes that Obama's election certainly represents progress, but the overt racist reactions and threats on Obama's life tell a different story. Unfortunately, I didn't read McCall's original book so I felt like I was missing a lot of the context for this essay. But McCall is a vivid and engaging writer, and he has certainly made me feel like reading Makes Me Wanna Holler. I expect this will be interesting for people who have already read McCall's original book, and I certainly now intend to read it. Thank you to the publisher an Netgalley for an opportunity to read an advance copy.
Merged review:
3 1/2 stars. To Be Black in America Is to Walk With Fury by Nathan McCall is a very short follow up essay to McCall's book Makes Me Wanna Holler in which the author observes that not much has changed for black people in the United States since 1994 when his first book was originally published. He reflects on a number of contexts, including his experience as a professor at Emory University and his travels to South America, and expresses deep frustration at the pervasiveness of racism in the US, and the lack of recognition and attention to the issue. He notes that Obama's election certainly represents progress, but the overt racist reactions and threats on Obama's life tell a different story. Unfortunately, I didn't read McCall's original book so I felt like I was missing a lot of the context for this essay. But McCall is a vivid and engaging writer, and he has certainly made me feel like reading Makes Me Wanna Holler. I expect this will be interesting for people who have already read McCall's original book, and I certainly now intend to read it. Thank you to the publisher an Netgalley for an opportunity to read an advance copy....more
A little dose of Anne Tyler is always a good thing. This is a short story about an aging faith healer. It turns out to be lonely work. Entert3.5 stars
A little dose of Anne Tyler is always a good thing. This is a short story about an aging faith healer. It turns out to be lonely work. Entertaining and well written, although I think I prefer her full length novels. Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an opportunity to read a complimentary copy.
Merged review:
3.5 stars
A little dose of Anne Tyler is always a good thing. This is a short story about an aging faith healer. It turns out to be lonely work. Entertaining and well written, although I think I prefer her full length novels. Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an opportunity to read a complimentary copy....more
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