reviews

Fit to Print? Author:  Alain de Botton No matter where you are on the political spectrum, everyone agrees that a healthy, independent press is essential in order to maintain a functioning democracy.  It’s as true now as it was in 1776.  But as the information industry has evolved over the centuries, one could argue that this critical ingredient is no longer serving its purpose.  Whether it’s due to the growth of the multinational media conglomerates, the increasing level of apathy in the electorate or the rise of the Kardashians, the press no longer occupies its once respected niche in society.  [...]

Dense Historical Fiction Author: Isabel Allende The Plot Daughter of Fortune is ostensibly the story of Eliza Sommers.  Abandoned as an infant on the steps of the home of an English family in Valparaiso, Chile, Eliza is taken in and raised, sort of, like a daughter by Rose Sommers.  Rose lives with her brother Jeremy in the English section of Valparaiso and takes intermittent interest in the girl, who ends up being taught English manners but being nurtured by the Chilean housekeeper, Mama Fresia. The book is also, and I would argue more so, a history lesson on the world [...]