Frida in all Formats
As a fan of both the written word and visual arts, I’m always tickled when I find ways to learn about contemporary art in new ways. Recently, I’ve been brushing … Continued
Celebrating Drag Queen Story Hour – Titles for All Ages
Drag Queen Story Hour is a family-friendly series of programs that was was developed in response to area families who’ve expressed an interest in programs that amplify broad perspectives, challenge gender stereotypes and embrace personal expression and self-acceptance.
Whiskey, Wilde and the Western World: An Introduction to Fenton Johnson
In this 2017 collection, which brings together essays originally seen in Harper’s, NPR, The New York Times and elsewhere, Fenton Johnson provides the reader with a fascinating timeline in the life of an activist. This timeline is particularly gripping because it spans many decades and multiple subjects, including faith, sexuality and family life. Johnson has spent more than thirty years as an outspoken writer and activist for this population, and Everywhere Home weaves us a beautifully-written tale of advocacy and passion.
Throwback Thursday: The Stories That Won’t Let Go
There’s a story that won’t let go of me. Some days, this book takes the form of a novel. On other days, it has flirted with being a collection of linked short stories and at times, it feels like it wants to be a memoir.
You won’t find this book on our shelves here at the Library (yet) because I’ve written and rewritten this story for … well, let’s just say it has been a few years. Like most things in our lives, it is a SomedayMaybeLifeIsntGettingAnyShorter work in progress.
A Story of Transformation
I recently attended the Pittsburgh Opera production of a new American opera, As One, that featured two of their Resident Artists. As One tells the story of Hannah, a transgender protagonist, who makes the transformational journey to happiness while navigating a world that does not always understand. This opera has the potential to challenge and even change the listener.
Trans Women Share Their Stories
This reading list brings together a hard-partying rock star, an excommunicated Scientologist, an everyday teenager, A TV personality with a budding career and a New England professor. What these women all have in common is that they were designated male at birth, but later transitioned to womanhood, allowing their outward gender expression to match their inward gender identity. What they also have in common is that they all shared their stories in riveting books that highlight the ways different parts of their lived experiences and identities intersect with gender.
Say Farewell to 2016 With These Nonfiction Favorites!
It’s December, and I’m looking back on another year of ups, downs and most importantly—books. Here’s a few nonfiction favorites I’ve enjoyed in good old 2016!
Three Films to Watch Before You See Moonlight
In interviews, Moonlight director Barry Jenkins has talked about films that have influenced him and these three have regularly come up.
Less Censorship, More Unicorns
I hate Banned Books Week. There. I said it. Well, not the week itself, obviously. As a lifelong supporter of the freedom to read, though, I hate that Banned Books Week is still necessary in 2016. You’d think we’d be a bit further along by now.
Blue is the [Most Beautiful] Color
Illustration, yet another way books make you feel things. Big things like happiness, sadness, anger and hope. Julie Maroh’s graphic novel, Blue is the Warmest Color makes you feel all that and more.