Outsider – An Old Man, a Mountain, and the Search for a Hidden Past is the story of Dag Aabye, told by journalist Brett Popplewell. Dag was born in Norway and was orphaned at the end of World War II. … Continue reading →
John Prine wrote Hello in There in 1971. It is a song about aging, loneliness, and isolation: “So if you’re walking down the street sometime and you spot some hollow ancient eyes, please don’t just pass them by and … Continue reading →
Project Hail Mary is a sustained, entertaining science fiction novel. There is lots of science and engineering, many quips and lots of banter, several plot twists, and some excitement, providing ongoing tension throughout. Best of all, there is a pervading … Continue reading →
Hey, That’s No way to Say Goodbye was released in 1967 on Leonard Cohen’s album Songs of Leonard Cohen. It is a song about the waning of a relationship. It is written as a folk song, but with emotional … Continue reading →
This book is a bit of a dupe. The author uses a gimmick to attract a select audience. The first two chapters are full of f-bombs, hyperbole, illogical generalizations, and unstructured conclusions. By chapter three he settles into more of … Continue reading →
Tears in Heaven was written and performed by Eric Clapton after the death of his 4 year old son, who fell from the 53rd floor of an apartment building. After a period of reclusion and mourning, he wanted to … Continue reading →
The Searcher is a modern-day western set in Ireland. Cal Hooper is a divorced, retired American who has moved to rural western Ireland, looking for peace, trying to leave behind a lifetime of police work and a broken marriage. He … Continue reading →
The song “Vincent” has long been a favorite. Don McClean wrote it after reading a book about Vincent van Gogh. The song starts off with a reference to a painting (Starry, Starry Night). Starry, starry night Paint your palette … Continue reading →
Razorblade Tears is a thriller novel by S.A. Crosby. Two hard ex-cons unite after their sons are brutally murdered. Although the fathers were homophobes and were distanced from their gay sons, they did love them in their own silent … Continue reading →
Wish You Were Here was written by Pink Floyd and released on an album of that name in 1975. It is song about loss (Syd Barrett, a band member) and disillusionment with the music industry. Over the years it has … Continue reading →
