It wasn’t just the struggles of these men and women that had moved me. Rather, it was their determination, their self-reliance, a relentless optimism in the face of hardship. It brought to mind a phrase that my pastor, Rev. Jeremiah A. Wright Jr., had once used in a sermon.The audacity of hope.That was the best … Continue reading The Audacity of Hope
First they came for the socialists, and I did not speak out—because I was not a socialist.Then they came for the trade unionists, and I did not speak out— because I was not a trade unionist.Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out—because I was not a Jew.Then they came for … Continue reading Who Will They Come for First?
Last night, my uncle texted me. “State of Emergency in Louisville??!!!!” “Its scary as hell, Uncle Joe,” I replied. My husband and I live in New Albany, Indiana, which is directly across the river from downtown Louisville. It would take us about fifteen minutes to reach the Federal Courthouse in Louisville, from which we’re awaiting … Continue reading As We Wait…
Note: I received a free copy of this book from Net Galley and am leaving this review voluntarily. Dear Professor by Donna Freitas is a quick read. I finished the book in a single sitting, lasting less than an hour, and instantly sent a recommendation to a friend for her to read this book as … Continue reading Book Review: Dear Professor by Donna Freitas
Note: I received a free copy of this book from Net Galley and am leaving this review voluntarily. As someone who has never shied away from calling it like it is—no matter what “it” is—Lara Parker’s Vagina Problems caught my attention instantly. It’s a catchy title, to be sure, but as I am someone with … Continue reading Book Review: Vagina Problems by Lara Parker
For years, I have believed that the right book will find you exactly when you need it. When it comes to Theresa A. Laws, this always holds true for me. In November of last year, I read Diary of a Divine Relationship and was instantly curious about the life of protagonist Jack Riley and his … Continue reading Book Review: So Much Better Your Way: Signed Jack by Theresa A. Laws
It’s been a tough two-and-a-half years at the Castetter House. Since my husband lost his job in 2017 right after our son was born (he was six weeks old), it’s been a battle every paycheck to make ends meet. We almost lost our house in the middle of it, but as I type this, my … Continue reading The Reprieve Reading Provided Me
My husband made an interesting observation last night. He said, “You don’t hear people say ‘Yay! I get to go to Granny’s for Thanksgiving Thursday!’ anymore. You hear a big sigh and ‘Gotta go to the in-laws…’” We started talking about commercialism and how its ruined events throughout the holiday season that are supposed to … Continue reading Merry Reading Suggestions
Recently, I have been trying to expand my reading horizons. I tend to find myself immersed in a variety of Tudor historical fiction, often neglecting all other genres. Thanks to the Writing Community on Twitter, I’ve seen many excellent suggestions for self-published authors that I’ve been able to add diversity to my To-Be-Read List. Last … Continue reading Book Review: How Yellow Fades by Lana Lowe
The minute I finished Angels of the Appalachians by Deanna Edens, I was downloading Erma’s Attic. I couldn’t wait to see what happened next with my favorite characters, and this book allowed me to once again dive into their lives. When it ended, I didn’t want to leave their world. Alternating between the past and … Continue reading Book Review: Erma’s Attic by Deanna Edens
The Pensive Bookworm 