Tema

Joined: January 29, 2019
Articles: 138
Comments: 24

Books & Writing, History & Politics

Book Review: Your Presence Is Mandatory

Book Cover: Your Presence is Mandatory, by Sasha Vasilyuk

It is more important than ever that we try to understand war and its consequences. This captivating book sheds light on a surprising aspect: POWs who are victimized by their own country for having been captured.

Tema
August 28, 2024
2 Comments

Books & Writing

When Words Collide 2024 – Writing Conference Notes

Since I have both a daughter and a writer-friend in Calgary, this year I decided to attend When Words Collide. This annual conference grew out of a gathering of sci-fi and fantasy writers many years ago. Now there are over…

Tema
August 27, 2024
2 Comments

Books & Writing, History & Politics

Book Review: Hotel Cuba

An immigrant story with a twist: they left Russia aiming to get to America but landed in Cuba. I highly recommend this eminently readable story of struggle and hopes for a better life in a new land.

Tema
June 16, 2024

Books & Writing, History & Politics

Book Review: That Was Then

"That Was Then" is a fast-paced thriller tackling abuses of power, corruption, and the rise of right-wing extremism in contemporary United States by author M.K. Tod.

Tema
June 10, 2024
1 Comment

Books & Writing

Book Review: The Good Sister

Book Cover; The Good Sister, by Sally Hepworth

The Good Sister is a twisty story of twin sisters: one, a reasonably highly functioning autistic woman; the other, her close companion and advisor. All is not as it seems.

Tema
June 10, 2024

Books & Writing

Book Review: The Miniaturist

Book cover of The Miniaturist, by Jessie Burton

A richly textured look at 17th century Amsterdam, "The Miniaturist" by Jessie Burton is a beautiful read, although it had some plot weaknesses.

Tema
June 10, 2024

Travel

3 Months in Mexico: Mazatlan, San Miguel de Allende, Oaxaca & Puerto Morelos

Adorable toddler in traditional Chiapas costume in Chiapa de Corzo, Mexico

Our years-long hunt for the perfect snowbird destination continues

Tema
April 27, 2024

Books & Writing, History & Politics

Book Review: Babel, by R.F. Kuang

Cover of the novel, Babel, by R.F. Kuang

Babel, by R. F. Kuang, is an outstanding historical fantasy novel exploring racism, sexism, colonialism, power politics, social justice, and ... linguistics!

Tema
April 17, 2024

Books & Writing

Book Review: The Secrets We Kept

Cover of The Secrets We Kept, by Lara Prescott

Not all women of the 1950s were willing to settle back into non-career life. Learn the story behind the spies who helped launch Doctor Zhivago to fame.

Tema
February 10, 2024

Travel, Retirement / Health

Is San Cristobal de las Casas Set to Be the Next Big Expat Retiree Destination?

Early morning in San Cristobal de Las Casas, Chiapas, Mexico

Pros & cons of San Cristobal de las Casas, in Chiapas, Mexico, after having spent a month here.

Tema
February 10, 2024
5 Comments