Category Archives: Books, TV & Films

Because reading, watching and listening are key to living

Book Review: The Good, the Bad, the Greedy and Galling in Henrietta Lacks’ Story

Posted on January 8, 2012 by Deborah White

Medical researchers are portrayed in bestselling nonfiction book The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot as usually self-serving, callous, and often greedy for fame and fortune. And they are, from the perspective of unworldly, uneducated folks such as … Continue reading →

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Film Review of “The Descendants” – Tragedy, Hilarity and Forgiveness in Hawaii

Posted on December 27, 2011 by Deborah White

I can’t get the film “The Descendants” off my mind. Of course, as a film-school writing graduate, I’m prone to over-pondering film literary feats. But my admiration for this cinematic gem is more than the musings of a movie nerd. … Continue reading →

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Two Books Not for Your Mother’s Genteel Book Club

Posted on June 28, 2011 by Deborah White

For your summer reading, consider two absorbing half-hipster reads that are decidedly not for your mother’s genteel book club. I’ve consumed and thoroughly enjoyed both stories, and recommend them to anyone young in spirit with a sense of humor and … Continue reading →

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American Idol Is the New Miss America

Posted on May 26, 2011 by Deborah White

I vividly remember the thrilling moment from my baby boomer childhood when, each year, a beautiful young woman was crowned Miss America. My family (except my brother) would cluster around the color TV, and marvel at the glitzy, glamorous event … Continue reading →

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James Durbin Has Elvis Presley’s Raw, All-American Authenticity

Posted on May 16, 2011 by Deborah White

American Idol rocker James Durbin sings with joyous abandon and raw authenticity despite wrestling with both Tourette syndrome and Asperger syndrome, which is a high-level form of autism. He sings beautifully, with perfect pitch, octave-soaring tones, ear-bending volume, and emotional … Continue reading →

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Breakfast with Buddha, Travel to Haiti or Africa, and Other Summer Adventures

Posted on May 3, 2011 by Deborah White

Ron and I began attending a book club about three years ago. We always look forward to monthly potluck meetings. Although the club is organized through our Lutheran church, we focus on popular and classic fiction (and occasionally non-fiction), not … Continue reading →

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