Review

Book Review: “The Idea of Prison Abolition” — An Unconvincing Case

November 15, 2022
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The Idea of Prison Abolition is a worthwhile book, but Dr. Shelby’s case, philosophically strong as it might be, is not very likely to convince prison abolitionists.

WATCH CLOSELY: “The Midnight Club” — Late Nights

November 14, 2022
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The Midnight Club contains all the ingredients necessary for a perfect spooky season binge: a Gothic mansion, extremely disaffected yet self-aware young people, moody cinematography, and gorgeous interiors, including the coolest library you’ve ever seen.

Book Review: “Suzuki — The Man and his Dream to Teach the Children of the World”

November 14, 2022
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Eri Hotta’s biography of Shinichi Suzuki is about optimism, gentleness, doggedness, belief in children, humanity, and the affirmative properties of art in the face of violence and ignorance.

Jazz Album Review: Jussi Reijonen’s “Three Seconds/ Kolme Toista” — “One Hell of a Journey”

November 13, 2022
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The music comes out of an extended personal crisis; the compositions found here are a testament to a musician regaining his voice.

Television/Music Review: Next at the Kennedy Center — A Joni Mitchell Songbook, on PBS

November 13, 2022
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I put Joni Mitchell on a short list of the most remarkable pop music artists of the ’60s and early ’70s. Longevity of excellence isn’t the point here, just peak incandescence.

Film Review: Wastelands then and now — “All Quiet on the Western Front” and “Utama”

November 12, 2022
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Two recent film releases, both submitted by their countries for the Best International Feature Film Oscar, offer variations on no-man’s-land.

Poetry Review: “Blood Lines” — Living into the Dark

November 11, 2022
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Presumably, as a policy specialist, Ann Bookman sought to turn ideals into practical reality. Conversely, here in Blood Lines, she unwinds reality to find emotional clarity.

Concert Review: Beth Orton Live — Flexing Her Aching Voice

November 11, 2022
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Damn straight, English singer/songwriter Beth Orton was back in the room – after a six-year absence.

Film Review: “Something in the Dirt” — Grains of Truth

November 11, 2022
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In addition to being a clever paranormal thriller, Something in the Dirt is a brilliant commentary on our burgeoning world of content creation.

Book Review: Three Splendid Volumes Filled with the Cool, the Wicked, and the Amazing

November 10, 2022
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It’s hard to convey what a benison these books have been to me, as I’ve read them in my narrow, monkish bed late into the night.

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