To Kill a Mockingbird (1960) by Harper Lee might just be the perfect book. It is number 5 on the BBC book list, and it won the Pulitzer Prize. As I reread it for this post, I gaped at how perfect it is. It is essentially many stories told through the eyes of Scout, or... Continue Reading →
The word "August" has many meanings, and William Faulkner uses all of them and the accompanying symbolism in Light in August (1932). I was struck by his use of the word, as both a month and as something delayed or ending. Yet the title, in coupling the word August with “light” suggests that endings can... Continue Reading →
"All great literature (and all great storytelling) has two elements: conflict and resolution." Dr. B already had my attention, but when he started in on this, I couldn't wait to hear more. I was sitting in the first class meeting of my first graduate class, and I couldn't believe that I hadn't began working on... Continue Reading →
In my notes on William Faulkner’s Absalom, Absalom! (1936), I have written, “It’s okay to use a period once in a while!” Obviously, I was frustrated, but this note also tells me that I had gotten over my fear of Faulkner (1897-1962). I’ll never forget being in high school and watching my mom come home... Continue Reading →
The Bookshelf of Emily J. 