Books

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Page 9
A book cover with the 'The Rise' in big, bold font. Bryant appears three times, in two Lakers and Lower Merion jerseys.

The Rise: Kobe Bryant and the Pursuit of Immortality by Mike Sielski

Mamba mentality in the city of brotherly love

The new book about the late Kobe Bryant captures his early days, his high school and NBA career, and his achievements and failures with a Philadelphia-centric lens. Stephen Silver reviews.
Stephen Silver

Stephen Silver

Reviews 4 minute read
A doorway into a church, with the book title and author name on the top and bottom of the book cover.

The School for Good Mothers by Jessamine Chan

Bad mothers learning to be good

In Jessamine Chan’s debut novel The School for Good Mothers, Frida’s very bad day results in her child being taken away and Frida sent to a school where mothers must learn to be “good” or lose their children. Kirsten Bowen reviews.
Kirsten Bowen

Kirsten Bowen

Reviews 4 minute read
The book cover. Title and authors in white text over an impressionistic portrait of 2 women in orange, blue, pink, & yellow.

We are Not Like Them by Christine Pride and Jo Piazza

An honest reflection of Philly

In this new novel by Philly coauthors Christine Pride and Jo Piazza, the lifelong friendship of two women is tested by a tragedy that feels all too familiar. Helene Cohen Bludman reviews.
Helene Cohen Bludman

Helene Cohen Bludman

Reviews 3 minute read
The cover of American Lit Remixed. The title appears on a light blue field, above a cassette tape with its tape coming loose

American Lit Remixed by Melissa Strong

Rocking the world of contemporary literature

We usually herald the digital age as a blow to the music and publishing industries, but in her new book, American Lit Remixed, Melissa Strong argues that an exciting synergy is emerging. Gabrielle Kaplan-Mayer reviews.
Gabrielle Kaplan-Mayer

Gabrielle Kaplan-Mayer

Reviews 5 minute read
Wisher, a Black woman, sings on stage w/ a mic, her head tilted and eyes closed. Instruments, players are blurred behind her

The Weekly Roundup, December 1-8

First Friday at the Barnes, healing with Theatre Exile, ¡Parranda!, and more

Yolanda Wisher & the Afroeaters pay a visit to the Barnes, a restorative healing workshop at Theatre Exile, Jingle Jawn, and more. Kyle V. Hiller rounds up the week.
Kyle V. Hiller

Kyle V. Hiller

Previews 3 minute read
A historic illustration that appears to show Black people in a covered wagon aiming pistols at white men with rifles.

Slavery and Abolition in Pennsylvania, by Beverly C. Tomek

The truth about slavery in the Keystone State

Pennsylvania’s abolitionist Quakers ended slavery in the commonwealth long before any other state, right? A new book from Temple University Press explains that there’s a lot more to the story. Pamela J. Forsythe reviews.

Pamela J. Forsythe

Reviews 5 minute read

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Winter in Bellapalma cover. Title & author are in black script, with a painting of the ocean and a wineglass on a table

Winter in Bellapalma and Ere the Cock Crows by Jens Bjørneboe; translated by Esther Greenleaf Mürer

Two Norwegian novels get new life in Philly

Philly poet and author Esther Greenleaf Mürer translates two novels by noted Norwegian author Jens Bjørneboe, who is less well-known here. Both Winter in Bellapalma and Ere the Cock Crows leave the reader at loose ends. Helen Walsh reviews.
Helen Walsh

Helen Walsh

Reviews 5 minute read
The book cover. Over a photo of brick Philly rowhouses, a diagonal orange banner with white text has the title.

The Bourgeois Anarchist by Sam Gridley

Waiting for the revolution

In Sam Gridley’s new Philly-set novella, a now-privileged teacher grapples with her anarchist past as she continues to join leftwing activists. Walter Bilderback reviews.
Walter Bilderback

Walter Bilderback

Reviews 4 minute read
The cover. Title & author in purple letters on orange field, with 2 black & white photos of Black women, hair becoming smoke

The Days of Afrekete by Asali Solomon

Life as a mosaic

The past has a way of affecting the present for Liselle and Selena, the two former lovers of The Days of Afrekete, Asali Solomon’s new novel in which a lifetime transpires over a single day. Kirsten Bowen reviews.
Kirsten Bowen

Kirsten Bowen

Reviews 4 minute read
Christopher Bursk, a white man w/ white hair, speaks at a college lectern with arms outstretched, to a crowd seated in front

Remembering Bucks County poet, teacher, and activist Christopher Bursk

A unique legacy of learning

After decades of mentorship to local writing communities, including incarcerated writers, Bucks County poet, teacher, and activist Christopher Bursk never stopped learning or fighting for justice. Gabrielle Kaplan-Mayer explores his legacy.
Gabrielle Kaplan-Mayer

Gabrielle Kaplan-Mayer

Features 5 minute read