Comments for nhr

Comment on Russell Hoban. by Donald Brown

Donald Brown — Sat, 17 Dec 2011 03:23:04 +0000

I read the Frances books to my daughter when she was a child, and we both got a big kick out of them. Your comments reminded me how much. I also taught Hoban's dystopian book Riddley Walker when I was in grad school. Good stuff.

Comment on Enjoying New Haven: A Guide to the Area by Betsy Sledge and Eugenia Fayen by Susan

Susan — Sat, 03 Dec 2011 22:24:27 +0000

Anyone else remember White Mountain Creamery (where Daily Caffe later was and now Ivy Noodle resides)? Loved their ice cream and they weren't around very long.

Comment on Scott Warmuth and the New York Times by Paula Radice

Paula Radice — Mon, 03 Oct 2011 19:08:43 +0000

Hi
I have the pdf of Scott's brilliant piece on Bob Dylan and Chronicles, but would love to have a print copy of issue 6. Is that possible?

Dr Paula Radice
Hastings
England

Comment on Eric Weinberger: Honorable Mention in Best American Sports Writing 2011 by Brian Slattery

Brian Slattery — Tue, 27 Sep 2011 19:05:33 +0000

More like "all hail Eric Weinberger," who wrote an excellent piece.

Comment on Classics I Hate by Intern

Intern — Thu, 11 Aug 2011 18:55:32 +0000

The Age of Innocence... I picked up this book during a month-long stay in New York, having been told that it was the most "New York" book, despite its aristocratic milieu-- it was cited as such in a recent New York Magazine piece-- and I thought it might be entertaining. Sure, the book's not a complete flop: it has some funny moments, a few poignant epigrams (a very few), and even contains a tedious plot... which never really gets around to declaring itself. Wharton's intention was subtly, but I felt bored, perpetually wondering why I was reading a book with so little relevance to my life, or to anybody else’s. Even The Odyssey-- especially The Odyssey-- has plenty to say to audiences today about war, family, time, what have you. The Age of Innocence is about a young man of an incredibly wealthy and influential family, one which sits among only six or seven families that basically hold most of the money in 1870's New York and control most of its business. Young Newland Archer has a problem. He loves a woman who is considered "out there" (there are further complexities) and he is inopportunely being married to another as this true love enters his life. Maybe my expectations were too high, but I wasn't satisfied by the lovers' secret conversations which Archer was so eager to have, and which lead nowhere fast. Too much precious time is spent analyzing women's' clothing. The reason this book might be considered worthwhile is because of its zeitgeist (and I hate to waste such an exciting word on the descriptions of the dull lives of these dolts). But that's what the book is all about: making the reader understand the entrapment of 1870’s New York life among the aristocracy. Under constricting norms and the harsh judgment of elders, Archer sort of gradually makes a choice between love or stability by his never deciding with finality one or the other. Perhaps some of us are faced with similar choices, and one might be able to make the argument that this book remains relevant for that reason, but I think it would be so much snatching at straws. As time moves on in New York and the late 19th century becomes the early 20th, this seems to be Wharton's point: that what preceded us always seems antique, and in hindsight a lot of the traditions we thought necessary come to be seen as idiotic, prejudiced, and dull. But most of all, the young don't really care about the minute hardships of their parents’ lives. So don’t read this.

Comment on Extreme gardening by Intern

Intern — Thu, 11 Aug 2011 01:42:05 +0000

Excellent. I always thought that Dr. Seuss story had something awesome going on.

Comment on Such Stuff as Dreams are Made on by Laurie Verson

Laurie Verson — Wed, 29 Jun 2011 15:19:18 +0000

"The Tempest" is one of my favorite plays which Shakespeare wrote.

As a relative of Adina Verson, I am so thrilled to read about her charming and exquisite performance. I only wish that I could see the play!
I'm amazed to read that Arial is supposedly cast as a male, and that Calaban casted as a female. This is quite unique.

Based upon the description of Prospero's costume, it must have been outstanding.

BRAVO!! to everyone!

Laurie Verson

Comment on Search Me by Gatsy

Gatsy — Sun, 29 May 2011 17:34:00 +0000

I feel so much heappir now I understand all this. Thanks!

Comment on Not With a Whimper, But a Bang by delliott

delliott — Tue, 17 May 2011 18:46:30 +0000

Hi Donald,
I was wondering if you might be interested in coming out to a show of mine on 5/27 at The Outer Space and writing a review? Ticket and a drink on me!

I enjoyed this review and wish I was actually able to be in attendance! It sounded great!

Hope to speak soon,
Dani

Comment on Have a Happy New (Haven Review) Year by William V Vincoli

William V Vincoli — Sun, 10 Apr 2011 19:59:51 +0000

To the Editor:

I would like to forward a copy of my book "I Take Thee Angela." the story of my wife battle with Pancreatic Cancer and my ultimate loss of her presence after 56 years of marriage.

It would be an honor to have you review this story in her memory.

May I send you a copy and where?

Sincerely,

Bill Vincoli