In her book You Have More Influence Than You Think, Vanessa Bohns reveals that all of us underestimate our influence on others. Have you ever wanted to compliment a stranger or express gratitude to someone? But you didn’t because you thought your words wouldn’t have any impact. Have you ever stood up in front of a group of people, those of you who have been teachers know about this, having poured your heart and soul into what you’re going to say, only to wonder if you’re having any impact at … [Read more...] about You Have More Influence Than You Think

A book about nuns? This is one of my favorite books of late, and I loved what Maureen Corrigan of The Washington Post wrote in her review: Nuns have greatly diminished in number since the 60’s, and when they do make an appearance on screen, they are usually grim. The implication is that there must be something off about a woman who would choose that life. Claire Luchette's debut novel, Agatha of Little Neon, offers a counter-narrative to these portrayals.  Agatha tells her story in … [Read more...] about Agatha of Little Neon

It was a chance encounter with a high-level Smithsonian Institution official at a luncheon held in Massachusetts that led the Pulitzer Prize-winning author Geraldine Brooks to the 147-year old skeleton of America’s greatest stud sire and champion thoroughbred. The life of that distinguished stallion, named Lexington in homage to his city of birth, provides both the imagined and true subject of Brooks’ newest historical novel, fittingly titled Horse. Horse transports readers to the racially … [Read more...] about Horse

I became interested in Princess Margaret, Queen Elizabeth’s younger sister, after watching the Netflix series The Crown.  So when I discovered Lady Anne Glenconner’s book Lady in Waiting:My Life in the Shadow of the Crown, I was delighted. One morning at the beginning of 2019, Lady Anne Glenconner’s phone rang. Hello? “Lady Genconner? It’s Helena Bonham Carter.” The actress asked if she could visit Lady Anne who’d been lady in waiting to Princess Margaret for 30 years to get some insights … [Read more...] about Lady In Waiting