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Elise Cooper Interviews Yishay Ishi Ron on Novels Addressing PTSD and Anti-Semitism

Elise Cooper Interviews Yishay Ishi Ron on Novels Addressing PTSD and Anti-Semitism

Elise Cooper conducted an interview with author Yishay Ishi Ron, focusing on his novels 'DOG' and 'The Girl Who Rode the White Lion.' The discussion centered on themes of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and anti-Semitism, drawing parallels between the historical events depicted in the books and contemporary issues, particularly in the aftermath of October 7th. Ron's novel 'DOG' explores the trauma of war through the eyes of an Israeli combat officer returning from Gaza, delving into his struggle with PTSD and heroin addiction. 'The Girl Who Rode the White Lion' is set in two timelines, one during Kristallnacht in Nazi Germany and the other in 1957 New York City, where a veterinarian discovers an SS ring, leading to a mystery that connects to the protagonist Sarah's experiences with Nazi cruelty. Ron, a PTSD veteran himself, emphasized how the themes of his books, though written before October 7th, resonate deeply with the increased prevalence of PTSD in Israel following the recent events and the ongo...

Dr. Jocelyn Chadwick Discusses Mark Twain's 'Huckleberry Finn' and Racial Themes

Dr. Jocelyn Chadwick Discusses Mark Twain's 'Huckleberry Finn' and Racial Themes

Dr. Jocelyn Chadwick, a nationally recognized Mark Twain scholar and English teacher, discussed the enduring relevance and controversies surrounding Mark Twain's 'Adventures of Huckleberry Finn.' In an interview, Dr. Chadwick highlighted the novel's portrayal of antebellum America, particularly its exploration of slavery and race through the evolving relationship between Huck Finn and Jim. She emphasized that the book serves as a mirror reflecting various societal voices and non-voices, including those of the North and South, Black and white, and free and enslaved individuals. Dr. Chadwick addressed the frequent debate over the use of the 'N-word' in the novel, advocating for its inclusion in teaching to confront historical realities and facilitate discussions on language evolution and societal change. She also touched upon Twain's personal interactions with African Americans, such as his butler George Griffin and John Lewis, who influenced his understanding and portrayal of Black characters.

National Book Award finalists span continents and tackle identity, justice and war

National Book Award finalists span continents and tackle identity, justice and war

The National Book Award finalists have been announced, with authors like Edwidge Danticat and Valeria Luiselli in the spotlight

Seattle author named a finalist for the 2026 National Book Awards. See full list

Seattle author named a finalist for the 2026 National Book Awards. See full list

Earlier this week, the National Book Foundation announced the finalists for the 2026 National Book Awards in the categories of fiction, nonfiction, poetry, translated literature and young people's literature.

‘East of Eden’ Hits 6.5 Million Views in Four Days on Netflix

‘East of Eden’ Hits 6.5 Million Views in Four Days on Netflix

“East of Eden” amassed 6.5 million views in its first four days of streaming on Netflix. That total took the John Steinbeck adaptation to the No. 1 spot on the streamer’s weekly TV rankings. Created by Zoe Kazan and starring Florence Pugh, the project has given the 1953 Steinbeck novel renewed popularity, with Penguin Classics […]

Rochester Scholar Explores Young Readers' Perceptions of 'The Lord of the Rings'

Rochester Scholar Explores Young Readers' Perceptions of 'The Lord of the Rings'

Luke Shelton, a Rochester scholar and editor-in-chief for the peer-reviewed journal of the Tolkien Society, 'Mallorn,' has conducted doctoral research on how young readers aged 8-18 perceive J.R.R. Tolkien's 'The Lord of the Rings.' Shelton's study aimed to understand interpretations that might differ from established Tolkien scholarship, noting a gap in academic literature regarding young readers' perspectives. He found that less than half of his study participants classified 'The Lord of the Rings' as 'fantasy,' often choosing alternative terms to describe the story. Shelton, who earned his doctorate from The University of Glasgow's Centre for Fantasy and the Fantastic, emphasizes that his personal engagement with Tolkien's works has been lifelong, finding new insights with each reread. He continues to bridge the gap between academic and fan communities through initiatives like the Tolkien Experience Project and Podcast, and is co-editing the 'Oxford Handbook of J.R.R. Tolkien,' expected to be a foundati...

Why Are We So Drawn to Heroes Who Break the Rules?

Why Are We So Drawn to Heroes Who Break the Rules?

The antihero, a literary term that describes a protagonist lacking conventional heroic qualities, has evolved significantly over time, moving away ...

Trial Lawyer Steve W. Berman Releases Legal Thriller Inspired by Real-Life Cases

Trial Lawyer Steve W. Berman Releases Legal Thriller Inspired by Real-Life Cases

Trial Lawyer Steve W. Berman Releases Legal Thriller Inspired by Real-Life Cases

In defense of banned books as challenges double from last year

In defense of banned books as challenges double from last year

USA TODAY staff picked challenged or banned books to show why they deserve a place in our schools, libraries and society.

Film Adaptations and Existential Themes: 'The Stranger' Explored Across Media

Film Adaptations and Existential Themes: 'The Stranger' Explored Across Media

Film Adaptations and Existential Themes: 'The Stranger' Explored Across Media

Princeton Student Reflects on 'Jane Eyre' as a Catalyst for Self-Discovery and Identity at University

Princeton Student Reflects on 'Jane Eyre' as a Catalyst for Self-Discovery and Identity at University

Princeton Student Reflects on 'Jane Eyre' as a Catalyst for Self-Discovery and Identity at University