Movie Review: The Sign of the Cross (1932)

Movie Review: The Sign of the Cross (1932) In the year 64 A.D., Rome burns while Nero (Charles Laughton) composes poetry, accompanying himself on the lyre.  Ambitious bodyguard Tigelinus (Ian Keith) warns that some parties are blaming the fires on Nero himself.  Nero doesn’t actually deny the rumor, but doesn’t confirm it either.  Tigelinus suggests… Continue reading Movie Review: The Sign of the Cross (1932)

Book Review: Prophets and Apostles

Book Review: Prophets and Apostles by Joseph Ponessa & Laurie Watson Manhardt Disclaimers: I received this book in a Goodreads giveaway on the premise that I would read and review it. I am a Christian, but not a Catholic, which influences my reaction to this volume. This volume is part of the “Come and See”… Continue reading Book Review: Prophets and Apostles

Book Review: After the Vikings

Book Review: After the Vikings by G. David Nordley This collection of “tales of future Mars” was first published as an adjunct to a conference on possible first contact and the planet Mars.; the stories had individually appeared in Analog and Asimov’s magazines.  When the author realized he’d written them from furthest in time to closest, he decided… Continue reading Book Review: After the Vikings

Book Review: Burqas, Baseball and Apple Pie

Book Review: Burqas, Baseball and Apple Pie by Ranya Tabari Idliby Disclaimer:  I received this book in a Goodreads giveaway on the premise that I would review it.    My copy was an Advance Reader’s Edition,  and there may be changes in the final product. A fairly large percentage of the Goodreads giveaways I enter… Continue reading Book Review: Burqas, Baseball and Apple Pie

Comic Book Review: Boxers & Saints

Comic Book Review: Boxers & Saints by Gene Luen Yang Disclaimer:  I received this boxed set as a Goodreads giveaway on the premise that I would review it. Little Bao is a farm boy who loves the Chinese operas performed at the spring festivals every year.  But one year a foreign devil, a missionary, appears… Continue reading Comic Book Review: Boxers & Saints

Comic Book Review: Persepolis

Book Review: Persepolis by Marjane Satrapi Disclaimer:  I received this book through the Rasmussen College One College, One Book program on the premise that I would review it. This is the graphic novel memoir of Marjane Satrapi, who was nine years old when her home country of Iran had a revolution and kicked out the… Continue reading Comic Book Review: Persepolis

Book Review: The Stone Lions

The Stone Lions by Gwen Dandridge Disclaimer:  I received this book in a Goodreads giveaway on the premise that I would review it. Ara is the daughter of the Sultan of Granada in the early  15th Century.  She has lived all her life in the Alhambra, the Red Palace.  Frustrated by her cloistered existence,  Ara… Continue reading Book Review: The Stone Lions

Book Review: Rot Riot and Rebellion: Mr. Jefferson’s Struggle to Save the University that Changed America

Book Review: Rot Riot and Rebellion: Mr. Jefferson’s Struggle to Save the University that Changed America by Rex Bowman & Carlos Santos Disclaimer:  I received this book through a Goodreads giveaway on the premise that I would review it. If I told you about a school where the students constantly engaged in partying, drunkenness and… Continue reading Book Review: Rot Riot and Rebellion: Mr. Jefferson’s Struggle to Save the University that Changed America

Movie Review: Viking Saga: The Darkest Day

Movie Review: Viking Saga: The Darkest Day A fairly low-budget film based very loosely on the real-life events surrounding the Book of Kells.  Viking raiders have sacked the monastery at Lindesfarne, killing most of the monks.  In addition to their usual spoils, the Vikings desire a book.  This illuminated copy of the Bible is particularly… Continue reading Movie Review: Viking Saga: The Darkest Day