History

Book Review: A Little History Of The World (and The Hot Dog Incident)

If I had only found this book in high school – and had been fluent in German at 15 – I would have been a lot smarter in history class, particularly when I was forced to stay studying at home as a result of the infamous “Hot Dog Incident” of 1990. When I was 15, [...]

October 8, 2011 CONTINUE READING →

The Postmistress: Interview With Sarah Blake

Every day I would go up to my study, and for as long as I had–an hour, three hours, five–I would try and build the world. – Sarah Blake, author, The Postmistress Just a few weeks ago, I was lucky enough to receive an advanced copy of The Postmistress. It quickly became one of my [...]

February 5, 2011 CONTINUE READING →

Book Review: The Other Boleyn Girl

While I usually proactively seek out historical fiction like a mad woman, this time was different. Choosing to read The Other Boleyn Girl was a result of simply being book-less and in desperate need of a quality solution. I was at the airport on my way to Grand Cayman about six years ago. Historical fiction [...]

October 30, 2010 CONTINUE READING →

Book Review: The American Wife

I’d love to say that The American Wife was recommended or on my ‘to read’ list. Honestly, though, I was at O’Hare on my way to Grand Cayman last year and realized I left my books home. So, I picked it up at the airport bookstore since it was recommended to me by many avid [...]

August 25, 2010 CONTINUE READING →

Creative Juicy Ideas Needed: The Ecuador Project

Not long ago, I visited Ecuador on a short holiday. I spent my time hiking, horse-back riding interviewing and hanging out with locals, trying to perfect my mediocre Spanish. As with all of my adventures, I met so many great people along the way. One of them was Mignon Plaza, who owns and runs Hacienda [...]

August 20, 2010 CONTINUE READING →

My Mom, The Bootlegger

This is another guest post from my Dad, Ron. He loves to tell stories – you can read Dad’s previous TJCC guest posts here. You did not misread the title. Yes, my Mom . . . that sweet little Italian lady . . . was a bootlegger. Here is the true story: Following World War [...]

August 15, 2010 CONTINUE READING →

Book Review: Strength In What Remains

This is a guest post by Kate Walser, a regular TJCC contributor. You can follow Kate on Twitter. What would you do if I told you our town had been taken over by the enemy? That the enemy was on its way to find you? If you heard your enemy coming down the hall and [...]

July 24, 2010 CONTINUE READING →

Live From Ecuador: How Do You Memorize Your Travel Adventures?

Editor’s note: Contrary to the popular belief of my male friends who are obsessed with Angelina Jolie, I did not intentionally come here on the heels of her recent trip to Ecuador. I planned mine way before, though I doubt my trip will get as much press coverage. It’s Day 2 in Quito, Ecuador and [...]

July 2, 2010 CONTINUE READING →