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Go Hiking Hiking Guide Hidden Lake Lookout
Hidden Lake Lookout The Hidden Lake trail is one of the crown jewels of hiking in Washington State. No other trail offers so much as Hidden Lake Lookout: forest, wildflowers, a true alpine environment of stark granite well above treeline, breathtaking summit views of the heart of North Cascades National Park, and a fire lookout with a sweeping history almost as big as the mountainous landscape it gazes over. https://2fwww.wta.org/go-hiking/hikes/hidden-lake-lookout https://2fwww.wta.org/site_images/hikes/dsc_0926.jpg/@@download/image/DSC_0926.JPG
North Cascades -- North Cascades Highway - Hwy 20
8.0 miles, roundtrip
A backcountry permit is required to camp overnight in North Cascades National Park. Permits must be picked up in person at one of the park's Wilderness Information Centers
Hidden Lake with Boston Peak, Sahale Mountain, and Johannesburg Mountain in the background. Photo by Paul Kriloff.
Hike by WTA Correspondents: Paul Kriloff
"The view we enjoyed from the summit could hardly be surpassed in sublimity and grandeur; but one feels far from home so high in the sky, so much so that one is inclined to guess that, apart from the acquisition of knowledge and the exhilaration of climbing, more pleasure is to be found at the foot of the mountains than on their tops."
So offered naturalist John Muir after climbing Mount Rainier, and for peaks like Rainier – desolate and remote – he has a point; but Hidden Lake Peak proves precisely the opposite. Offer the exhilaration of climbing it certainly does, proceeding well above the treeline to a summit that hardly looks attainable from a distance; but it also offers an intimate view of the very heart of the North Cascades, the kind of immersive experience not available by gazing up from the valleys below. From wildflower meadows in its early stretches to stark granite at the top, it is a front row seat for all that draws us upward.
The contrast between the start of the trail and the end could not be greater. The path to the Hidden Lake Lookout starts out in dense forest along and occasionally through and over runoff streams. After about a mile, the trail emerges into the open below soaring cliffs and ridges in a deep creek drainage. Shortly after, it crosses the east fork of Sibley Creek for the first of two times and begins switchbacking over badly eroded tread through fields of false hellebore, slide alder, and–unfortunately–stinging nettles. Soon, though, the unruly undergrowth fades to meadows of wildflowers, in early summer it delivers a stunning display in both color and variety. Roughly a mile from the prior creek crossing, the trail makes it second hop over Sibley Creek.
Here the terrain undergoes yet another radical transformation. For the next three quarters of a mile, you make your mostly level way across a rocky slope filled with heather and blueberries. In fall, this may be the very best place in the Cascades to find highly prized vaccinium deliciosum, the most flavorful of all mountain blueberries. Meanwhile, the giants of the North Cascades come into view. The sheer western face of Eldorado Peak's perfect pyramid peers over the headwaters of Sibley Creek. In the other direction, Mount Baker and Mount Shuksan hover above the ridge of Big Devil Peak.
At the end of this stretch, the trail swings to the south. Snow lingers late, and even at the end of summer, the gully the trail climbs through may well hold patches of snow. The surroundings change dramatically yet again, with the trees and subalpine meadows giving way to bare granite. In a quarter of a mile, you see the lookout for the first time. It looks menacingly unattainable, perched next to broken rock that seems to reach for the sky in a giant claw at the top of a near-vertical face. To the south, the smooth glaciers of Snowking Mountain make a brief appearance.
In another quarter of a mile, you reach a high saddle that marks the boundary of North Cascades National Park. If the view here doesn't take your breath away, check for a pulse: the dark waters of Hidden Lake seem to disappear over the lip of a hanging valley beyond which stand some of the staunchest sentinels of the North Cascades – Johannesburg Peak, Sahale Mountain, Boston Peak, and Mount Forbidden.
From here, the trail is much more informal. It traverses to the right over a steep open slope beneath the summit, intersecting the visible ridgeline about halfway up its length. There the route heads right over jumbled boulders. You may be able to pick out a smoother bootpack in the dirt and follow it until reaching the summit lookout. As you would expect from someplace once used for spotting wildfires, 360-degree views of an immense area now open up around you.
What makes the view so remarkable is the extent to which the long ridge containing the most storied mountaineering prizes of the North Cascades is laid out like a ribbon in front of your eyes. Seldom are hikers surrounded by so many mighty mountains in one spot: Sahale, Triad, Eldorado, Torment, Boston, Forbidden, Klawatti, Sharkfin. From here, you can see just how closely one stacks on top of the next after the next.
Not to be overlooked is the lookout itself, a living museum and relic of the network of such structures that once numbered in the hundreds, strung out across the state.
There are many mountaintops where the only traces of the lookouts that once stood upon them are some rusty nails, burnt timbers, and broken glass. Ascend to the summit of Crater Peak or Mount Pugh, and that is all you'll find there; but here, the lookout endures, despite having been retired from service many decades ago. It speaks both to the durability of its construction and the commitment of the individuals who have given so much to preserve it.
Built in 1932, the Hidden Lake Lookout was decommissioned by the Forest Service sometime around 1953. In 1960, the Skagit Alpine Club secured a special use permit to renovate and maintain it for club activities, but by 1980, the club had turned its attention to the Park Butte Lookout instead.
One of SAC's members, however, wasn't ready to let Hidden Lake Lookout go. Dr. Fred Darvill formed a group called the Friends of Hidden Lake Lookout under the auspices of the Skagit Environmental Council and took over responsibility for its maintenance.
Many people think of the lookout as a camping shelter, and it is in fact available on a first-come, first-serve basis; but Dr. Darvill intended its preservation mostly for historical purposes. Darvill, who passed away in late 2007, is a somewhat under-recognized figure in the history of the outdoors in Washington. He was an authority in backcountry first aid and was an effective advocate for wilderness, playing an instrumental role in the creation of the North Cascades National Park. It's altogether fitting that this spot, looking out over the park, has become such a visible legacy of his work.
As he became less able to visit the lookout, his role as chief steward passed to Robert Kendall. On a jaunt up here, you may very well run into Robert on one of his work parties at the lookout. If you see him, be sure to say thanks for the work he does (or offer to help!), and if you stay in the lookout, be sure to donate what you can to help cover supplies (there's a rough guideline of $15-$25/night).
Ironically, the lookout has now stood as a historic monument longer than it served its original function as a fire lookout. In 1987, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places.
This place–the intersection of so much incredible terrain and history–is one of the most remarkable hiking destinations in all of the Cascades; and while it may not be quite as immediately scenic as spots like the Enchantments or Sahale Arm, it holds a special allure that is very hard to overstate.
WTA Pro Tip: While no special permit is required to stay in the lookout (which sits just outside the park boundary), camping at Hidden Lake (or anywhere between the lake and the ridge line) requires a backcountry permit available at the ranger station in Marblemount. There is no trail from the saddle to the lake, so be prepared to clamber over boulders as you find your route. Don't camp on the shores of the lake or other nearby tarns – the landscape here is quite fragile. Look for bare dirt or established sites. Campfires are not permitted.
Hidden Lake (#745)
North Cascades National Park
Day Hiking: North Cascades (Romano - Mountaineers Books)
Buy the Green Trails Diablo Dam No. 48 map
Buy the Green Trails Cascade Pass No. 80 map
Download a map to plan your hike
From Marblemount on Hwy 20, drive the Cascade River Road just short of 10 miles to the junction with FS 1540. The road will be signed for the Hidden Lake Trail. Drive the steep, rutted, rocky road 4.5 miles to the road end and trailhead. Be sure to leave room for other people to drive in and out of the trailhead area.
Hiker Headlines: Avalanche Warning, Closed Passes and Roads, Winter Inspiration


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Adriana LaGrange  (born 1961 or 1962) is a Canadian politician elected in the 2019 Alberta general election to represent the electoral district of Red Deer-North in the 30th Alberta Legislature. Originally from Ontario, LaGrange moved to Red Deer in 1981. LaGrange was elected on April 16, 2019, and was appointed as the Minister of Education on April 30, 2019. In the 2019 Alberta general election, LaGrange won her constituency with a total of 12,739 votes based on a 62.6% voter turnout in Red Deer-North.

Career
LaGrange received a diploma in Rehab Studies from Humber College, and worked with the mentally and physically disabled before entering the political arena. In her time in Red Deer, LaGrange has served as the president of the Alberta Catholic School Trustees' Association until her resignation in June 2018, vice-president of the Canadian Catholic School Trustees' Association, and has also served as a trustee on the Red Deer Catholic School board between 2007 and 2018. LaGrange is the former president of Red-Deer pro-life, and was on the board of directors for Alberta pro-life.

Political career
LaGrange ran her campaign specifically on improving healthcare in the Red Deer area, re-configuring the education system, and lowering taxes to create jobs in Alberta. LaGrange used various mediums to communicate her platform to the public, including door-to-door canvassing, hiring volunteers, and using social media.

Minister of Education
Since her appointment to the Minister of Education, LaGrange has announced various legislation concerning Alberta's education system. On June 5, 2019, LaGrange introduced the new Education Act under the United Conservative Party. LaGrange was critiqued in the legislature by the leader of the official opposition, Rachel Notley, that the new Education Act does not protect LGBTQ+ students. LaGrange expressed that the Act will have the most advanced Gay–straight alliance provisions in all of Canada. Despite this claim, the Education Amendment Act removed provisions implemented by the previous NDP government designed to protect LGBTQ+ students. This included removing a prohibition on informing parents when a student joins a gay-straight alliance, and eliminating a requirement that students be permitted to use words such as "gay" or "queer" in naming their club. Tonya Callaghan, an associate professor at the University of Calgary, described this as "homophobic" and "heterosexist." The changes to the Education Act sparked rallies and a province-wide walkout from thousands of Alberta students, with advocates claiming that the changes will cause harm to LGBTQ+ students.

On August 22, 2019, LaGrange appointed a panel of education experts from a variety of school districts and post secondary institutions to review the province's curriculum. On October 23, 2019, Lagrange announced that the United Conservative Party revised the usage of seclusion rooms in public schools, limiting their usage to situations of a "last resort". On November 1, 2019, LaGrange announced that the United Conservative Party plans to build 15 new schools in Alberta along with 25 new education projects throughout the province such as modernization and updating infrastructure of schools currently operating.

On November 20, 2019, LaGrange announced an independent financial audit and governance review of the Calgary Board of Education after the Board announced the cutting of 300 temporary teaching jobs. LaGrange said the reason for the audit and governance review was to investigate the accountability of the Board's decision-making regarding its finances. After the announcement of layoffs, LaGrange said that the UCP was not aware of the actions. The Board had met with the United Conservative Party the day before the layoffs, but layoffs had not been mentioned.

On March 28, 2020, LaGrange temporarily cut the budgets of school boards in Alberta, directing them to lay off approximately 20,000 - 25,000 employees. LaGrange had previously promised to maintain funding during the pandemic. This was the biggest single layoff in Canadian history. The Alberta Government announced that education funding was restored to its previous levels on July 1, 2020.

In Canada, the disciplinary process for teachers varies by jurisdiction and the country currently has no central repository of serious abuses by teachers, "there could be people falling through the gaps," LaGrange told CBC News in an interview. With LaGrange as Minister of Education, Alberta passed the Students First Act on December 1, 2021, which established a database "detailing the professional standing of all Alberta-certified teachers and teacher leaders"  It required background checks every five years in addition to initially.

On May 31, 2022, the Education (Reforming Teacher Profession Discipline) Act passed, which brought all teachers, principals and superintendents under one discipline process, and made an independent commission to investigate and oversee that process. Additionally, the bill introduced "new requirements for key individuals in the education system... to report to the police where there has been serious harm or a threat to student safety." Previously the Alberta Teacher's Association was "not under any obligation to report potential criminal behaviour on the part of teachers to police." The new code of conduct took affect January 1, 2023.

Curriculum review
In response to drafts of the curriculum published by the CBC in October 2020, critics said that the social science and fine arts curriculum was "disconnected from current research" and favoured "white, European perspectives".

A Calgary-based lawyer, William French, hired by the department, recommended resources from the Charlottesville, Virginia-based Core Knowledge Foundation's resources for the new fine arts and literature curriculum. This included a list of 80 songs which was largely copied from a 2001 Core Knowledge document to be taught in primary school—songs that most Albertans would know, but critics claimed were outdated or racist.

In December 2020, the department invited thirty academics including University of Alberta social studies professor, Carla Peck, to review a draft of the curriculum. Peck found that the curriculum was "hugely overloaded, with lists of information, with names and places." Education professor at the University of Alberta, Dwayne Donald, said that the "social studies curriculum is written like a "moral success story" of western civilization. By February, 19 advisors including several from outside Alberta reviewed drafts of a new provincial elementary school curriculum.

According to a Calgary Herald article, LaGrange says the new curriculum focuses on improving literacy and numeracy. It includes computer programming, financial literacy, diversity in Alberta, and the "idea of consent to prevent sexual exploitation".

The new curriculum is based on the hypothesis that "there is a common cache of knowledge every child should know, and which should be taught in chronological order," which is an approach that some curriculum experts have "panned as outdated and with no basis in modern research."

Feedback sessions were planned to run from April 2021 through February 2022, during which time LaGrange expects some classrooms will begin using the draft.  As of September the government intends to develop new resources with a budget of $6 million in 2021. The new curriculum is planned to be introduced in some classrooms in September 2021.

Concerns have been raised that the curriculum is rife with plagiarism and errors of fact, including lifting content from Wikipedia without appropriate attribution, which would indicate a lack of due diligence and a lack of consultation with subject-matter experts.

Non-Confidence Vote
On May 23, 2021, at the Alberta Teachers' Association Annual Representative Assembly, a motion of non-confidence in LaGrange was passed with 99% of delegates voting in favour.

References

United Conservative Party MLAs
Living people
Women MLAs in Alberta
21st-century Canadian politicians
1960s births
Members of the Executive Council of Alberta
People from Guelph
People from Red Deer, Alberta
Alberta school board trustees
Women government ministers of Canada
Education ministers of Alberta
21st-century Canadian women politicians

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaWikipedia


Grant's cousin Erin was in town last weekend, and we were planning on meeting her for a day at the zoo. I wanted to bake something that we could snack on, and based on my knowledge that a) she loves macarons, and b) she loves lemon cupcakes, I decided to make lemon macarons.
I decided that I wanted to fill half of them with something lemony, and then the other half I would fill with a chocolate ganache. So I dusted a few of them with good cocoa powder - these would be the ones filled with ganache.
For the lemon macarons, I made a smooth cream cheese filling, and added a bit of fresh lemon juice and lots and lots of freshly grated lemon zest, to give it lots of lemony flavor.
And for the ganache-filled macarons, I made a bittersweet chocolate ganache, which I whipped in order to make it more light. This way the cookie itself could stand out more, instead of being overpowered by ganache.
We ended up having a great day at the zoo, although we didn't snack on any macarons while we were there. Instead, we had them prior to heading to the zoo ... as a pre-lunch snack, and a post-lunch dessert! Hope you enjoyed them Erin!
OMG! your macarons looks so good! i love the flavors you choose!
We did enjoy them! They didn't even make it back to the apartment, haha. Thanks so much, Michelle!
@Erin - you're welcome! we're so glad we got to hang out with you guys, let us know next time you're back in the bay area!
@juliana - thank you! and surprisingly, i think i liked the lemon even better than the chocolate!
They look beautiful and so perfect!!!
Or If you could send via email To me I will be veeery happy :) aretusa@gmail.com !
Greetings from Brazil and congrats for the amazing pics!
if youre sharing the filling recipes and instructions, I would LOVE to be in on that :) andreafrandsen@gmail.com thank you! they look amazinngggg!!!!
Love all the pics and your expert advise....invaluable. What about the actual recipes? Any chance you would share them?
@Anonymous - the recipe for the macaron shells is from pierre hermes "macaron" book, so i don't feel right posting his recipe, but i don't mind sending you my 'loosely translated' interpretation - just send me your email address if you're interested!
@Anonymous - no problem, just sent you an email! enjoy!


1. Days after PDP president Mehbooba Mufti alleged that the nomadic Gujjar and Bakerwal communities were being "selectively targeted" in Jammu region, a senior BJP leader Tuesday accused her of playing "communal card" with an eye on the upcoming polls in the state.
2. Three Hizbul Mujahideen militants, including an IPS officer's brother, were killed in an encounter with security forces on Tuesday in Shopian district of Jammu and Kashmir.
3. Former IAS officer Skandan Krishnan would be the fourth advisor to Jammu and Kashmir Governor Satya Pal Malik.
4. Union minister Nitin Gadkari on Tuesday inaugurated a bridge over the Ravi river in Jammu & Kashmir which will reduce the distance between Kathua in Jammu and Pathankot in Punjab to 8.6 km from 45 km.
5. Women hailing from Jammu and Kashmir who choose to marry men from outside the state do not lose their residency and inheritance rights under Article 35-A of the Constitution, a top legal expert said on Tuesday.
6. Two people, including a 12-year-old girl, were killed Tuesday and as many women were reported missing after an avalanche struck a mountain village in Jammu and Kashmir's Ramban district.
7. Jammu and Kashmir Governor Satya Pal Malik Tuesday accused political parties of politicising an order mandating government employees to attend the Republic Day celebrations and said he stood by the order which was being issued since 2009.
8. Unidentified men allegedly robbed employees of a filling station at gunpoint and decamped with Rs two lakh along the Jammu-Pathankot highway in Samba district.
9. Rains lashed plains while higher reaches witnessed fresh snowfall in Kashmir for the second day on Tuesday as the residents of the valley continued to experience some respite from the intense cold wave conditions that have been witnessed this winter.
10. Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday used the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD), the biennial event that brings together the Indian diaspora from all over the world, to target the Congress for failing to tackle corruption during the years it was in power, and contrasted it with his government's track record in combating graft.


As of late, I have been drifting in and out of fogginess and realistically evaluating things in my life. Musically, I have felt distanced, yet engaged. There are new songs, there are beautiful memories seeping up into my words. I'm missing dear ones who aren't here. I am very much appreciating those who are, those who know and support me with their words and spirits. I have learned yet again what my own voice sounds like and with that I have found an eagerness to start. Anything. All things. And do them well and with the passion of right now. I played a humbling show this past Tuesday with a local singer/songwriter, Paul. He truly added so much depth to my songs, I was caught unaware of just how nice it would be to have someone who can dance around my melodies and make them sound so soft and amazing. That was a inspiring night. Last night was inspiring also. Two dear friends were married yesterday in a sweet, intimate and rainy afternoon. It was lovely, truly lovely to see all the smiling faces and to be able to dance and dance. Exchanges of love like that often create a feeling of both joy and solitude because when I see love, I see my grandparents and I often doubt I will ever be lucky enough to be with someone like my grandfather and be someone like my grandmother… Future is the future though, for many good reasons it is shrouded in the unknown. Best it stay that way, else I may either retreat to hermitude or climb the highest, shooting star mountain shouting for joy that I know it will come true.
I wrote this this morning, after waking around 7:15, smiling because last night was so heart-warming.


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All Things Everett Public Library
Tag Archives: young adult
Posted on December 23, 2019 by everettpubliclibrary
With the year rapidly drawing to a close, it is time to reflect on the past year. Here at the library, of course, that means talking about all the great books we have read. Our full list of recommendations (including fiction, non-fiction, young adult and children's books) has already been released, but some of us can't help but want to tell you more. Here are a few select reviews from our best of list written by our dedicated and always reading staff.
Alan:
The Turn of the Key by Ruth Ware
From one of the best mystery writers of our time, the modern Agatha Christie, comes a suspense-filled epistolary tale of a nanny hired at a posh, remote estate in the Scottish Highlands. Idyllic until things take a turn for the darker. In a series of letters to an attorney, the facts of the case are revealed as our narrator unravels, and we wonder how reliable she is…
Chaz:
Digital Minimalism by Cal Newport
The solution to information overload is to be mindful with how and why you interact and engage with technology. Does it serve your essential and personal goals? Can you achieve the same result without using the technology? Cal Newport explores a philosophy of digital minimalism that fits this time of life.
I Will Teach You to be Rich by Ramit Sethi
How much time do you spend learning about money? 10 hours? 1 hour? None? Actively avoid thinking about it? The title may seem off-putting, as if it were some kind of get-rich-quick scheme, but on the contrary, Ramit teaches the long game of growing wealth over time. This requires taking an honest look at your finances and spending habits, and making a clear budget for money to have fun with (guilt free!). Where is the motivation in saving money for 40 years if you can't enjoy some of it in the meantime? Ramit provides a simple framework for understanding where you're at with money, both mentally and financially. He shows how you should focus your resources to maximize debt reduction and wealth creation. Through the book, you grow your self-understanding and are able to make a plan that will lead you confidently into the future.
Indistractable by Nir Eyal
There are many dozens of definitions for distraction, but Nir Eyal has got to have one of the most useful ones. He says that a distraction is anything that keeps you from fulfilling your word. This book is a manual for empowerment- teaching the importance of honoring your word and with this, growing respect for yourself. Did I say that I can peruse Instagram, or did I already commit to working in the garden Saturday morning? Nir provides a simple method for self-empowerment with many examples and situations to draw from.
Building a Storybrand by Donald Miller
Is Dave Ramsey the best personal finance expert in the world? Probably not, so why is he the most successful? It's because he has the clearest message: financial peace. Donald Miller explores the 7 elements that make up a story and how businesses can clarify their message and invite customers into the story. The business is the guide – the customer is the hero. What is the story?
What If It's Us by Becky Albertalli and Adam Silvera
Arthur believes in romance and signs from the universe. When his heart skips a beat at the sight of Ben at the post office and then a magical flash mob proposal breaks out, he believes. Ben, however, does not believe in signs. The box of items he's mailing back to his ex is clear evidence that the universe has nothing for him. But what if there's more to the universe than both of them see?
Long Way Down by Jason Reynolds
Fifteen year old Will knows the rules: no crying, no snitching, and it's up to him to avenge his brother's murder. With a gun shoved in his waistband, he takes the elevator from the seventh floor to fulfill his role. But the elevator door opens on the sixth floor, and in walks a dead man.
Stand on the Sky by Erin Bow
Aisulu's dream of eagle hunting goes against the Kazakh tradition that restricts training to men. When her parents take her ill brother to a distant hospital, she's left with a strange aunt and uncle- and an orphaned eagle to rescue.
Linda (click on the links to Linda's review for each title):
The Trial of Lizzie Borden by Cara Robertson
The Chain by Adrian McKinty
Tidelands by Philippa Gregory
Lisa:
Gods of Jade and Shadow by Silvia Moreno-Garcia is one of those books that you cruise through in a couple reads because it is just that hard to put down. Imagine if Cinderella was set in rural Jazz Age Mexico, only instead of a benevolent fairy godmother, it is the deposed Mayan god of death who changes our young heroine's life. Instead of being carried away in a beautiful enchanted pumpkin carriage, she is bound to the former lord of the underworld when a sliver of his bone embeds in her hand and her blood reanimates his corpse. Far from being a maiden needing to be rescued, our heroine, Casiopea Tun must not only save herself, but save the entire world from falling into a new age of darkness on Earth should she fail to defeat the schemes of the reigning god of death, Vucub-Kame. I hope you enjoy this amazing mix of Maya folklore, Mexican culture, drama, and historical fiction, as much as I did.
Wayward Lives, Beautiful Experiments: Intimate Histories of Social Upheaval by Saidiya Hartman is an incredible work of historical research and non-fiction writing. Hartman is able to strike a satisfying balance between heavily-footnoted academic, and very personal and engaging narrative writing styles. The personal stories and photographs used illustrate in a very relatable way, what life was like for Black women in Philadelphia and New York City at the turn of the century. Each chapter is a revelation that challenges what we commonly believe about Victorian life, and the way that women were allowed to move about their worlds. Hartman uses expert research and storytelling skills to give voices to women who were only brief news stories, or even nameless photographs in the historical record. These histories are often overlooked but should never be undervalued in terms of what they can tell us about the history of women's rights, the struggles Black women faced during the Great Migration, and the wide variety of ways that Black urban women were making lives for themselves during a very turbulent time. I found myself having to re-read pages to make sure I didn't miss a single detail
Margo:
Ask Again, Yes by Mary Beth Keane
I loved this story. My 83-year-old mom loved this story! It made me laugh and it made me cry.
Quoting from a New York Times Book Review author Mary Beth Keane states "No one ever plans to become estranged." This profound truth sets the stage for a thought-provoking novel delving into how one deals with injustice, pain, and deception especially when it happens in your own family.
Francis Gleeson and Brian Stanhope meet each other on the job in the NYPD. The young rookie cops work at a precinct in the Bronx. Francis meets and falls in love with Lena. Wanting to raise a family, the couple moves out of the city and into the suburbs. Several years later the Stanhope family move in next store, but there is a breach of some sort. Brian's wife Anne is standoffish. The relationship that buds, however, is between Gleeson's youngest daughter Kate and Stanhope's only child Peter. Kate and Peter become best friends.
Set in the 1970's when mental illness and addiction were subjects rarely discussed, Keane paints a portrait of two very different families with Irish Catholic roots whose lives become entwined. Layered with complex characters, a story of love, sorrow, tragedy, and ultimately, forgiveness unfolds.
Transcending time and generation, the story is timely and relevant. In an age where offenses are taken, and misunderstandings fueled by bitterness lead to many broken relationships, Ask Again, Ask offers hope.
Mindy:
Feast Your Eyes by Myla Goldberg
In many ways, this is a familiar story about a woman struggling to balance her photography career and creative ambition as a single mother. However, the storytelling is completely original, as it unfolds in the form of a photography exhibit catalog curated by the woman's daughter. The imagery is so vivid that you almost feel like you're seeing the photographs instead of words on a page.
Flight Portfolio by Julie Orringer
Flight Portfolio is the fictionalized story of Varian Fry, a real historical figure who covertly rescued countless Jewish artists and their works from the Nazis. I'm not usually a big reader of historical fiction, but I'm a big fan of this author and her richly imagined characters and exquisite writing.
Susan:
The Book Charmer by Karen Hawkins
I adored this book! It starts strong and remains strong to the very end. This is magical realism in a small southern town in the vein of Sarah Addison Allen but with a charm all its own. Sarah Dove is the seventh daughter of the Dove family, an old family in town whose daughters all have magic. Sarah's magic is that books talk to her, telling her which person in town needs to read them. As the town librarian, she makes sure each book gets to the right person. Such a lovely idea! Sadly, her beloved small town of Dove Pond is failing. The population is dwindling, they have no jobs for the young people, and most of the downtown storefronts are vacant. People are worried. Luckily, the town lore is that whenever the Dove family has seven daughters something good happens for the town. As a seventh daughter, Sarah has always thought she would save the town, but she has no idea how to do that. Then Grace Wheeler, broke and with crushing family responsibilities, comes to town and Sarah realizes that it is her job to befriend Grace and help Grace save the town. This is a lovely novel of friendship, family, belonging and finding home.
Thirteen by Steve Cavanagh
The serial killer isn't on trial. He's on the jury. That's the premise for this totally original legal thriller by Irish author Steve Cavanagh. What's the best way to get away with murder? Have someone else convicted of the crime. What's the best way to have someone else convicted of the crime? Make sure you (the killer) are on the jury! I'm a big fan of this author, and this is his best legal thriller yet.
Theresa:
The Care and Feeding of Ravenously Hungry Girls by Anissa Gray
They say one shouldn't judge a book by its cover, but an interesting title always attracts me. The title of Anissa Gray's debut novel grabbed my attention and her writing held it. The book begins with the stunning arrest of Althea and Proctor, a well-respected couple in their community. As her sisters struggle with their disbelief at the arrest of their eldest sister, and with caring for their nieces, what happened and how is revealed through the separate stories of those involved. This is primarily a character driven novel, with a dash of mystery on the side.
Posted in best of 2019, Book Lists, Book Review, Children's Books, Fiction, Nonfiction, Young Adult	| Tagged best of 2019, Children's Books, Fiction, non-fiction, year end, young adult	| Leave a reply
Enter the Grishaverse
Posted on March 5, 2019 by Jesse
I usually try to approach book-to-screen adaptations with a fair bit of skepticism. Sure, they sometimes work out, but I'm a levelheaded guy who controls his impulses and manages his expectations with Jedi-like discipline. Just kidding! I never learn my lesson. Every time I hear about a new adaptation, my hope spirals out of control. Why keep your cool and be pleasantly surprised when you can build unrealistic expectations and experience utter devastation?
This might explain why I'm ecstatic that Rick Famuyiwa will direct Children of Blood and Bone. And why I refuse to worry that Brian K. Vaughan's Y, the Last Man (already shortened by FX to Y, which definitely isn't a bad sign, right?) will use CGI for Ampersand the monkey. And when Netflix announced an adaptation of Leigh Bardugo's Grishaverse, I really lost it. I can't remember the last time I was this excited for a TV show.
So, what exactly is the Grishaverse? Leigh Bardugo has written seven books in this world so far, with at least one more in the pipeline and rumors of several more to follow. This world is first introduced in Bardugo's Grisha trilogy: Shadow and Bone, Siege and Storm, and Ruin and Rising. These books are set in Ravka, a land both on the brink of civil war, and facing encroaching threats from powerful nations at its borders. Complicating matters further, Ravka's military is divided into two groups. The first of these is a pretty straightforward army. But Ravka's Second Army is composed of magic wielders known as Grisha and led by the Darkling, a mysterious, ambitious, and charismatic young man who also happens to be the world's most powerful Grisha. Like many misunderstood groups, the Grisha have long suffered abuse in Ravka and other nations and the Darkling seems bent on not just defeating foreign enemies, but also securing permanent power for himself and Grisha dominance throughout society.
This trilogy focuses on a young orphan named Alina. When her powers as a Grisha manifest, it becomes clear that she has a unique and legendary gift. She quickly finds herself in an elevated position, both courted and mentored by the Darkling. Alina quickly learns that she will need to navigate many dangers: jealous rivals, court intrigue, foreign assassins, and the Darkling's morally ambiguous schemes, while learning to develop her power and determining which decisions she makes might save her country and which might lead to its ruin.
While I love Alina's story, it isn't necessarily where I recommend readers begin. My first foray into Bardugo's thrilling work was the duology composed of Six of Crows and Crooked Kingdom. These stories take place after the events of the Grisha trilogy, and follow a ruthless, scrappy, and irresistible group of criminals when they take a job breaking into an impenetrable fortress and rescuing a scientist who possesses incredibly powerful and dangerous knowledge. I don't want to say a lot more about these books – they're filled with twists, betrayals, and cliffhangers that I don't want to risk ruining. I will say, however, that the characters in these books are immensely likable, their relationships are complicated in ways that are both satisfying and maddening, and that Bardugo's work in this series is as strong as any fantasy writing that I've read. The best description I've seen for these books is Game of Thrones meets a heist movie. If that doesn't have you chomping at the bit, check your pulse.
King of Scars, Bardugo's latest work, is the first book in a new duology. Virtually any details about this novel would spoil the earlier books. Suffice it to say, this new release follows a cursed king as he deals with dangerous new threats, a returning menace, and two very, very badass Grisha. For fans of deep dives, there is also The Language of Thorns. This collection of short stories brings to life the myths and fairy tales of the Grishaverse. This is a worthy read, and ties in nicely with the traditions that crop up throughout all these books.
It's been a pleasure to read (and re-read) these books and watch as Bardugo's sharp and witty writing has matured. Over the course of these seven books, she has built a world filled with magic, intrigue, and adventure. I eagerly await more Grishaverse novels, and will be following every update on the miniseries with bated breath. Don't screw this up, Netflix.
Posted in Book Review, Science Fiction & Fantasy, Young Adult	| Tagged adaptations, Fantasy, Grisha, Grishaverse, Leigh Bardugo, netflix, Sobachka, ya, ya fiction, young adult, young adult fiction	| 1 Reply
Attention Hollywood
Posted on December 10, 2018 by Jesse
It's been a really great year for YA movie adaptations. Simon vs. The Homo Sapiens Agenda was made into the charming and sweet (if poorly renamed) Love, Simon. To All the Boys I've Loved Before which took Netflix by storm. And The Hate U Give was a critical hit at a timely moment. It's a bit of a reach, but I'd even argue that Black Panther was a YA adaptation considering where we shelve the comics. But am I satisfied? Never! I want to see more of my favorite characters head to the screen so I can fret that Hollywood will ruin them and rejoice the few times that they do not. Luckily for all the producers, project developers, and screen writers out there, I'm happy to do the leg work for them. I want Nic Stone's Odd One Out to be the next big thing.
Odd One Out follows three teens, Courtney, Jupiter, and Rae, each of whom narrates a section of the book. Courtney is the first narrator. A high school basketball phenom, he lost his father to a tragic accident years ago and lives with his single mother. He is well-adjusted, kind, and introspective. He is also secretly, hopelessly, and madly in love with Jupiter, his longtime best friend. Jupiter is quick-witted, Freddy Mercury obsessed, and an engaged activist and community leader. Though Courtney and Jupiter share almost everything, he can't bring himself to tell her about his feelings. In addition to risking their friendship, it would be an exercise in futility. Though Jupiter deeply loves Courtney, it could never be romantic. Jupiter is gay.
As the book follows Jupiter and Courtney into their junior year of high school, they are thrown a curveball. Rae is a bright, bubbly, and endearing student who has just moved to town and transferred to their school. She quickly becomes an integral member of their group, but she also creates the friction that might destroy their friendship. From the moment Rae shows up it is clear that Jupiter has feelings for her. And as Courtney desperately attempts to get over Jupiter, he begins to like Rae as well. And Rae? Rae might just be falling for both of them! I hesitate to use the phrase "love triangle" because it feels cheap and hackneyed, but if the shoe fits….
What follows is a fun, dramatic, and sometimes stressful series of adventures and misunderstanding for these three teens, including a strange but emotionally resonant side story featuring a long-forgotten children's entertainer. I fell deeply in love with all of the characters in this book, and I lived and died with their every triumph and defeat. But Stone's work is also a deep, moving, and well constructed consideration of identity, sexuality, and the expectations placed on teens. In the author's note, Stone explains why she wrote Odd One Out:
"It's a book I needed at twelve, when I was skittish at slumber parties and worried about playing truth-or-dare because I didn't want the other girls to know about the fire I felt below my navel when I watched them kiss each other and stuff. I needed it at fifteen, sixteen, seventeen, when I would change for cheer practice separate from the other girls because I didn't want anybody to catch me looking. (Flee temptation! My Bible said.) I needed it at twenty-one, when trying to navigate intense romantic feelings for a female friend. And I need it now as I continue to waffle between labels. (Am I bisexual? Pansexual? Queer? Herteroflexible? All of the above? None of the above?)"
I'm confident that it's still a book that tweens, teens, new adults, and grown-ass adults still need, whether they're questioning their own identities or could just use a window into the lives of others to build empathy and be better allies. Of course on top of all that, it is also a fun, satisfying, and smart story that I could not put down. Now someone make me my damn movie.
Posted in Book Review, Young Adult	| Tagged Basketball, Cheerleading, identity, lgbtq, nic stone, Queer, ya fiction, young adult	| 1 Reply
Everett Public Library staff pick the best of 2018
Posted on November 26, 2018 by everettpubliclibrary
It's that time of year again. What time of year you ask? Well it is time for the 'Best of the Year' lists to begin, of course.
We here at the library are not immune and can't resist the overwhelming desire to let you know what books we loved in the year 2018. If you didn't catch this excellent list in our recent Newsletter, here is your chance to pursue it on A Reading Life. Simple click on the images below to see our staff picks for the best books for Children, Young Adults, and Adults in both fiction and non-fiction. Each click will lead you to our catalog where you can read reviews for each title.
Everett Public Library staff picks for Children:
Everett Public Library staff picks for Young Adults:
Everett Public Library staff picks for Adult Nonficiton:
Everett Public Library staff picks for Adult Fiction:
So there you have it, all that was best in 2018. Just a few good ideas for holiday shopping no?
Posted in Best of 2018, Book Lists, Children's Books, Fiction, Nonfiction, Young Adult	| Tagged adult fiction, adult nonfiction, Best of 2018, Children's Books, staff favorites, staff picks, young adult	| 1 Reply
Don't Judge a Book by its Zombies
Posted on May 29, 2018 by Jesse
We've all been told not to judge a book by its cover. At this point it feels cliché, even if the words hold value. But more to the point, sometimes it can be good to judge a book by its cover! Dread Nation by Justina Ireland is a kick-ass book with a kick-ass cover. Judge away! But please, please do not judge this book by its zombies.
I'd never describe myself as a lover of the zombie genre, though I've read more than a few books featuring the undead. I understand why some readers are skeptical of these stories and I realize that it doesn't really help my case to say "but this book isn't really about the zombies." I mean, that's what everyone says, right? But listen…this book? It isn't really about the zombies!
Dread Nation takes place in the years following the Civil War. In this version of history the dead began to rise during the war, forcing the North and South into an uneasy truce. The South was ravaged by dead soldiers who have risen from battlefields and agreed to end slavery in exchange for Northern support. However, like during the actual Reconstruction Era, many Northerners and Southerners in this version of history remain determined to punish people of color and pursue the interests of white (and only white) Americans. One way that white supremacy manifests in Dread Nation is through a reeducation act that forces native and black children into schools. They are taught how to fight the zombie hordes – called shamblers in this book – sacrificing their own well-being to ensure the safety and comfort of wealthy and white society.
Jane McKeene, Dread Nation's narrator, is a student at one of these schools. She is training to be a lady's attendant, expected to cater to the whims and needs of a member of high society while also lopping off the heads of any shamblers who come-a-shambling. Though Jane takes readily to combat training and has a brilliant mind, she struggles to follow rules, is disinterested in etiquette, and bristles at the expectation that she 'know her place.' When Jane and two of her friends wind up on the wrong side of some very powerful (and very racist) politicians, they are banished to Summerland, Kansas.
Justina Ireland
Summerland is supposed to be the vision of the future: technologically advanced, morally pure, well defended, and structured to provide comfort to white society through the toil and suffering of people of color. But Jane quickly discovers that not everything in Summerland is as it seems and that the poisonous ills woven through the fabric of this 'utopia' threaten not just the people of Summerland, but the survival of the human race in the battle against the dead. It will take all of Jane's courage, scrappiness, and intellect to find a way to escape from this flimsy house of cards before irreversible disaster strikes.
It is worth noting that Ireland uses upsetting language to describe some groups of people. To my knowledge, these words are used in a historically accurate way even if they are far beyond the pale of what is acceptable today. It can make parts of this book uncomfortable, jarring, and difficult to read, as it should be.
Dread Nation holds its own as a dystopian zombie novel with a fast paced and thrilling story filled with dark mysteries and some gruesome deaths. But this book also serves as an excellent work of speculative fiction: reimagining the Civil War, many of its famous people and events, and the societal forces that both led to this conflict and impeded any legitimate notion of equality long after the war's end. Ireland uses this book to take a frank look at the ways bigotry and hate thrive, even as humanity struggles to survive. And, finally, Jane is a phenomenal narrator: witty, charming, plucky, and perhaps just a bit deceptive as she pulls the reader into her story. Like I said – it's not about the zombies!
Posted in Book Review, Fiction, Historical Fiction, New Adult, Supernatural, Young Adult	| Tagged alternative history, civil rights, Civil War, Justina Ireland, speculative fiction, ya, young adult, zombies	| Leave a reply
Posted on May 4, 2018 by Jesse
Sometimes everything comes together perfectly. When I first heard about Children of Blood and Bone by Tomi Adeyemi it was still several months from release. The description checked a lot of boxes for me and I was excited to eventually read it, but I wasn't desperately waiting for its release. Then I saw the cover. And, I mean, look at that cover! I was definitely in. Once I saw Black Panther and – like everyone else – was blown away, I reached a new level of excitement for Adeyemi's work. A new series about magic, oppression, bigotry, and class set in an isolated West African country? Ummm yes, please. Add in a complex and rich backbone of mythology and I never stood a chance. So when I finally had this book in my hand I was elated, but also wary. Could it possibly live up to the hype? You'll have to keep reading to find out, but I'm writing about it so you can probably guess…
Children of Blood and Bone is set in the fictional kingdom of Orisha. Power in Orisha was once shared between normal humans and Magi, a subset of society gifted by the gods with powerful supernatural abilities. Years before the novel opens, however, these powers mysteriously disappeared and the ruthless King took advantage of the situation, slaughtering the Magi. The scattered and abandoned children of the Magi are known as Diviners and conspicuously marked by their white hair, but unable to summon any powers. Diviners are treated as the lowest caste at best derided, at worst abused and used as slave labor.
Zélie is one of these Diviners. Forced to watch the murder of her Magi mother when she was just a child she is angry at the Empire, determined to strike back, and more than a little bit rash. Despite being something of a pariah, Zélie, along with her father and her brother, manages to eke out a modest life trading fish for a living and training for the day when she will have a chance to take her revenge on the King and his followers.
Zélie's impulsivity, however, throws her life into chaos when she rescues Amari, a princess from the royal line who is on the run from her terrible father. The decision to help Amari sends Zélie and her brother on a perilous journey unsure of who they can trust and what terrible dangers might await them. But Zélie is also running towards something – Amari claims she has a scroll that can restore Magi magic. Zélie hopes that this would give her people have a chance to fight back, restore their dignity, and maybe even begin to restore balance to Orishan society. Yet to reach this future Zélie and her companions must first evade Prince Iman, Amari's brother and heir to the Orishan throne. For his part, Iman is determined to capture his sister and Zélie not just to end the threat of magic but also to finally prove himself to his cruel and demanding father. Beyond the obvious lethal danger the prince poses Zélie and Iman quickly discover they have a strange and unbreakable connection, one that threatens both of their worlds in opposing but equally devastating ways.
There are a lot of glowing adjectives I could use to describe Children of Blood and Bone, but the one that repeatedly comes to mind is refreshing. I've read a lot of wonderful YA novels that move in the worlds of dystopia, fantasy, history and mythology, but the vast majority are based off Western or European traditions. Having this wonderfully rich, exciting series build off of African traditions and get the support it deserves from the publishing industry is as welcome as it is long overdue. In Zélie, Amari, and Iman, Adeyemi has created three compelling and complicated narrators who are both eminently likable and, at times, incredibly frustrating. I've read some criticism that Children of Blood and Bone reads like an author's first novel (probably because it is) and drags at times. I understand where this criticism comes from, but it's also quite simply a thrilling read with a captivating ending that leaves plenty of juicy questions for the rest of the series to tackle.
Posted in Book Review, Fiction, Science Fiction & Fantasy, Supernatural, Young Adult	| Tagged Children of Blood and Bone, Fantasy, magic, Representation Matters, Tomi Adeyemi, we need diverse books, ya, young adult	| 1 Reply
Best of 2017: Books for Young Adults
We continue our list of the Best of 2017 as recommended by library staff today with a bunch of great titles from the world of Young Adult Fiction, Non-Fiction and Graphic Novels. Enjoy and make sure to check out the Library Newsletter for all of our recommendations.
Frogkisser! by Garth Nix
Princess Anya is an orphan and second in line to the throne. Her stepstepfather is an evil wizard, the frog population in the moat is growing, and visiting princes keep vanishing. The royal dogs send Anya on a quest for a potion to reverse her stepstepfather's spells.
A bitingly funny fractured fairy tale that doesn't take itself too seriously and even pokes gentle fun at the genre. –Emily
Noteworthy by Riley Redgate
After learning that her deep voice is keeping her from being cast in plays at her exclusive performing arts school, Jordan Sun, junior, disguises herself as a boy and auditions for an all-male octet hoping for a chance to perform internationally.
What I thought would be a quick romp or just a comedy of errors was surprisingly insightful and at times a total gut-punch. As they discovered and explored new truths about themselves, these characters kept me up all night reading. –Carol
When Dimple Shah and Rishi Patel meet at a Stanford University summer program, Dimple is avoiding her parents' obsession with "marriage prospects," but Rishi hopes to woo her into accepting arranged marriage with him.
The best romantic comedy of the summer, and also a book I want to read over and over again. Adorable, quirky, and full of heart: this book will have you cheering out loud, and maybe swooning. Fantastic debut from a talented new Indian-American voice. –Carol
The Gentleman's Guide to Vice and Virtue by Mackenzi Lee
A historical action/adventure/comedy/romance. When a reckless decision turns his Grand Tour of Europe into a harrowing manhunt, it calls into question everything Monty knows, including his relationship with the boy he adores.
Spoiler: Monty is completely horrible for the first couple hundred pages (the vice). Get through it and be rewarded with his redemption story (the virtue)! Monty's struggle with being bisexual in a time that doesn't allow for it made me cry and cheer. –Carol
The You I've Never Known by Ellen Hopkins
Ariel's mother abandoned her when she was still a toddler, and she's been on the move with her hard-drinking, hard-loving father for as long as she can remember. When they finally settle in California, she begins to discover home, love, and, eventually, answers.
Plenty of drama and dysfunction, along with strong characters, keep readers engrossed. A parallel story of a woman and her troubled marriage sometimes seemed out of place until the stories intertwine. –Elizabeth
The Whole Thing Together by Ann Brashares
A summer house is carefully shared by a bitterly divided family, assuring the two groups never meet. Although they've never met, Ray and Sasha, both children of second marriages, share a room, and for many years have wondered about each other.
You know they are going to meet up, you can't wait for it to happen, but how and when, and what will they think of each other? The anticipation coupled with a compelling story of family love, hate, and the possibility of healing make for a great read. –Elizabeth
The Art of Starving by Sam Miller
Sixteen- year-old Matt is gay and friendless in a small, backward town. To add to that misery, his beloved sister has just left mysteriously, his mom may lose her job, and he has a serious eating disorder. He believes starving enhances his perceptions.
While things are looking pretty bad for Matt, he finds love in the most unexpected place. Despite major struggles, I felt strangely hopeful for his outcome. –Elizabeth
Midnight at the Electric by Jodi Lynn Anderson
Before Adri launches on a one-way trip to the experimental Mars colony, she's told to say her goodbyes and find closure. As an orphan who never knew her family, she assumes this won't be necessary. She is wrong.
This story combines two of my favorite genres in one book: sci-fi and historical fiction. Adri meets a long-lost cousin and discovers letters and diaries from pioneering young women in the early 1900s. –Emily
Spellbook of the Lost and Found by Moira Fowley-Doyle
Six teenagers from a small town in Ireland are having a typical summer. Drunken parties. Hooking up. Breaking up. The discovery of a spell book and mysterious pages from a stranger's journal turns everything upside down.
Untwisting this story is like unraveling a tangled mass of yarn. The middle must be unknotted to figure out the end and the beginning. –Emily
All the Crooked Saints by Maggie Stiefvater
On a desolate ranch, there lives a saint. It's a strange place, where pilgrims receive the miracle they deserve, not necessarily the miracle they want. The teens growing up on the ranch start a pirate radio station, hoping for a miracle of their own.
Set in the early 1960s, the author weaves together strands of folklore, fable, legend, and historical fiction. The language and imagery is reminiscent of authors such as Clive Barker, Tom Robbins, Terry Pratchett and Neil Gaiman. –Emily
When the creator of a high school gossip app mysteriously dies in front of four high-profile students, all four become suspects. It's up to them to solve the case.
Part Breakfast Club, part Agatha Christie, part Gossip Girl, this ridiculously entertaining whodunit will keep you guessing to the end. The audiobook is especially well-performed by an ensemble cast. –Alan
Jane, Unlimited by Kristin Cashore
It begins like a traditional "orphan sent to grand manor house, discovers mystery" story. But this one has five endings. Did one ending actually happen? Or did all of them?
The five scenarios touch on just about every genre: contemporary realism, romance, mystery, fantasy, and science fiction. But with a twist or two. –Emily
Starr Carter lives in two worlds: the underserved neighborhood she lives in and the affluent prep school she attends. These worlds clash when Starr is the sole witness to the death of an old friend, an unarmed young black man shot by the police.
Thomas has written a book that is both timely and compelling. Starr Carter's narrative gives the reader an important view into the life of a young black woman navigating a treacherous world. –Jesse
Young Adult Graphic Novels
One-Punch Man Vols 10, 11, 12 by ONE
The mis-adventures of the "hero for fun" keep getting better with each volume, and the overall story arc across volumes is finally starting build beyond Saitama questing for recognition as the world's greatest hero.
I can't stop giggling at the contrast of unassuming Saitama's appearance and his overwhelming strength. The development of top-level nemeses in these later volumes rewards returning readers and makes now the best time to start this series! –Zac
The Adventures of Superhero Girl by Faith Erin Hicks
In this new expanded edition based off of a web series, this comic follows Superhero Girl, a young woman with extraordinary powers and extraordinarily annoying problems, from her all-too-perfect brother to incompetent nemeses AND BEYOND!
Superhero Girl's adventures are clever, hilarious, and delightfully illustrated. This book does an incredible job of capturing both the wonderful silliness of many superhero stories and the crippling angst of teenage life. –Jesse
Queer, There, and Everywhere: 23 People Who Changed the World by Sarah Prager
This book is a collection of 23 mini-biographies of LGBTQ people throughout history, including a Roman Emperor, a First Lady, artists, actors, and many more. Perfect for activist, allies, and anyone curious about hidden history.
Many of these stories are inspiring accounts of public figures who were out and helped shape their time, but I was even more delighted to learn more about the surprising private lives of well-known individuals –Jesse
Undefeated : Jim Thorpe and the Carlisle Indian School Football team by Steve Sheinkin
Jim Thorpe and Pop Warner are two towering figures of the sports world. This book finds them before they were household names, when Thorpe, a young Native American, and Warner revolutionized football and humbled the sport's powerhouse teams.
Sheinkin manages to weave an incredible underdog sports story together with an account of the unforgivably shameful ways Native Americans have been maltreated by the United States. — Jesse
Because I was a Girl: True Stories for Girls of All Ages edited by Melissa De La Cruz
This volume features nearly forty stories told by successful women between the ages of 10 and 87. By taking the reader on their journeys, these incredible figures reveal their thoughts as they overcame obstacles to achieve great things.
These accounts are fascinating, inspiring and include impactful figures with lesser known stories. I also love the presentation of this volume, with full page quotes, beautiful photos, and decade by decade summaries of important achievements by women.
— Jesse
A Dog in the Cave: The Wolves Who Made Us Human by Kay Frydenborg
Frydenborg dives deep into the thousand plus year relationship between canines and humans, exploring not just how humans have influenced the evolution of the dog, but also how dogs have slowly changed us.
As a dog lover, it was fascinating to gain insight into our shared history with canines. Frydenborg also does a masterful job connecting the distant past to our current dynamic with these animals, showing how our relationship evolved along with us. — Jesse
Posted in Best of 2017, Young Adult	| Tagged Best of 2017, best of lists, young adult, young adult fiction, young adult graphic novels, young adult nonfiction	| Leave a reply
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I don't know what it is, whether it's the Oxfordshire air or the fact that I just love food. But I've always been a fan of dinner parties. I mean it's a reason to eat loads of food and feel a bit fancy so can you blame me??? But today I thought I'd take a twist on my dining experience and add a little Swedish edge to it. But of course like anything I do it can't just be a half job, we were going full out with the food, etiquette and of course, the all important beverages to compliment our dinner. So here is how you can be fine dining the Sewedish way.
There are some simple do's and don't's when it comes to a Swedish dinner party. Firstly, never arrive early, arrive within a 15 minute window of the party starting (a tricky one for me as I'm wayyy too early to everything), don't sit immediately – just stay standing until the host says otherwise. The whole point is to meet new people so don't sit with your partner or friend, mingle a bit!
When it comes to food, never turn it down (an easy one for me…) and make sure the placement of the napkin is correct, it must be on your lap – nowhere else. Now, onto the fun part of what to make for your dinner party! I went with a classic 3 course but of course you could do more than that or do more nibble type dishes, that's the best thing with dinner parties they're so versatile and different. I started mine off with a classic smörgåsbord, a platter of cheeses, meats, rye crackerbreads and any other trimmings you would like to add – I had some olives, grapes and some pate to accompany in mine. Many smörgåsbords you see are huge, however as there was food following and I only had an smaller number of guests, I kept it light and simple so everyone could enjoy all three courses.
Now we get our cheers or "Skal" on and crack open the drinks! I think we know a favorite drink of mine is cider, more specifically, a good old bottle of Rekorderlig. Having flavorsome drinks to compliment your meal is so important and Rekorderlig have so many different flavors. You can't go wrong. To go with the platter I found their passionfruit, raspberry and mango and they're mixed berries go very well with an assortment of fish, meats, cheeses and crackerbreads. Something which is light and fruity really works and gives that lovely balance.
I then made Swedish style meatballs with celeriac and apples, a lighter sort of stew for a main. I will admit though that the meatballs were vegetarian to cater to my needs. But of course you can make it with mince or turkey! This felt like such a comfort food when eating it. It had lovely flavour and was so easy to eat.
As I mentioned this is the great thing with these sort of parties as they can just be simple, hearty food which people love – which is especially nice for autumn! It doesn't have to be anything crazy. My choice of flavor for this course was, what I believe to be a classic of their's, the strawberry and lime cider. Which I believe could basically go with anything as it's just the all-round cider. But it really accompanies this dish well as its such a light easy dish, it gives some more flavour but keeps the simple and comforting feel.
Finally for pudding, I made what is known as krem. Basically it was almond-y, vanilla-y goodness in a pot and was the perfect finale to our meal. As it was a nice creamy texture and was a bit sweeter. I partnered this with some Rekorderlig spiced plum cider, a cider you can have hot or cold (I know right?!) but trust me, if you want to get that warming sensation inside of you, you need this beverage. It's especially good for this time of year.
I hope you enjoyed this slightly different post. I definitely had fun eating all the food and drinking all the cider!
*DISCLAIMER* This is a paid sponsored post by Rekorderlig, but all opinions are my own.


text:
PRESCILLA TUATES AND ANDRES DE LA PAZ, PETITIONERS, VS. HON. LUCAS P. BERSAMIN, AS PRESIDING JUDGE, BRANCH 96, RTC QUEZON CITY, PEOPLE OF THE PHILIPPINES AND I.C. CONSTRUCTION, INC., RESPONDENTS.
AUSTRIA-MARTINEZ, J.:
Before us is a petition for review on certiorari under Rule 45 of the Rules of Court, seeking to annul the following: (1) Decision dated April 30, 1999 and Resolution dated June 9, 1999, rendered by the Court of Appeals in CA-G.R. SP No. 46845;[1] (2) Decision dated September 10, 1997 and the Order dated January 28, 1998 issued by the Regional Trial Court of Quezon City (Branch 96) in Criminal Cases Nos. Q-97-70428 and Q-97-70429;[2] and (3) Decision dated December 16, 1996 of the Metropolitan Trial Court of Quezon City (Branch 38) in Criminal Cases Nos. 38-0130 and 38-0131.[3]
The facts are as follows:
Convicted by the MTC-Quezon City (Branch 38) of the crime of Violation of Presidential Decree No. 772 or the Anti-Squatting Law, petitioners Prescilla Tuates and Andres de la Paz, appealed to the RTC of Quezon City (Branch 96). Their conviction was affirmed in toto by the RTC in its decision dated September 10, 1997. Pending resolution of their motion for reconsideration, however, Republic Act No. 8368, "An Act Repealing Presidential Decree No. 772, entitled 'Penalizing Squatting and Other Similar Acts'" was enacted.
In its Order, dated January 28, 1998, the RTC ruled that only petitioners' criminal convictions were extinguished by R.A. 8368, and the civil aspect, i.e., the removal of petitioners' illegally constructed house and improvements, shall remain executory against them.[4]
On a petition for review, the Court of Appeals sustained the ruling of the RTC and denied due course to the petition per its Decision, dated April 30, 1999.[5] Petitioners' motion for reconsideration was likewise denied by the CA in its Resolution dated June 9, 1999.[6]
Hence, the present recourse taken by petitioners, raising the following issues:
"1. That petitioners, being charged with Violation of Presidential Decree No. 772, the express repeal of said decree absolves the petitioners of any criminal or civil liability;
"2. That public respondent erred in holding that 'the civil aspect of the judgment rendered x x x shall be executory against the accused; and
"3. That the Honorable Court of Appeals, in affirming the Order of the Regional Trial Court of Quezon City (Branch 96), dated June 9, 1999, grossly erred in ignoring applicable laws and jurisprudence."[7]
Petitioners argue that the repeal of P.D. 772 by R.A. 8368 carries with it the extinction of both the criminal and civil aspects of the crime. Private respondent, however, insists that public respondents were correct in ruling that only the criminal liability was absolved and the civil liability remains inasmuch as it was not extinguished in accordance with Article 113 of the Revised Penal Code, which reads:
"ART. 113. Obligation to satisfy civil liability. -- Except in case of extinction of his civil liability as provided in the next preceding article, the offender shall continue to be obliged to satisfy the civil liability resulting from the crime committed by him, notwithstanding the fact that he has served his sentence consisting of deprivation of liberty or other rights, or has not been required to serve the same by reason of amnesty, pardon, commutation of sentence or any other reason."
In its Motion to Deny Due Course, private respondent also argues that the petition should now be denied as its title to the land subject of this case has already been adjudged in its favor. [8]
In its Comment, the Office of the Solicitor General, in behalf of public respondents, agrees with petitioners that both the criminal and civil liability were rendered extinct with the repeal of P.D. 772, and recommended that the assailed issuances be reversed and set aside.
We find the petition to be meritorious.
Republic Act No. 8368, otherwise known as the "Anti-Squatting Law Repeal Act of 1997," provides:
"SECTION 1. Title. -- This Act shall be known as the 'Anti-Squatting Law Repeal Act of 1997.'
"SEC. 2. Repeal. -- Presidential Decree No. 772, entitled 'Penalizing Squatting and Other Similar Acts' is hereby repealed.
"SEC. 3. Effect on Pending Cases. -- All pending cases under the provisions of Presidential Decree No. 772 shall be dismissed upon the effectivity of this Act.
"SEC. 4. Effect on Republic Act No. 7279. -- Nothing herein shall be construed to nullify, eliminate or diminish in any way Section 27 of Republic Act No. 7279 or any of its provisions relative to sanctions against professional squatters and squatting syndicates.
"SEC. 5. Effectivity. -- This Act shall take effect thirty (30) days after its publication in two (2) newspapers of national circulation.
"Approved, October 27, 1997."[9]
The repeal of P.D. No. 772 under Section 2 of R.A. No. 8368 is explicit, categorical, definite and absolute. As such, the act that was penalized by P.D. 772, i.e., squatting, ceases to be criminal under R.A. 8368, and the previous offense is obliterated. [10]
In the same vein, the absolute repeal of P.D. 772 has the effect of depriving a court of its authority to punish a person charged with violation of the old law prior to its repeal. This is because an unqualified repeal of a penal law constitutes a legislative act of rendering legal what had been previously declared as illegal, such that the offense no longer exists and it is as if the person who committed it never did so.[11] Specially so, as in the present case where it is unconditionally stated in Section 3 of R.A. No. 8368 that: "(A)ll pending cases under the provisions of Presidential Decree No. 772 shall be dismissed upon the effectivity of this Act."[12] Obviously, it was the clear intent of the law to decriminalize or do away with the crime of squatting. Hence, there being no criminal liability, there is likewise no civil liability because the latter is rooted in the former. Where an act or omission is not a crime, no person can be held liable for such act or omission. There being no delict, logically, civil liability ex delicto is out of the question. [13]
In fact, in People v. Leachon, Jr.[14] we implicitly recognized the unconditional repeal of P.D. 772 by R.A. 8368 when we ordered the dismissal of the petition filed in said case, without any qualification whatsoever, because of the enactment of R.A. 8368, viz.:
"But the foregoing antecedent facts and proceedings notwithstanding, the petition cannot now prosper because on October 27, 1997, Republic Act No. 8368, entitled 'An Act Repealing Presidential Decree No. 772 Entitled 'Penalizing Squatting and Other Similar Acts' was "enacted. Section 3 of the said Act provides that 'all pending cases under the provisions of Presidential Decree No. 772 shall be dismissed upon the effectivity of this Act.'"[15]
This is not to say, however, that people now have the unbridled license to illegally occupy lands they do not own. R.A. No. 8368[16] was unanimously approved by the members of the Senate of the Philippines present on its third reading.[17] The legislature considered it a major piece of legislation on the country's anti-poverty program[18] as it sought to confront the perennial problem of poverty at its root, abolish an otherwise inutile and oppressive law, and pave the way for a genuine urban housing and land reform program. Senate records reveal that it is the manifest intent of the authors of R.A. 8368 to decriminalize squatting but does not encourage or protect acts of squatting on somebody else's land.[19] The law is not intended to compromise the property rights of legitimate landowners.[20] Recourse may be had in cases of violation of their property rights, such as those provided for in Republic Act No. 7279 or the Urban Development and Housing Act, penalizing professional squatters and squatting syndicates as defined therein, who commit nefarious and illegal activities[21]; the Revised Penal Code providing for criminal prosecution in cases of Trespass to Property,[22] Occupation of Real Property or Usurpation of Real Rights in Property,[23] and similar violations, and, cases for Forcible Entry and Unlawful Detainer under the Rules of Court,[24] as well as civil liability for Damages under the Civil Code.
Considering that prosecution for criminal as well as civil liability under P.D. 772 has been rendered nugatory with the passage of R.A. 8368, both criminal and civil aspects of Criminal Cases Nos. Q-97-70428 and Q-97-70429 in the RTC as well as Criminal Cases Nos. 38-0130 and 38-0131 in the MTC filed against petitioners should be dismissed.
WHEREFORE, finding the petition for review to be with merit, the Decision dated April 30, 1999 of the Court of Appeals in CA-G.R. SP No. 46845, is REVERSED and SET ASIDE. A new judgment is hereby entered modifying the Decision dated September 10, 1997 of the Regional Trial Court of Quezon City (Branch 96) in Criminal Cases No. Q-97-70428 and Q-97-70429 and the Decision dated December 16, 1996 issued by the Metropolitan Trial Court of Quezon City (Branch 38), to the effect that the dismissal of the aforementioned criminal cases likewise include the dismissal of the civil aspects thereof, without prejudice to the filing of civil and/or criminal actions under the prevailing laws.
Bellosillo, Acting C.J., (Chairman), Quisumbing, and Callejo, Sr., JJ., concur.
[1] Entitled, "Prescilla Tuates and Andres de la Paz, Petitioners vs. Hon. Lucas P. Bersamin, as Presiding Judge, Regional Trial Court, Branch 96, Quezon City, People of the Philippines and I.C. Cruz Construction, Inc., Respondents."
[2] Entitled, "People of the Philippines, Plaintiff, versus, Prescilla Tuates, Accused"; and "People of the Philippines, Plaintiff, versus, Andres de la Paz, Accused."
[4] Rollo, p. 23, Annex "A".
[5] Id., p. 25, Annex "B".
[6] Id., p. 34, Annex "D".
[7] Id., p. 15.
[9] Vital Legal Documents (Second Series), Book 7, p. 197.
[10] People v. Pimentel, 288 SCRA 542, 555-556 [1998].
[11] Benedicto v. Court of Appeals, G.R. No. 125359, September 4, 2001.
[12] Section 3.
[13] Manantan v. Court of Appeals, 350 SCRA 387, 397 [2001].
[14] 296 SCRA 163 [1998].
[15] Id., p. 170.
[16] Entitled "An Act to Decriminalize Squatting and Other Similar Acts, Thereby Repealing Presidential Decree No. 772, Entitled 'Penalizing Squatting and Other Similar Acts.'"
[17] Records of the Senate, Third Regular Session [October 1 to November 26, 1997]; Vol. II, Nos. 18-38, p. 20.
[19] Records of the Senate, Third Regular Session [July 28 to September 30, 1997]; Vol. 1, Nos. 1-18, p. 1005.
[20] Id., p. 469; 470.
[21] R.A. 7279, Section 27.
[22] Revised Penal Code, Article 281.
[23] Id., Article 312.
[24] 1997 Rules of Civil Procedure, as amended, Rule 70.


Find yourself in a creative slump? Stuck for ideas?
I'm reluctant to use the term 'writers block'. But every writer gets stumped from time to time. The white of the paper gleams, taunting you. That inner voice sneers. 'You'll never think of a good idea again'.
This time, skip the crying and eating all the biscuits in the house. Try something inspired by The Artist's Way, by Julia Cameron.
I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in fuelling their creativity. Full of helpful assignments and exercises. One of which is very helpful when it comes to 'writer's block'.
You write stream-of-consciousness for about fifteen minutes every morning. It can be absolutely anything. If nothing comes to mind, just write 'I can't think of anything to say,' over and over until something comes to you. Eventually it will.
I recently stumbled on one of my notebooks from 2011 and decided to have a read.
Apart from being quite cathartic, looking back at all my worries and stresses of the time, coming from a position now where I know everything worked out was a lovely feeling in itself. But I was also reading ideas that I'd totally forgotten about. This inspired me to write something now.
Keeping any kind of journal is, in my opinion, essential for any writer. There is a wealth of material desperate to make it onto the page. You just have to be present.
So, if you do happen to find yourself experiencing any kind of block, write stream-of-consciousness for a week, even better, for a month. Resist the urge to go back and read them at this stage. You want a pure outpouring of ideas, worries, strains, anything and everything.
Leave them for at least a week – the longer the better. Then start looking back over your work. Is there anything that jumps out at you or inspires you? You'll be surprised what hidden treasures are hiding in your own words.


Today I met: Lara Hassan, personal trainer, creator of 'Body by Lara' and health & wellbeing consultant for a number of magazines and lifestyle journals. Over a cup of espresso, in a fully packed, self-styled British brasserie café on Shoreditch High Street we chatted about Lara's pilates' journey, friendship with Sting and general wellbeing.
When it comes to classical pilates your name pops up immediately, what's the story behind your success?
I grew up in Lebanon where my studies in philosophy and passion for English literature pushed me towards coming to London. When I look back I cannot believe how quickly things can change, I recall just talking about a potential move to the UK and the next thing I know I was on a plane.
I moved to the UK in 2000 where I continued practising yoga and completely immersed myself into a science of nutrition. During my first years in London I was a personal trainer at the Phillimore club in Kensington, which was a stepping stone to my pilates career. I then soon started training with Pilates Foundation UK (who amongst many teachers, had an amazing mentor James D'Silva), followed by studies in the authentic pilates method in New York and Los Angeles as well as barre method training with inspirational Tracy Mallet who has become a great friend.
My background comes from extensive years of studying pilates, gyrotonic, gyrokinesis, garuda and booty barre. After years of teaching and studying various forms of movement and exercise, I created my signature method 'Body by Lara' which brings in cardio interval training to movement based exercise methods such as pilates, garuda, gyrotonic, barre and plyometrics.
All my accumulated knowledge and practice of extensive training alongside international work experience has led me to land great opportunities working with celebrities like Sting, Skunk Anansye Aka Skin , Trudie Styler, Eliot Sumner and training royals across the globe. Becoming gradually occupied with work, my love for long hauls was quickly fading away; I decided to stay in London and continued teaching and expanding my own business, which has been and still is an incredible journey.
Spiral Body is authentic classical pilates studio where all the teachers are classical pilates masters so it is a great for someone who is craving an original pilates classes. Spiral body also offers 'Body by Lara' method which is my signature method based on 15 years of teaching, in addition to weight loss programmes and anti ageing facial exercise training known as face yoga .
Most memorable client tours you have ever done?
Oh gosh there were so many! But perhaps the most memorable one was in 2006 when I met Sting (Gordon Sumner) and went on the world tour with him and (at the time reunited) The Police. It was fantastic opportunity to practice pilates and yoga in different cities, locations – it is something I will never forget.
Other than being a personal trainer you are also a health and wellbeing consultant for a number of magazines and lifestyle journals. How do you find time for all this extra-curricular activity?
Writing is something I've always enjoyed and my background in literature extremely helps me. I am a constant thinker and I like to put my thoughts and experiences from pen to paper. I have published a number of articles for Active in Style, Sayidaty, Hip and Healthy, The Business of Everything and Healthy is the New Black. Although it is time consuming, I nevertheless enjoy it very much. I normally spend evening and weekends writing articles – I find it relaxing after a busy day in the studio or at the gym. Even though you could call it training for the brain!
I adore classical Pilates – I just love the way the entire core is engaged.
I always start my day by staying with my thoughts in bed before I truly wake up – I need a good 30 minutes to think about my goals, plans and where do I want to be next – it just to set me up for the day. I then mix up a drink of warm water, lemon and ginger, followed by light breakfast. Mornings are spent catching up on emails, social media and getting ready for my first teaching class.
Between my hours of rests, I take my dog for a walk in Hyde Park. My lunch is usually somewhere in South Kensington since it is convenient to pop out for a bite somewhere close to the studio. Evenings are spent exercising and writing various articles for health and wellbeing magazines and lifestyle journals. My day passes in a flash.
How about your diet, what do you usually have throughout the day?
One thing for sure is that I stay away from processed food and limit my intake of canned foods. My only vice is coffee – I am a coffee addict and a sucker for good quality coffee!
I normally eat flavoured well balanced organic meals. I am particular about balancing my vitamin intake and will ensure that my body is never vitamin deficient. Examples of usually consumed foods would be: avocado, eggs, grain and I absolutely avoid sugar.
Affogato! There is nothing better than a scoop of vanilla ice cream topped with a shot of hot espresso.
A mixture of vintage and designer clothes which I always spicy up with various accessories… I have lots (she smiles). I do not follow trends – I rather walk around East London and just get what catches my eye – I try to stay creative in what I wear, although I generally opt for darker colours there is always a 'shock' element to an outfit.
Fitness wise I wear comfortable and most importantly durable clothing, because it is vital for me to feel at ease in my activewear especially when I teach and I teach a lot.
The Future of the Mind by Michio Kaku – no matter how many times you read it, you still want to come back to it and read it again.
The Incredibles. There is something about this cartoon (she laughs).
Authenticity, honesty and simplicity, but at the same time I am inspired by intellectual people who strive to achieve their goals and pursue their dreams.
Do you have life motto?
Lara, you have achieved so much – do you have more exciting projects coming up next?
Living in London there are endless opportunities and there is always something new cropping up that catches my attention. I have been recently asked to feature and direct a TV programme which will be focused around health, fitness and general wellbeing and have just returned from Dubai where I met the TV producers and the filming crew to discuss the details of what looks to be an exciting project!
I am also in the process of writing a book "Body by Lara". This book will be a guide for beginners who wish to embark on a pilates journey. My teaching techniques together with wellbeing tips are also included.
In addition, I am planning to set up a separate Body by Lara studio, where I could exclusively teach my signature method Body by Lara. Given that nowadays we do not have so much free time to go to pilates, barre or cardio classes separately, as a result I believe that by combining all of the core fitness strands would allow you to enjoy the benefits that different techniques provide. The class is designed in a way that it works your posture, flexibility; uses bands, weights, springs and cardio and everything is in one class.
What was the best advice ever given to you?
Stay focused, follow your dreams no matter what and the rest will follow.
My father, he has and still plays huge part in my life and I will always value his ongoing support.
If you had special power what it would be?
Might sound philanthropic, but would love to have powers to reverse nature's destruction and ability to bring back things we have lost.
As you are an inspiration to so many of your clients and us, what would be your top tip for staying fit and healthy?
I believe that people who wish to get fitter and healthier should be interested in their own body. It's not something you learn and apply as and when it suits you best – understanding your body, how it works and its limitations is fundamental on your road to a healthier you. In my mind it is important to convince yourself that this is really what you want and understand why it's best for you. So I guess getting to the roots of why you want this change and setting your mind-set accordingly.


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Kouzo Takeuchi, Kazuki Takemura, Masafumi Takana, Yuki Nara
"FRACTAL SYNERGY"
17th April (Sat) – 26th June (Sat), 2021
Hours:13:00~19:00, closed Sundays
YOD Gallery is delighted to present "Fractal Synergy," a group exhibition of Kouzo Takeuchi, Kazuki Takemura, Masafumi Tanaka, and Yuki Nara.
In this exhibition, four contemporary ceramic artists who have been focusing on geometric compositions gather to create a space where their works resonate with each other. "Fractal" is a geometric term that refers to an object similar to itself on all scales, the "synergy" of which has become the title of this exhibition. Here, each of the artists has their basic form and composition and explores how they could be developed to the maximum. By lining up all-in-white works of these artists, the exhibition aims to bring about further dialogues and discoveries.
Ceramics are often associated with the softness of form and the power of flame, yet this exhibition aims to feature ceramics that overturn this image. At first sight, these works might seem to have been created by a 3D printed due to their geometric compositions and the application of computer technologies during the production. We would like to present to you how the four artists explore contemporary expressions in the classical art form and hope you will enjoy this exhibition.
'Fractal Synergy: Beyond the Boundary'
"Fractal" is a geometric concept with self-similarity that refers to an object similar to itself on all scales. The synergy of which has become the title of this exhibition, it suggests mutual characters between the four artists' ceramic works on the continuity, accumulation, and construction of ceramics. We would like to discuss contemporaneity and artists' self-expression throughout these works.
The time in which artists live always has a significant influence on them. No matter how they recall the past, record the present, or look into the future, their viewpoints are always based on contemporary times, or more specifically, the present. Looking back at the ages Takeuchi, the eldest of the four, has lived in, we can realize how dizzying changes have undergone in terms of science and technology as well as people's way of thinking, and how an age that embraces diversity and different opinions has arrived. Similarly, we could discover how the four artists have been working beyond the existing qualities of ceramic arts to create their unique art language. The realm of ceramic art has extended considerably to painting, sculpture, craft, and design, yet the expansion is still ongoing. What remains unchanged is the core, the clay, and the senses it arouses, such as tactile sense and olfaction.
Takeuchi finds strength and beauty in the imperfect ephemerality of decayed forms and ruins. By breaking assembled works, he plays with the time axis of creation and destruction while questions the stereotypical notion in ceramic art in which being 'broken' has a negative image.
Tanaka's works are composed with the assembly of small pieces and illustrate the power of assemblage. In Tanaka's works constructed by white rectangle pieces, a tricky change of the way of seeing is always undergone when fine porcelain pieces are gathered and presented as an accumulated piece of art.
Takemura glues hand-twisted pieces together to construct a geometric form that came to terms with all kinds of restrictions. While one may get the impression of an inorganic form from afar, when they get closer, they may find a sense of life and vitality brought out by the dynamic fluctuations of lines and the meticulous structure.
Nara brings in an architectural sense in his art by applying 3D CAD techniques and combines its unique quality naturally with ceramics. As a cross-genre, borderless and contemporary approach to contemporary ceramic art, Nara's works encompass the timeless Japanese aesthetic and values that can be traced back to Jomon earthenware.
Despite their different concepts, the four artists share how they work beyond the existing techniques and expressions of clay and challenge the tradition. Therefore, they seem to have broken a path from stereotypes to a world that embraces and reflects the diversity of the modern age in a vivid way.
(Murakami Fumi, curator of The Museum of Ceramic Art, Hyogo)
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Portraiture specialist for over 36 years. Previously based in Shambles, York with commissions carried out worldwide, also known as Frost Studios. Personal, private portraits of many renowned personalities in the public eye. Commissions include photography of the Houses of Parliament and the House of Lords to illustrate the fabric of the interior/ exterior of the buildings currently, using portraiture with artistic interpretation to enhance the visitor experience tour.
Presenter and celebrity portraits for the BBC.
A Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts, 30 years past Associate of the Royal Photographic Society, The British Institute of Photography, Master Photographers Association, Master (with distinction) of the Guild of Photographers. Winner and finalist of many national awards, including the Towergate Fine Art competition. Work selected for the loan collection of the Professional Photographers of America and Royal Photographic Society publication.
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