The Culture Vulture

RIVERSIDE PARK, Ypsilanti, will be transported back in time to pay tribute to one of America’s most recognized figures–Elvis Presley®. The 15th Anniversary of the Michigan ElvisFest is one of a handful of events that is sanctioned by Elvis…

by P.D. Lesko “PLEASE, CALL ME Lily,” says the woman on the phone, with a warmth that doesn’t betray the obvious fact that she has extended the same invitation to scores of interviewers. She was born in Detroit, Michigan on September 1,…

Kodi Scheer is a talented storyteller with a gift for writing untraditionally about the fragile nature of life. The stories in her debut collection, Incendiary Girls, are shocking, heartbreaking, humorous, and delicate. None of them is…

By Linda Sharp SEVERAL YEARS AGO I received an iPad through my then employer and immediately proceeded to nearly bankrupt myself purchasing e-books. The fact that I was just one quick password entry away from anything I wanted to read…

THE LIBRARY OF Michigan recently announced the 2014 Michigan Notable Books – 20  books celebrating Michigan people, places and events. “Michigan is rich in talented writers, history, and resources,” said State Superintendent Mike…

by Jesse Kohn Dror Burstein is a telescope. To read Netanya, the Israeli author’s new memoir, is to pass inside the Givatayim observatory where Burstein’s grandfather once accompanied him, where the magnified vision of the moon so…

by Ken Wishnia Sometimes the only place where bankers go to jail for their criminal activities is in the pages of crime fiction. LET’S FACE IT: some of the most ideologically committed people rarely read fiction, even socially…

There were at least 49 book bannings or removals from the classroom in 2013. CENSORSHIP OF BOOKS is increasing across the United States.  A new report by the Kids’ Right to Read Project (KRRP), an initiative of the National Coalition…

By Tori Roshell It’s early Saturday morning in the back room of a community center. Clusters of sleepy-eyed children sip chocolate milk from cheap paper coffee cups before taking their seats. The meeting begins. A 1st grader with bed…

by Nick Leshi I finally saw the movie Chronicle. Although it wasn't perfect, it was still very entertaining. It is another found-footage film, and although it would have probably worked fine (maybe even better) without the gimmick, it…