Lev Raphael's Blog, page 2

Twelve Reasons Why You Should Read Les Standiford's "The Man Who Invented Christmas"

First of all, Les Standiford is a terrific writer, deftly blending history, biography, and cultural analysis to explore the

10 Reasons Why I Love Living in Michigan

A friend in Texas wondered in an email how people can possibly endure the kind of freezing weather we’re having now. It’s

"Darkest Hour" Shines Brightly

I grew up with Winston Churchill. My witty, well-read, sarcastic mother loved quoting some of his best-known insults. As

Spend Christmas With Dan Stevens

A Christmas Carol is my favorite Dickens novel, and I like to use it in creative writing classes because of the famous opening

"The Man Who Invented Christmas" Is A Joyous Gift

A Christmas Carol is my favorite Dickens novel and I like to use it in creative writing classes because of that opening description

"The Man Who Invented Christmas" Is A Joyous Romp

When it comes to Victorian novelists, I confess I’m not the biggest Dickens fan. I’d much rather read Trollope, George Eliot

Alert: Word Bullies Are Making Their Lists

Lists are everywhere right now: the best and worst movies, TV shows, books of the year. Then there are lists that rank the

Charlie Houston's "Already Dead" is a Zombie and Vampire Classic

When I teach creative writing classes, I assign fiction in different genres to inspire and stimulate the students. They’re

Charlie Houston's "Already Dead" is a Zombie Classic

When I teach creative writing classes, I assign fiction in different genres to inspire and stimulate the students. They’re

What I Learned as a Disabled Traveler

The New York Times just did a story about being in a wheelchair and feeling invisible. When I injured my knee a few days