Jessica Schneider
I am a fiction writer as well as reviewer. I write for the Philadelphia Inquirer, Blogcritics, and work as the Books Editor for Monsters and Critics. I also co-founded Cosmoetica.
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Displaying Results 1 - 83 (of 83) for All Content
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Book Review: Up Sh*t Creek: A Collection of Horrifyingly True Wilderness Toilet MisadventuresBasically, you are probably wondering, what is the big deal about sh*tting in the wild? That's what it is there for, after all. Well, Joe Lindsay answers that question in the first few pages.
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Texas Culture 101: What Are Some of the Best Cultural Destinations in Texas?Texas is a state with a variety of culture, and for those looking for places to vacation, the best would be to hit the hot areas that offer both sides: rural and city life.
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DVD Review: Crown of the ContinentCrown of the Continent explores Wrangell-St. Elias National Park, in Alaska, and includes stunning, artful photography, along with a great voice over narration that corresponds with the visuals at hand.
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DVD Review: Remembered Earth: New Mexico's High DesertPresented by Idaho Public Television, this PBS documentary is not to be overlooked. Rife with wildlife and yet seemingly stark, New Mexico's High Desert is presented as a reverie unto itself.
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DVD Review: Ribbon of SandIt is within this Ribbon of Sand-not quite land, not quite sea, where we can find that universal place of in between.
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Book Review: Enchanted Rock: A Natural and Human History by Lance AllredAllred's book is a must have for any nature enthusiast, and especially one native to Texas and the American Southwest.
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Treating Feline HairballsAlthough the causes of hairballs are shared among cats, prevention can be attained through a number of treatments. -
Book Review of Taro & Tomi: My Feline Son and Daughter by Shizue TomodaAnyone who has had affection for an animal could certainly appreciate this story, which can be easily read in one sitting and also appreciated by a young adult as well.
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Book Review of An Artist of the Floating WorldIt is a work that many dumb literary agents today would say, "nothing happens," when in reality, the book is so jam-packed with things happening that I feel like I need to reread it just to make sure I got it all.
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Book Review of The Maytrees, by Annie DillardThe book, while marketed as a novel, is really just a novella, and the fact that Dillard keeps the writing spare is a good thing since she does not bog the readers down with pages and pages of dull description that leads nowhere.
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Book Review of Fiction by Ara 13Fiction takes risks both in theme and narrative, which makes it difficult to pin point 13's writing within some trite, little box.
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Book Review of Fire in the Blood by Irene NemirovskyOverall, Fire in the Blood is not a great work, and it probably lacks the dramatic 'highs' present in Suite Française. But despite having said that, structurally it is still the superior work.
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Book Review of A Tragic Honesty: The Life and Work of Richard Yates by Blake BaileyA Tragic Honesty is a really good bio to read not only for any Yates admirer, but for any struggling writer out there who gets depressed seeing the names of mediocre talents filling the shelves, while more deserving ones are cast aside.
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Book Review: The Mascot: Unraveling the Mystery of My Jewish Father's Nazi Boyhood by Mark KurzemOverall, this book reads more like a historical mystery than an actual memoir about the man in question. And perhaps that is why the reviews have been so favorable.
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Book Review: God Bless You, Mr. Rosewater by Kurt VonnegutGod Bless You, Mr. Rosewater is so imaginative in its use of oddity and humor that readers will recall the little jokes and Vonnegutisms long after the book has been put away.
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Book Review: Review of The Zookeeper's Wife by Diane AckermanSet during World War II, what we get is not just a war story of Jews hiding in the zoo from the Nazis, but also we are shown how the animals were affected during this period.
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Book Review: Robert MacFarlane's the Wild PlacesWriting today has gotten so bland and dull, that when you have some writer with the slightest twist of phrase, he or she is immediately labeled "poetic." -
Book Review: Doris Lessing's the Golden NotebookThere is an old joke among writers, poets mainly, about how one of the worst types of poems is that which involves a speaker talking about sitting in a cafe writing a poem about writing a poem.
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Book Review: Fidel Castro: A Spoken AutobiographyThere are many different ways one could approach when reviewing this book. On one hand, it's an excellent source when thinking of Fidel Castro. Not so much because of historical and objective accuracy, but one of Castro's character. -
Book Review: Of Time and the River by Thomas WolfeOk so yes, Of Time and the River isn't exactly a short book since the version I have finishes at 866 pages with small print and it took me a little over a week to read. But am I glad I did. -
Book Review: Everyman Library by Irene NemirovskyGenerally I find it a good rule of thumb that if one is searching for book reviews regarding a literary "classic" writer or even a "rediscovered classic" writer like Irene Nemirovsky, one can pretty much forget finding any reasonable criticism.
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Book Review: Ruthless - a Tell-All Book by Keifer BonvillainIt is impossible to take this anti-Oprah book seriously, and it only succeeds in backfiring, giving Winfrey fans more ammo in her defense. -
Book Review: The Financier, by Theodore DreiserGreed. Money. Power. Given our current financial times, I am surprised more are not speaking about Theodore Dreiser. -
Book Review: Cold Spring Harbor, by Richard YatesYates primarily deals with the social issues as they pertain to the individual. And I don't think I've ever read a writer who possessed such a skill to the degree Yates does. -
Idol Adam Lambert Wins the Night--by FarThe thing I find so strange about American Idol (or rather I shouldn't) is that they manage to stretch 10 singers into a 2 hour show by having one contestant sing per commercial. -
Sylvia Plath's Son-Nicholas Hughes, Has Committed SuicideNicholas Hughes, the son of poets Sylvia Plath and Ted Hughes, has committed suicide, according to the AFP. -
The Night Goes to Anoop... And Megan's Boobs Looked like Bartlett Pears..And once again, Megan Joy's performance was quite awful. Her range is non-existent and the way she sings her notes is done in such a phony and affected style.
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Book Review: A Pure Drop: The Life of Jeff Buckley by Jeff ApterBuckley lived a full life, despite it being a short one, and he has left behind a legacy and his stellar album 'Grace'. -
Bad Press ReleasesA Mockery of some Bad Press releases...all in good fun...
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Gimme More Mencken!An appreciation for the great late critic.
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Book Review: A Good School by Richard YatesA good, solid Yates book, but not quite up to the snuff of his usual stuff.
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Book Review: The Reserve by Russell BanksThis being my first time reading Russell Banks, I had high hopes. Yet after reading his latest novel, The Reserve, coupled with the many negative reviews it has gotten, my hopes have been a bit deflated, yet not totally. -
Book Review: Portnoy's Complaint by Philip RothThis is an odd book. Yet, highly entertaining as long as excessive sexual details don't deter you. -
Book Review: The Mammy by Brendan O'CarrollA humorous, warm tale of Irish life in the Sixties. -
Book Review: Not My Turn to Die - Memoirs of a Broken Childhood in Bosnia by Savo HeletaHeleta addresses those years where he lived in a Muslim occupied part of Bosnia as a young boy. -
American Idol Top 13: I Love Adam LambertTonight on American Idol contestants had some great performances and some not so great. Revisiting the works of Michael Jackson, it is difficult to top the King of Pop.
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On Bad Luck and Why Literary Agents SuckWriters complain how they can never seem to find a literary agent who can recognize the quality in their work. But what do you do when you have that already, in addition to "excellent credentials" (as she called them) and she still doesn't sign you?
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Book Review: Snow by Orhan PamukAlthough the work is itself very "ambitious" for its political agenda, ultimately the narrative is plodding and disjointed with no real purpose for either.
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Book Review: The Knock at the Door by Margaret Ajemian AhnertFor anyone who has ever wanted an introduction to the Armenian Genocide, reading Margaret Ajemian Ahnert's memoir, The Knock at the Door, would be a good place to start.
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Book Review: The Easter Parade by Richard YatesIf you're looking for realistic, insightful approaches into life, read Yates.
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Book Review: McTeague by Frank NorrisNorris makes it so you can believe people like this would exist, and such is the sign of an excellent writer.
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The Use of Color in Sylvia Plath's "Tulips"While the vivid redness of the tulips represents life, and the whiteness of her surrounds a non-life, it is through these metaphors that Plath can distill the drama her speaker faces so effectively.
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Book Review: Anne of Green Gables by Lucy Maud MontgomeryThere really is only one Anne Shirley, and after reading this book, I am certain you'll agree.
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Book Review: The Devil in the White City by Erik LarsonThe Devil in the White City is a book that my stepfather recommended to me, and my stepfather is someone who reads Jimmy Buffett books, so I did not have high hopes.
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Book Review: Sister Carrie by Theodore DreiserWith today's failing economy, Dreiser could not have been more prophetic.
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Ever Lie About a Book You've Read?There is a recent Reuters article that reports many have lied about certain book titles they've read, mostly just because they were trying to impress those they were speaking to.
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American Idol Judges Need to Have Their Ears CleanedI really think the American Idol judges need to have the wax cleaned out of their ears.
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American Idol Wild Card Picks Suck: No Kristen McNamara!After watching the results show last night, it is clear that the American public has a better sense of singers than that of the American Idol judges.
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Book Review: Paws & Effect by Sharon SaksonI admit that I am a dog liker but a cat lover. Still, despite my like for dogs I was interested in reading Paws & Effect because as an animal lover, I have always been curious in knowing more regarding their "healing power".
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Book Review of Betty Smith: Life of the Author of a Tree Grows in Brooklyn by Valerie Raleigh YowThe life behind the beloved A Tree Grows in Brooklyn author, Betty Smith.
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Book Review of Schulz and Peanuts: A BiographyI had wondered to what degree Charlie Brown played a part in being Schulz's 'alter ego', and now after having read the book, I see how much a part his personal life made its way into his comic strips.
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But the System Never Makes Mistakes!It was evening, and I opened the book and began reading the introduction which was dry and boring, and I just then eventually ended up skipping over it...since it wasn't the right book to begin with...
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From Blonde to Bimbo or Bimbo to Bonde?Just where does this stereotype stem? The dumb blonde or the culture saying the blonde is supposed to be dumb?
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Book Review: Mad, Bad, and Sad: Women and the Mind Doctors by Lisa AppignanesiThis book discusses many cases of individuals who, either due to their madness, badness, or sadness, have been a little emotionally off course.
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Book Review: The Naked Ape by Desmond MorrisAnalyzing the human as an animal, from the view of a zoologist, rather than the more common means of a psychologist or sociologist.
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Book Review: Surprised by Joy: The Shape of My Early Life by C.S. LewisIf fans of the Narnia series are looking for little hints into The Lion, Witch and The Wardrobe, perhaps one can go no further.
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Words My Cat Told Me Upon Being Asked a QuestionMy cat Oscar weighs in on if he understands people or not.
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(Some) Reasons to Not Have Kids"Do you like puppies?" I'll never forget this question. It was asked to me by my gynecologist when I went in to inquire about possible methods of contraception.
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Book Review: In the Shadow of Man by Jane GoodallIn the Shadow of Man tells the story of when Goodall began her research at the Gombe Stream Reserve in Africa, and how slowly she built a relationship with the chimps that likewise, began to build one with her.
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Book Review: Young Stalin by Simon Sebag MontefioreAlthough I think this book would make an excellent film, actually reading it reminded me more of an encyclopedic read than an actually engaging story.
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Book Review of The Gulag ArchipelagoNever turgid, the narrative does not suffer the outcome of many historical texts where readers are bogged down with dates and irrelevant detail.
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Book Review of Say it like Obama, by Shel LeanneEven the deepest McCain supporters cannot deny the talent that Barack Obama has for oration.
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Book Review of Fame, by Mark RowlandsOur culture has since spawned the birth of what Rowlands calls "new variant famous" (or vfame) which is basically being famous simply because one is famous.
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Ways to Entertain Amid a Troubled EconomyFind some films that will not only engage the heart but the mind; thus giving you and your family something to both learn and discuss once the film is done.
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Buying Someone a Pet for Christmas: Bad IdeaThoughtful as it might seem, getting someone a pet for Christmas (or as any gift) is a bad idea. I can't tell you how many times at the shelter I would see cages of animals all marked "returned gift."
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All About Feline FurnitureThere are many different types of cat furniture to choose from, but all are designed to satisfy that kitty craving, be it climbing, scratching, napping or perching.
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Canine Parvovirus: Symptoms and PreventionParvovirus is an extremely contagious virus that can have serious threats to a dog's life. Parvovirus, or CPV-2, is primarily spread through fecal matter as well as direct contact with dogs that are carrying the virus.
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Choosing the Right Cat CollarBefore choosing the right collar for your cat, an important question must be asked: will your cat remain indoors only or will you allow it to wander outside on occasion? Once you decide, choosing that right collar becomes much simpler.
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Kennel Cough in DogsKennel cough, or infectious tracheobronchitis, is a common occurrence among dogs, and the cause can be linked to more than one microorganism.
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Book Review: Revolutionary Road by Richard YatesRevolutionary Road is an excellent and realistic read about 1950s suburban America and the people who hate to live in it.
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Pet Habits Go with Pet OwnershipIf you get annoyed by your pet's habits, just imagine how they would feel about yours! Late nights? Running the annoying vacuum? Forgetting walk them or change the litter box? Your pet thinks: "Oh the nerve of you!"
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Birth Control Pills: Assessing the Risks and BenefitsTo assume that any and every female can just go on the pill as a reasonable form of contraception is untrue. While many take to it well, some women and their systems cannot handle it, and suffer terrible side effects from it.
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Ringworm: Recognizing and Treating Ringworm in DogsRingworm is highly contagious to both dogs as well as humans. Those with weak immunity are especially susceptible.
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Book Review: The Rape of Nanking by Iris ChangKnown for being "The Forgotten Holocaust of World War II," this book goes into the detail not only of the Rape itself and what it entailed but also addresses the ways the Japanese tried to deny it ever happened and likewise cover it up.
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How to Choose a KittenThe first thing to realize is there is no such thing as a perfect kitten. The key is finding that kitten perfectly suited for your family.
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Choosing the Right Dog NameHere doggy, doggy... c'mon, you have to do better than that, right? Now the question looms: what name do I choose?
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What to Do with a Chubby CatFeeding diet food to a chubby cat can be difficult with multiple cats. Here are some tips.
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What to Do when Pets Run AwaySteps that should be taken in order to get your pet home.
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Cat Eye and Vision Care: Signs, Symptoms and Treatment of Cat Eye AilmentsFeline eye problems can be the sign of anything from allergies and upper respiratory infection, to fatal aliments such as the feline leukemia, feline AIDS and feline infectious peritonitis (FIP).
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Feline Allergies: What to Look For, What to DoBe wary when your cat begins muttering unusual sounds. This can be anything from coughing, snoring, to the more obvious sneezing; all of which can be signs of feline allergies.
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Enlarged Nipples on Your Male CatIt could be a sign of kitty OCD.
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Book Review: Kafka on the Shore by Haruki MurakamiCharacters know their motives, yet question them and are also unsure if anything is even happening at all. So having said that, it is near impossible to provide an adequate plot summary with so few words, since so much happens in the book.
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Review of Desperate Passage by Ethan RarickThe Donner Party. We all remember learning about this in history class, about how these families became trapped in the Sierra Nevada Mountains for months, having to live off the flesh from those who died. It is the ultimate survival tale.