Book Review, Drama, Fiction, Young Adult

Book Review: ‘Dear Opl’ by Shelley Sackier

The three words that instantly popped into my head a mere couple of pages into this book were heartbreaking, poignant, and important. Shelley Sackier has created a likable and relatable character in Opal and used her to tackle an important and pervasive issue: our relationship with our bodies in an era where processed, fatty, salty,… Read More Book Review: ‘Dear Opl’ by Shelley Sackier

Community

The Joy of Being Part of a Strong Community in Times of Grief

Yesterday, a friend of mine suddenly and unexpectedly passed away. It was difficult news to receive, not just because it was unexpected, but mostly because this young man was an incredible source of joy to all those around him. He is the kind of person the world today needs more of. As his friends around… Read More The Joy of Being Part of a Strong Community in Times of Grief

Celebrity Culture

The Perhaps Not So Surprising Grief at the Passing of an Artist

When Michael Jackson passed away in 2009, I was captivated by the outpouring of grief that I both witnessed and felt. Yet again I was intrigued four months ago by the expressions of sorrow after the passing of Cory Monteith from a drug overdose during what seemed to be a successful Glee summer hiatus (during… Read More The Perhaps Not So Surprising Grief at the Passing of an Artist

Fringe

Fringe: Grief, Letting Go, and Faith in “6B”

The central theme to the plot of Season 3’s fourteenth episode, “6B”, is “letting go”. Olivia had to let go of what happened between Altivia and Peter if she wanted to have a relationship with him, and Mrs. Merchant had to let go of her husband to close the hole her grief was creating. By… Read More Fringe: Grief, Letting Go, and Faith in “6B”