Book Review: ‘The Black Angels,’ by Maria Smilios
When white employees refused to work in a notorious hospital, Maria Smilios writes in “The Black Angels,” these nurses came to the aid of New Yorkers.
Book Review: ‘Against Technoableism,’ by Ashley Shew
In “Against Technoableism,” Ashley Shew argues that it’s not the individuals who need “fixing,” it’s their environment.
Through the Wilderness: My Journey of Redemption and Healing in the American Wild
UnCovered review by Marraina Wagner, ACLS Ventnor Branch
Paradise Valley, Montana…a little over two hours from West Yellowstone is where we end up with our author, Brad Orsted. In his memoir, THROUGH THE WILDERNESS: MY JOURNEY OF REDEMPTION AND HEALING IN THE AMERICAN WILD, he takes us through the battle for his sanity and healing right before he left Michigan for his wife’s new job. From my own personal experience, I know the healing power that the area he takes us to holds for those of us with broken souls.
I was previously familiar with Brad through his work with National Geographic and The Smithsonian Channel as a photographer and videographer. I have also seen his film “The Beast of Our Time.” He won an award for “Best Environmental Film” at the L.A. Documentary Film Festival. I had no idea of his story though.
Brad’s story, in my opinion, is a necessary read for anyone that has suffered child loss, substantial trauma, or addiction.
We meet Brad, two years after the death of his 15-month-old daughter, Marley. Consumed with grief, regret, and guilt, we time travel with Brad through his constant alcohol-fueled, lucid flashbacks, and both suicidal and homicidal wars inside of himself. He longed for answers from his mother and the Michigan police department. We start to understand that his mother was caring for Marley the night of her death. She also waited hours to call the police and immediately stopped speaking to Brad and his sister when this tragic event occurred.
Brad spares us no detail through his chaos and journey of healing in the wilderness of Montana. The path the reader will walk with him is cloaked in darkness, rage, and more profound grief. It’s riveting, relatable, and even offers the reader a sense of healing.
His face to face encounter with a massive grizzly bear opens the flood gates to Brad’s exact moment of revelation. It sets off a chain of events and encounters with more wildlife that have only one explanation: his destiny, which was already etched in the stars for him. Abandoned twin bear cubs teach him about survival, and a wolf pack teaches him about family.
Brad tells us about his friendship with Loren Black Elk in the 90s and how he sought out sanctuary with the Ojibwa in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula on Pine Ridge Reservation right after Marley’s death. He tells us that he still ended up being consumed by his darkness. The grizzly bear encounter reminded him of that time, and he went directly to The Crow tribe to seek advice and healing, again. After his time with the tribe in Montana, we begin to see light peeking thru every page turned.
In closing, I returned my copy with a few accidental tear drops on the pages. I too fled to Montana in early 2021 for healing. I had no idea he took a similar path in the exact places I did. His story touched my heart and soul. I privately emailed him thanking him for being so incredibly open about his pain and his journey. He sends his thanks to the library for the purchase and shelving of his story. He hopes to reach others that have suffered and are in need of redemption. We shared our stories of seeking ourselves in the Wilderness of Montana and the wildlife encounters that changed us forever. Also, the ones we look forward to knowing that our healing is for a lifetime. In my opinion, this book could be a best seller and is an incredible read. I cannot wait to see what he has in store for us in his 2nd book.
Book Review: ‘The Lights,’ by Ben Lerner
After receiving plaudits for his recent novels, Lerner returns to verse with an expansive new collection, “The Lights.”
'North Woods' is the story of a place and its inhabitants over centuries
Daniel Mason's gorgeous fifth novel tells of a yellow house deep in the woods of western Massachusetts — and its motley succession of occupants who leave their mark on the property.
(Image credit: Random House)
Book Review: ‘North Woods,’ by Daniel Mason
Daniel Mason’s novel “North Woods” is a survey of American history told in a hodgepodge of forms and genres.
Book Review: ‘Bright Young Women,’ by Jessica Knoll
In her new novel, “Bright Young Women,” Jessica Knoll shifts our attention from a notorious criminal to the women who died by his hand.
Love, identity and ambition take center stage in 'Roaming'
Roaming, spanning five days as old friends Dani and Zoe reunite on their first break from college, is the first adult graphic novel from Caldecott-winning cousins Jillian Tamaki and Mariko Tamaki.
(Image credit: Drawn and Quarterly)
Book Review: ‘Father and Son,’ by Jonathan Raban
Jonathan Raban’s “Father and Son” is a memoir of illness and recovery paired with a parental history.
TikTok Cookbook Authors
A growing number of video stars are using their online clout to break into the publishing world. And they’re changing the shape of the American cookbook.
Essay: Jhumpa Lahiri and Indian American Fiction
Like many Indian American fiction writers working in the shadow of Jhumpa Lahiri, I had to learn that my stories could be different — in part because America was different, too.
Book Review: ‘The Box,’ by Mandy-Suzanne Wong
Mandy-Suzanne Wong’s new novel follows a white paper box on a disorienting journey through many hands — none of which can open it.
Book Review: ‘Bartleby and Me: Reflections of an Old Scrivener,’ by Gay Talese
In “Bartleby and Me,” Gay Talese recalls ink-stained colleagues, shares trade secrets and digs through the ruins of a truly explosive Manhattan marriage.
Book Review: ‘Wellness,’ by Nathan Hill
The second novel by the author of “The Nix” follows a young Chicago couple’s trajectory from pre-internet optimism to 21st-century ennui.
Book Review: ‘Wild Girls,’ by Tiya Miles
In her new book, the historian Tiya Miles shows how formative outdoor experiences helped diverse women — from Harriet Tubman to Indigenous athletes — transcend prescribed social and gender roles.
Matthew McConaughey Distills His ‘From the Hip’ Philosophy for Kids
His children’s book, “Just Because,” follows a best-selling memoir, “Greenlights,” which also drew from the actor’s musings and life lessons.
Comedian Aparna Nancherla Talks Mental Health in New Book ‘Unreliable Narrator’
The comedian’s mental health got so bad she had to stop performing. Now she has returned.
Book Review: “Glitter & Concrete,” by Elyssa Maxx Goodman
In “Glitter and Concrete,” Elyssa Maxx Goodman traces the emergence of drag in the early 1900s, its descent underground after the Depression and its 1980s renaissance, spurred by club culture.
Book Review: ‘Move Like Water,’ by Hannah Stowe
Hannah Stowe grew up in coastal Wales, dreaming of a life on the ocean. Her memoir, “Move Like Water,” recounts how she pursued her passion.
A New Season in the New Normal*
There are strikes, culture wars, actual wars, and the world is on fire. But there is still culture.
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