books
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The History of Literature #373 – Roald Dahl
Born in Wales to parents of Norwegian descent, Roald Dahl (1916-1990) grew up to become one of England’s most famous writers. Although Dahl was an accomplished writer of short stories for grownups, he is today known best for his well-loved children’s novels, including Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Fantastic Mr. Fox, BFG, Matilda, and Danny, Continue reading
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The History of Literature #372 Dragons! (with Scott G. Bruce)
Dragons! From ancient civilizations to modern-day movies, humans have spent millions of hours imagining these popular mythological creatures – and millions of words describing them. Jacke’s guest, Scott G. Bruce has compiled the best of these words, explaining how dragons have appeared in literature. Avatars of the Antichrist? Servants of Satan? Cuddly pets? Couriers of Continue reading
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The History of Literature #371 – Robert Hayden and the Nature of Freedom | PLUS Literary Zombies (with Scott G. Bruce)
Poet Robert Hayden (1913-1980) surprised Jacke with his description of freedom in his sonnet “Frederick Douglass”; in this episode, Jacke considers the nature of freedom and attempts to determine exactly what Hayden meant. PLUS Professor Scott G. Bruce stops by to talk about his work editing The Penguin Book of the Undead: Fifteen Hundred Years Continue reading
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The History of Literature #357 – Little Women Remixed (with Bethany C. Morrow) | Thomas Jefferson’s Gospel (with Scott Carter)
It’s a literary feast! National bestselling author Bethany C. Morrow joins Jacke for a discussion of her novel So Many Beginnings: A Little Women Remix, in which four young Black sisters come of age during the American Civil War. PLUS playwright Scott Carter, author of Discord: The Gospel According to Thomas Jefferson, Charles Dickens, and Count Leo Continue reading
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The History of Literature #348 – Philip Roth (with Mike Palindrome)
As a child growing up in Newark, New Jersey in the 1930s and 40s, Philip Milton Roth (1933-2018) never thought about being a writer. By the time he died, he had become one of the most famous and celebrated figures in the literary world – though his writing and personal flaws attracted criticism as well Continue reading
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The History of Literature #343 – The Feast in the Jungle
Squirrel-voiced waiter-host Jacke Wilson invites his listeners to a literary feast! In this episode, Jacke takes a look at Henry James’s long-short-story masterpiece, “The Beast in the Jungle.” (Don’t worry if you’ve never read the story or haven’t been able to find room in your heart for Henry James before–this episode is for anyone hungry Continue reading
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International Feedback on The Race!
Yesterday I posted a quick little request that summarized my thoughts on the U.S. elections. And of course, I wrote a book about a politician, based on some personal experience I had ghostwriting the autobiography of one of our nation’s gems. The politician in my book, a former governor recovering from a sex scandal, exemplifies everything Continue reading
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Writers Laughing: Henry Miller
Image credit: henrymiller.org Continue reading
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“An Easy and Sophisticated Read”: A Review of The Promotion by My Little Book Blog
“An incredibly quick read…this is a book that makes the reader think…” – My Little Book Blog Wow, another great day here on the Jacke blog. I’ve been very fortunate with positive reviews, and the latest review of The Promotion (from Lizzy of My Little Book Blog, who also reviewed The Race a while ago) Continue reading
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“Humor, Depression, and Hope All Together in One Short Book”: A Review of The Promotion by My Author Within
“The Promotion was my first book by Jacke Wilson, and now I am wondering if I have been sleeping under a rock not to notice this amazing author…” – My Author Within # Wow! Another great day here on the Jacke blog. The first review of The Promotion has come in, and it’s excellent. My thanks Continue reading
Jacke Wilson 