Topic: Gertrude Stein

Poems to Learn by Heart

This widely appealing collection of poetry – beautifully illustrated with paintings by Jon J Muth – was edited by Caroline Kennedy.

Chapter & Verse Why is Paulo Coelho slamming James Joyce?

Brazilian writer Paulo Coelho says of Joyce's book 'Ulysses,' 'There is nothing there.'

'Expatriotism': the last refuge of a scoundrel?

Two senators going after Facebook cofounder Eduardo Saverin for taxes seem to need a little help with their spelling.

Modern Parenthood In pursuit of happiness, parents can find joy in daily routines

In pursuit of happiness, parents can find joy in daily routines. While changing up your day can add novelty, our happiness expert believes that there is pleasure to be had in the repetition of reading a daily newspaper or even sweeping the floor.

Life Sentences: Literary Judgments and Accounts

In 'Life Sentences,' author and critic William H. Gass entrances the reader with his lilting prose and skilled literary criticism.

Tax VOX Obama's budget: What it means for your tax bill

When it comes to taxes, Obama's budget is long on principles but woefully short on statistics.

Midnight in Paris: movie review

Woody Allen’s latest film, 'Midnight in Paris,' delivers his trademark wit and some retrofantasy set in an idyllic Paris.

Somewhere: movie review

Sofia Coppola’s minutely observed ‘Somewhere’ examines the emptiness of Hollywood celebrity.

How do you say 'town hall meeting' in Mandarin?

After Obama's session with Chinese students, the Monitor's language columnist considers the nuances of town meetings, town-hall meetings, and town-hall-style meetings.

Fictionalization of Hemingway's early years fetches huge advance

The Age of the Unthinkable

Keeping the US truly safe, argues a journalist, requires us to radically rethink our sense of safety.

My thrifty Valentine: The thought counts even more this year

Americans plan to spend about 20 percent less on Valentine’s Day than in 2008.

Roses that put the ‘easy’ back in easy living

Now, even those with black thumbs can grow the ‘queen of flowers.’