Local Events

Events in Oakland


A Man Called Ove

Fredrick Backman. A Man Called Ove. Henning Koch (Trans.). New York: Large Print Press, 2014. As reviewed by Ted Odenwald To most observers, Ove, the protagonist in Fredrick Backman’s novel, was a sarcastic, bullying, loud-mouthed boor—the community curmudgeon. He was grumpy because “people never gave him reason to see it […]


Dog Park: July 2017 Update

It hasn’t been too long since my last update, but I’d like to address several important developments and answer several questions that have come about. So instead of a mini-essay like I normally do, here’s a question and answer type formatted post that should help answer and explain what has […]


A Great Reckoning. New York

Louise Penny. A Great Reckoning. New York: Minotaur Books, 2016. As reviewed by Ted Odenwald In Louise Penny’s most recent mystery novel, Armand Gamache had embraced retirement in the idyllic village of Three Pines, hoping to heal his wounded body and spirit. Betrayed and nearly killed by his superiors and […]


Blood in the Water

Heather Ann Thompson. Blood in the Water. New York: Pantheon Books, 2016 As reviewed by Ted Odenwald Forty-five years after the bloody retaking of Attica prison by New York State Police and correctional officers, new facts are emerging, though it is clear that many questions are still unanswered. Heather Ann […]