Author Archives: ellakotsen

A Brief Book Review: This Changes Everything Capitalism vs the Climate by Naomi Klein

After reading The Shock Doctrine by Naomi Klein, I was so excited to dive deeper into her work. What I discovered was that her brilliance is unquestionable, revolutionary, and trailblazing. Klein understands exactly what our mainstream culture fails to convey: corporations and global neoliberalism / capitalism are responsible for our climate crises. Furthermore, trying toContinue reading “A Brief Book Review: This Changes Everything Capitalism vs the Climate by Naomi Klein”

A Brief Book Review: Beloved by Toni Morrison

I can safely say that Beloved is the most dense book I have ever read. Not in its page numbers or the amount of words, but in the value each and every sentence carries. Reading just one line in this book was like bathing in a pool of thick molasses. Drink in hand, not knowingContinue reading “A Brief Book Review: Beloved by Toni Morrison”

The Myth of the American President

Yesterday on a day as monotonous and gray as we’ve seen over the past year, I finished reading the book Beloved by Toni Morrison. When the sun rose this morning and the gray clouds returned to their day-shift, I, like many other Americans, tuned into the inauguration of the 46th president of the United States,Continue reading “The Myth of the American President”

A Brief Poem Review: “Dauber” by John Masefield

I first heard “Dauber” about five years ago, sitting on the narrow benches across from the rocking tables that can only be found in the main saloon of a schooner. Shenandoah is her name. Captain would read us this poem most nights. I have to admit, most of us, including myself, zoned out or nappedContinue reading “A Brief Poem Review: “Dauber” by John Masefield”

Some Detailed thoughts on the book Across the Line: Profiles In Basketball Courage: Tales Of The First Black Players In The ACC and SEC by Barry Jacobs

Over the past year our country has been forced to have conversations about the historical and systemic oppression against people of color in our society. The murder of black people in this country can now be filmed- which has sparked outrage and conversations like never before. Both the killing of George Floyd and my ownContinue reading “Some Detailed thoughts on the book Across the Line: Profiles In Basketball Courage: Tales Of The First Black Players In The ACC and SEC by Barry Jacobs”

A Brief Book Review: Invisibility Blues by Michele Wallace

Ironically the first time I had something to do with Michele Wallace was when I read her mother’s famous children’s book, Tar Beach. I initially bought this book because it was on sale at my local bookstore and seemed like something I’d like. Finding out that Wallace was actually the daughter of Ringgold, who’s workContinue reading “A Brief Book Review: Invisibility Blues by Michele Wallace”

A Brief Book Review: Thomas Sankara Speaks- The Burkina Faso Revolution 1983-1987

When I first heard about the late revolutionary Thomas Sankara from Burkina Faso I was instantly fascinated. Why had I heard about political figures like Margaret Thatcher (yuck) and never Sankara? Well besides eurocentrism and racism it is perhaps because his revolution was unfortunately cut short by his assassins. Like Mandela, Guevara, and many moreContinue reading “A Brief Book Review: Thomas Sankara Speaks- The Burkina Faso Revolution 1983-1987”

A Brief Book Review: The Wind’s Twelve Quarters by Ursula K. Le Guin

I first saw a video of Ursula K. Le Guin talked about the failures of capitalism and I knew I had to read some of her work. I ordered this novel because sci-fi genres like this are definitely out of my comfort zone. I figured the 12 different stories would give me some brief tastesContinue reading “A Brief Book Review: The Wind’s Twelve Quarters by Ursula K. Le Guin”