Pure Invention

Those of you who also read my newsletter may remember that for the last few months I have been exploring the question of Japanese pop culture and the United States. It has been fascinating and frustrating. I know a lot more than I did when I began my quest in early February, but I still…

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In Celebration of Independent Bookstores

Here is my annual Public Service Announcement: Today is Independent Bookstore Day in the United States, assuming you are reading this on the day it comes out.  It’s a nationwide party for book lovers.  Here in Chicago, local independent bookstores are once again hosting their bookstore crawl in celebration.  I’m lucky enough to have three…

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