White Fragility, Antiracism, Teaching, and Me

white fragility how to be an antiracist

Amazon has sold out of antiracist books. Topping the bestseller lists are two titles I read this past semester before the pandemic hit: Robin DiAngelo’s White Fragility (2018) and Ibram X. Kendi’s How to Be An Antiracist (2019). This post is my response to the pairing. But first, what to make of the book news? … Read more

Activism in Women’s Basketball (Since I First Published MURDER BY MASCOT)

activism in women's basketball MASCOT designed by Morgan Ortmann

Good news, bad news. Both inspired my women’s basketball mystery, Murder by Mascot, when Alyson first published it in 2006. And both are on my mind as I publish a third edition of the novel and reflect what has changed since then. This post will focus on good news, on activism and progress, on the … Read more

Celebrating Prison Book Club and Professor Carol Tyx — Literary Mustangs

Near the end of last semester, Mount Mercy English celebrated the tenth anniversary of a service-learning project informally known as Prison Book Club. At the end of this semester, we’ll celebrate the retirement of one of its founders, my dear friend and colleague Professor of English Carol Tyx. So it’s time to reflect on these […]

via Celebrating Prison Book Club and Professor Carol Tyx — Literary Mustangs

Presidential Candidate Pete Buttigieg Inspires Iowa City

An openly gay Midwestern millennial mayor who is also a veteran of the war in Afghanistan, an author of a memoir, and a newly declared US presidential candidate? Yes, please! Last night, I heard Mayor Pete Buttigieg (BOOT-edge-edge) inspire Iowa City. I went enticed by his identity, but I left impressed by his ideas. “Mayor … Read more