February 08, 2010

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Wendy Robards



[Opinion/Humor] [Nonfiction] [Shorts] [Comics]

Opinion/Humor

A Disobedient Girl: Book Review (2009-10-05) book review "A Disobedient Girl"

Wendy Robards reviews the book, "A Disobedient Girl," by Ru Freeman.

After the Floods: Book Review (2009-02-02) book review "After the Floods"

Wendy Robards reviews the book, "After the Floods," by Bruce Henricksen.

Beach Trip: Book Review (2009-07-06) book review "Beach Trip"

Wendy Robards reviews "Beach Trip," by Cathy Holton.

Between Here and April: Book Review (2009-08-03) book review "Between Here and April"

Wendy Robards reviews the book "Between Here and April" by Deborah Copaken Kogan.

Book Review: Dreamer by Sand Pilarski (2005-05-01) book review

Rich characters and vivid dreams provide the counterpoint to this tale of relationships as Solange Ambris loses first her exquisite but straying husband, then her admirable but controlling mother, leaving the middle-aged Sully left with the task of finally deciding for herself who she is when not defined by others.

Buffalo Lockjaw: Book Review (2009-04-13) book review "Buffalo Lockjaw"

Wendy Robards reviews the book "Buffalo Lockjaw" by Greg Ames.

Chocolat: Book Review (2009-03-09) book review "Chocolat" Joanne Harris

Wendy Robards reviews the book, "Chocolat" by Joanne Harris.

Christine Falls: Book Review (2009-05-25) book review "Christine Falls"

Wendy Robards reviews the book, "Christine Falls," by Benjamin Black.

Cleopatra's Daughter: Book Review (2009-09-14) book review "Cleopatra's Daughter"

Wendy Robards reviews the book, "Cleopatra's Daughter" by Michelle Moran.

Crossed Wires: Book Review (2009-11-23) book review "Crossed Wires"

Wendy Robards reviews the book, "Crossed Wires," by Rosy Thornton.

Digging to America : Book Review (2010-01-11) book review

Wendy Robards reviews the book, "Digging To America" by Anne Tyler.

Everyone Is Beautiful: Book Review (2009-04-27) book review "Everyone Is Beautiful"

Wendy Robards reviews the book, "Everyone Is Beautiful" by Katherine Center.

Finding Nouf: Book Review (2009-07-27) book review

Wendy Robards reviews the book, "Finding Nouf" by Zoe Ferraris.

Fingersmith: Book Review (2009-01-26) book review Fingersmith

Wendy Robards reviews the book, "Fingersmith" by Sarah Waters.

Fire in the Blood : Book Review (2010-01-04) book review "Fire in the Blood"

Wendy Robards reviews the novel "Fire in the Blood" by Irene Nemirovsky.

Follow Me: Book Review (2009-05-11) book review "Follow Me"

Wendy Robards reviews the book, "Follow Me" by Joanna Scott.

Guacamole (2004-07-31) op_ed

An overflowing bin of avocados at the grocery store is proof that summer has arrived, and there is arguably no better way to eat an avacado than in the perfect batch of guacamole.

In Hovering Flight: Book Review (2009-02-16) book review "In Hovering Flight"

Wendy Robards reviews the book "In Hovering Flight" by Joyce Hinnefeld.

Kristin Lavransdatter: The Cross : Book Review (2009-12-28) book review "Kristin Lavransdatter:The Cross"

Wendy Robards reviews the third book of Sigrid Undset's trilogy, "Kristin Lavransdatter: The Cross."

Kristin Lavransdatter: The Wife: Book Review (2009-12-21) book review "Kristin Lavransdatter"

Wendy Robards reviews "Book Two of Kristin Lavransdatter: The Wife", by Sigrid Undset.

Kristin Lavransdatter: The Wreath : Book Review (2009-12-07) book review "Kristin Lavransdatter"

Wendy Robards reviews the book, "Kristin Lavransdatter", by Sigrid Undset.

Last Night In Montreal: Book Review (2009-06-08) book review "Last Night In Montreal"

Wendy Robards reviews the book, "Last Night In Montreal," by Emily St. John Mandel.

Last Night in Twisted River : Book Review (2009-11-16) book review "Last Night in Twisted River"

Wendy Robards reviews the book, "Last Night in Twisted River," by John Irving.

Lo-Carb for the Holidays? (2004-11-13) op_ed

Do you dream about buttery cookies, pies crammed with fruit, the brown glaze of fat turkeys just out of the oven, and mounds of garlicky mashed potatoes? This holiday season, just kick those skinny little lo-carb Nazis to the curb and enjoy yourself. After all, carbs are organic.

Love Begins in Winter: Book Review (2009-06-29) book review "Love Begins in Winter"

Wendy Robards reviews "Love Begins in Winter," by Simon Van Booy

Love Medicine: Book Review (2009-11-02) book review "Love Medicine"

Wendy Robards reviews the book, "Love Medicine," by Louise Erdrich.

Matrimony: Book Review (2009-03-02) book review "Matrimony"

Wendy Robards reviews the book, "Matrimony" by Joshua Henson.

Offshore: Book Review (2009-04-06) book review "Offshore"

Wendy Robards reviews the book, "Offshore" by Penelope Fitzgerald.

Sacred Hearts : Book Review (2010-01-25) book review "Sacred Hearts"

Wendy Robards reviews the book, "Sacred Hearts" by Sarah Dunant.

Sea of Poppies: Book Review (2009-07-20) book review "Sea of Poppies"

Wendy Robards reviews the book "Sea of Poppies" by Amitav Ghosh.

Shanghai Girls : Book Review (2010-01-18) book review "Shanghai Girls"

Wendy Robards reviews the book, "Shanghai Girls" by Lisa See.

Someone Know My Name: Book Review (2009-08-17) book review "Someone Knows My Name"

Wendy Robard reviews the book, "Someone Knows My Name," by Lawrence Hill.

The Art of Racing in the Rain: Book Review (2009-11-09) book review "The Art of Racing in the Rain"

Wendy Robards reviews the book, "The Art of Racing in the Rain," by Garth Stein.

The Basic Book of Digital Photography: Book Review (2010-02-01) book review "The Basic Book of Digital Photography

Wendy Robards reviews the book "The Basic Book of Digital Photography," by Tom and Michele Grimm.

The Book of Unholy Mischief: Book Review (2009-08-31) book review "The Book of Unholy Mischief"

Wendy Robards reviews the book, "The Book of Unholy Mischief," by Elle Newmark.

The Brightest Moon of the Century: Book Review (2009-03-23) book review

Wendy Robards reviews the book "The Brightest Moon of the Century", by Christopher Meeks.

The Cradle: Book Review (2009-10-26) book review "The Cradle"

Wendy Robards reviews the book, "The Cradle" by Patrick Somerville.

The Help: Book Review (2009-09-21) book review "The Help"

Wendy Robards reviews the book "The Help," by Kathryn Stockett.

The House on Fortune Street: Book Review (2009-08-10) book review "The House on Fortune Street"

Wendy Robards reviews the book, "The House on Fortune Street," by Margot Livesey.

The Islands of Divine Music: Book Review (2009-03-16) book review "Islands of Divine Music"

Wendy Robards reviews the book, "The Islands of Divine Music" by John Addiego.

The Last Surgeon: Book Review (2010-02-08) book review "The Last Surgeon"

Wendy Robards reviews the book, "The Last Surgeon" by Michael Palmer.

The Little Giant of Aberdeen County: Book Review (2009-02-09) book review

Wendy Robards reviews the book, "The Little Giant of Aberdeen County," by Tiffany Baker.

The Local News: Book Review (2009-07-13) book review "The Local News"

Wendy Robards reviews the book, "The Local News" by Miriam Gershow.

The Passport: Book Review (2009-11-30) book review "The Passport"

Wendy Robards reviews the book, "The Passport" by Herta Muller.

The Promised World: Book Review (2009-09-28) book review "The Promised World"

Wendy Robards reviews the book, "The Promised World," by Lisa Tucker.

The School of Essential Ingredients: Book Review (2009-05-04) book review "The School of Essential Ingredients"

Wendy Robards reviews the book, "The School of Essential Ingredients," by Erica Bauermeister.

The Silver Swan: Book Review (2009-06-01) book review "The Silver Swan"

Wendy Robards reviews the book, "The Silver Swan" by Benjamin Black.

The Superstress Solution : Book Review (2009-12-14) book review "The Superstress Solution"

Wendy Robards reviews the book, "The Superstress Solution," by Roberta Lee, MD.

The Suspicions of Mr. Whicher: Book Review (2009-06-15) book review "The Suspicions of Mr. Whicher"

Wendy Robards reviews the book, "The Suspicions of Mr. Whicher," by Kate Summerscale.

Tortilla Flat: Book Review (2009-09-07) book review "Tortilla Flat"

Wendy Robards reads and reviews John Steinbeck's book, "Tortilla Flat."

Unaccustomed Earth: Book Review (2009-02-23) book review "Unaccustomed Earth"

Wendy Robards reviews the book of short stories, "Unaccustomed Earth," by Jhumpa Lahiri.

What the Dead Know: Book Review (2009-06-22) book review "What the Dead Know"

Wendy Robards reviews the book, "What the Dead Know" by Laura Lippman.

Nonfiction

Beyond The Shadow of War: The Living Memorial Sculpture Garden (2005-11-07) cover story nonfiction travel war memorial

Dennis Smith, who believes that "through art we have the means to peacefully consider violence," has created a war memorial that fills the observer with reverence and tranquility.

Cookie Tradition (2004-12-25) nonfiction

Traditional Swedish Christmas pepparkakors -- cookies so good they take two days to make. Each taste contains a memory.

Footprints in the Wilderness (2007-04-16) nonfiction

Lassen Volcanic National Park lies almost fifty miles due east of Redding, California. On June 22, 2003 I am not thinking of the Park's beauty. On this night, a murmur of a search in progress begins, and grows as the bright, hot day fades into a still, breezeless night. A tiny child, not yet four years old, is lost. (Originally appeared 07-24-2004)

Hope Among the Ashes (2004-09-11) nonfiction

Cover story.

Journey With Animals: A Memoir (2005-08-15) cover story nonfiction memoir

Having a pet can be a rewarding relationship. Though most of the time, we take care of their needs, sometimes they wind up taking care of ours.

Out of the Fog (2007-03-12) cover story nonfiction essay

In Humboldt County, California, a young man is missing. Caribou, a trained German Shepherd Dog, is deployed on her first search after she was declared "mission ready." The cliffside terrain is dangerous, and the man seems to have disappeared from the face of the world ...

Peek of the Week 012 (2005-10-17) nonfiction photo art

Whatever is in the water is going to have Kodiak to deal with!

Peek of the Week 049 (2006-07-10) photo art

The German Shepherd Dog Kodiak, and little playmate Sam.

Tawny Ghost (2006-04-24) nonfiction

Fog drapes the manzanita bushes and wisps across the pavement in front of my car. The road is dark with damp and at its edge sits a golden animal. I brake because I think it's a stray dog, maybe injured and in need of rescue. The animal turns its head to look at me for a second, then bunches its muscles and springs. Its front feet hit the center line of the road, then the back haunches roll forward. The hind feet strike the pavement, while the front legs stretch for the opposite side of the road. The tip of the creature's long tail flicks, as if waving good bye, before it disappears into the thick brush.

My heart thrills and a tingle launches itself up my spine. I have just seen one of the most elusive animals in North America: a mountain lion.... (Originally appeared 2005-02-13)

The Magic of Horses (2005-01-01) nonfiction

Cover story

The River Revealed (2005-04-10) nonfiction

Cover story. First appeared 2004-08-21.

Turn Off The Main Road: Mt. Shasta Lavender Farm (2009-07-27) travel "Mt. Shasta Lavender Farm"

The view extraordinary, the scent sublime -- Mt. Shasta Lavender Farm is a high desert beauty inviting all to turn off the main road and experience summer at its finest.

Winter Returns (2006-03-13) cover story nonfiction essay destination

At the Manzanita Lake entrance to Lassen Volcanic National Park, someone has posted cautionary advice about being prepared for sudden changes in weather. Is it the advice of a furry rodent in shades and ski boots?

Short Stories

Bananas, Anyone? (2007-01-15) food

Cold winter night? Whip up a batch of Bananas Foster and set fire to dessert to warm up your kitchen!

Evolution (2004-08-28) short

From the first moment two sets of eyes meet and a romance is kindled, it begins to grow. A lover's kiss sparks Frannie's memory, isolated moments in time telling the story of love's evolution, through times both good and bad.

Filling Spaces (2008-04-07) short fiction, contemporary

The two best days of Alice's week are Saturday and Sunday. Yard sale days. Her house is littered with trophies collected from her bargain hunting, but the clutter and the yard sale obsession aren't the problem, they're just symptoms. Originally appeared 2004-10-23.

Seduction 01 (2004-11-20) short

Naomi Langer is running into problems in her classes, but her professor is very understanding. Very friendly. Very passionate. But a spur-of-the-moment tryst that should have provided Naomi with a quick answer gives her nothing but questions. Runner up in the Piker Press Ghost Story Contest. Part 1 of 2.

Seduction 02 (2004-11-27) short

What was supposed to be a simple discussion about her performance in class has become an issue of far less ethical "performances" of another kind entirely. But this isn't a case of trying to earn an easy A; there's something almost supernatural about the way Naomi can't resist her professor's advances... Part 2 of 2.

Winter Thaw (2004-09-11) short

The winning entry from the "Write Fiction Like Cheryl" contest. A winter's day is the setting for a secret admirer, an old friend, a sweet romance, and a touch of poetry.

Comics

Peek of the Week 036 (2006-04-03) photo art

A contrast of snow and rock. Lassen Volcanic National Park, Shasta County, California.

Peek of the Week 06 (2005-09-05) photograph, animals, horses

Mama and her little mule foal, Ruby

Wendy Robards
Wendy Robards
wendy@pikerpress.com

Wendy grew up in a small New England town and began writing really bad poetry in grade school. Luckily, her writing skills have improved since then. She now writes non-fiction pieces, as well as short stories. She has completed one NanoWrimo novel which still lays deep in the files awaiting rewrites.

Wendy currently lives in the mountains of Northern California with her husband and two Search and Rescue dogs, Argus and Caribou, who rule the household. She has been a volunteer in canine search and rescue in California for five years. Because she cannot figure out how to do things that are fun AND get paid, she also does volunteer work at Triple Creek Ranch, a therapeutic horseback riding center for the disabled. She is a licensed Physical Therapist and currently works part-time as an independent consultant to group homes which service developmentally disabled individuals.

She enjoys hiking, drinking good red wine, laying in the hammock with her husband, reading everything she can get her hands on and playing with her dogs.