Piker Press — Weekly Journal of Arts and Literature
March 16, 2026

Opinion

Opinion pieces published in Piker Press, a weekly journal of arts and literature.

1,093 articles — page 3 of 37


Gone Girl: DVD Review by Bernie Pilarski

SPOILER ALERT! Do not read this review if you have not seen the movie...but do not spend money on this movie until you do read the review.

Ant-Man: Movie Review by Bernie and Sand Pilarski

Just the thing for light-hearted summer vacation: Ants!

Alias Grace: Book Review by Wendy Robards

Margaret Atwood once again demonstrates her ability to create memorable characters and weave a story which enthralls in her novel, "Alias Grace," about the conviction of murderess Grace Marks in 1843.

Other Voices, Other Rooms: Book Review by Wendy Robards

Truman Capote's first novel, "Other Voices, Other Rooms," is an intense and supernatural exploration into the mind of a young boy sent to live with a father he has never before met.

Jamrach's Menagerie: Book Review by Wendy Robards

Carol Birch brings to life the glory, pain, and terror found on the whaling ships in the late nineteenth century in her novel, "Jamrach's Menagerie."

Inside Out: Movie Review by Bernie and Sand Pilarski

After seeing some incredibly high ratings for the film, Sand and Bernie take to the theater to see "Inside Out."

Good Kings Bad Kings: Book Review by Wendy Robards

Susan Nussbaum's novel, "Good Kings Bad Kings" gives voice to people who live and work in an institution for teens with disabilities.

In Wilderness: Book Review by Wendy Robards

"In Wilderness," by Diane Thomas, is a psychological thriller about obsession, desire, and the healing powers of nature.

Jurassic World: Movie Review by Bernie and Sand Pilarski

Ahh, summer blockbusters! Nothing says popcorn and a movie like temperatures in the hundreds, so Bernie and Sand toddle off to air conditioning and deja vu...

Making Toast: Book Review by Wendy Robards

"Making Toast" is Roger Rosenblatt's memoir of the weeks and months following his daughter's unexpected death, the grief, and the the depth of love for family.

The Master Butchers Singing Club: Book Review by Wendy Robards

"The Master Butchers Singing Club," by Louise Erdrich, follows a German immigrant into North Dakota -- a book written with poignancy and humor, meticulous detail and vivid imagery.

Oort Cloud Oddities: Alternative Pest Control by Alexandra Queen

There is more than one way to skin a cat. Or kill a spider. Or shoot a fish. Some of them involve aerosol flammables and dressing up like your favorite comic book character. It's just better for the environment.

The Girl on the Train: Book Review by Wendy Robards

Paula Hawkins is adept at developing her characters and keeping the reader guessing in her psychological thriller "The Girl on the Train."

A First Nations Perspective 15 by Christine Miskonoodinkwe Smith

The impact of national policy on education for aboriginal peoples.

Mad Max: Fury Road - Movie Review by Bernie and Sand Pilarski

Bernie and Sand go the same showing at the theater and see two entirely different films...

Meanderings 01 by Basil D.

If you're going to steal a garbage can, at least take the garbage with you. But watch out. That can might be rigged to explode.

In the Time of the Feast of Flowers: Book Review by Wendy Robards

Tina Egnoski's award winning novella, "In the Time of the Feast of Flowers," is a sensitive coming-of-age story about growing up during the progressive years of the 1970s.

Oort Cloud Oddities: Bathrooms by Alexandra Queen

To pee or not to pee, that is the question. A look at how great acoustics and clever designs can still result in a very bad bathroom.

Avengers: Age of Ultron - Movie Review by Bernie and Sand Pilarski

At last -- Iron Man, Captain America, Thor, Black Widow, Hawkeye, and the Incredible Hulk -- oh, my heroes, where you been?

The Girl She Used To Be: Book Review by Wendy Robards

David Cristofano's debut novel, "The Girl She Used To Be," is a fast-paced, compelling look at identity, and our ability to trust and love after tragedy.

The Sweet Relief of Missing Children: Book Review by Wendy Robards

"The Sweet Relief of Missing Children" by Sarah Braunstein is a gritty, raw novel that explores the darker side of human nature.

Dietrich Bonhoeffer, WWII, and WWJD by Bernie Pilarski

Pilarski examines the response of Dietrich Bonhoeffer during WWII, when he not only helped Jews escape from death in Germany but also helped plot an assassination attempt on Adolph Hitler.

The 13th Anniversary Issue by Sand Pilarski

How many computers have I used up in the past 13 years?

Principles of Navigation: Book Review by Wendy Robards

Lynn Sloan's first novel, "Principles of Navigation," is a moving portrayal of a marriage unraveling.

Oort Cloud Oddities: Art is suffering by Alexandra Queen

If art is suffering, doodling sure beats paying the therapy bills. But it's not without its hazards.

We Are All Completely Beside Ourselves: Book Review by Wendy Robards

The definition of family has changed and evolved through the years, and Karen Joy Fowler's latest novel, "We Are All Completely Beside Ourselves," puts an extra twist on that definition.

The Last Good Paradise: Book Review by Wendy Robards

Tatjana Soli's newest novel, "The Last Good Paradise," explores the idea of failed dreams, and the search for an ever more illusive paradise.

Hush Hush: Book Review by Wendy Robards

The character Tess Monaghan returns in "Hush Hush" by Laura Lippman, as a new parent drawn into a disturbing case of a murder and a manipulative mother.

The Family Handyman Complete Do-It-Yourself Manual: Review by Wendy Robards

An updated version of the classic DIY manual from the editors of The Family Handyman.

A First Nations Perspective 13 by Christine Miskonoodinkwe Smith

Returning to the grave subject of Missing and Murdered First Nation women, the book "Kwe: Standing with Our Sisters" is a compilation by dozens of acclaimed writers and artists.