Opinion

In the 1920s, children were removed from New York City and relocated to settlements in the West. In her novel "Orphan Train," Christina Baker Kline explores this practice and its consequences.

Someone once said an efficiently designed kitchen minimizes the number of steps you have to take from food preparation areas to food storage areas. That idiot obviously didn't have a family. Or dogs. Or run the risk of visits from the Angel of Obesity. (Originally appeared 08-21-2004)

In a city of unspeakable destruction and horror, things disappear daily along with memories, in Paul Auster's novel, "In the Country of Last Things."

Marie-Helene Bertino has written a charming debut novel about bad luck, human kindness, and the dazzling lure of possibility: "2 A.M. at the Cat's Pajama's."

Cultural appropriation is the re-purposing of a concept from another cultural background -- often taken out of context.

Dinaw Mengestu's novel "All Our Names" takes the reader into the slums of Kampala and into the hearts of men who refuse to accept tyranny, even when it means they may lose everything.

A classic literary work by W. Somerset Maugham, "The Painted Veil" examines personal growth in the midst of trial and betrayal.

Bernie and Sand skip the movie popcorn and feast their eyes instead on a movie about food excellence. Delicious!

Arriving half an hour early to make sure they can get seats together, Bernie and Sand take a chance on comic book characters they never saw before.

Kim Church's insight into the human psyche, her understanding of the struggle to make sense of past mistakes and difficult choices, is deeply provocative in her debut novel, "Byrd."

Well, who wouldn't want to go see Scarlett Johansson take names and kick butt?

"The Invention of Wings," written by Sue Monk Kidd, is a rich novel that reminds the reader of the often painful road to freedom for blacks and women.

Nora Roberts treats the reader to a chunkster book full of mystery, suspense, and romance in "Whiskey Beach."

Pete Fornatale takes readers on a trip back through time to the spectacle that was Woodstock.

Chimpanzees, gorillas and orangutangs cooperate and try to defend their territory in a CGI extravaganza as The Planet of the Apes franchise continues.

Susan Davis' book, "Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation for Animals" proves to be a valuable resource for pet owners, especially those who have working dogs.

With lavish detail and perfect words, Amy Tan explores the consequences of choices and intention of tourists gone astray in Myanmar in this book, "Saving Fish from Drowning."

"Read this book!" A richly told coming of age story set in pre-casino Atlantic City, "Mr. Boardwalk" by Louis Greenstein is a brilliant mix of humor and heart.

Sand and Bernie tell what they thought of the movie, "Maleficent," and Bernie digresses on 2014's choice of Best Picture at the Oscars.

With no popcorn at all, Sand and Bernie still can't wait to see the newest X-Men movie.

Two small children survive a bear attack in this gripping novel, "The Bear" by Claire Cameron.

A fast-paced plot, engaging characters and plenty of heat in the romance department make Beatriz Williams' novel, "The Secret Life of Violet Grant" a compelling read.

As their local theater chose not to show this movie, the Pilarski Review Team had to rent the DVD "Philomena."

"Tapestry of Fortunes," a novel by Elizabeth Berg, explores female friendship and healing from loss.

Aging, rediscovery, love, and friendship form the themes in Anna Quindlen's novel "Still Life with Bread Crumbs."

While Bernie gets back in line for more movie popcorn, Sand sneaks in her review of "Captain America: The Winter Soldier."

Colum McCann never loses his way in "TransAtlantic," a novel about history and the men and women who played such a pivotal role in it.

Cathy Holton's "Summer in the South," a novel about a young woman caught in a dark mystery from the past, explores Southern culture and untangling gossip from fact.

Caroline Leavitt weaves a haunting tale of literary suspense in her novel about a missing child, "Is This Tomorrow."

Hannah Kent bases her debut novel, "Burial Rites," on the true story of Iceland's execution of a woman accused of a brutal murder.