By Amelia Alexander Note: The Icon intended to post this on Dec. 31, but our Webfaction host site technical issues put us behind.
2020 has been a chaotic year to say the least.
The majority of us are relieved that it is coming to a close. Obviously, the problems of 2020 are not gone. The pandemic is still here, and the protests during the summer did not cure our country of racism. However, I think that things are looking hopeful. 2020 has been painful, but I think that we are headed in the right direction.
Review by Robert McCool
Hozo is the peace that a balanced life brings. Ever since 1970's Tony Hillerman's “The Blessing Way,” and all along the way through 18 books in his series until 2016's “The Shape Shifter,” hozo is what his main characters strive toward as they seek to solve the mysterious happenings in the sacred home of the Navajo people.
Reviewed by Lauren Canaday Meet the author at the bottom of this review -
What do you get when you combine themes of philosophy, morality, socioeconomics, the after-life, the human soul, and... fart jokes?
You get the television series The Good Place!
The series has a stunning 97% rating on Rotten Tomatoes (with seasons two and four both at 100%), and takes viewers from laughing to crying to laughing again amid plot twists that would usually leave you biting your nails in anticipation of the next season.
Reviewed by Craig Hoffman
While life in 2020 has been full of masks, social distancing, and isolation, there will be a time soon when everyone will party again. Here are ten songs to help you plot out your return to real life and the dance club scene.
How are you going to enjoy your return to everyday life in the near future? Let the Icon know in the comment section!
Reviewed by Craig Hoffman
“I’m sick and tired of being sick and tired.”- Fannie Lou Hamer
Aren’t we all in 2020?
Hopefully, you are doing your best to avoid catching or are recovering from the coronavirus. Here’s a list of songs related to life, masks, quarantine and social distancing. They were written long before the events of modern day, but their lyrics offer timely advice in the present.
Do you agree? Let the Icon know what tunes are on your pandemic playlist while sitting at home.
Reviewed by Robet McCool
It's a simple idea – take what you normally spend for Christmas, or even less, and go on a Caribbean cruise. In John Grisham's 2001's Skipping Christmas (Doubleday ISBN 0-385-50583-3) that is the premise, and how horrible it could be.
Luther and Nora Krank see their twenty-three year old daughter Blair off for a two year tour with the Peace Tour, and Luther goes home with a new idea. With Blair gone he totals up what they spent last Christmas, and how much chaos and frenzy the holiday brings to his life.
