“Wrestling with God” is a finalist in an international competition named for the American longshoreman-philosopher Eric Hoffer. Read more.
Barbara’s Riffs on Life
BookExpo America: Dog Books, Funny Books, Holy Books, Swag
BookExpo America — the trade show where a Buddhist nun, a bald satirist, and a 136-pound Newfoundland dog were equally at home. Read more.
Scaling the Mighty Willis Tower — With My Acrophilic Husband
The 108-story Willis Tower is my husband’s kind of place. I first noticed Jon’s acrophilia early in our romance, when we took a trip to Europe. Read more.
My IPPY Gold Book Award — Celebrating High Above Chicago
I went to Chicago to collect an IPPY gold book award for “Wrestling with God” — and celebrate with other winning authors. Read more.
Oakland Tribune: The Trib Is Dead, Long Live the Tribbers
The Oakland Tribune is dead. But dozens of Trib staffers live on. On the California paper’s last day, they gathered for a wake. Read more.
My Purple Rain Garden: Is the Universe Trying to Tell Me Something?
Lots of rain and lots of purple in our garden this year. Purple nemesia, purple iris, purple pansies. What gives? Is this a Purple Rain message from the spirit world? Read more.