Shirley Whiteside, a Cedar Falls resident and self-described 'anti-Israel activist,' responds to Joe Gorton's op-ed, challenging his views on the Israel-Gaza conflict. She criticizes the omission of Human Rights Watch's consistent criticism of Israel and highlights the International Court of Justice's legally binding order against Israel. Whiteside questions the data on civilian casualties, cites the International Federation of Journalists' death toll, and references pleas from humanitarian organizations like Doctors Without Borders and the International Committee of the Red Cross. She expresses her disagreement with Israel's military actions and the U.S. government's unconditional support for Israel, including the use of veto power in the UN Security Council. Whiteside advocates for the U.S. to use its power to seek peaceful solutions rather than military force.

Michael Caine, at 90, has ventured into novel writing with his debut thriller 'Deadly Game'. The novel follows DCI Harry Taylor and his team from the London Met as they race against international criminals to secure radioactive material. Set in East London, the story is inspired by a real-life incident and features a maverick police officer, reminiscent of Caine's film roles. The narrative includes a mix of police procedures, international intrigue, and a battle of wits between Taylor and his adversaries. While not groundbreaking, the novel is a lively addition to the thriller genre, showcasing Caine's passion for storytelling.

Helena Lee's 'East Side Voices' is a collection of essays by Asian and Southeast Asian writers in Britain, exploring their experiences with identity and racism. The book features contributions from notable figures like Katie Leung and Rowan Hisayo Buchanan, addressing issues such as cultural assimilation, racial stereotypes, and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on racist attitudes. The collection is praised for its illuminating, humorous, and poignant insights into the lives of Asian and Southeast Asian people in Britain, marking it as an important and engaging read.

Shirley Whiteside reviews Arifa Akbar's memoir 'Consumed: A Sister’s Story', which delves into the complexities of Akbar's family life and her relationship with her sister Fauzia, who suffered from mental and physical health issues and died from a rare form of tuberculosis. The memoir is not a straightforward narrative but a woven tapestry of past and present, exploring themes such as the healing power of art, the history of tuberculosis, and family dynamics. Akbar reflects on her childhood in Lahore, her family's move to London, and her mother's influence. The book also touches on the poet Keats, who died of TB, and the cultural phenomena associated with the disease. Akbar's journey through grief and understanding is portrayed with emotional depth and a lack of sentimentality, making it a poignant and beautifully written memoir.

Shirley Whiteside reviews Elisabeth Gifford's historical fiction novel 'The Lost Lights of St Kilda', published by Corvus on March 5, 2020. The book is set on the remote UK archipelago of St Kilda, focusing on a love story between Chrissie, a native islander, and two Cambridge University students, Archie and Fred, who visit the island in 1927. The narrative alternates between the events on St Kilda and Fred's experiences in France during World War II. Whiteside praises Gifford's lyrical writing and the vivid portrayal of the St Kildan way of life, including their traditions and the harsh realities they face. The review commends the depth of the characters and the novel's avoidance of clichés, suggesting that Gifford deserves recognition for her work.

Shirley Whiteside reviews 'What We Did in the Dark' by Ajay Close, a novel published by Sandstone Press that fictionalizes the life of Catherine Carswell, a Glasgow-born author, journalist, and biographer. The book focuses on Carswell's tumultuous first marriage to Herbert Jackson, exploring the psychological and emotional challenges she faced. The narrative, set in 1904, follows Carswell's life from her time at Glasgow University, where she was denied a degree due to her gender, to her hasty marriage and harrowing honeymoon in Europe with Jackson, who is portrayed as paranoid and abusive. Close's novel is commended for its extensive research, compassionate portrayal of characters, and its success in avoiding the pitfalls of fictionalizing real people's lives. The review highlights the novel's suspenseful pace and its ability to engage readers in Carswell's perspective, ultimately celebrating her as a courageous woman who made legal history by divorcing Jackson on the grounds of his mental health disorder.

Sara Pascoe's book 'Sex Power Money' delves into the complexities of sexism, misogyny, and gender roles, offering an analytical and engaging exploration of these issues. Pascoe examines her own prejudices, societal expectations, and the stigmas surrounding sex work and the porn industry. The book also discusses the influence of media coverage on public perception and uses the film 'Indecent Proposal' as a case study to explore the intersection of sex, power, and money. Dedicated to Arminda Ventura, the book is both educational and entertaining, providing a cohesive exploration of the human condition.

Sara Pascoe's book 'Sex Power Money' delves into the complexities of sexism, misogyny, and societal expectations through an analytical lens. Pascoe's engaging and conversational writing style, combined with extensive research, offers a thought-provoking exploration of social, cultural, and linguistic anthropology. The book addresses significant questions about gender roles, sex work, and media portrayal of women, while also reflecting on Pascoe's own preconceptions. The review highlights the book's educational and entertaining nature, making it a fitting tribute to Arminda Ventura, who was murdered by her ex-husband.