Jan 11, 2013 — Two new books by writers with ties to the Adirondacks feature girls in elite level sports. Betsy Kepes reviews Soccerland by Beth Choat and Sugar and Ice by Kate Messner.  Go to full article

Bennington, VT, May 08, 2012 — When Vermont writer Allen Shawn was eight years old, his parents placed his twin sister Mary into an institution for disabled children. In his new memoir Shawn explores how that loss has shaped his life. Betsy Kepes has this review of Twin.  Go to full article

Wolcott, VT, Feb 15, 2012 — In his new book, Happy Life, Vermont poet David Budbill uses the ancient Chinese poets as inspiration. Our book reviewer, Betsy Kepes, reflects on Budbill's reflections.  Go to full article

Colton, NY, Dec 29, 2011 — Vermont might have become the eastern side of New York State if it hadn't been for the bold action of patriot and land speculator Ethan Allen. Betsy Kepes reviews William Sterne Randall's new biography of Vermont's first hero.  Go to full article

Burlington, VT, Aug 26, 2011 — Creston Lea builds custom electric guitars in Burlington. He is also a graduate of the prestigious Iowa Writers' Workshop. Betsy Kepes reviews Wild Punch, Lea's book of linked short stories.  Go to full article

Ottawa, ON, Jun 24, 2011 — As part of the annual Fringe Theater and Arts Festival in Ottawa this week, NCPR's theater critic Connie Meng was part of a panel exploring how the media reviews theater. Todd Moe spoke with Connie about some of the questions posed to members of the panel which included broadcast, print and web journalists.  Go to full article

Jun 22, 2011 — The Scotiabank Giller Prize is Canada's premiere award for fiction written in English. This year's winning novel is set in a small Ontario town along the St. Lawrence Seaway. Betsy Kepes has this review of The Sentimentalists by Johanna Skibsrud.  Go to full article

Colton, NY, May 31, 2011 — Eric Siblin worked as a journalist in Kingston, Ontario then wrote pop music reviews for a Montreal newspaper. One evening, he happened upon a recital for solo cello. He details his amazement and new obsession in his new book, The Cello Suites -- J.S. Bach, Pablo Casals, and the Search for a Baroque Masterpiece. Betsy Kepes has this review.  Go to full article

Ottawa, ON, Mar 17, 2011 — The Shadow Cutter is running at the Great Canadian Theatre Company in Ottawa through March 27. Resident theatre critic Connie Meng was at a recent performance and has this review.  Go to full article

Quebec, QC, Feb 08, 2011 — Winter is the perfect time of year to curl up in a comfortable chair with a cup of cocoa and good mystery. Betsy Kepes reviews Bury Your Dead by Louise Penny.  Go to full article