TJ West

Reading “The Lord of the Rings:” “The Shadow of the Past”

In this chapter, the reader finally begins to learn of the origins of the Ring, not…
Screening Classic Hollywood: “All About Eve” (1950)

This post is part of the “Try It, You’ll Like It!” Blogathon, hosted by Sister Celluloid and…
Reading “The Lord of the Rings:” “A Long-Expected Party”
Reading “The Lord of the Rings:” “Prologue”

It’s that time of year again, Tolkien Appreciation Month! This year, I’ve decided to post periodically…
Screening Classic Hollywood: “Sudden Fear” (1952)

Say what you will, but no one could play a victimized, melodramatic heroine like Joan Crawford.…
A new way forward: healing from depression (25 Nov. 2015)

Originally posted on Metathesis: I used to love goal-oriented words like “achievement” and “success”, but after…
Reading History: “The Secret Chord” (Geraldine Brooks)

Some writers of historical fiction have a particular knack for evoking a sense of the strangeness…
Film Review: “The Hunger Games: Mockingjay–Part 2 (2015)

You know, I have to admit to a fair amount of skepticism (I might even go…
Behind the doors of psychiatric treatment centers (20 Nov. 2015)

Originally posted on Metathesis: Exterior of McLean Hospital, the institution referenced in Girl, Interrupted (photo by…
Screening History: “Broken Arrow” (1950)

Released in 1950, Broken Arrow follows Tom Jeffords (James Stewart) desperately wants to forge a measure of peace…