Audible recently released a voice-acted audio version of Neil Gaiman's popular and acclaimed graphic novel series The Sandman. Should you listen to it? Even if you've never read the graphic novels, if you like Neil Gaiman, "dark fantasy," or horror, you'll probably love it. If that doesn't describe you this audiobook, like the graphic novels, is probably not for you.

David Mitchell's latest book, Utopia Avenue, is a moving and sometimes-surreal romp with a late-1960s London pop/rock/folk band.

As the first book in my TIME Magazine 100 best book reading challenge, I read The Adventures of Augie March by Saul Bellow.Actually, I read it in 2014 and found this review in my files. I'm posting it here and moving on to the next book.

Jo Ann Stover's book, If Everyone Did, is a funny kids book, but some of us adults may benefit by its message as well.

One thing that I found frustrating when learning French was having to type a bunch of accents on the keyboard. Using the international keyboard is really not too hard, and after a while you can easily commit the keys to memory. But at first, it was très difficile so I created a cheat sheet. Here it is, along with some advice about using the international keyboard and a refresher on French accents.

It's a likable notion that learning a foreign language might help stave off cognitive decline and dementia in our senior years. But is it true? Studies suggest positive benefits to bilingualism in old age but are generally small and inconclusive. Still, there are intrinsic benefits to learning a second language.

Amazon Prime's original series, "The Boys," follows (in part) a group of dysfunctional superheroes. Remind you of anything? The series returns for its second season on September 4. Here's more about the series and why we're eagerly awaiting its return.

Avatar: The Last Airbender has had a recent surge in popularity lately with its rerelease on Netflix. A live-action series is in the making which can only be better than M. Night Shayamalan's flop. But do we really need live-action remakes of animated shows and movies that were already great?

Star Trek: Lower Decks is a new animated series that steams on CBS: All Access on August 6. Will it become a valued addition to the Star Trek Universe or will it be a cringe-inducing experience for the trekkie?

A Review of Padak: Swimming to Sea.The "fish in a tank" scenario might remind you of a particular Pixar film, and you might catch a glimpse of clownfish, but this bleak CGI-animated creation is not for kids, the faint of heart, or someone who wants uplift.

One of my favorite podcasts on the subjects of Zen, Buddhism, or Meditation is The Zen Studies Podcast. Here's my review.

The combination of sweet raspberries, creamy chevre, and the smokiness of toasted pine nuts are amazing in this simple green salad that's perfect for Summer -- or anytime!

The combination of mango and jalapeño might seem odd but you just might like it! And smoothies may just be an ultimate concoction for the healthy non-foodie!

Here's a recipe for Mexican Sugar Skulls. Celebrate Dia de Los Muertos with these colorful skulls. They're not to eat but are fun to make and make great October decor.

The word "clotted" sounds kind of...off. But if you really want to serve your tea English-style, you need this fattening, heavy stuff. Serve it with scones and some preserves or lemon curd and, of course, some tea.

Reflections on a Joss Whedon quote about food and laughter.

Want a (relatively) cheap "vintage" front room/library room? Here's mine. We gave our daughter and her friend the go-ahead to decorate our front foom however they liked. This is the outcome.

Even if you're not an avid furniture painter, getting a secondhand electric fireplace and chalk painting it yourself to get a sort-of-French-country look isn't too difficult.

Did you know that, though some people see getting a cat as a possible solution to a rodent problem, sometimes they can be the cause of the problem?When a mouse popped out of our toaster, we knew we had an issue. The culprit? Our cat!