Bill Castanier's Latest Articles
When busing for desegregation came to Lansing
Fifty years ago, just like today, Michigan voters were faced with perplexing decisions in the upcoming election. In addition to Richard Nixon facing off against Sen. George McGovern for president, …
Detroiter pens Lansing tale
When Kai Harris got the news her book “What the Fireflies Knew” was reviewed in The New York Times, she said, “It was surreal.” For a book by a first-time author to be …
‘Raising Bean’ raises consciousness about Indigenous people
W.S. Penn’s new book, “Raising Bean,” is a written testament to Native American storytelling. Penn wrote the collection of essays for his granddaughter Bean (Clare) in the form of …
‘Under the Radar’ TV guys publish 3rd book on Michigan sites
The title of their Emmy Award-winning television program may be “Under the Radar,” but the producers of the Michigan Travel and Tourism program are flying high. They have …
Pulling up stakes
Renowned Michigan author Jack Driscoll’s “Twenty Stories” is the last book he’ll write in Michigan. Following his the death of his wife, Lois, early last year, he has decided …
Librarians fight censorship as attacks grow around state
Librarians across Michigan have a lot on their minds as Banned Book Week approaches on Sept. 18. This past election cycle, residents in Michigan’s Jamestown Township in Ottawa County, …
The rise and fall of Lansing wrestling legend ‘the Sheik’
If you ever met Eddie Farhat (and I did), he came across as a mild-mannered family man. But when he entered the “squared circle” —the wrestling ring — he switched on his …
Retracing a ‘Path Lit By Lightning’
If Pulitzer Prize-winning author David Maraniss has one regret about his riveting new book, “Path Lit By Lightning: The Life of Jim Thorpe,” it’s the unfortunate publication …
