Beacon Broadside

Varda Polak-Sahm discusses the Mikveh, a Jewish rite of purification, at the Washington Post's OnFaith blog. The comments have been pretty lively.

While you're there, read Eboo Patel's powerful reflections on faith since 9/11.

The Kansas City Star calls The Khaarijee "heartbreakingly vivid." 

The authors of Hollowing Out the Middle look at rural brain drain in the Chronicle Review, highlighting the disturbing similarities between inner city and rural downturns, and looking at the ways that small towns can be a key part of our country's economic recovery.

Terry Galloway earns high praise for Mean Little deaf Queer in the Austin Chronicle.