How can I not be attracted to a book that boasts one of its “characters,” as a Little Free Library named Eileen? What role will “she” play in this stoHow can I not be attracted to a book that boasts one of its “characters,” as a Little Free Library named Eileen? What role will “she” play in this story that also gives a strong statement to the importance of reading and how books can play an important role in people’s lives?
This is a debut novel. And, this is a story of overwhelming grief and loss, finding forgiveness, acceptance of self and others, complicated families, the possibility of second chances, the love of reading and how it can change a life; and, a Little Free Library named Eileen, that becomes an unknowing conduit to love.
“Brighter days are coming, Eileen. I promise.”
The story begins with a simple statement that may not be as simple as it seems.
“They say it takes one moment to change your life.”
Readers may think it starts when Erin mistakenly leaves her favorite book, “To Kill a Mockingbird” filled with her notes in the margins in a Little Free Library, for an unexpected James to pick up and respond to with his own thoughts and notes in the margins. But it really starts earlier than that, with a lot of life lessons along the way.
Through P.O.V. shared by both Erin and James we learn about their lives, their wants, their needs, and; what it will take to find their way to a happily ever after.
“If I were to have a vision for my life in the future, it would be to continue what I’ve started here. To teach people to love books the way I do.”
Will Erin and James gain self-discovery, and thus find what may have always been there for them to have? Will they inhabit the life they want to truly live? And, will they find a way to happily ever and a happy ending/perhaps a new beginning? What is it that both Erin and James need and want for themselves and what will it take to find it?
It is up to readers to choose patience and hopefulness, in order to enjoy the journey of Erin and James....more
While deciding to continue reading the Decker/Lazarus series (this is my second in about two weeks), I learned that “The Hunt” was the last book to beWhile deciding to continue reading the Decker/Lazarus series (this is my second in about two weeks), I learned that “The Hunt” was the last book to be written with these characters. So, that was my next Kellerman to read and review. Which I have also done. I was happy that my local library had copies of both, so that I could once again immerse myself in Peter and Rina’s life.
Again, for anyone choosing to read this book, consider starting at the beginning of the series to fully understand the continuing characters.
Of course, it always starts with a case. And, this one was particularly frustrating for Detective Peter Decker. Could the death of this young man be related to a case from 20 years ago?
It seems the more that he investigates, the more trouble and questions seems to turn up. With Rina’s help behind the scenes, more information becomes clear as Decker searches for answers. But as in any police procedural, Decker is relentless in getting to the truth, no matter what it takes. And, what happens when he finally does? Will the case be solved satisfactorily or will he have to speculate what could have really happened?
For fans of the series this will be a fast-paced, page-turner with lots of twists and turns. But for readers, will it be a satisfying end? ...more
This will not be a typical book review. It is more like a feeling felt after reading a book that touches readers deeply. At least that is Catching up…
This will not be a typical book review. It is more like a feeling felt after reading a book that touches readers deeply. At least that is what happened for me when I read it.
This is what she said.
“You belong. Everywhere. Yes, you – with all your history, anxiety, pain. Yes, everywhere – in every culture, community, circumstance. You belong in this body. You belong in this very moment. You belong in this breath…and this one. You have always belonged.”
Sebene Selassie was sharing this in her book. It is as if we need to have someone tell us a few times just how important we are, because sometimes we forget. Yes? This life. This present moment. This complicated, messy time. You are Here. Now. Important. To me. To us. To everyone. You belong.
Maybe that is what we need. Reminders like this. From books like this.
“You belong in this world just as much as anyone else. No matter how others see you, or how you see yourself.” – Morgan Harper-Nich’Ols...more
When I went in to my local library to pick up books, I found this one on the shelves. (I forgot to put this in my currently reading list.) It had beenWhen I went in to my local library to pick up books, I found this one on the shelves. (I forgot to put this in my currently reading list.) It had been a long time since I had read a Decker/Lazarus novel, but I was up for it. So, what does that mean? Well, it means that it is probably best that you follow the series from the beginning, so you know who the characters are, but you can pick up after a long absence and still feel like you are family because the characters are so rich.
Rina (Lazarus) is Peter Decker’s wife. Peter is a former detective lieutenant with the LAPD who now works for the local Greenbury Police in upstate New York.
While walking a local trail and wanting to photograph the area, Rina stumbles upon skeletal remains. What happened here? And, what does this mean when 2 more skeletal remains are discovered that are related to missing students in the area? Does this nice college town have a serial killer?
As Decker investigates, much is discovered, and the heartache of families who have been missing these kids becomes front and center. But what happens when a fresh crime occurs?
This is an excellent police procedural, with well-developed characters, short chapters and an unknown killer that will keep readers guessing till the very end....more
I wanted to read this book because I knew the author had passed (2019) before this was published, and, I really enjoyed his book, “Frindle.” Review heI wanted to read this book because I knew the author had passed (2019) before this was published, and, I really enjoyed his book, “Frindle.” Review here: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show... I also appreciate that this is simplistically illustrated by Brian Selznick (other than the beautifully detailed cover), who is well-known for “Wonderstruck” and “The Invention of Hugo Cabret.”
Back in the 90’s, a kid named Nate, called a pen a “Frindle” which caught on. So, now sixth-grader Josh finds a pen with “Frindle” emblazoned on the side (a souvenir from his mom’s childhood). His curiosity and research leads him to challenge his teacher Mr. N. (Echos of Frindle?)
Taking the Frindle story into this era brings on online research and media acumen. There are also references to books, “The Elements of Style (about writing in English) and “The Zen of Python” (about writing code for computers), and “Charlotte’s Web.”
Could the children’s curiosity lead to a computer virus? How will that affect what they are doing?
Readers will gain insights into internet safety, the study of how language works; and, the how-to on viral internet campaigns.
This story gives a strong sense of friendship, teamwork, learning from mistakes and finding respect.
Be sure to read the note by Brian Selznick at the end of the book.
“The passage of time is a symptom of life; without time you are at a standstill.”
This memoir professes to be a love story. It’s subtitle, “An Uncommon“The passage of time is a symptom of life; without time you are at a standstill.”
This memoir professes to be a love story. It’s subtitle, “An Uncommon Journey to True Love” implies this, as well. And yet, as readers first meet Jerry, known by those close to him as Jedon, we are not sure what he is showing us is a very loving path to love.
He takes us on this journey about him and Tonya, from the beginning, when they first met. His love for her is quickly felt, but mostly displayed through anger and jealousy. When Tonya is dating someone else, his way of addressing it, is to take Tonya’s dog and have it attack her current interest’s dog. For those of us who are dog lovers, that was a horrible scene to witness. And, to wonder, is this a display of love when you treat dogs in this abhorrent way?
And yet, Jedon tells us he is a man of God. Yet, his behaviors and actions displayed are anything but. Thus, what about him, his behaviors and actions make him a good catch to Tonya? What will occur that will change him into the person he says he wants to be for God and for Tonya?
“I already knew that when I was with her, I was a better person. She made me a better person.”
Typically, I do not read books anchored in religious dogma. I am not attracted to these stories because they imply that it takes something outside of themselves in order to be a good person. But the author was kind and wanted me to read his story. And, I appreciated his thoughtfulness in our correspondence. So, when I began to read, I found myself a bit taken aback by the person I was reading about between these pages. I was hopeful that at some point, I would see something different than what the first several pages were showing me. Because to be honest, all I could think about was…Tonya, run, and please don’t look back!!!!
Yet, in all fairness to the author, growing up can be a very painful process. Especially as one struggles to find their way. And, certainly the author was very open in sharing his struggles.
“Everyone learns new lessons in life; it doesn’t matter your age. Some are easy, while others will test the very core of your being. Some lessons you learn from mistakes made; others hit you when least expected.”
Still, as I read, I couldn’t help but wonder, what would it take for the author to grow into the person he wanted to be? And, when he did, would he and Tonya be able to find their happily ever after? Because certainly the book’s subtitle was leading us to believe readers would find an uncommon journey to love.
And, gratefully, with patience, the reader does discover that this is what the book truly is…the life of these two. The ups and downs. The disappointments. The joys. The journey. Which one could appreciate and eventually understand. The realism of relationships. And, love. It may not have been an easy path, but it was Jedon and Tonya’s path. And, it comes through clearly in these pages.
I want to thank the author for this complimentary book for our Little Free Library Shed. I am providing an honest review.
I love my neighbors and their donations to my Little Free Library Shed. Obviously, they are fans of Connelly, and this gave me an opportunCatching Up…
I love my neighbors and their donations to my Little Free Library Shed. Obviously, they are fans of Connelly, and this gave me an opportunity to re-visit this one.
Mickey Haller is back defending a very important client. Himself. Apparently, someone decided to stuff a corpse into the trunk of his car. And, of course, the police discovered it, and thus, he has been accused of this individual’s murder. And, it doesn’t help that he was an ex-client. That doesn’t make Haller look so innocent, right?
“The law of innocence is unwritten. It’s not a true legal term, can’t be argued in a court of law and doesn’t exist on the books. In the law of innocence, for every man not guilty of a crime, there is a man out there who is. And to prove true innocence, the guilty man must be found and exposed to the world.” (Hence: the title of the book!)
And, then there is Harry Bosch. Because he is on team Haller in finding out the truth. Of course, if you aren’t familiar with who Haller or Bosch is, don’t start reading the series with this book. These are a couple of the most important characters in Connelly’s book character ensemble. Mickey Haller is the Lincoln Lawyer who has conducted his “lawyering” in the backseat of his Lincoln vehicle. And, Harry Bosch is the author’s well-known L.A. cop. Readers will love his brooding presence in this one as the two and other returning characters intend to prove Haller’s innocence.
“When it came to opening statements, I was from the Legal Siegel school of law. He always said, save your powder, meaning less is more; don’t reveal your case or its surprises until it’s time to present your evidence.”
Those who love stories with justice/legal proceedings and good investigative work will enjoy this one. Also, the pandemic looms in the background.
I was reading an article the other day about a bookstore in our community called Phoenix Books that had been around for 43 years. It is located in SanI was reading an article the other day about a bookstore in our community called Phoenix Books that had been around for 43 years. It is located in San Luis Obispo, CA for anyone who might be considering coming to visit one day. They are also proud of their online presence. Still, back to their brick-and-mortar reality. That is amazing, when you consider this store has overcome big box stores and the pandemic. One of the comments said by an enthusiastic patron was…
“People love books. They are repositories of knowledge. They will never go out of style.”
That is so true. And, that is what we can say about bookstores, too. We love the feel and experience of being in a bookstore. The smell of it. Going down the aisles. Looking at all the stacks and shelves of books available at our fingertips. In many ways it is almost orgasmic. (Please excuse my enthusiasm, here!)
So, why not read a book about bookstores? Not that readers haven’t read books about bookstores before. But this one wants to tell us a different story about bookstores, in a way. Like the importance of the UPS driver (devoted to delivering books), or Benjamin Franklin (he amassed books for discussion), or how Jeff Bezos created Amazon Books (a different way of selling books). A distinct perspective look, at bookstores.
It even has a story about the tuxedo cat, WonTon who presided over a store (Chop Suey) in Richmond, Virginia that made its’ debut in Gary Shteyngart’s 2018 novel, “Lake Success.”
Of course, many of us who love books about bookstores, have read lots of stories about cats in bookstores. And, to be quite honest, I believe, it intrigues us. It also appeals to the heart in us. We are attracted to the stories – especially if cats are on the cover and are incorporated as a part of the story, too. Dogs on covers and within the story will captivate us, too.
Mostly, this is the story of how much we as readers hunger for knowledge within books. Just like what the enthusiastic patron of one of my community bookstores said above. Does that mean we need this book to give us this?
It definitely is a vigorous defense of books, and I love that about it. And, it has its fun little facts in history, too. But is it a great read?
Well…I think it is anecdotal, and interesting, and somewhat thought-provoking, thoughtful and maybe, just maybe, a little bit of an all right read.
Or…maybe a fun in-between book while reading the novel you are attempting to get through.
“Discipline is choosing between what you want now and what you want the most.”
This is definitely not a straight forward story told in a timeline that “Discipline is choosing between what you want now and what you want the most.”
This is definitely not a straight forward story told in a timeline that will take readers from day 1 to day 56. To be clear, that it is not going to do that for readers. It is going to jump between present day, near past, through lockdown Covid era (but not be just about that) into the lives of Ciara and Oliver.
And, someone is going to die. That is made clear from the beginning. But who and why and how is not. And, who these people (Ciara and Oliver) are to each other is not either.
And, then there is the point of view of detectives. Oh yes, because someone died, right? Because readers know that someone isn’t getting out of this alive, so Irish detectives are a part of this story.
So, the author keeps readers hooked throughout the book with several key questions…
Who is dead?
Who is the killer?
Why did they commit murder?
Who is telling the truth here?
Is this the perfect crime?
Is a perfect crime possible?
Domestic suspense. Murder mystery. Edge of your seat page turner. Brilliant plotting. Go for it. You won’t regret it.
But even as I say all this, because the author twisted the timeline (time jumping) so much, it is the only reason this review did not get 5 stars. The only reason. My brain just couldn’t take it. Still, the story is worth the read....more
“Like the waters of the river, like the motorists on the highway, and like the yellow trains streaking down the Santa Fe tracks, drama, in the shape o“Like the waters of the river, like the motorists on the highway, and like the yellow trains streaking down the Santa Fe tracks, drama, in the shape of exceptional happenings, had never stopped there.”
Catching up…
I know. This is a book that has been around for a while. But when it became a donation to my Little Free Library Shed recently, I knew it was time to re-visit it and share my thoughts.
This book actually began as a New York Times murder story that transformed itself into spine-tingling suspense. Can you imagine picking up your newspaper and devouring this headline story with your breakfast coffee?
Capote felt he could tell the story of this Midwest killing that featured sinister murderers in a way that would capture readers’ interest.
A 4-member family of a prosperous farming family are viciously murdered at close-range with a shotgun. No apparent motive. Limited clues. A local FBI investigator, Alvin Dewey is shocked at how meaningless and cruel the crime appears. Who would do this and why? And, how could Capote get the details he needed to write his story beyond headline grabbers?
“Imagination, of course, can open any door – turn the key and let terror walk right in.”
He turned to friend and fellow author, Harper Lee, obviously known for “To Kill a Mockingbird.” She had a way of penetrating the silence that seemed to be protecting the remote Kansas community entrenched in the murders.
Once he was in, Capote conducted his own investigation which would encompass the manhunt, arrest and trial of the culprits. Capote shared…
“…the greatest intensity in art in all its shapes and sizes is achieved with a deliberate, hard and cool head.”
It truly is a real-crime drama that captivates as readers turn pages. And, even if we think we know the story already, probably through endless documentaries we have watched, it still is a privilege to read Capote....more
When I first saw this book cover, I thought it was a true story. The way the lone girl was standing on the highway, I wondered, is this a missing persWhen I first saw this book cover, I thought it was a true story. The way the lone girl was standing on the highway, I wondered, is this a missing persons story that someone felt compelled to write?
“This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously and are not to be construed as real. Any resemblance to actual events, locales, organizations, or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.”
Even though the book cover felt a bit misleading, please don’t pass the book by. It is not a true story. It is something more. Just open it. What comes up from page one through the end will keep readers engaged.
And, as readers, we get to hear Nina’s voice first.
What follows is a story told in multiple points of view that is engrossing and intriguing.
Is this story giving us a sense of a parent’s worst nightmare?
As readers we experience, what happened between Nina and Simon. And, how the parents of both Nina and Simon navigate the landscape of what happened when it becomes clear that Nina is missing.
Readers already are given a sense of what could have been with Nina’s opening voice. But what more lies between the pages to get the answers we as readers are so desperate to find? Lots. That is how page-turning, gut-wrenching, soulful interesting this story plays out.
But what kind of story is this truly?
Is this a mystery or a thriller or a character study of personalities, and what anyone would do in these circumstances?
Of course, we can label it a mystery because we are uncertain what really happened to Nina. We can label it a thriller because as readers we are racing to the end to find out what happened. As readers we may want closure and justice, because we believe something terrible could have happened. But mostly we are left with an interesting look at, what would I do in these circumstances if something happened to my daughter or son? How would I behave?
In this way, it becomes a stirring tale, as we as readers, consider and observe where the moral fiber lies. Especially as parents....more
Being alone and being lonely are 2 different things. Sometimes loud sounds or noises may be hard to handle, and so, it is easier to be alone. But thatBeing alone and being lonely are 2 different things. Sometimes loud sounds or noises may be hard to handle, and so, it is easier to be alone. But that doesn’t necessarily mean that you are lonely.
Only, the bird, knows this well. And, thus it becomes confusing for his other bird friends to understand. But Only, the bird, has a way of showing them. And, in so doing, everyone learns about the beauty of savoring alone time, but still having others in your life.
This is a wonderful little illustrated story that helps kids understand the difference between alone and lonely.
“We made the world we’re living in, and we have to make it over.” – James Baldwin
Senator Bernie Sanders described the author as a “leader in our coun“We made the world we’re living in, and we have to make it over.” – James Baldwin
Senator Bernie Sanders described the author as a “leader in our country working to take on poverty and economic injustice. He knows that we can bring about great change by building a multi-racial, multi-generational coalition of working-class people. Building a mass movement of ordinary people is how we end today’s unprecedented levels of greed and economic inequality.”
So, how do we make people want to do that, especially if there is a faction out there that may only be concerned about their own interests to get rich?
I’m not sure there is an easy answer, other than to open our minds to books like this one. Where authors that care, and do the hard work also take time to study the problem.
The author opens with…
“This is a book by a Black man about white poverty in America. I’ve written this because I believe the racist images of Black mothers on welfare that have dominated the imaginations of Americans are not merely demeaning to Black people; they are also based on a myth that obscures the poverty of tens of millions of white people. Until we face the reality of white poverty in America, we cannot comprehend what is truly exceptional about the inequality that persists in the richest nation in the history of the world.”
The author has quite the extensive resume. He preached at President Biden’s 2020 inaugural prayer service. He has held a lot of prominent positions that gave him the opportunity whether on the pulpit or at the podium, to denounce injustice and economic disparity with righteous indignation. People have described his penetrating stare as someone looking into America’s soul.
And, this book is him in action doing just that, looking into America’s soul.
The author provides through this book a well-documented and informative discussion on poverty in the United States. He takes on the racial myths and he puts greed front and center.
“We are pitted against one another by politicians and billionaires who depend on the poorest among us not being seen…by cable news and social media memes and politicians who depend on tired narratives to rally their base against imagined enemies of their ‘values.’”
Even as he shares that white supremacy is a myth “as poisonous to white people as it is to people of color,” he is also letting us know that “it dehumanizes the people it claims to elevate; it uses the very people it claims to champion.”
But he doesn’t leave us hanging with this, he wants us to move on through understanding so that we can mitigate it. This comes through in his well-researched chapters.
His thoughts are compelling and insightful. He showcases personal stories that are heart-felt and inspiring. But mostly, he just doesn’t put it out there and leave it, he presents an action plan to help guide us, through uplifting chapters like, “why we must lift from the bottom,” and “rediscovering the ties that bind us.” He gives us hope that we can have meaningful change. Finding humanity. The potential to unite a movement for genuine change....more
What happens when you and your husband decide to be responsible for a sanctuary for elephants and rhinos, and then you find yourself suddenly alone? DWhat happens when you and your husband decide to be responsible for a sanctuary for elephants and rhinos, and then you find yourself suddenly alone? Do you give up on the dream or continue it? This was something the author had to face when her beloved husband passed away suddenly, and she was left to manage their Thula Thula Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre in South Africa.
Her story provides something for wildlife lovers to truly appreciate as she shares the ongoing conservation saga.
Filled with personal stories, it is refreshing to read about the amazing creatures that inhabit our world, and the watchful care she and her staff provide to them, especially when under threat to poachers.
The author also includes photographs to add to the storytelling and connection readers will experience through her story.
Readers will no doubt feel touched, moved and amazed by the perseverance and responsibility and challenges of this life that are showcased throughout the book.
Her husband wrote, “The Elephant Whisperer,” that gave insights into their mission, but this book can be read as a stand-alone. Review here: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show... ...more
Yesterday, I picked this one up on my weekly visit to my local library. And, I was pleasantly surprised by the simplicity of it.
This is a story…that tYesterday, I picked this one up on my weekly visit to my local library. And, I was pleasantly surprised by the simplicity of it.
This is a story…that takes few words. But those few words and charming illustrations show the importance of reading, libraries and books. It is so beautifully written, I felt myself mesmerized as I turned pages slowly. And, as I looked at the pictures, I imagined what each child must be feeling as they studied and experienced the pages, and read the words, or had them read for them, before turning to the next page.
Honestly, this one is a keeper, parents! Teachers, please include this one in your classroom, because this truly…is a story worth reading!
Please take time to read the last page of the book which is the copyrights page which names all the book covers that were illustrated throughout this story.
When I saw this book in the children’s section at my local library, I was immediately attracted to it for 3 reasons.
First, it was the book title. I hWhen I saw this book in the children’s section at my local library, I was immediately attracted to it for 3 reasons.
First, it was the book title. I have always believed that we all have this innate power within us – this light that emanates outwardly to others. And, for a book to be able to showcase this through a title, especially in a children’s book, this seemed particularly powerful to me.
Second, the book cover illustration showed smiling faces with the illusion of light surrounding them. I found such positivity in those illustrations by Kamala Nair.
And, third because I was going on my own personal journey with cancer, and even though this was “just” a children’s book, who wouldn’t enjoy having positivity and light within surrounding them on “such” a journey?
Which made this a book, that felt strangely powerful. Because here I was feeling all these feelings connecting me to this book, and, I am just looking at the book cover. And, I didn’t even open the pages yet!
What would this lovely book share inside?
This is a story of travel and traditions, family, connection through community and finding one’s inner light. Believing in one self. Yes! ...more
You know you have read a lot of books when you pick up a book as if you are looking at it for the first time and begin reading it and realize it soundYou know you have read a lot of books when you pick up a book as if you are looking at it for the first time and begin reading it and realize it sounds familiar. I can’t begin to count on my fingers how many times I have done this to myself. Of course, it has to happen with classic Connelly. And, Bosch. I love Bosch.
So, when this book was deposited as a donation to my Little Free Library Shed recently, I couldn’t help but think, is this one of his stories I missed? Of course not. It is one, that I forgot I had read. And, now I am reviewing it.
This is where Detective Hieronymus “Harry” Bosch is now working for the Open-Unsolved Unit, hoping to find a way to find closure for those “chorus of forgotten voices” and certainly justice for the unresolved cases. This is also an opportunity for Bosch to learn about the advances in forensic science that have been made since he retired 3 years earlier.
What I love about Connelly is his beautiful attention to detail. Basics in investigative police work – police procedurals at its best.
As Bosch takes on his first case, the reader gets an inside tour of the streamlined LAPD and all the advanced techniques used in comparative analysis of DNA, ballistics and fingerprints.
As a reader, I am soaking up the methods of modern forensics, and it is obvious that it is revitalizing Bosch, too. But we also get a taste of his old-fashioned police detective work in action, as well. As well as his gut instinct at following the clues. What we appreciate the most is his way of speaking for the dead.
In true Connelly fashion, this will be a page-turning, well-done read for fans. And those new to Bosch, will want to get to know him. But as in all series, it is always best to start at the beginning. The first Harry Bosch book was “The Black Echo.”...more
When Pete Buttigieg was introduced to the world, he became someone to pay attention to, not just because he was a young man running for President, at When Pete Buttigieg was introduced to the world, he became someone to pay attention to, not just because he was a young man running for President, at the time, but because he was a gay man who could talk openly about himself. This was a powerful moment to consider. Would America be ready for their first gay President?
Well, we know how everything played out in that election, and gratefully Pete has stayed front and center as Secretary of Transportation in the Biden administration. But what he brought with him was Chasten. His husband. And, Chasten has a story to tell, as well. In this beautiful memoir.
I wanted to read the young adult version, because I understand how hard it can sometimes be for young adults trying to find themselves. Especially if they are labeled as “different.” And, even as Chasten points out to readers that we may not be fully in a place where all LGBTQIA+ people can feel safe and accepted, he believes we are heading there. He shows this in his own story about growing up. Change may be slow, according to Chasten, but for him, he believes, it is happening.
Growing up gay wasn’t easy for him, and he was taunted by classmates. Bullying was the medicine most often received. But it did not darken his spirit. He felt loved and accepted by family, and he knew he could overcome these personal hurdles by not feeling ashamed about who he was…but instead proud. And, finding the courage to be himself.
What I loved most about this story was his ability to relate to a younger audience. He shows himself as a positive role model for any reader who is struggling to fit in, even in his honesty about the difficulties of being an outsider.
His strongest message…that readers are not alone. He empowers them to believe they can write their own story and not be defined by how others see them or the circumstances of their life.
There is so much about this reading experience through the pages that feels so hopeful and comforting and quite inspiring.
What is particularly helpful is at the end of the story where he provides “Reflection Questions” which help encourage thought-provoking discussion. This book would be wonderful in any local library or classroom.
It is always fun for me when donations appear at my Little Free Library Shed. Especially getting a sense of what the neighborhood favoriteCatching up…
It is always fun for me when donations appear at my Little Free Library Shed. Especially getting a sense of what the neighborhood favorite authors are. And, certainly this author is one. So, hearing recently that she is “retiring” from writing it really has readers up in arms. In a June 2024 interview with Elle Magazine, the author shared…
“If I do write another Nantucket summer novel, and I might, it's going to be on my own time frame, and I want to be free to do other things, and write about other things, and so I very consciously use the word 'retirement. ' My intentions are pure, in that I am retiring for the sake of my career.’”
So, there you have it. Whatever, she means.
In re-visiting this story, clearly an older one, published in 2012, this wasn’t her typical beach read. Usually, Hilderbrand concentrates on women’s contemporary fiction with a light, romantic tone. But this story had complex characters, dealing with teenage death, and the survivors, post-accident and their parents and how they handled it.
Obviously, there is tragedy within this story, the weightiness of it, the emotional toll this incident plays on families, and, the consequences. There is also a side-story about a SIDS death and the grief and strain of that experience on family.
As, traumatic as all this sounds, Hildebrand writes with compassion and grace, developing multi-faceted characters that feel real....more
“The National Daily Situation Room would be a permanent organization…It would serve as a management tool by providing intelligence, communications, br“The National Daily Situation Room would be a permanent organization…It would serve as a management tool by providing intelligence, communications, briefing, display and monitor facilities.”
The author is more than a television host of a popular morning show or his own show, “This Week with George Stephanopoulos.” He is a political commentator and former Democratic advisor. He was also the Communications Director for the 1992 presidential campaign of Bill Clinton before becoming his White House Communications Director. His resume is extensive, and so when this book came out, I thought it would be worth reading. I am glad I did. I now offer you, my review.
He tells us that the “Sit Room” isn’t much to look at, it actually is located in the White House basement. And, to him, it really is quite the modest cramped conference room. It wasn’t until August 2023 that it got a pretty facelift renovation. But (facelift or not) it is what takes place in this room that makes the difference.
The Situation Room began with President John F. Kennedy, and it had some captivating historical moments through the variety of presidents since.
A key statement that caught my eye was shared early on when the author wrote…
“In the six decades since the creation of the Situation Room, it has been the crisis center during America’s catastrophes. The men and women of the Sit Room have dealt with nuclear scares, the assassination of a president and attempts on two others. They stayed at their posts on 9/11, when the White House itself was the target of terrorists. And they tracked and analyzed American wars that cost hundreds of thousands of lives and billions upon billions of dollars. But never before had they dealt with an insurrection against our own government, inspired by the president of the United States.”
How does one feel, reading this paragraph, let alone this last sentence?
“Your allegiance to your country supersedes your allegiance to your role.”
Digest that statement above for a moment. It was uttered on January 6, 2021 by Mike Steigler, an intelligence analyst that worked at the White House.
The author clearly felt concerned as well when he stated, “those dueling loyalties had never been tested like this.”
In the chapter, “Postcards from the Edge” there is more detail on that president’s attitude towards the Situation Room and the problems overall with what occurred during his time in office.
And thus, throughout this book the author shares a lot of dynamic and engrossing Situation Room stories. And these same stories, were not typically or outwardly known to the public. Because these are the stories of what really happened “behind the scenes” regarding the issues we thought we laymen always knew – like when both Presidents Kennedy and Reagan were shot. But as laymen, we clearly did not.
Readers will get an insider view into each president’s attitude toward the Situation Room experience. And, how they viewed their role.
But it wasn’t even about just the various incidents that occurred under their watch. As an example, what will readers learn about President Nixon’s lack of interest in participating in those important Situation Room discussions? And, what circumvented President Carter’s negotiations in getting the hostages out of Iran? Or what really happened in those hours during the 9/11 attacks? Can we even imagine what it took to finally finding Osama bin Laden under President Obama’s leadership?
The author covers the Situation Room through President Biden. The author went through over 100 interviews and intensive research for this book. He also included black and white and color photographs throughout the chapters.
This is a fascinating, easy-to-read, inspiring, page-turning book that almost reads like fiction. For those interested in real history, this will be a worthwhile read....more
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