The Quick and the Dead

The Quick and the Dead by Louis L’Amour        Paperback: 154 pgs. (155, including the author information at the end, which I read)     

     This book is quite a departure for me: I had never read a Western before, but a co-worker convinced me to try reading Louis L’Amour, the classic Western storyteller.  It was a good book and very much what you would expect in a Western.  But this story— and all L’Amour’s books— is truer to the real Old West than many Hollywood stories, as L’Amour does a lot of research to make his fiction as true to history as possible.  Of course, it’s still fiction— the characters and the story are made up— but it is based on authentic situations in the Old West.  It revolves around a family setting out for the West and the tremendous challenges they face, which they never came up against back east— especially a gang of rustlers, intent on robbing them and kidnapping the wife, that chase them across the prairie.  A stranger, Con Villian, shows up in the first few pages to help the greenhorns deal with these difficulties throughout their journey.  Villian is an excellent backwoodsman: a laconic, plain-spoken crack shot with amazing awareness of what is going on around him (rather like an Old West Jason Bourne).  These are necessary skills on the frontier and greatly increase the odds in the life-and-death struggle the family has with the gang.  The man of the family, Duncan, in contrast to Con Villian, believes he can reason with the bad guys and so thinks he can avoid having to kill them.  Yet he finds out that the rustlers are not reasonable; things don’t work out like Duncan hoped they would.  I can’t tell you how things do turn out (that would be a spoiler!), but it is worth the read to find out, especially since it’s a short book.  Enjoy, partner!

Linchpin: Are You Indispensable?

Linchpin:  Are You Indispensable?  by Seth Godin             Audio Book:  8 hours, 27 mins.       Hardback Book:  256 pages                   

Excellent feel good book.   Very motivational – showing that no matter what your position with an organization you can be a star by being indispensable.   A new spin on loving what you do or don’t do it.   He discusses how if you don’t feel like you are appreciated for your creativity why stay in a job that will only make you more and more miserable and where you will never rise above the position you currently hold.   He decries accepting mediocrity because it will make you an old school cog in the system.   Never allow yourself to stagnate in the position you are in.   If the organization you work for refuses to accept your creativity move on.    He likens our work to art that we as artists create.    He says all linchpins do two things for the organization they exert emotional labor and they make a map.  He says these contributions take many forms and here are some of the things that make you a linchpin (indispensable) to your boss and to your organization:

1.)     Provide a unique interface with the members of your organization.

2.)     Delivering unique creativity.

3.)    Managing a situation or organization of great complexity.

4.)    Leading customers.

5.)    Inspiring staff.

6.)    Providing deep domain knowledge.

7.)    Possessing a unique talent.

He cautions that we have gone against our true nature and become dehumanized because people try to brainwash us to settling.    Godin says “Don’t settle!  You are a genius and we, the organization and the world need your contribution.”  He said things just keep getting more homogenized and cheaper, compartmentalized, corporatized (his term – is that a word?) and the lack of personal contact is dehumanizing us all.   He says if you are only there for the paycheck you have already lost.    Trying makes you an artist and allows you to try again.    He adds artists always give without expecting to get anything in return and if you give enough to the right people your gifts will be appreciated and that you should create moments where your boss can take credit (then your efforts will not only be appreciated but reciprocated)  they will remember you made them look good and won’t want to lose you ergo you become indispensable to have around.    He says remember boxes have boundaries you cannot escape so if your efforts aren’t being appreciated and rewarded it is time to embrace a new path.    Why kill yourself or do amazing things when your creativity is constantly being stifled?   If it is not a good fit and you are not happy and acknowledged for all your good work, great ideas and ceaseless efforts to make things better – GO!   Find you niche elsewhere.  Do the work and specialize – that is what your competitors are doing.   He says make a difference, stand for something, change the world!   I love this guy’s enthusiasm.      He also talks about the placebo affect and how if we believe a thing is good it is or will be.   He suggests using this strategy with our co-workers.   Even if they come across as other than pleasant believe in their being good, continue to treat them well as if they are good.  He says the people you work with will not change unless you believe.   Keep in mind even when things get bumpy as they will in all facets of life from time to time –  no airplane has ever crashed from turbulence – you just ride it out till you get through it.    You are an artist, you have many talents, let your light shine.  If others don’t like it, its because they don’t have the desire to excel they prefer to stay in the dregs of mediocrity don’t ever let anyone pull you down in the abyss of mediocrity.   You are a star not a cog.     He also asks that if you find this book helpful he hopes you read it again and that you recommend it to others.   I am hereby recommending this book to everyone.   It is an excellent read.

Midwinterblood

Midwinterblood, Marcus Sedgwick, 262 pages, audiobook length 05:50:00

A reporter from the mainland investigates rumors of an island where people live unnaturally long lives. Two children are told a ghost story about a forbidden love. A pilot hides from the enemy army in a small farmhouse. The Viking chief’s brother returns after a long exile. A young girl befriends an elderly painter. An archaeologist discovers something wonderful and something horrible. A king sacrifices himself so that his people will not starve. Seven interconnected stories, reminiscent of David Mitchell’s Cloud Atlas, span from the near future to the immemorial past, all set on the Norse island of Blessed, where the mysterious dragon orchid blooms.

I went into Midwinterblood knowing absolutely nothing, so the short-story-esque format threw me off at first, and it took me a while to get into the swing of things. Although each chapter is indeed quite short, the book still feels like it takes its time, slowly circling around its thesis, and I wish each story had had more in common with the others, more parallels and interconnectedness. When all is said and done, though, I enjoyed the story and the format quite a bit. I would recommend Midwinterblood for someone seeking an abstract, artistic, and atmospheric novel, rather than someone hoping for a more traditional overall plot.

Homo Viator

Homo Viator: Introduction to a Metaphysic of Hope by Gabriel Marcel, translated by Emma Craufurd, 270 pages

In Homo Viator, Gabriel Marcel analyzes the nature of man as wanderer, or pilgrim, who comes into this world with much already given, journeying towards an end that lies beyond the world.  Men either recognize time and history as open, their own being as rooted in an unfathomable mystery of creative Being, and thus hope, or they imagine reality as closed in on themselves, and give themselves up to despair.

There is much in the essays that comprise Homo Viator, all of which were written in France during the Second World War, which is dense and difficult to understand.  This is particularly true of Marcel's critiques of his fashionable contemporaries, Sartre and Bataille.  A casual reader may be forgiven for skipping those essays, but should be sure to return for the masterful essays on Rilke which end the collection.

16th Seduction

16thSeduction by James Patterson & Maxine Paetro, 350 pages

“Detective Lindsay Boxer investigates the most explosive case of her career. Lindsay Boxer is learning to love again. After the picture-perfect world she shared with her husband, Joe, and their beautiful young daughter shattered under the weight of Joe's double life, Lindsay is determined to put the pieces back together. But before she can welcome Joe back with open arms, their beloved hometown of San Francisco faces a threat unlike any the city--or the country--has ever seen. When the danger hits even closer to home, Lindsay and Joe find a common cause and spring into action, with quick results. But what at first seems like an open-and-shut case quickly turns into anything but, when the suspect threatens everything that Lindsay has worked a lifetime to build. As Lindsay's investigation is scrutinized and undermined by a criminal as brilliant as any high-powered defense lawyer, and her motives are called into question by everyone she thought had her back, not even the truth may be enough to save her. In a desperate fight for her career--and her life--Lindsay must connect the dots of a deadly conspiracy before a fiendish enemy puts her on trial-and walks free with blood on his hands.  Filled with the trademark suspense and emotion that have made James Patterson the world's #1 bestselling writer, 16th Seduction is the Women's Murder Club's toughest case yet--and an exhilarating thrill ride from start to finish.” This is a good addition to the series.  It is very typical Patterson, quick, snappy, action packed, and suspenseful.  These books don’t have to be read in any order, necessarily, but some will prefer to read the series from the beginning.

Patina

Patina by Jason Reynolds, 233 pages

“Ghost. Lu. Patina. Sunny. Four kids from wildly different backgrounds with personalities that are explosive when they clash. But they are also four kids chosen for an elite middle school track team--a team that could qualify them for the Junior Olympics if they can get their acts together. They all have a lot to lose, but they also have a lot to prove, not only to each other, but to themselves. Patina, or Patty, runs like a flash. She runs for many reasons--to escape the taunts from the kids at the fancy-schmancy new school she's been sent to since she and her little sister had to stop living with their mom. She runs from the reason WHY she's not able to live with her "real" mom any more: her mom has The Sugar, and Patty is terrified that the disease that took her mom's legs will one day take her away forever. So Patty's also running for her mom, who can't. But can you ever really run away from any of this? As the stress builds up, it's building up a pretty bad attitude as well. Coach won't tolerate bad attitude. No day, no way. And now he wants Patty to run relay...where you have to depend on other people? How's she going to do THAT?”  I like this series but I really hate how they end.  However, this is a great series for kids who like realistic fiction, especially those that also like sports.

The Jumbies

The Jumbies by Tracey Baptiste, 234 pages

“Corinne La Mer claims she isn't afraid of anything. Not scorpions, not the boys who tease her, and certainly not jumbies. They're just tricksters made up by parents to frighten their children. Then one night Corinne chases an agouti all the way into the forbidden forest, and shining yellow eyes follow her to the edge of the trees. They couldn't belong to a jumbie. Or could they? When Corinne spots a beautiful stranger at the market the very next day, she knows something extraordinary is about to happen. When this same beauty, called Severine, turns up at Corinne's house, danger is in the air. Severine plans to claim the entire island for the jumbies. Corinne must call on her courage and her friends and learn to use ancient magic she didn't know she possessed to stop Severine and to save her island home.” This book is very creepy and I’m sure that kids who like scary stories would love it.  Of course, since the book is for children, I can’t say that I was ever very scared that things wouldn’t work out, but even I had a feeling of misgiving about how they would accomplish it.  It was well written and did a great job of stirring up emotions.  This should be a successful choice for a lot of kids.

Bones of the Moon

Bones of the Moon by Jonathan Carroll      217 pages

"Cullen, a young, hip Manhattan wife, finds odd fulfillment in a bizarre series of dreams taking place in Rondua, a psychedelic fantasy landscape, where she must summon a courage not asked of her while awake. But slowly, her dream world is spilling over into New York reality, and soon even Cullen's new-found courage may not be enough to save her."

That's the summary from Goodreads. And, I suppose it is a good summary. However, it doesn't quite get across how strange and how evocative this book is. Cullen is having these dreams, but in these dreams is her son, Pepsi. In real life, Cullen has no son, however; she had an abortion many years before.  Now, in Rondua, she must summon courage, yes, but it's not really for herself, but for her son, unborn in the real world, but in great danger in this fantastical world.  And is it a fantasy world? It sounds like it, to be sure. "I remember when the sea was full of fish with mysterious names: Mudrake, Cornsweat, Yasmuda, and there wasn't much to do in a day."  This is how it begins when Cullen dreams of Rondua, and it just gets more and more fantastical.

This is one of the things I love about this book. I enjoy that it's strange and fantastical and sometimes disturbing, much like real dreams can be. However, I also like that the story isn't just about Rondua, but about Cullen, and her relationship with her husband and her close friend. It's self-discovery, but in a different kind of way because you're alternating between the real world and Rondua (which certainly starts to feel very real). There is also a very real sense of danger that runs through this story. It's not just that what is happening to Cullen in Rondua is becoming more serious, but also that there is a real-life thread that is uncomfortable.  I feel the book is beautifully written, and that's another thing I really enjoy about it. I own this book and have read it several times, each time reading something in a new way, or gaining a different perspective.  

I have talked to other people who've read this book and they didn't like it, or they saw it as a piece focusing on abortion, pushing an agenda. Personally, I just enjoy it because it's strange and creative and it makes me think, and each time I re-read it, I enjoy it.  

High-Risers: Cabrini-Green and the Fate of American Public Housing

High-Risers: Cabrini-Green and the Fate of American Public Housing by Ben Austen    400 pages

The Cabrini-Green public housing was one of the more famous public housing in the United States. While not the only public housing in Chicago, Cabrini-Green had the most notorious reputation. Built in the 1940s in an area that had previously been a deteriorating slum, Cabrini-Green grew to 23 towers and a population of 20,000 (although that number could be debated) that was packed onto 70 blocks. Typical of Chicago, this area was just blocks from one of Chicago's most expensive neighborhoods, the Gold Coast (where the high rises actually had some similar elements of construction). For many people who lived in Cabrini, it was home, even as it became synonymous with crime and the failure of government. By 2011, every one of the high rise buildings had been razed and the families dispersed.  In this book, Ben Austen tells the story of Cabrini-Green, but also tells the story of public housing in America, Chicago politics, government politics, and more. He includes personal accounts of people who lived in these buildings, following their lives through the years.

I found this book to be beautifully written and absolutely fascinating. Growing up in the Chicago area and living in several Chicago neighborhoods in my 20s, I was very familiar with Cabrini-Green, as well as the other public housing projects in Chicago. These particular high-rises, visible as you drove down Lake Shore Drive, were foreboding looking, even on a sunny day.  It was hard to imagine that any of these buildings had ever looked nice or had been good places to live. The reputation of the buildings was absolutely horrible, as well, making the name "Cabrini Green" synonymous with danger, crime, and awfulness. If you mention the name Dantrell Davis to people in Chicago, or "Girl X," anyone of a certain age will know what you're talking about. I remember Cabrini-Green. I remember Girl X. I remember feeling nervous when I was driving by this housing project. I remember being nervous when a family member started working in the 600 W. Chicago Avenue building, basically right across the street. Their employer said things like, "Don't worry. Just walk on the one side of the street," as if somehow, there was a protective barrier to keep everyone safe. I also remember when the decision was made to tear these buildings down. There was a sense of relief, but also a sense of sadness. And worry for where these people would go, because these buildings were homes. Just because these buildings were in bad repair and bad condition didn't mean that the people didn't deserve somewhere to live.

I really appreciated how the author delved into the history of not just these buildings, but of public housing in general (and even mentions the Pruitt-Igoe buildings in St. Louis). This is the really ugly history of Chicago, and Chicago politics. I admit I am proud to be from Chicago, but I also admit that I am not proud of some of Chicago's history (and even what happens there now). The author, however, doesn't focus on the ugliness. Instead, you have the cold reality and the awfulness, but you also have the balance with the stories of people who lived in these buildings. They raised their families there, worked hard, supported their community, and believed in the potential of what could be.  I had a hard time putting this book down, and would suggest it to readers who are interested in this view of history (even if they don't know much about Chicago).  If you are familiar with Chicago's history, I'd encourage you to pick up this book. You may find it brings up some memories you had forgotten, and may bring up some emotion, too. It's history that shouldn't be forgotten.

One of the Cabrini-Green buildings

Mind Game

Mind Game by Iris Johansen           Audio Book:  13 hours, 59 mins.      Mass Market Paperback:  464 pages                

I expected better writing from a New York Times best selling author, but, this book was torture for me to push through.    All I kept thinking was, she must be getting paid by the word.   There is so much drawn out absurd dialogue that is so nonsensical it was one of the lamest books I have read.    Real people would not stand around arguing over b.s. when they are in dire straights.     When you are running for your life from a potential attack from a killer you are not going to waste precious minutes or in this case what felt like hours, talking about meaningless drivel when your life is on the line or the life of people close to you.   It was just rubbish.    The themes in this book intrigued me, Scotland, Telepathic Communication, the ability to control blood flow in others which bordered on some vampiric themes at times, creepy Highland mist so thick that even Flashlights and lanterns couldn’t penetrate,  hidden treasure, but the writing just didn’t cut it.   This book reminded me of a highschool creative writing class where the students are given a notebook and told to write in it every day all semester long anything you want and this student wrote a long story.   It feels disjointed in many places.   I checked to see if this was considered a juvenile book because it just didn’t sound like an adult had written it.   There are two sexual encounters depicted, again, in a disjointed way like someone younger was trying to describe a sexual scene but not with any genuine emotion.   Like that person you kissed when you were a teenager and they seemed to slobber all over you because they thought you would like “wet” kisses.  Yuck and that sums up this book for me, “Yuck.”    It had so many good things going for it,  there were so many directions this could have gone in and even if this story stayed on point instead of detracting from the interesting to the long dull bouts of boring dialogue that had nothing to do with what was going on it could have been a good story, it just wasn’t.    Very disappointing book. I would NOT recommend this one to anyone.

Lucky Alan and Other Stories

Lucky Alan and Other Stories by Jonathan Lethem          Audio Book:  4hours 30 mins.     Hardback Book:  176 pages    

While these stories are definetly adult oriented there are times when the author is so vivid in his imagery and seems to love peculiar names sometimes suggestive of the personality of the character or what they are into sometimes its like something out of Lewis Carroll other times its like a story by Dr. Seuss only with adult themes (ie. Horton Hires a Ho – that type of thing).     Some stories hold your interest like the flamboyant character in Lucky Alan that you are not quite sure where the two leads are headed with all their clandestine-esque meet ups at theaters unbeknownst to one another, etc. then when there is the mail-order obedient bride who in reality HATES her husband and is glad when he dies.    All of the stories have elements of the odd or excentric within them.    I think my favorite was “Traveler Home,”  because of the whole Silas Marner feel with the added touch of the 7 wolves then it molts into a weirder tale and you wonder if the guy is psychologically flipping personalities.   The massive collection of “The Porn Critic,”  and how he flips from kindly holding the lady’s hair while she is throwing up to going over various titles from his collection and acts to be performed…this is definetly a different gathering of strangely weird stories.   Not badly written, just sort of here to there and back again and over the top around and through like he is tying all of his stories into a big bow, but, like that present you get but don’t necessarily want, yeah, it is kind of like that.    I wasn’t sorry to come to the end.   While he is a New York Times Best Selling author, for me, I would not award this collection that prize.   Like I said, I did like the first story and the story about, “The Traveller,” but now I question where he was going with his imagery.   Which leaves a bad impression for me.     I can’t say I would recommend this book, but, I am sure there is an audience that he does appeal to, I’m just not one of them.

Gangsterland

Gangsterland by Tod Goldberg           Audio Book:  10 hours, 30 mins      Hardback Book:  464 pages                      

I love this series.   I read, “Gangster Nation,” the second book in the series first and loved it so much I had to get the first book and read it.   EXCELLENT!    If you are a fan of, “Goodfellas,”, “The Godfather,”   “Casino” or any of the books or films regarding mobsters/gangsters  then this book is absolutely for you.     The main character, Sal Cupertine is a hitman for the mob with killing skills like you wouldn’t believe and without giving too much away I will say that there were a number of Feds exterminated in a hotel and Sal Cupertine had to disappear fast.   More of the tale details the intricacies of making a person diappear and it involves Missouri as one of the jump-offs.    After reading that chapter you will never look at a Big Mac the same way, but, the book is a terrific story and the characters that come and go (sometimes the hard way) are great.    Long story short Sal Cupertine goes underground off the radar and Rabbi David Cohen appears.    If you are at all squeamish you might want to rapidly page through some of the more graphic stuff and there is a lot of it, but, if you find that whole Mafioso factor intriguing you will absolutely LOVE this series.   It is so well written – it is a rush.   So well put together how everything connects and all the amazing ways bodies are “distributed,” and the way unlikely businesses come into play in various ways to make the process so linear – it is like a piece of perfect art – so many facets blended together you don’t see the rough edges only the smooth outcome of the crafter.    And if there is a tic something a little off, immediately kick to plan B and things still go off like clockwork.    It is a thing of beauty even if there are a lot of bodies left behind.   And you learn so much along the way.    This author has really done some extensive research on the real crime families in the U.S.,  the business end of remaining low-key while still continuing the “family” business and how those businesses have melded to meet the times and adapt over the years and the medical descriptions of things done and where and how the body reacts.    You will be so engaged in this story you literally will not want to put this book down.   It is that good.   This series should definetly be made into a film and  t.v. show with a big budget.   Fantastic.

Stitches

Stitches by Anne LaMott              Audio Book: 1 hour, 47 minutes      Hardback Book:   112 pages               

Anne LaMott talks about a lot of sad things in this book.    She questions, “Why?”   Why bad things happen.   Why do children get shot at school?   Why good people die and sometimes die very young?   Why are there Hurricanes and Tsunamis?    Why do Polar bears have to die on blocks of ice that break off and float out to sea because of global warming?   Lots of other questions she brings up, too.   She likens the bad things we have to experience in life as part of the thread and stitches in the tapestry that becomes our lives.    She waxes almost Buddhist at times though her belief seems to be Christianity.   A bit fringe pagan at times, too.    It is all part of wrestling with thoughts and ideas, reality and pain.    She talks about one of her best friends who died at age 37 leaving her daughter to grow up without a mother.   She talked about sorting through her friends things after the funeral with the friend’s daughter.    She claimed an old well worn blouse that belonged to her friend.   She wore it many times in remembrance   and once while on vacation on a beach wishing that her friend could see what she was seeing, in her sorrow she was going to cut it up and throw the pieces of the blouse into the ocean, but, then she thought better of it and clung to it and still wears it.   It is part of the memory of happy times and is a bright red thread in the tapestry of her younger years and the joy it represents is not something she wants to let go of.      She finds life is a balance, everything has its place for a reason in our lives.    There are lessons to be learned, there are times when we need to stop what we are doing and pay attention and sometimes the things that slow us down and open our eyes to what is going on happens to be sorrowful for us or for someone we need to reach out to.   She is an interesting writer and she is so like a friend of mine from highschool it is uncanny.   I cannot read Anne LaMott’s writing without thinking of Kim, the gal she so reminds me of.   The way she runs hot and cold, the twist of her thoughts, how she relates her emotions.    A quick read, she is always funny and witty and is very insightful in relating her concepts, her stories, and her admissions of her own flaws.    Another good read.

Hallelujah, Anyway

Hallelujah, Anyway

by Anne LaMott                Audio Book:  2 hours, 53 minutes    Paperback Book:  208 pages         

This is a great follow-up book to “Stitches.”     Where “Stitches,”  dealt with the yin and the yang – good versus evil balance in the tapestry of our lives, this book deals in hope and mercy.   We are forgiven our wrong doings not because of anything we do to try to buy our way into heaven, but, because Jesus paid the price and sacrificed himself to absolve us of our sins through mercy we are saved through God’s grace.  She sites many examples of the times we are in and how we often screw up and do the opposite of what we should and end up suffering the consequences of our actions.   But, God’s mercy is like a hug surrounding us.   That sense a child has with a parent, when you know you shouldn’t have messed with Mom or Dad’s stuff and when something gets broken by accident it hurst you because you know you hurt them.   But through mercy and forgiveness at some time in our life and hopefully often we are forgiven for the bad things we do sometimes willfully sometimes a victim of our actions, thoughts or desires.   Unfailing mercy and unconditional love.   We can see God in our pets eyes and what a wonderful reminder that there is more in the universe than just us out here hanging on to the planet hoping to stay afloat in a sea of potential temptations.     What we are unable to do on our own, what we are unable to forgive ourselves for love and mercy covers.    When we are lost in wrongs there is One who reaches us wherever we are and lifts us up.   If we let Him.     Good book.   I do enjoy how Anne LaMott relates things.   So interesting, so real and down-to-earth, so subtle and yet so full of wisdom.   I am a big fan of her writing.   Another good job.

The Armenian People

The Armenian People: From Ancient to Modern Times: Volume I: The Dynastic Periods: From Antiquity to the Fourteenth Century, edited by Richard G Hovannisian, 324 pages

The earliest recorded name for the land of Armenia is Urartu (transliterated into Hebrew as Ararat), meaning "high place", a suitable name for the high plateau between the lower Anatolian and Iranian plateaus.  This volume chronicles the occasional glories and more frequent sufferings of the inhabitants of that storied land from prehistory through the Classical period, the coming of Christianity, and the Arab, Turk, and Mongol conquests to the dawn of the modern age.

Despite each chapter being written by a different historian, some of whom cover some of the same ground from somewhat different perspectives, the whole coheres remarkably well.  The inevitable avalanche of names and places is made more manageable by the inclusion of dynastic tables and maps illustrating the changing human geography.

The Lord of California

Lord of California, Andrew Valencia, 284 pages

Shortly before her fourteenth birthday, Ellie Temple’s father dies, and she discovers a horrible secret: he has four other families and has been using them to commit land fraud on a massive scale. The five widows and their children (ranging from two to 17 years old) get together and set up a cooperative farm, but tensions rise and their past threatens to catch up with them.

I was disappointed by this book. I felt like the premise had so much promise – these five women, forced together, coping with their trauma and their wildly different methods of raising children, must become a family and defy the patriarchal notions of the new Republic of California (oh yes, this is post-apocalyptic, though it has little to no payoff). Unfortunately, Valencia squanders that potential and opts to tell a run-of-the-mill story about an abusive father. By the end of the book, the families have grown and come together, but we don’t actually get to see any of that happen. Instead we get lengthy flashbacks of Mr. Temple’s misogynistic extemporizing about the roles of men and women in the household. One gets the feeling that Valencia wanted to write a character-driven drama but wasn’t quite up to the task of actually writing dynamic characters or making them grow.

I could write paragraphs more about the story I would’ve told and the way I would’ve used the setting and given circumstances (the story is told from three points of view, and only the first (Ellie’s) is worth using), but I’ve already spent more time on this review than this book deserves. Lord of California would be good in a creative writing workshop, exploring different, better plots that could have come out of the given circumstances, but isn’t so good for pleasure reading.

Girl With A Camera

Girl With A Camera by Carolyn Meyer, 234 pages

“Tells the story of how Margaret spent her early years observing the natural world before mastering the art of photography and became the first female war photojournalist in World War II.” Although this was a work of fiction the author relied heavily on biographical information.  She did take liberties with some details, especially about her childhood, but stayed fairly true to life otherwise.  This is an excellent choice for kids who like historical and biographical stories.

The Battle Of Hackham Heath

The Battle Of Hackham Heath by John Flanagan, 346 pages

“When the former Baron Morgarath escaped to avoid punishment for treason, an uneasy peace fell on Araluen. But Morgarath, now in hiding, is already planning his next move, recruiting an army of savage, overpowering beasts known as Wargals. Newly crowned King Duncan knows he must assemble his troops for battle. To find out the full extent of Morgarath's plan of attack, Halt prepares for a seemingly impossible task--climbing the deadly cliffs of the Mountains of Rain and Night and venturing deep into enemy territory to spy. After all, the winner of this war could be determined by one wrong move. At the Battle of Hackham Heath, the fate of a Kingdom will be decided. This origin story of how Halt came to be Araluen's most famous Ranger - and how war will decide the future of the next generation - will thrill Ranger's Apprentice fans and new readers alike.” I love everything about the world that Flanagan has crated. I don’t think that there’s a book in any of the three series that I haven’t loved, honestly.  To my knowledge, he hasn’t done any books that are not set in this world, but he is such a good writer that I’m sure I would like anything he’d write.

Dangerous Minds

DangerousMinds by Janet Evanovich, 317 pages

“Buddhist monk Wayan Bagus lost his island of solitude and wants to get it back. The island was about two hundred miles northeast of Samoa. It had a mountain, beaches, a rain forest, and a volcano. And now it's gone. Poof! Vanished without a trace. Brilliant and boyishly charming Emerson Knight likes nothing better than solving an unsolvable, improbable mystery. And finding a missing island is better than Christmas morning in the Knight household. When clues lead to a dark and sinister secret that is being guarded by the National Park Service, Emerson will need to assemble a crack team for help. Since a crack team isn't available, he enlists Riley Moon and his cousin Vernon. Riley Moon has a Harvard business degree and can shoot the eyes out of a grasshopper at fifty feet, but she can't figure out how to escape the vortex of Emerson Knight's odd life. Vernon has been Emerson's loyal and enthusiastic partner in crime since childhood. He now lives in an RV behind Emerson's house. Together, this ragtag, mismatched trio will embark on a worldwide investigation that will expose a conspiracy one hundred years in the making.”  I didn’t think this was quite as funny as the Stephanie Plum series but it was still pretty good.  I definitely want to keep reading the series and I think that people, especially women, who like humorous adventure will like it.

The Dolls

The Dolls by James Patterson, 132 pages

“The Dolls are perfect lovers, perfect companions, perfect killers. Investigative reporter Lana Wallace has covered many crimes of passion in 10 years. But nothing will prepare her for the dark secrets of... The Dolls.”  This book was actually really creepy and I liked it.  They are a little bit shorter than I would like, but a lot is packed into this small volume.  People who like Patterson and thrillers will enjoy it.

Gem & Dixie

Gem & Dixie by Sara Zarr, 282 pages

Gem always took care of Dixie when they were little girls.  Their mom was often too busy, sometimes with drugs and alcohol, and their dad left.  Now that they are in high school, they have grown apart.  Dixie has become outgoing and social, and Gem has turned inward.  Gem wants to have her relationship with her sister back, but doesn’t know how to get it.  When their dad comes back to town and wants to reconnect, Gem is suspicious and worried about Dixie getting hurt.  This was a good story about growing up.  I liked how Zarr showed the relationship between the two sisters as it developed.  This would be a good book for teens who like realistic stories.

Warcross

Warcross by Marie Lu, 353 pages

“For the millions who log in every day, Warcross isn't just a game--it's a way of life. The obsession started ten years ago and its fan base now spans the globe, some eager to escape from reality and others hoping to make a profit. Struggling to make ends meet, teenage hacker Emika Chen works as a bounty hunter, tracking down Warcross players who bet on the game illegally. But the bounty-hunting world is a competitive one, and survival has not been easy. To make some quick cash, Emika takes a risk and hacks into the opening game of the international Warcross Championships--only to accidentally glitch herself into the action and become an overnight sensation. Convinced she's going to be arrested, Emika is shocked when instead she gets a call from the game's creator, the elusive young billionaire Hideo Tanaka, with an irresistible offer. He needs a spy on the inside of this year's tournament in order to uncover a security problem . . . and he wants Emika for the job. With no time to lose, Emika's whisked off to Tokyo and thrust into a world of fame and fortune that she's only dreamed of. But soon her investigation uncovers a sinister plot, with major consequences for the entire Warcross empire.” I can’t wait for the sequel to this book.  It was really good and even though the book was unfinished enough to make me want the sequel, this story wrapped up enough that I’m not angry about needing to wait.  I would highly recommend this to teens who like science fiction and fantasy.

Disney Gravity Falls Shorts: Just West of Weird

Disney Gravity Falls Shorts: Just West of Weird by Walt Disney Company     112 pages

Head back to the Mystery Shack with Dipper and Mabel Pines and their great uncle, Grunkle Stan, for more adventures in the small town of Gravity Falls, Oregon. With original-art covers and graphic novel–style retellings of the hugely popular Disney Gravity Falls Shorts, this collection of issues 1–4 of the brand-new comic series from Joe Books is sure to be a hit with fans of the Disney show.

A hilarious compilation of comic "episodes" from the world of Gravity Falls. If you loved the show, I highly recommend checking this out. The artwork is just like what you'd see on the show, the humor is great, and it feels just like you're back in Gravity Falls.

The Devil's Rooming House

The Devil's Rooming House: The True Story of America's Deadliest Female Serial Killer by M. William Phelps     303 pages

The Devil's Rooming House tells the story of Amy Archer-Gilligan, America's most prolific female serial killer. Through his study of first-hand documents and accounts of people close to Amy and who were part of the investigation that brought her to trial, M. William Phelps tells the story of Amy's life as the matron of one of the first homes for the elderly, where she most likely had a hand in killing at least 50 inmates.

Boy, was I excited to read this book. It's been on my to-read shelf for a while, but what first sparked my interest was the connection to "Arsenic and Old Lace," one of my favorite movie comedies. The stage play of the same name was loosely based on the life of Amy Archer-Gilligan, America's deadliest female serial killer.

And with that kind of title, you'd expect to be in for the read of your life - except, this book was quite difficult to get into. For one thing, it was slow to get going. Phelps takes a LOT of time setting up the scene, what the time was like in the early 1900s, a bit of Hartford, CT history. But it went on, and on. For a while I though it was just going to be about the excessive heat wave that killed hundreds in 1911. The first five or six chapters were devoted to it, with occasional mentions of the characters that would soon be coming into play.

I thought once the set up was finished, the story might then become engrossing. It didn't really. The majority of people might consider non-fiction to be boring. I have read many non-fiction titles that I found to be just as exciting and interesting as fictions, but this book would support the "boring" feeling about non-fiction. For such an interesting story, it was told in a very muddled way. The story took a long time to take shape, the facts weren't relayed in a very interesting or conversational tone, and much of the author's personal opinion of the subject (Amy, herself) really showed at the end.

All in all, I felt the book was a poorly handled written attempt to tell the story of one of America's most interesting female criminal figures. I'd much prefer to watch the very fictional, over the top "version" of the story through "Arsenic and Old Lace."

I would not recommend this book.

Shadow Scale

Shadow Scale, Rachel Hartman, 596 pages

War between dragons has erupted. The Old Guard have seized power, and Ardmager Comonot leads the Loyalists from the human kingdom of Goredd. At the bidding of her friends, the newly-crowned Queen Glisselda and her fiancé Kiggs, Seraphina must travel across the Three Kingdoms and up to isolated Porphyry, gathering her fellow ityasaari, or half-dragons, in hopes of rediscovering the secret of St. Abaster’s Trap, a weapon that could change the balance of the war. But Seraphina’s past comes back to bite her in the form of Jannoula, who once tried to seize her mind and possess her and now begins to weave a terrible net around Seraphina and her new friends.

This is a worthy follow-up to Seraphina. Hartman broadens her scope and shows us more of the world outside Goredd, taking us on a tour to the other kingdoms and even into Tanamoot, the embattled dragon homeland (where we see how sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic). The secrets of the ancient Saints are revealed, and Seraphina learns the extent and the limits of her own ityasaari powers. Jannoula is a terrifying adversary – able to steal into other ityasaari minds and twist them to her own purposes, and the fear and helplessness Seraphina feels come across very strongly. I’m very much looking forward to reading the upcoming Tess of the Road.

Brideshead Revisited

Brideshead Revisited by Evelyn Waugh, 381 pages

As a young student at Oxford, Charles Ryder chances into a love affair with the eccentric, captivating Sebastian Flyte, younger son of Lord and Lady Marchmain.  In time, Ryder is introduced to the rest of the family, and to a world of values he had never imagined existed.

There are many arguments against Brideshead Revisited being considered Waugh's masterpiece.  Some maintain (absurdly) that the positive, albeit tragic, vision of the novel neuters the satire, and prefer his earlier works.  Others maintain that the Sword of Honor trilogy is more mature, thematically beginning where Brideshead ends.  Waugh himself declared Helena to be his best novel, but few agree with him.  Yet Brideshead has a power of attraction unique to itself which explains why, whether or not it is Waugh's best-written, it is certainly his best-loved.

Seraphina

Seraphina, Rachel Hartman, 515 pages

Seraphina lives an uneasy life. Although the truce brokered nearly 40 years ago between the kingdom of Goredd and the nation of dragons still holds, her nature as a half-dragon must remain secret. Tensions rise as Treaty Day approaches, especially once Prince Rufus is discovered dead, murdered in a suspiciously draconic fashion. With the help of her (dragon) uncle and the alarmingly perceptive Lucian Kiggs (the captain of the guards, as well as the illegitimate cousin and legitimate fiancé of Second Heir Princess Glisselda), Seraphina races to unravel the conspiracy in the palace before the plotters manage to destabilize the treaty and spark another war.

This summary doesn’t do this book justice; there’s a lot going on here. Seraphina has visions of strange people she’s never met; she’s also the Assistant Court Composer and a highly talented musician; the dragons can take human form (and struggle with the powerful emotions their reptilian brains are ill-equipped to handle); and the plot is founded on a fascinating, well-thought-out world, complete with a truly unique religion involving a vast pantheon of saints. There is of course romantic tension between Seraphina and Kiggs, though it’s based on real respect and friendship. The only parts of the plot that ring false to me both involve timing: Seraphina has only been at court for two weeks before the book starts, which seems to me not long enough (in my opinion, two months feels like it fits better). The second is a fairly major plot spoiler, so you’ll just have to read and find out, which you should absolutely do. This is a great book.

Origin

Origin by Dan Brown, 461 pages 

This is the fifth book that stars Robert Langdon. This time it is set in Spain. The formula is much the same involving Robert solving a mystery along with a female companion while being chased. The Catholic Church is involved along with the royal family of Spain. Religion in general is also a theme. This one does not involve as much interpretation of symbols.

Edmond Kirsch is a former student of Robert's who has become rich through technology. He has a major discovery to reveal to the world that has implications for all religions. Before revealing his discovery to the world he reveals it to three prominent religious leaders but vows them to secrecy.

Kirsch is going to present this discovery to the world at the Guggenheim museum in Spain and has invited Robert along with about three hundred other people. During his presentation, he is assassinated. Now it is up to Robert to reveal his discovery before whoever killed Kirsch can stop him. One of the religious leaders  is a Catholic bishop. Signs point to him being behind it or possibly someone in the royal family. Of course, there are some twists.

It is formulaic but I still found it a quick and enjoyable read. It got me interested in exploring the work of William Blake and Antoni Gaudi.

Aztec and Maya Myths

Aztec and Maya Myths by Karl Taube, 80 pages      

This book starts off with a little history on Mesoamerica and talks about some details that are important for Mesoamerican religions such their calendar system, day versus night, and twins.

Next, it explores the sources for our knowledge of their myths and the history of those sources. By the time you get to the myths you are almost halfway through this slim book.

Then Aztec myths are covered including some of the many gods, the story of creation of heaven and earth and where people came from. There are some other creation and origin myths as well.

The section on Maya myths provides their myth on how the world and people were created. There is also a myth about how two twins vanquished the underworld realm by foiling some trickery.

There are similarities between the two mythologies and but also differences. Within Mayan mythology there are regional differences and the mythology evolved over time.

I liked this book but wanted more. I would recommend it as an introduction but for something more in-depth I would recommend something more up to day since this was published in 1993 and the author alludes to possible upcoming discoveries that would provide more knowledge to the field.

Red clocks

Red Clocks by Leni Zumas   368 pages

"Five women. One question. What is a woman for?"

This book gives us viewpoints from five different characters, although at some point, they intersect, In this story, abortion is once again illegal in America, in-vitro fertilization is banned (because the fertilized eggs have no say in where they are moved) and the Personhood Amendment grants rights of life, liberty and property to every embryo. In a small town, five very different women navigate these new barriers, along with the challenges they face in their own lives.

One of the characters, Ro, is a biographer and interspersed throughout the book are bits from the book she is writing about Eivor, a little-known 19th century polar explorer. So, you have four women in the present time and then you have one woman from the past. I really liked this book and though parts of it were a little strange, I had a hard time putting it down. I thought it was a creative and daring idea to push the envelope with the Personhood Amendment, although it's a great way to take the idea of abortion bans to the very end of limits that can be imagined. I also appreciated that all of the characters are flawed, but they are honestly flawed (i.e. completely believable, even the character who is a herbal healer).  Definitely a thought-provoking book that I think would make for some interesting book group discussions.

Forgiveness Is Really Strange

Forgiveness Is Really Strange by Marina Cantacuzino and Masi Noor. Art by Sophie Standing. 64 pages.

In this slim volume, Cantacuzino and Noor give us an overview of how we experience forgiveness--what it takes to forgive and why we choose to withhold it. They use first-hand accounts from people around the world to illustrate grievances on a personal and national level, and they also delve into the biological functions and repercussions of forgiveness. This is only scratching the surface, but it is a lovely introduction to a deep subject. I loved the artwork provided by Standing to enhance the information--she uses a mellow palette that suits the book perfectly. It appears this is a series of sorts, with titles on trauma, anxiety, and pain, I look forward to reading them all.

Really Bad Girls of the Bible

Really Bad Girls of the Bible by Liz Curtis Higgs                   Ebook: 604 pages                          

Another good book by Liz Curtis Higgs.    In this book she relates fictional stories set in modern times along the themes of some of the noted and some notorious women of the Bible.   The Biblical women she discusses in this book are the Witch of En Dor who called up the spirit of the prophet Samuel and was chastised for going against God’s teaching,  Athaliah who was so attached to the throne that after her husband died she began killing off family members down through her grandchildren just so she could keep her position as ruler,  wicked woman!  Herodias, who married her Uncle and then left him for his brother and married him (her other uncle) and went into a rage when John the Baptist started calling her and her husband out as adulterers.   Herodias is the mother of Salome,  the one with the veils and floozy dance moves.  Herodias got her daughter to excite her step-dad so much with those erotic gyrations that he offered her anything she wanted up to half his kingdom – the girl must have been young and naïve – she asked her mother what she should ask for and Herodias told her John the Baptist’s head.  She did and since Step-Papa made the declaration in front of all of his buds at his birthday bash – he kept his end of the bargain.   Evil females.   Bathsheba who King David saw cleansing herself in the bath (per Judaic teachings – it was after her menses and it was way after dark) one night when he was up on his roof.    Bathsheba has always got a bad rap down through history but if you think about it, she was obeying the custom of the time.   She waited till everyone was asleep.   She went to the place designated for cleansing and purifying oneself after menses otherwise she would have been considered unclean and untouchable by  Judaic law.   The Bible doesn’t say she was flaunting her stuff because some fellow might be watching – she did what she was supposed to.   Her husband was a soldier in King David’s army and a loyal supporter of the King.   Long story short, David got the hots for Bathsheba and ends up sending her husband to the front line during the war which led to his demise so David could claim Bathsheba and take her as his wife.   She did bare him children and David while beloved of God prior to that slip was chastised but also through this union became the father of Solomon the wisest man ever and the predessor of the line of ancestry to Jesus.   No where does it say Bathsheba was vamping him to get there so it feels like she was a victim.   When the King says so it must be, hey, peons have no say and no rights – Kings rules.   So, her inclusion in this book of wild wicked women has a caveat for sure.   Jael, who single-handedly drove a tent spike through an evil Canaanite King’s head through stealthy smooth conniving moves to lull him into sleep then BANG!  Dead bad guy.  She achieved what the entire army of Jewish men could not.    Harsh action but tough times call for tough measures.   Sounds like she saved her people, that ranks hero in my thinking.   (Xena yell!  Viking Yell!)  I don’t see her as a bad person, she did what was prophesied – the girl is a warrior!     Tamar married a son of Judah who went looking for love in another people’s town.   God wasn’t for that, because the other town were idol worshipers but Judah was a rebel yet still loved by God.   Back in that time, if a man died before he could produce offspring then his brother by law was to come forward and make a baby for the dead brother.   Ewww.   So, obeying the law Judah had his next son step up to the plate so to speak.   Well, the son had other ideas and without getting too graphic I will use the words of the Bible which say he had relations with Tamar but withdrew and spilled his seed on the ground so he would not impregnate her – he was already married and not into this forced stuf.   However, by so doing he disobeyed the law and was smited for it.   Now there are two dead sons.    Next up – still a no go.    He, too, was inot for giving a kid up for his brother (didn’t want to take one for the team).    The last son was so young Judah told Tamar you will have to wait 7 years for him to be old enough.   In the meantime Judah decided forget her he wasn’t giving his last son up in case there was some curse on her that killed his kids  and so on.   Smite  for disobeying, and for good measure Judah’s wife got smited, too.   Now Judah was all alone.    Tamar had to go back home to live with her folks during this time but the gal was plucky she was NOT going to give up.   She was going to get her justice and her baby.    So, she dolled herself up like a prostitute complete with several veils covering her face and sat outside the City gate waiting for Judah to come by – she was aware of his goings and comings routine.    Again, long story short, she ended up pregnant by her father-in-law Judah and had twin boys.   So God doubly blessed her for all the hassle she had to go through.    The author cracked me up because the transaction transpired like this – Judah is macking, “Hey Baby, let’s go *@(#&(@#.   Tamar – smart business woman asks, “What will you give me?”   He asks what she wants?   She says his walking stick and the thing he stamps his seal with (Like his signature mark).   He says he will also send her a goat from his flock.   I cracked up when the author wrote, “Yeah, the goat is in the mail, right!”   He admits his wrong going and Tamar is vindicated and not burnt alive as he first suggested before he found out his Big Daddy.   The last two ladies mentioned are the lady caught in adultery that the chief priests and males in town were going to stone to death but through her at Jesus’feet and asked him what he thought about her being killed for adultery.   (Excuse me, where was the man – ie. the other half of the adultery equation, huh?   What only the women gets killed?   Patriarchal societies! Hmmmph!)    Jesus didn’t even look at any of them just doodled in the dirt with his finger then after a little while said, “He who is without sin cast the first stone.”   Welllllllllll!   They weren’t ready for that.   Jesus kept drawing not looking up when he did all of the men had gone.   He said, “Woman, where are your accusers?  Has no man condemned you”     She answered, “No man, Lord.”    Then Jesus told her, “Neither do I condemn you, go and sin no more.”   O.K.  we don’t know the back story, did she love the guy?   Were they both married?    Was it lascivious lust or were they star-crossed lovers married against their will to people they didn’t want?   It doesn’t say she was a prostitute, and the big question – was this a setup to try and trap Jesus?   The flouted Mosaic law at him, afterall.   Maybe she did, maybe she was just caught up and some guy grabbed her and made it look like it was something it wasn’t – we don’t know – but I can’t put her in the same category as Herodias nor Athaliah and lucky for her, neither did Jesus and He forgave her sins.    She may very well have gotten a bad rap and was framed.   Or maybe she did do it, but, God forgave her.   Last but not least is Veronica, the lady who had been troubled with an issue of blood for 12 years and remember  according to Judaic law that made her unclean and untouchable sort of a pariah.   Not quite a leper but you get the idea.    She had such stong belief that she knew in her heart if she could just touch the hem of Jesus’ robe she would be healed of her affliction.    So she followed him and worked her way through the crowd as he and his disciples were walking.    She bent down and barely touched His robe.   He was facing away from her so she barely touched the bottom of his robe from behind him and received instant healing.    Jesus felt healing power go out of him and asked who touched Him?   His disciples are like – probably half the people in this crowd.   It’s a crowd, who knows who touched you.   Then hearing Him, the woman trembling fell down before Him and confessed it was her and why she did it and how she was immediately healed.    Jesus said to her, “Daughter, be of good comfort, your faith has made you whole, go in peace.”    O.K. she didn’t ask if she could touch Him, but, being unclean she was likely treated like dirt and afraid to ask thinking she might be dismissed.   Taking a chance to go unobserved yet get healing from her health problem she took a chance.   Maybe Jesus just wanted to acknowledge her and let her know it was o.k.   But it turned out good for her and she wasn’t in trouble, so, I don’t think she was really a bad person for doing that without permission, although, she probably ought to have asked, He was real good about forgiving the poor and downtrodden, though.   Halleluiah, good news for all of us.     Good book and that “the goat is in the mail” thing still cracks me up every time I think of it.   Liz Curtis Higgs is a good writer but more than that she makes the reader have fun reading her works.    Well done!