"Making money isn't hard in itself...what's hard is to earn it doing something worth devoting one's life to."
             ---Carlos Ruiz Zafon


In April, 2014, the city of Flint, Michigan switched from Detroit's water system, to water from the Flint River for cost cutting purposes. People complained about the water and were told it was safe. Now, over 8,000 children have been exposed to high levels of lead in their drinking water.  

Years ago a lawyer friend explained to me the realities of major corporations.  Even if they are aware of a major consumer danger dealing with their product, if the cost of paying off those that are injured is less than recalling the product, they opt for the financial win.  Acceptable loss.  One of the most horrifying concepts I can ever imagine. 

Since 1963, more people in our country have been killed by guns than all of the wars put together.  The NRA spends every waking hour lobbying our congress to take away all gun control. Why?  Gun sales =high revenue.  Congress blocks these bills. Why? The NRA contributes big money to their campaigns.

It is difficult to imagine that these corporate leaders and city, state and national politicians are the people next door.  We want to see them as the mean ogres who are trying to destroy us.  Instead, we realize they are our friends and neighbors, Boy Scout leaders, t-ball coaches, etc.  They have just bought into the culture that makes money their God. Unfortunately, unless it affects us directly, we allow it to go on.  We sympathize with the father whose two year old son registers lead levels 10 times the accepted level, or the mother burying her son who was killed by a stray bullet on New Years Eve, but we don't go the extra step to force our leaders to affect change.  I am as guilty as the next person, and I want to change.  I want to help make sure that there is no "acceptable loss," and I want everyone to join me in recognizing that the quest for more money is costing us a fortune.

Victor Methos' book, An Invisible Client, really got me thinking.  Attorney Noah Byron worships the almighty dollar and only takes on cases that will contribute to his lifestyle. Then he meets twelve year-old Joel, who is one of Pharma-K's "acceptable loses."  His mother gave him cough medicine one day, and he has been in intensive care ever since.  The drug was laced with poison, and the drug company will do anything to avoid responsibility.  Good premise...great book.

Another book that got me thinking this week was Jim Defede's The Day the World Came to Town: 9/11 in Gander Newfoundland.  What an example of a shining light in a world of darkness.  When hundreds of planes were diverted to airports through Canada, the people of Gander stepped up and truly made us believe in the goodness of people.  This is a book that will make you smile, even through your tears.  I heartily recommend it.

As always, complete reviews will follow this blog.

- Beverly

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Genre: Fiction/Legal

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We all feel invisible at times, while waiting for attention from a person in control.  Author (and lawyer) Methos tells us that in his main character's law firm there is an interesting definition for invisible.  An "invisible client" is one whose future "earning power" does not give him/her the value needed to be worth the fight. Personal injury lawyers often work on contingency, and they know that even in a perfect case, the payout will reflect the amount the plaintiff was likely to earn during the remainder of his/her working years.

The first chapter of this book pulled me in with a look at the way lawyer Noah Byron handles a case. Noah likes the good life and takes only clients that can contribute to that lifestyle.  Then he meets 12 year-old Joel who has been poisoned by tainted cough medicine.  Pharma-K, the pharmaceutical company that made the tainted bottles, say that a crazy person adulterated their product once it was in the store.  Joel's mom believes that they are covering up their mistakes.  She is recently widowed and has no money...definitely a case with more risks than rewards...but Noah connects with this family and agrees to help them.

I read Neon Lawyer, one of Methos' previous books and really enjoyed it, so deciding on this was easy.  I wasn't disappointed.  As in the previous book, I enjoyed getting to know the characters and watching their growth.  Noah had a rough childhood and grew to be a troubled man, but Methos allows him to soften when dealing with Joel.  There is no softening, however, when dealing with those who are trying to outwit him in the court room.  Methos' plot develops quickly and holds the reader's interest throughout. I was sorry to see it come to an end, and definitely recommend it to those who enjoy this genre.

- Beverly


Publisher - Thomas and Mercer
Date of Publication - January 26, 2016

Genre: Non-Fiction

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​I follow other bloggers, and noticed one mention this as one of her favorite books.  I read so many newspaper accounts of 9/11, that I usually shy away from books about that tragic time.  I respect this woman's taste in books though, and I decide to check it out.  What a heartwarming account of an amazing town filled with good people.  I was captivated from page one.  I kept stopping to tell Arthur interesting facts as I went along. For instance, when the Gander airport was built, in the 30's, it was the largest airport in the world, designed to hold the biggest plans. It played a critical role during WWII.

When we think of the planes of September 11th, we think of the three that were overtaken by hijackers.  I know that I wasn't giving much thought to the thousands of passengers  who were on-board aircraft in mid-flight that needed to land immediately.  No one knew if any other plane housed hijackers, and the U.S. wouldn't allow any planes to enter U.S. airspace until things began to make sense.  Other countries had to step up, and they did.  Of course Canada, being closest to us, took the brunt of the planes coming from Europe.

Gander Mayor Claude Elliott, was a small town mayor who was suddenly faced with an untenable situation.  He was told that as many as fifty planes were being diverted to his city. He quickly did the math and realized approximately 12,000 frightened people could soon be landing in his little town.  How would he feed them and house them?  This amazing man jumped into action, as did a town filled with amazing people. Eventually over 6,000 people did end up landing there, and their stories make for a great read.

People opened their homes to strangers. They shared their food and linens with people from the planes.  Shop keepers gave away necessities, and pharmacists filled prescriptions for stranded passengers.  A middle school teacher invited a man to use the school's computer center to run his "small business."  The man turned out to be Gordon Conway, and the "small business" was the Rockefeller Foundation.  The teacher's generous offer was appreciated, and the school was presented with a brand new computer center.

DeFede does an amazing job describing the people of the town and those stranded in Gander.  His stories made me laugh, cry and realize that there are so many more good people in this world than the monsters we tend to focus on.  It was good to find the good in the most frightening of times. I am so glad that I read this book and heartily recommend it to you.  

- Beverly


Publisher - Regan Books
Date of Publication - August 14, 2003

“Don’t cry because it’s over, smile because it happened.” – Dr. Seuss


January has been a sad month for those of us who reveled in the music of the sixties,  seventies and eighties.   David Bowie died on January 10th, after a long battle with cancer. He was 69. Truly someone to admire, the Rocket Man never gave up.  I was astounded when I saw him dressed to the nines, cocky as always in his last photo shoot...three days before his death.

Just when we were getting over that, Glenn Frey died on January 18th from complications with a long standing bout with rheumatoid arthritis.  He was 67.  His music inspired me; his talent was undeniable.  The Eagles still rank up there as one of my top five go to musicians/musical groups. Like Billy Joel and Simon and Garfunkel, their music spoke to me.  Hopefully David and Glenn are soaring somewhere together now, making music with John Lennon.

There was a time when reaching one's sixtieth birthday was nothing short of a miracle.  Now, thanks to modern medicine and a better understanding of the human body, a man in his seventies often spends his day on the tennis court or golf course.  I read about a couple who celebrated their 82nd wedding anniversary this week, along with the husband's 102nd birthday.  All of these stories teach us one important lesson. DON'T GIVE UP.  Even when things are looking down, there will always be one more beautiful sunrise to start one more productive day.  There will be one more hug from a relative or friend that is too precious to miss. There will be one more child who needs your wisdom who will help you to see your worth.

My father is 91 and enjoys a full and active life.  He is fortunate enough to live in a place that offers five restaurants, a movie theater, card rooms, a beautiful pool and a ballroom for the parties that he enjoys thoroughly.  He is their resident photographer, and his recent photos have earned him bylines in newspapers throughout the country.  Things aren't perfect...he suffers from back pain at times, he misses my mother and his recent decision to give up driving can be a bit claustrophobic at times.  He has made up his mind though, to enjoy every moment that he has left, and that is a very important lesson for us all to learn.  

I decided that it would be apropos to read a biography on David Bowie this week and to share the review with you.  What an interesting (and somewhat messed up) man he was.  He was talented, intelligent, and maybe a little bit "out there," and I really liked learning a bit about what made him tick in Bowie: A Biography by Marc Spitz.  If you have never read a biography about him, now would be the time.

I must admit, when I started reading cozy mysteries last year, I did so for this blog only.  I never read "fluff" before and  was sure it would be a waste of time.  Surprise! These books have become a bit of a guilty pleasure for me.  They are quick reads and are sometimes just what the doctor ordered.   In The Stars: A Humorous Romantic Cozy Mystery (Amber Reed Mystery Book 1) by Zanna Mackenzie is definitely one of the better of this genre.  The characters are well developed, and they kept my interest. I strongly suggest that if you have never read a cozy mystery before, start with this one. You won't be sorry.

As always, complete reviews follow this blog.

Happy reading,

- Beverly

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Genre: Mystery

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I loved Amber from the first page of the book.  We meet her as she is making up horoscopes for the local newspaper.  She receives a phone call from her ex-boyfriend/good friend Ennis.  His brother Joel is dead, and he needs her help finding out what happened. Although Ennis hired Charlie Huxton, an agent for the Celebrity Crimes Investigation Agency, he isn't totally comfortable with him.  He wants Amber to stay with Charlie throughout the investigation.  

She agrees to help him, and it is a fun adventure for the reader looking for a light, romantic mystery.  The characters are likable, and I found myself wanting to spend more time with them.  Charlie and Amber definitely have chemistry going, and I can see this duo starting an enjoyable series.

I couldn't figure out all of the answers ahead of time, and that is always a good thing.  The end came too soon, and I am looking forward to my next Amber, et al, fix.  If you like reading light mysteries with some substance, this will surely make you smile.

- Beverly


Publisher - Amazon Digital Services, Inc.
Date of Publication - December 11, 2014

Genre: Biography

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While I'm definitely a Bowie fan, I never read any of the many biographies written about him.  His death, and the void it leaves in the music world, encouraged me to read at least one book describing the life of this talented man.  I choose Spitz' book, because it seemed to offer a plethora of information about the performer I knew so little about.

Marc Spitz is a rock journalist who was thinking of leaving New York when his agent brought up the idea of writing a book on Bowie. He was reluctant at first, because of the dozens of books already written about him.  Being a super-fan of Bowie for many years, the temptation was there, and he decided to think it over.  He tells how coincidently he ran into David Bowie during this time of decision, and realized that he was the only one who recognized him on the street.  He went home, called his agent and agreed to write this book.

He writes a bit about Bowie's parents and his earlier years.  Mental illness was prevalent  in his mother's family, and the musician often wondered when it would come out in him.  Spitz talks about the drugs, sex and messed up years of this talented man, often quoting people who were less than kind.  The author was a fan however, and one can see him trying to soften the negative with the positive aspects of his life.  I loved that he apparently had a library with 45,000 books.  His ability to write a song in less than an hour amazes me.

I enjoyed reading about him but can't say the book was perfect. It was confusing in parts, and I would have liked to read a bit more about the author's interpretations of the legend.  Unfortunately musicians are often portrayed as lacking morals and living the wild life, and it is important to see the straight side of these famous performers.  I am not sure Spitz gave us the complete picture, but he did help me know more about the man behind the music.

- Beverly


Publisher - Crown Archetype
Date of Publication - October 27, 2009

"Education depends on the quality of the teacher, not the site or beauty of the buildings -- nor, I might add, does it depend on the winning record of the football team, and I like football."  - Louis L'Amour 


The priorities of our politicians often shock us, but they shouldn't. For years the leaders of our country and most things government related, have followed the money.  We can't put the blame entirely on them, though, because it takes money to run a country, and no one gives money away without wanting something in return.  It is a viscous cycle that has somehow allowed organizations like the NRA  and representatives of the drug and insurance lobbies to have way too much control over the people we elect to represent us.

This policy of leaning towards the money makers' desires trickles down to the very places we expect to be bias free.  Schools are there for our precious youth, and surely the curriculum in each school should follow what will best make them well rounded individuals.  From my first day as a high school teacher, however, one thing was made clear to me...FOOTBALL IS KING.  The players are treated better than the rest of the students, the stadium is kept up better than the rest of the school, and they never seem to lack funds for travel, uniforms, etc.  Of course the better they play, the more seats they sell...hence the need to build up the team.

Unfortunately, art, music and debate classes bring in very little money.  These are the first to be chopped when budgets get tight.  I remember a principal telling me that I could certainly take my debate team to the various meets throughout the year, but there was no money for my substitute, so I needed to use my own sick days to keep the team going. In other words, it personally cost me a day's pay each time we competed.  I can just imagine the reaction they would get if they presented that plan to the football/basketball/baseball coach.  

Art, music, drama, speech...these are the hours in the day that round out our children.  Of course they must learn to read and strengthen their academics, but without a bit of music in their lives they become robots.  Beth teaches in a private school.  Yesterday she took her writing class on a field trip to a local Japanese garden.  They spent an hour writing under the most beautiful trees surrounded with lakes and waterfalls.  Compare that with the straight rows in an overcrowded classroom.  Where do you think the best writing happens? The most learning?  

We as parents, grandparents and concerned citizens must make sure that money does not direct the hand of our school administrators.  Our children need the classes that our politicians are calling a "waste of important learning time," because these are the very classes that teach them to appreciate the world they are being tasked to run some day.

Speaking of running the world, all leaders need a supportive staff.  The White House has always staffed an amazing selection of loyal people, each proudly serving his/her President with no complaint.  Kate Andersen Brower introduces us to over fifty years worth of people who served in the White House in her book, The Residence: Inside the Private World of the White House.  Her interviews with the various staff and family members who knew the workings of the house and the famous families who lived in it, help to paint a clearer picture of the President and his days in office.  

I mentioned Tim Tigner's book, Betrayal, several weeks ago, and I finally reviewed it here today.  It was one of the most difficult reviews I have written, because I didn't want to include any spoilers.  The entire book had twists and turns that kept surprising me, and it is definitely a book to read.

As always, complete reviews will follow this blog.

Happy reading,
- Beverly

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Genre: Political Thriller

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Years ago, authors of thrillers used Russia and the Cold War as their settings of choice, almost exclusively.  Books became redundant in their story-lines, and ultimately the genre began to feel stale.  In the past decade and a half Iran and terrorism have become the subjects to expound upon, and every author has his/her story.  In order to stand out, an author has to catch the reader on page one and never let go.  Tim Tigner is such an author, and his treatment of this subject matter sets him apart.

It is difficult to describe this book without giving away spoilers.  Odysseus and Cassandra Carr are twin FBI agents who find themselves on supposedly opposite sides of a terrifying plan.  Tigner's way with characterization has the reader either loving or hating so many characters that I had to take reading breaks to rest my emotions.

Odi wakes up in a hospital in Iran after surviving an attack that left his team dead. Cassi is dating the FBI director whose political aspirations are stronger than his feelings for her. Brother and sister are both in over their heads, and watching them try to figure out who the real enemy is kept me turning pages well into the night.  

Tim Tigner's life has been slightly more interesting than any of his characters, and it is easy to see how his stories are terrifyingly believable.  His experiences coupled with his storytelling talent make him a not to be missed author in this genre.  Although this book is several years old, it reads like yesterday's headlines and will definitely give you something to think about while listening to our leaders of today.

- Beverly


Publisher - Vontiv Publishing
Date of Publication - September 7, 2013

Genre: Non Fiction

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I am one of those people who has always been fascinated by the humans behind the politicians that run our country.  I read the books written about them with great interest and particularly love the ones that relate stories told by White House staff.  Ms. Brower did a good job sharing the stories she found while interviewing staff members since the Kennedy administration.  The book began with the assassination of JFK and the loyalty of his doorman, and friend, Preston Bruce.  Bruce stayed and waited until Jackie returned at 4:00 A.M. that awful night, and sat up the rest of the night in a nearby room in case she needed him.  I felt his pain as I read his recollection of those days that followed, and I realized how much the staff becomes family during an administration's stay in the White House.

This is an easy to read book that makes America's "royalty" seem much more approachable.  I loved picturing the Obamas spending their first night in the White House dancing to Mary J. Blige.  I enjoyed reading the words of the various presidential children who grew up in the White House. I laughed while picturing Chief Usher Stephen Rochon searching the White House for Caroline Kennedy's lost  hamster.  In fact many stories put a smile on my face as I read Ms. Bower's  description of lives so different than my own.

I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys following the lives of Presidents, their  families and those who serve them. While Ms. Brower's book does not necessarily present us much new information, she writes well and paints a clear picture of events that happened over the last half century. 

- Beverly


Publisher - Harper
Date of Publication - April 7, 2015

"A book too can be a star, a living fire to lighten the darkness, leading out into the expanding universe."
         ---Madeleine L'Engle



I spent the first week of 2016 organizing my Ebook collection into acceptable folders.  I have hundreds of books that I still have to read, and I realized that I couldn't really deal with them in folders that read:  next to read, Bev's next to read, September next to read...just to name a few.  Daughter Beth spent her holiday break organizing her house and gave me the impetus to organize my books.  I now have files for legal thrillers, political thrillers, memoirs, fiction, etc.  Book lovers out there know exactly how  rewarding that feels.  My universe will continue to expand with each book that I read.

Actually, my universe is expanding with everything I do. As long as we keep learning, our world will seem new and exciting.  When we are young, learning seems a chore.  There are many more attractive ways to spend an evening than pouring over homework, yet in order to "get into that college of your choice,"  you must keep your grades up and study, study, study.  Then we finally get into college, and there are even more wonderful ways to spend an evening, yet in order to "get that perfect job," you must continue to keep your grades up and study, study, study.

Then there are promotions to work towards and quotas to meet, and there never seems to be enough time to learn for the pure enjoyment of learning.  I was a young mother when I decided to make time in my busy life for myself, and my pursuit of learning.  I went back to college and took a couple of courses a semester in things I found interesting.  There was no diploma riding on my grades, and no one was making me study.  It was joyous!  Art and I would have our "date nights" on the college campus, each enjoying classes we choose, and then we would go to a nearby restaurant and share all we had learned.  I learned so many interesting things, and became a more interesting person because of it.

One thing that always interested me was family history, and I spent many hours sitting with my grandmother and hearing stories of her childhood.  In his book, Finding Family: My Search For Roots and the Secrets in my DNA, Richard Hill shares his shock about finding out he was adopted.  His doctor inadvertently let it slip when Richard was eighteen, and the history he always believed was his was suddenly changed.  His subsequent search for a half-brother through genealogy is a wonderfully written story that made me smile and cry.
There were more smiles than tears in Dick Van Dykes memoir,  Keep Moving: And Other Tips and Truths About Aging.  He shares tips on living a happy life, and his anecdotes will keep you amused as  he talks of a life well spent.

Now it is time for you to spend a few hours "learning."  Grab a book, find a corner and have some fun.

As always, complete reviews follow this blog.

Happy reading,

- Beverly

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