“There is no explanation for evil. It must be looked upon as a necessary part of the order of the universe. To ignore it is childish, to bewail it senseless.”           
                     -W. Somerset Maugham

Several days ago three young Americans and a middle-aged Englishman made a decision that prevented a disaster.  They ran head-on into a terrorist wielding several weapons and saved a train full of people from probable death. This near tragedy hit a bit closer to home then many for me, because less than a year ago Arthur and I sat on that same train as we returned to Paris from our overnight excursion to Amsterdam.  I thought of all of those people, natives and vacationers, whose lives could have been ended because of one mentally ill man.

Then I remembered that twenty-five years ago this week Sonja Larson, Christina Powell, Christa Hoyt, Tracy Paules and Manuel Taboada lost their lives in Gainesville, Florida at the hands of serial killer Danny Rolling.  Michael was a sophomore at University of Florida that year, and I still feel the fear in my heart that I felt each day when a new victim was discovered.  Of course I wanted him to come home after the second student's body was discovered, but he stubbornly refused. By the time Manny (number five) was found, my assistant Principal found me shaking in the halls between classes, took me to his office, handed me the phone and said, "bring that kid home."  I was lucky...I got to hug my son that night, but even though Rolling was caught and executed, five more families entered the horrendous club populated with those who lost victims to violent crimes.

Unfortunately, it is the "Auxillary" club, populated with those of us who are indirectly touched by these crimes, that changed the world.  These people, myself included, lost a form of innocence that never can be felt again. After all, if a college campus isn't safe enough to leave our children, or an elementary school, or even a place of worship, then what can we do.  We can't be with them 24/7, but how can we let them out of our sight? How can we ever feel safe again?  Some parents respond by arming themselves, and some become "helicopter" parents, hovering to the detriment of their children. Some of us simply act like things are the same, but never sleep quite as soundly again.

Of course the bad in the world also helps us to appreciate the good.  We can all appreciate our loved ones a bit more when our vulnerabilities are thrown in our face. We can really see the sunsets and really listen to the birds.  Children's laughter is so much more joyful, and a good meal is more delicious when we stop taking things for granted.  I choose to not let the evil take over when my life is filled with such beauty.

I want to thank those four heroes who made the difference in Paris, because they are helping us to gain back our belief in the good guys winning.  I want to thank the police and prosecutor in Gainesville for never giving up until their jobs were successfully completed.   In fact, I want to thank all of the police officers who spend their days facing danger so we can feel safe.

Speaking of serial killers and police officers, the book I reviewed today, The Infamous "Florida 5" by David Pietras gives us a bit of insight into the cases surrounding five of the most heinous killers our country has produced.  I can't say it was a great book, but I did learn some things about Florida's justice system, specifically death row, that I did not know before this book was recommended to me.

After reading Pietras' book and the newspaper, I decided I needed a smile or two.  Who better to deliver that than Tina Fey.  I got myself a copy of Bossypants and started reading.  Thoughts of serial killers quickly left my mind.  She is really someone to admire, and her book is a comfortable and funny read.  In fact, I think that I am going to read one humorous book a week in the month of September.  We all deserve as many good laughs as we can find, and I promise to share them with you.

Happy reading,

Beverly

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Genre: Non Fiction

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Florida is known for its sunshine, oranges and beautiful beaches.  Unfortunately, it is also the state that housed five of our country's most vicious serial killers. Theodore "Ted" Bundy,  Bobby Joe Long, Aileen Wournos, Danny Rolling and Gary Ray Bowles used the Sunshine State as their killing grounds, and their stories are told in Pietras' book.  He tells a bit about the crimes, investigations and subsequent trials of each.  The book begins with some general facts about Florida's death row. Security, visitors, daily activities, etc. are presented in a factual way.  Statistics are interesting but not surprising.  The sections on each of the five are a bit graphic, and I found myself jumping around in the book rather than reading it through.  I don't usually select true crime books unless they are written by well known and credible authors.  I am not familiar with Pietras, and I came to his book in a round about way.

The writing was to the point, and if you are interested in Florida's criminals then this does highlight the worst of them, but I don't recommend it as an in depth look into the mind of the serial killer.  It is difficult for me to be enthusiastic about anything dealing with the lowest elements of our society, but some might find this an informative read.

- Beverly


Publisher - CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform
Date of Publication - November 27, 2013

Genre: Humor/Memoir

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Tina Fey makes me laugh.  She made me laugh on SNL, she made me laugh in 30 Rock, and she made me laugh in Bossypants.  Her sarcasm hits my funny-bone every time, and I felt it as I turned the pages of this surprisingly warm memoir of a woman who has gotten high up on the career ladder by believing in herself.  She was a "change of life" baby, and her family and friends gave her the strength to believe she could do whatever she wanted to do.  It is all in the way you look at something, and Tina looks at the positive.  When she was five she was attacked with a knife by a stranger and left with a scar on her face.  Her family and those around her made a fuss over her - giving her the extra candy and attention - and somehow what could have made her feel self-conscious made her feel beautifully special. That is the way she continues to look at life...as special.

Through the humor in this book we also feel the inspiration.  I loved her reaction to the pamphlet "Growing Up and Liking it."  I remember my mother handing me the same pamphlet when I hit puberty.  My best friend Harriet and I secreted ourselves away for two days reading it as if it was a porno magazine.  Looking back, the advise was silly and the descriptions far from understandable, but as Ms. Fey explained, a girl knew she reached womanhood when her mom handed her that book.

I loved reading about her growing up, jobs in show business, dating and marriage. Her descriptions about the differences in men and women in show business are hilarious.  She even managed to make her honeymoon interesting to the reader. It is not just one joke after another though.  She lets us see her struggles to balance her family and work life...a struggle most women face daily.  She doesn't let us in on major shocking Tina Fey secrets; instead she lets us know, with great humor, what her life is all about.

It may be me, but I think we all need a bit of Tina Fey humor in our lives.

- Beverly


Publisher - Reagan Arthur Books
Date of Publication - April 5, 2011

"It's no use going back to yesterday, because I was a different person then."
                                                                                                             -Lewis Carroll


The two books that I reviewed this week, Broken Promise by Linwood Barclay and Chalk Lines and Lipstick by Ophelia London, both dealt with a protagonist who felt the need to return home after facing challenges in their life. Coincidently, both are reporters who had recently lost their job, and each faced odd happenings when returning to life in their former small towns. While both books were written in somewhat different styles, they both showed that going home can prove challenging.

This started me thinking about the enticement of returning to the time and place of our youth. People think of it as a simpler time when most of us had the protection of our parents and worries that seemed impossible at the time, but in retrospect were not quite as heavy as those we face as adults.  Our friendships were less complicated then, and our responsibilities more easily met. Would I blink my eyes and return to that time if I could...not for a million dollars.  As Lewis Carroll states, "I was a different person then."

I actually admire some of the younger me, but I wouldn't want to go there again.  I was braver then.  I did things without fear because I didn't think anything could happen to me.  I wish I could regain some of those feelings of invincibility, but somehow the further development of my frontal lobe made me realize that, unfortunately, bad things can happen to me and those I love.  However, the years that brought me those revelations also brought me Arthur, Michael, Beth and so many more people to love and want to protect, and the thought of going back to a world before them is untenable.

Things were indeed simpler then.  I didn't have to deal with computers that crash for seemingly no reason, other people's cell phones that disturb nice restaurant meals, walks in the park and quiet family time, or so many chemicals and preservatives in my food.  Of course that meant that I didn't have the luxury of research at my fingertips or the peace of mind brought about with the ability to call my loved one if I was worried when he/she was late.  I also had considerably less food to select from, because much of it spoiled too soon to be practical to put on market shelves.

I know that the "good old days" seem tempting at times, but the medical and technological advancements that have taken place over the decades of our lives have allowed us to age gracefully with better health care and technology to keep our brains as active as we want them to be.  Yesterday was a great time and home was a great place, but today is filled with things our grandparents and parents could have never imagined.

After all, college-age Beverly would not have had an electronic device to read her books on, a computer to write her blog on, or a readership of people from all corners of the world. I think I will stay right here!

Happy reading,

Beverly

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Genre: Mystery

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Maren Colepepper had a boyfriend, a best friend and a job as a reporter in a big town when her life decided to knock her down.  She was fired for following a story she was told to abandon, her girlfriend Joey became furious when Maren tried to expose her cheating fiancé, and a day later Maren's own boyfriend left his "I'm outta here" note on a left over Chinese food box.  Her only way out of her seemingly ruined life found her on a trip to Eureka, California, the small town she left years ago.  Her sister Piper, happy to have her back, picks her up at the Greyhound bus station and drops her off at her new job with the local newspaper.  She figures she can take the boredom of Eureka and the newspaper until she gets back on her feet and can return to her big city life.  Who knew that her first day on the new job would include her witnessing a murder, being knocked unconscious, and having the story scooped by another reporter. 

The story, which ends up being a doozy, involves a suspect lumber mill and the foresting of redwoods.  Maren's personal life becomes interesting too, with more than one man to keep her (and the reader) interested.  While working on the story she is followed, shot at, and finds herself trying to stay alive and find the murderer in a town that is suddenly far from boring.

Although marked as a cozy mystery, I found author Ophelia London's writing a bit deeper than most cozy mysteries.  The descriptions of the town and its varied characters were spot on and captured my interest immediately.  She writes with a humor that keeps a heavy subject light enough to be "cozy" and a talent that keeps the humor from taking away from the seriousness of the crime.

There a twists and surprises along the way, and the book was the first in a new series that leaves me anxiously awaiting book number two.

- Beverly


Publisher - Gemma Halliday Publishing
Date of Publication - August 9, 2015

Genre: Thriller

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I have been enjoying Linwood Barclay's books for many years.  His talent lies in keeping the reader's attention while delivering characters we want to revisit over and over again.  Most of his books are fast paced and tightly written.  I believe this one was very good but maybe a bit to complicated.  There are so many oddities occurring in the small town of Promise Falls, that I began to feel like Stephen King was contributing to this storyline.

David Harwood, a character Barclay readers may remember, needs a fresh start after losing his wife and his job as a reporter.  He moves back home to Promise Falls hoping to spend more time with his young soon.  He begins working at a small newspaper, only to find more disappointment, and we watch his world get more and more complicated when he goes to visit his cousin Maria.  David is surprised to find a baby in her house since she is still getting over the loss of a stillborn child.  She claims this baby is a gift from an "angel," and our story begins to take shape.

The addition of side stories and a few too many characters had me wishing for a bit more editing, but Barclay seemed to do a good job keeping us believing in all the craziness surrounding David and his son.  I like this author enough to give him a one-time pass on what I find most perturbing in a book. In order to get the reader hooked on the thought of this book's sequel, he left the ending a bit unfinished for me.  I like a book that answers all the questions instead of leaving me vaguely dissatisfied while waiting a year for answers.

On the whole I do recommend this book and Barclay's small town descriptions.  After all, what fun is a small town without murders, rapes, kidnappings and the requisite spooky Ferris wheel.

Definitely a fun read on a rainy Saturday.

 - Beverly


Publisher - NAL
Date of Publication - July 28, 2015

"To laugh often and much; to win the respect of the intelligent people and the affection of children; to earn the appreciation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends; to appreciate beauty; to find the beauty in others; to leave the world a bit better whether by a healthy child, a garden patch, or a redeemed social condition; to know that one life has breathed easier because you lived here. This is to have succeeded." 
                                                                   -Ralph Waldo Emerson

Earlier this week actress Sarah Michelle Gellar used this Emerson quote, one of my favorites, to honor the memory of Robin Williams on the anniversary of his death. Those that know me are aware of my love of Emerson's way with words.  This particular quote has always been a favorite of mine, and I took the time to think about it once again.  
To laugh, to appreciate the beauty around us, to leave the world a better place...these are all words that I live by and have shared with my children, my students and everyone who reads this blog.  Sometimes I forget that it was my teachers and those old philosophers who embedded those ideas into my teenage head.  Memories of those college "all nighters" spent arguing the merits of the words of these men who tried to leave their world a better place through their words may fade, but the words themselves will guide me through the days of my life.

As you know, Arthur and I are in the midst of building a new home. This is a venture we are sharing with the 821 other families building in our development.  Although our home to be is a tract home and not a custom one, the builder takes pride in offering us a large selection of options to customize it to our taste. As in every aspect of life, there are problems that arise that can sometimes overwhelm us.  As I watch how my fellow "new or soon to be" home owners deal with these problems, I grab on to Emerson's words and appreciate the beauty of the process and ultimately the new home that will come from this process. Life is way too short to sweat the small stuff, and if you and those you love are healthy and have food on the table and a roof over your head then hey...the rest is all small stuff.

The end of this particular quote gives us all the opportunity to be successful in our lives. His belief...to know that one life has breathed easier because you lived here...describes everyone I know.  We all make a difference to someone and have eased many people's lives as we make our own journeys. We can count our patients, our students or the salesperson we smiled at rather than snarled at as people whose lives were positively affected because we exist.  We make a difference to the child whose tears we wipe and the old gentleman whose stories we take the time to listen to on a busy day.  Interestingly enough, every one of these "differences" we make to others, make an equal difference in our lives.  We grow a little more with every smile directed our way.
 
I would like to make a difference today by getting at least one person to read Emerson's quote, think carefully about his message and then live that message.  I promise, it will be a life changer. I would also like to make a multitude of people smile with a suggestion...read Lessons from Tara: Life Advice from the World's Most Brilliant Dog by David Rosenfelt.  You are definitely not required to own a dog in order to appreciate this book. Unfortunately, I seem to have developed bad pet allergies and can not own a dog.  I do remember our rescue dog, Cindar, and Arthur and I still laugh at her exploits. (I did see a picture of an English Cream Long Haired Dachshund on the internet that made me think that daily allergy shots might be the answer. This dog that looks half dachshund and half Golden was beyond cute). Rosenfelt entertains us again with his amazing wit and a house filled with rescue dogs.

My second reviewed book this week, Black Chalk by Christopher J. Yates, may not make you laugh, but it will make you think. Many parents are sending their children off to college this month, and I am sure this book will give you pause.  It is a fictional account of just how bad things can go when smart young people act without thought of repercussions. Definitely an edge of your seat read.

As always complete reviews follow this blog.  

Happy reading,

Beverly

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Genre: Non-Fiction/Humor

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This is the second non-fiction book that Rosenfelt somehow related to Tara.  Tara was his wife's dog when David and she met, but Tara soon became an important part of the author's life.  When Tara died, too young and early on in David and Debbie's life together, part of David's heart went with her.  He keeps her memory alive by writing about her in his non fiction books, and gives Andy Carpenter a doppelgänger dog named Tara in his fictional series.  Rosenfelt's ability to personify Tara keeps me laughing through all of his works.

David and Debbie became dog rescuers after Tara died of cancer, and they couldn't face replacing her right away.  They volunteered at a shelter and were introduced to the terrible realities that face shelter dogs.  Suddenly their house was filled with dogs who had no where else to go. Most of the dogs were big, and to hear David's version of the story, they all slobbered buckets full.  The chapters in this book are themed, and he attributes the lessons he learned and the stories he tells to Tara.

As in every story David Rosenfelt tells, these are hysterical.  You don't have to own dogs to appreciate the love and laughter they bring to most situations, and you certainly don't have to own a dog to thoroughly enjoy David's stories about them.  The settings, mostly Maine with a bit of California sprinkled in, add to the description of a family that lives with over thirty dogs at any given moment.

Sit down with this book and laugh your cares away.

- Beverly


Publisher - St. Martin's Press
Date of Publication - July 21, 2015

Genre: Thriller

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Wow!  The first thing I will say is that I am glad I didn't send my children to Oxford, or any school that would put an ocean between us.  Of course that makes little sense, because the structure of the young mind means anything can happen anywhere at anytime.  The part of our brain that understands consequences does not fully develop until the later twenties, so the premise of this story is easy to accept.

Six best friends get together to look for adventure in the form of a game.  The stakes got higher as the dares became more embarrassing, and ultimately the results were far more terrifying than anyone planned or imagined.   This story has been told many times, by many different authors, some better and some not nearly as well put together as Yates' tale.

The story begins fourteen years after the invention of this cruel game, with an obviously disturbed narrator who can no longer leave his house.  Yates does an excellent job with his characterizations, and the reader can feel the narrator's loose grip on reality.  The parts that take us back fourteen years are written in third person, and at times things get confusing, but the author always brings it back for the reader. The group of six just might be ready to finish the game they started years ago, and the tension is strong.

Excitement builds and small climaxes happen throughout the story.  Chad and Jolyon are the two most interesting characters, in my opinion, and I wonder who Author Yates (who went to Oxford himself) most identifies with, as the story eventually unfolds.

The suspense in this page turner is undeniable, and if you are a fan of psychological thrillers than this is a perfect book for you.

- Beverly


Publisher - Picador Publishing
Date of Publication - August 4, 2015

"Which of us has not felt that the character that we are reading in the printed page is more real than the person standing beside us?"
                                                -Cornelia Funke

We live in a weird society where people are so involved in putting on the correct face that they often forget to look in the mirror and find their genuine self.  The businessman is so involved in the running of his business in the most lucrative manner, he often forgets to reveal the man behind the suit.  Performers often become the character they portray more than the other way around.  Then there are the politicians...oh yes...the politicians.

Tonight is the first of many debates between politicians who are fighting for the chance to represent their party.  We will listen to each debate carefully, and eventually democrats will pick their representative, republicans will pick their representative, and the real debates will begin. Each party candidate will have strong beliefs and a desire to represent our country fairly and help it maintain the status of the greatest nation in the world.  Unfortunately, no matter which side we are discussing, these beliefs and desires will slowly erode into a pile of clay that lobbyists will mold into what best serves their interests.

My interest would best be served by politicians who weren't influenced by the mighty dollar or the next voting cycle. Watching politicians play the flip flop game would be funny if it wasn't so frightening.  The speeches are always tailored to the group that is being spoken to, and I would understand that, if they weren't all coming from different sides of the issue. A morning speech that pleases pro-life followed by an afternoon speech catering to the needs of pro-choice,  must make the candidate as dizzy as it makes the voter.

Unfortunately the typical voter does not have enough money to be heard above the financial roar of the lobbyists.  If you think about it, most issues could quickly reach a compromise if finances were taken out of the picture.  If we remove the radical fringes of both parties we find decent Americans who want what is best for everybody.  Most of us would happily compromise with people that are willing to compromise equally. That is no fun...and no gain...for big business.  Cigarette manufacturers, gun manufacturers and pharmaceutical companies would all be in big trouble if we all just got along.

Yes, the many faces of the politicians, businessmen, performers and often our closest friends can make us yearn for a book where the character is exactly what the author wants him to be.  We can love him or hate him, but we know who he is.  In Sandra Brown's newest book, Friction, Crawford Hunt is a Texas Ranger who gets himself involved in the hunt for a murderer who killed a bailiff in the courtroom where his own child custody case is being heard.  We see the good, bad and ugly of Hunt, but we never doubt his genuineness.  In Megan Abbott's book, The Fever, Tom Nash, his teenage children, and the entire town, in fact, are characters brought to life in a genuine way.  They are not glorified here, and the reader enjoys taking part in searching for an explanation to the horrible illness plaguing the town's young teenage girls.

So enjoy the coming week getting to know the real characters in the two novels that are reviewed following this blog.

Happy reading,

Beverly

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