This seems to be a perfect time for intelligent-minded people to think for themselves. Our country is inundated with people who are so sure that they are so right on oh so many subjects. They cite weak Internet sources to prove their points and leave themselves no room to gather facts from credible sources. It is frightening to think that these people who believe anything they read will soon be electing a president who plays to this audience.
We have to start thinking for ourselves and in order to do that we need to look at all issues with our own set of morals and beliefs. This is not an easy task, because many of today's issues have two strong sides. For example, how can we even think of sending back "illegal" immigrants who have been productive members of our society for many years. Their "crime" of sneaking in to our country was often committed with the desperation of a parent seeking food for a hungry family. On the other hand, what about all of the law abiding people who have been waiting for their chance to cross the border. How can we tell them to wait a bit longer so we can allow those who didn't wait their turn to fill the quotas that we must set?
The debater in me can list every issue and argue each side convincingly, so how can I decide on a belief system that is right for me? I must follow Haruki Murakami and read the books and think the thoughts that are most satisfying to me. If I open my mind to all explanations, then hopefully I will find the ones that allow me to live a moral and happy life without stepping on the rights of people who think differently than me. As readers we have the world open for our taking, so let us begin.
After all of these deep thoughts, I needed a rest, and who better than Billy Crystal to put a smile back on my face. His book, Still Foolin' 'Em: Where I've Been, Where I'm Going, And Where the Hell Are My Keys?, is a look into his career, his life and his thoughts in a way only Billy can produce. I somehow missed the book when it was published and am so glad that I came across it last week.
I read another light book this week. A Dead Red Oleander by R.P. Dahlke was almost a cozy mystery but didn't feel quite so cozy to me. It was fun to read about Lalla and the many characters that surround her, but it got a bit confusing at times, and sometimes just plain silly. Still, it was a good break from my hours of unpacking, and so I reviewed it for you.
As always, complete reviews follow this blog.
Happy reading,
- Beverly