What is happening in our world? Somehow the few extremists on both sides of the political spectrum have taken away the rights of the vast majority of people who are allowing fear to rule the day. Unfortunately, these extremists have figured out that the more afraid we become, the more likely it is for them to win the argument. So I say that we listen to Voltaire when he recommends that we read and dance, but we need to be careful in doing both. I try to turn away from any book written by someone who is espousing hate or spreading fear, but I also try to read as much as I can on responsibly written political views. We all need to be very well versed on what is happening around us so we can continue to enjoy the freedoms that enrich our lives. When we all can agree on these rights and freedoms, the dancing will come naturally, and the extremists will have lost.
Speaking of people's rights, one of today's reviewed books, Behind the Kitchen Door by
Saru Jayaraman details the total lack of human rights afforded many restaurant workers in America today. It almost seems like a legalized form of slave labor, and it is not difficult to understand why many restaurant workers are illegal immigrants who are unable to stand up for their rights. I am hoping that Jayaraman's exposé sheds a light that we all see and helps change the poor working conditions these people deal with on a daily basis.
On a lighter note, Melissa Miller brings us another Sasha McCandless legal thriller in her latest novel, Irrefutable Evidence. Sasha, husband Leo and their crew of friends and helpers keep the reader interested in Miller's seventh book in this series. After reading some heavy books this week, this was definitely a welcome relief.
I also watched some television this week, and found a terrific quote in a most unlikely place. We were watching "Madam Secretary", and one of the characters said, "We have to stop defining people by their worst moments." It made me stop and realize that all of us, in our lives, have displayed "worst moments." We have done things that make us cringe and hope that no one judged us for those moments. We often see the worst moments of politicians and performing artists, but beneath those moments are people who contribute many wonderful things to society. I, for one, am going to try to stop "defining" people all together.
Hopefully, you will join me.
Happy reading,
- Beverly