---Anne Frank
The human spirit, like the human body, is a thing of wonder. Physically, with so many "moving parts," our bodies generally keep moving. Sometimes we need to go into the "shop" for a tune-up, but I am always amazed at our bodies' ability to keep on keepin' on. With everyone working towards keeping our bodies running smoothly, we do stand a fighting chance.
Our spirit, however, is bombarded daily with evil and hatred in the world. We are called upon to stand behind people of our nation, and nations around the world, on an almost daily basis as evil prevails. We have watched the fanatics of each generation try to violently thrust their beliefs on others, and yet we find a way to see past their hatred and find the sunshine.
I agree with Anne Frank's belief that people are good at heart. Instead of focusing on the handful of September 11th terrorist, I watched the people of the world come together to help those New Yorkers in need. Instead of focusing on the terrorists that caused such destruction in Paris several days ago, I watched as people reached out to strangers and offered shelter and food to those stranded in Paris and in airports around the world.
I watch policemen, fire fighters, EMT's, physicians, teachers and many other service providers do their jobs without complaint and then volunteer to do more in their spare time. I think that the worst that humanity has to offer often helps to shine a light on the best that humanity offers each day and gives us a solid reason to keep on hoping.
Matthew FitzSimmons keeps us hoping in his novel, The Short Drop, where we find the lead character searching for an old friend who disappeared ten years previously. Her disappearance was particularly newsworthy because she was the daughter of then Senator, now Vice President, Benjamin Lombard. Main character Gibson Vaughn hacked into Lombard's files years ago, causing him major problems. Now Gibson may be the only one to find out what really happened.
When you finish FitzSimmons' book and need a light novel to make you laugh, Nick Pirog is at it again with his book, 3:06 a.m. (the Lassie files). Although I generally am not a fan of the personification of animals (Animal Farm aside) I just love this sarcastic cat and his relationship with Henry, his owner. Take a peak...I promise a few laughs.
As always, complete reviews follow this blog.
Happy reading,
- Beverly