One of the doughnuts. They taste every bit as good as they look.
Sent from my U.S.Cellular© Smartphone
Monday, March 29, 2021
Carry
Carry
Adult nonfiction
"On Magpie Road, the colors are in riot. Sharp blue sky over green
and yellow tall grass that rises and falls like water in the North
Dakota wind. Magpie Road holds no magpies, only robins and crows. A
group of magpies is called a tiding, a gulp, a murder, a charm..."
The first sentences of Toni Jenson's Carry: A Memoir Of Survival
On Stolen Land show Jenson to be a true wordsmith, endowing prose with
a real lyrical sensibility and exploring the origins and meaning of
words in a way that never occurs to most of us. Sadly the topics she
brings this sensibility to involve violence.
There is the past violence done to the indigenous peoples.
Jenson, who is Metis, shows us where the lands were occuppied by
different tribes before the widespread theft by whites. "My first
campus is the University of South Dakota in Vermillion. Much of the
Great Plains, including South Dakota, was and is Lakota, Dakota, and
Nakota land. This corner of South Dakota was Yankton Sioux or Dakota
Land..."
There is the current harm done to the indiginous peoples by
fracking and those who attack peaceful protesters in order to enable
this toxic practice. There is also the damage to land and water and
the rise in violent crimes, including rape and human trafficking that
accompanies the arrival of extraction workers.
Then there are the other kinds of violence which Jenson
intertwines with her life story: in the home violence inflicted on
family members and companion animals, the violence and fear of
violence that accompany an overabundance of guns with too few
restrictions on who can own them, violence inflicted on brown and
black bodies by white police officers, the violence of grinding
poverty..."
Carry is a lyrical and profoundly disturbing narrative, a must
read for all of us who care about replacing entrenched systemic
violence with healing and justice.
On a purrrsonal note, I hope you had a good weekend. I did. After a
morning shower Saturday I was totally back to myself and my work. In
fact I even started my spring cleaning. Sunday I was fully intending
to attend zoom church. Only Eugene asked if I wanted to go on a
ride. We had a great road trip. Although the trailer park is free of
snow, a part of Maine a short distance away still looks like February.
It was surreal to ride through. We got blueberry doughnuts made the
old way (fried in fat) from a place we visit in the warmer months and
then McDonalds lunch. We saw a turkey and a fox. Later back at home
I was taking a few minute break from writing to look at cat themed
clothes on my smart phone. Usually I have good will power. I buy
almost everything second hand at thrifts and yard sales. But then I
saw this purrrfect hoodie. It had a picture of kittens and said
"admit it--life would be boring without me." I imagined how eye
catching it would be when I go back on campus, hopefully in the fall.
I was like, I have to have this. Eugene was like, well order it
already. Then when I tried to pay him back from my Christmas money he
wouldn't take a cent. Before the night was over we had a short power
outage (I kept reading by candle and flashlight) and a lovely phone
call from our son, Adam. (Jules)
A cat hoodie. A purrrfect fashion statement. (Tobago)
A great big shout out goes out to the workers at that very distinctive
doughnut shop and all others who run and work at local non chain
businesses--the kind that keep money local and create a sense of place.
Tobago and Jules Hathaway
Sent from my iPod
Adult nonfiction
"On Magpie Road, the colors are in riot. Sharp blue sky over green
and yellow tall grass that rises and falls like water in the North
Dakota wind. Magpie Road holds no magpies, only robins and crows. A
group of magpies is called a tiding, a gulp, a murder, a charm..."
The first sentences of Toni Jenson's Carry: A Memoir Of Survival
On Stolen Land show Jenson to be a true wordsmith, endowing prose with
a real lyrical sensibility and exploring the origins and meaning of
words in a way that never occurs to most of us. Sadly the topics she
brings this sensibility to involve violence.
There is the past violence done to the indigenous peoples.
Jenson, who is Metis, shows us where the lands were occuppied by
different tribes before the widespread theft by whites. "My first
campus is the University of South Dakota in Vermillion. Much of the
Great Plains, including South Dakota, was and is Lakota, Dakota, and
Nakota land. This corner of South Dakota was Yankton Sioux or Dakota
Land..."
There is the current harm done to the indiginous peoples by
fracking and those who attack peaceful protesters in order to enable
this toxic practice. There is also the damage to land and water and
the rise in violent crimes, including rape and human trafficking that
accompanies the arrival of extraction workers.
Then there are the other kinds of violence which Jenson
intertwines with her life story: in the home violence inflicted on
family members and companion animals, the violence and fear of
violence that accompany an overabundance of guns with too few
restrictions on who can own them, violence inflicted on brown and
black bodies by white police officers, the violence of grinding
poverty..."
Carry is a lyrical and profoundly disturbing narrative, a must
read for all of us who care about replacing entrenched systemic
violence with healing and justice.
On a purrrsonal note, I hope you had a good weekend. I did. After a
morning shower Saturday I was totally back to myself and my work. In
fact I even started my spring cleaning. Sunday I was fully intending
to attend zoom church. Only Eugene asked if I wanted to go on a
ride. We had a great road trip. Although the trailer park is free of
snow, a part of Maine a short distance away still looks like February.
It was surreal to ride through. We got blueberry doughnuts made the
old way (fried in fat) from a place we visit in the warmer months and
then McDonalds lunch. We saw a turkey and a fox. Later back at home
I was taking a few minute break from writing to look at cat themed
clothes on my smart phone. Usually I have good will power. I buy
almost everything second hand at thrifts and yard sales. But then I
saw this purrrfect hoodie. It had a picture of kittens and said
"admit it--life would be boring without me." I imagined how eye
catching it would be when I go back on campus, hopefully in the fall.
I was like, I have to have this. Eugene was like, well order it
already. Then when I tried to pay him back from my Christmas money he
wouldn't take a cent. Before the night was over we had a short power
outage (I kept reading by candle and flashlight) and a lovely phone
call from our son, Adam. (Jules)
A cat hoodie. A purrrfect fashion statement. (Tobago)
A great big shout out goes out to the workers at that very distinctive
doughnut shop and all others who run and work at local non chain
businesses--the kind that keep money local and create a sense of place.
Tobago and Jules Hathaway
Sent from my iPod
Friday, March 26, 2021
A Reason To Believe
A Reason To Believe
Adult memoir
Anyone who enjoys a story of success against the odds will enjoy
Deval Patrick's A Reason To Believe: Lessons From An Improbable Life.
Patrick grew up broke (His grandmother chose this word over poor
because in her mind it implied temporary) on Chicago's South Side.
"Much of life seemed to center on food--getting it, preparing it,
doing without it..." His father took off for New York when he was very
young, leaving his mother alone to raise two children. They ended up
sharing a very small tenement with his grandparents.
"We didn't know to complain. It was home. The notion of having
more than one bathroom or multiple sockets in the kitchen or a window
with a view was not something I thought much about. We were better
off than many. What we had was always orderly, even if our lives were
not, as if making hospital corners on the beds each morning would keep
the economic chaos at bay."
When Patrick was in eighth grade he and his parents had to
choose between three options for continuing his education. Vocational
school lacked a path to college. He was determined to be the first in
his family to take it. Police had a huge presence and teachers were
pretty much glorified disciplinarians in the local high school. The
technical school was inferior to that for the North Side white kids
and unwilling to take a Black teen graduating first in his class.
An educational intervention came just in time to make a
significant difference in Patrick's life. A favorite teacher read
about a program, A Better Chance, that helped students from less
privileged backgrounds get into prep schools. Patrick attended Milton
Academy which seemed to him like another planet. It prepared him for
no less than Harvard and Harvard Law. He eventually was elected
Governor of Massachusetts.
Patrick deserves every bit of praise we can serve up. He worked
hard to make his improbable journey. But his memoir should be
disquieting to those of us who have white privilege. Even today
systemic racism limits the educational prospects of too many Black
children. How can we leverage our privilege, while taking cues from
the Black community, to create powerful and meaningful change?
A mind is a terrible thing to waste.
On a purrrsonal note, I woke up the morning after my vaccine feeling a
little under the weather, but nothing that would have kept me out of
school in pre pandemic times. I'm very glad I didn't get the big
reactions I'd heard about. I'm not tempted to go out where the
weather has taken a turn for blah. I'm just going to rest, read, and
chill with Tobago. (Jules)
Yeah, me, Tobago. Who wouldn't want to chill with the family cat?
I have an opinion piece in the Bangor Daily News for the first time in
ages. It's in celebration of National Library Week which is April
4-10. It's on all libraries do for us and why we must never take them
for granted. (Jules)
A great big shout out goes out to our librarians, guardians of the
flame. Readers appreciate you more than you can imagine.
Tobago and Jules Hathaway
Sent from my iPod
Adult memoir
Anyone who enjoys a story of success against the odds will enjoy
Deval Patrick's A Reason To Believe: Lessons From An Improbable Life.
Patrick grew up broke (His grandmother chose this word over poor
because in her mind it implied temporary) on Chicago's South Side.
"Much of life seemed to center on food--getting it, preparing it,
doing without it..." His father took off for New York when he was very
young, leaving his mother alone to raise two children. They ended up
sharing a very small tenement with his grandparents.
"We didn't know to complain. It was home. The notion of having
more than one bathroom or multiple sockets in the kitchen or a window
with a view was not something I thought much about. We were better
off than many. What we had was always orderly, even if our lives were
not, as if making hospital corners on the beds each morning would keep
the economic chaos at bay."
When Patrick was in eighth grade he and his parents had to
choose between three options for continuing his education. Vocational
school lacked a path to college. He was determined to be the first in
his family to take it. Police had a huge presence and teachers were
pretty much glorified disciplinarians in the local high school. The
technical school was inferior to that for the North Side white kids
and unwilling to take a Black teen graduating first in his class.
An educational intervention came just in time to make a
significant difference in Patrick's life. A favorite teacher read
about a program, A Better Chance, that helped students from less
privileged backgrounds get into prep schools. Patrick attended Milton
Academy which seemed to him like another planet. It prepared him for
no less than Harvard and Harvard Law. He eventually was elected
Governor of Massachusetts.
Patrick deserves every bit of praise we can serve up. He worked
hard to make his improbable journey. But his memoir should be
disquieting to those of us who have white privilege. Even today
systemic racism limits the educational prospects of too many Black
children. How can we leverage our privilege, while taking cues from
the Black community, to create powerful and meaningful change?
A mind is a terrible thing to waste.
On a purrrsonal note, I woke up the morning after my vaccine feeling a
little under the weather, but nothing that would have kept me out of
school in pre pandemic times. I'm very glad I didn't get the big
reactions I'd heard about. I'm not tempted to go out where the
weather has taken a turn for blah. I'm just going to rest, read, and
chill with Tobago. (Jules)
Yeah, me, Tobago. Who wouldn't want to chill with the family cat?
I have an opinion piece in the Bangor Daily News for the first time in
ages. It's in celebration of National Library Week which is April
4-10. It's on all libraries do for us and why we must never take them
for granted. (Jules)
A great big shout out goes out to our librarians, guardians of the
flame. Readers appreciate you more than you can imagine.
Tobago and Jules Hathaway
Sent from my iPod
Looks like we'll have a new ID card: our vaccine record. Right now they say to bring it to doctor visits. But I wouldn't be surprised if it becomes required for admission to some places like higher education for people who don't have medical exemptions. So when you get it don't lose it.
Sent from my U.S.Cellular© Smartphone
The Purpose Of Power
The Purpose Of Power
Adult nonfiction
"Seven years ago, I started the Black Lives Matter Global
Network with my sisters Patrisse Cullors and Opal Tometi. BLM went
from being a hashtag to a series of pages on platforms like Facebook
and Twitter to a global network. The movement has generated the
highest number of protests since the last major period of civil
rights. When I started writing this book, that's what I thought it
would be about--the story of Black Lives Matter, its origin and most
profound lessons."
Although Alicia Garza's The Purpose Of Power: How We Come
Together When We Fall Apart would have been well worth reading as she
first envisioned it, I really like the way she started her narrative.
Just as Rosa Parks had put a lot of social rights activism in before
being seen by the public as a hard working, tired seamstress whose
refusal to move from her seat led to the bus boycott, Garza had put in
a lot of organizing labor before a phrase she used in a heartfelt
letter to the Black community following the acquittal of Trayvon
Martin's killer became a social justice rallying cry. She shares her
formative years from her childhood, much of it spent in a well off,
primarily white neighborhood, through her early experiences in
community organizing to the birth and nurturing of Black Lives
Matter. She candidly shares missteps as well as successes. And this
section is rich in historical, political, and cultural backstory.
However, the chapters I find the most meaningful are the last
eleven. Organizing for social justice has changed exponentially since
the 60s and the 70s. Understanding what these changes mean and how to
navigate this changed (or in some cases not changed enough) terrain
can be challenging and lead to serious misunderstandings. Garza
discusses these dilemmas including:
*What forms should effective leadership take? If you have a few
charasmatic (usually male) people running things, what you're creating
can fall apart too easily in their absence. But leaderlessness is
hardly a panacea and sometimes merely means that leadership is
covert. How can decentralized leadership be cultivated?
*What's the difference between a united front and a popular front?
*How do any of us get beyond a comfortable siloing with those who
agree with us on most things to work with a more diverse group in
order to reach the numbers required to leverage real change?
These questions and many more would make great conversation
starters. So I would reccommend the book to any group seriously
interested in facilitating social change.
Garza hopes that we won't just read this book and set it down.
We're all welcome in her Make America Great vision which is quite
different than the Trumpian one.
"...Making America great is ensuring that America remembers that
each of us is but a tiny speck on this planet who must learn how to
coexist in ways that allow others to live well too. Making America
great is making right all that has been done wrong in the name of
progress and profit. And at its core, making America great is
ensuring that everyone can have a great life."
Amen to that!
On a purrrsonal note, I just got back from my 2nd vaccine which went
just fine. I'm fully immunized with the paper to prove it. On the
way back my chauffeur and I stopped by Giffords for ice cream. I got
my first banana split of the spring. I have no idea what to expect in
the way of side effects. But I got my 2 weeks ahead on my homework
and made my partner a big pot of hamburger stew in case I have to take
it easy and lie around and read. (Jules)
I celebrated her vaccine with albacore tuna--the ultimate party food.
(Tobago).
A great big shout out goes out to chauffeur Ed and all the volunteers
and nurses at the Cross Center who are making mass innoculation run
smoothly and efficiently.
Tobago and Jules Hathaway
Sent from my iPod
Adult nonfiction
"Seven years ago, I started the Black Lives Matter Global
Network with my sisters Patrisse Cullors and Opal Tometi. BLM went
from being a hashtag to a series of pages on platforms like Facebook
and Twitter to a global network. The movement has generated the
highest number of protests since the last major period of civil
rights. When I started writing this book, that's what I thought it
would be about--the story of Black Lives Matter, its origin and most
profound lessons."
Although Alicia Garza's The Purpose Of Power: How We Come
Together When We Fall Apart would have been well worth reading as she
first envisioned it, I really like the way she started her narrative.
Just as Rosa Parks had put a lot of social rights activism in before
being seen by the public as a hard working, tired seamstress whose
refusal to move from her seat led to the bus boycott, Garza had put in
a lot of organizing labor before a phrase she used in a heartfelt
letter to the Black community following the acquittal of Trayvon
Martin's killer became a social justice rallying cry. She shares her
formative years from her childhood, much of it spent in a well off,
primarily white neighborhood, through her early experiences in
community organizing to the birth and nurturing of Black Lives
Matter. She candidly shares missteps as well as successes. And this
section is rich in historical, political, and cultural backstory.
However, the chapters I find the most meaningful are the last
eleven. Organizing for social justice has changed exponentially since
the 60s and the 70s. Understanding what these changes mean and how to
navigate this changed (or in some cases not changed enough) terrain
can be challenging and lead to serious misunderstandings. Garza
discusses these dilemmas including:
*What forms should effective leadership take? If you have a few
charasmatic (usually male) people running things, what you're creating
can fall apart too easily in their absence. But leaderlessness is
hardly a panacea and sometimes merely means that leadership is
covert. How can decentralized leadership be cultivated?
*What's the difference between a united front and a popular front?
*How do any of us get beyond a comfortable siloing with those who
agree with us on most things to work with a more diverse group in
order to reach the numbers required to leverage real change?
These questions and many more would make great conversation
starters. So I would reccommend the book to any group seriously
interested in facilitating social change.
Garza hopes that we won't just read this book and set it down.
We're all welcome in her Make America Great vision which is quite
different than the Trumpian one.
"...Making America great is ensuring that America remembers that
each of us is but a tiny speck on this planet who must learn how to
coexist in ways that allow others to live well too. Making America
great is making right all that has been done wrong in the name of
progress and profit. And at its core, making America great is
ensuring that everyone can have a great life."
Amen to that!
On a purrrsonal note, I just got back from my 2nd vaccine which went
just fine. I'm fully immunized with the paper to prove it. On the
way back my chauffeur and I stopped by Giffords for ice cream. I got
my first banana split of the spring. I have no idea what to expect in
the way of side effects. But I got my 2 weeks ahead on my homework
and made my partner a big pot of hamburger stew in case I have to take
it easy and lie around and read. (Jules)
I celebrated her vaccine with albacore tuna--the ultimate party food.
(Tobago).
A great big shout out goes out to chauffeur Ed and all the volunteers
and nurses at the Cross Center who are making mass innoculation run
smoothly and efficiently.
Tobago and Jules Hathaway
Sent from my iPod
Wednesday, March 24, 2021
Count Me In
Count Me In
Juvenile fiction
Karina and Chris live next door to each other. But in middle
school they are seemingly worlds apart. Chris is part of a group of
athletes. One of them says something mean about a classmate, Karina.
This all changes very quickly. Chris is getting nagged by his
parents to bring his grades up. When Papa, Karina's retired engineer
immigrant grandfather, moves in with her family after the death of his
wife he volunteers to tutor math. His hands on approach helps Chris
grasp the concepts that had eluded him. The kids and their families
become friends.
One day, walking with Karina and Chris, Papa is attacked by a
man who tells him that "terrorists don't belong here." The only reason
he doesn't get to inflict more harm is that a neighbor taking out her
garbage intervenes.
Karina and Chris are feeling adrift in a suddenly more
frightening world. But they are not alone as you'll see in the book's
heartwarming but realistic ending.
On a purrrsonal note, I'm so excited for tomorrow. I'm going for my
second vaccine and then ice cream. Two weeks after that I'll be able
to be with small numbers of the already vaccinated or people not at
high risk. This fall hopefully I'll be on campus at least enough to
do my internship.
I was going to bake peanut butter cookies to share with chauffeur Ed
and Connie. But I had left over tropical ingredients from fruitcake
making which I used to spice up oatmeal cookies. This is my own
recipe. I think the cookies are so good. But I do need to have at
least a few dozen subjects evaluate them on a 5 point cookie yumminess
scale to see if I'm onto something. (Jules)
I will be so relieved when all my hoomans are safely vaccinated.
(Tobago)
A great big shout out goes out to all behind the vaccine creation and
roll out.
Tobago and Jules Hathaway
Sent from my iPod
Juvenile fiction
Karina and Chris live next door to each other. But in middle
school they are seemingly worlds apart. Chris is part of a group of
athletes. One of them says something mean about a classmate, Karina.
This all changes very quickly. Chris is getting nagged by his
parents to bring his grades up. When Papa, Karina's retired engineer
immigrant grandfather, moves in with her family after the death of his
wife he volunteers to tutor math. His hands on approach helps Chris
grasp the concepts that had eluded him. The kids and their families
become friends.
One day, walking with Karina and Chris, Papa is attacked by a
man who tells him that "terrorists don't belong here." The only reason
he doesn't get to inflict more harm is that a neighbor taking out her
garbage intervenes.
Karina and Chris are feeling adrift in a suddenly more
frightening world. But they are not alone as you'll see in the book's
heartwarming but realistic ending.
On a purrrsonal note, I'm so excited for tomorrow. I'm going for my
second vaccine and then ice cream. Two weeks after that I'll be able
to be with small numbers of the already vaccinated or people not at
high risk. This fall hopefully I'll be on campus at least enough to
do my internship.
I was going to bake peanut butter cookies to share with chauffeur Ed
and Connie. But I had left over tropical ingredients from fruitcake
making which I used to spice up oatmeal cookies. This is my own
recipe. I think the cookies are so good. But I do need to have at
least a few dozen subjects evaluate them on a 5 point cookie yumminess
scale to see if I'm onto something. (Jules)
I will be so relieved when all my hoomans are safely vaccinated.
(Tobago)
A great big shout out goes out to all behind the vaccine creation and
roll out.
Tobago and Jules Hathaway
Sent from my iPod
Monday, March 22, 2021
The favorite jeans. Not only are they distinctively gorgeous, they are of sentimental value. I got them in a pre pandemic clothes swap on campus. I really miss clothing swaps. They're more than a way to pass on stuff you don't need and find treasures. They're parties with so much happiness and enthusiasm. I hope we can have one fall semester.
Sent from my U.S.Cellular© Smartphone
Obviously: Stories from My Timeline
Obviously: Stories from My Timeline
Adult memoir
I think many of us go through our child years, our teen years,
and maybe even some of our adult years feeling like our families of
origin and life experiences are/were uniquely weird. Everyone else's
clan could fill in for the perfect sitcom household or those
photoshopped images of artificial awesomeness posted on social media.
Your family just never got the script. Anyone suffering under this
delusion would do well to read well known Black actress, writer,
comedian Akilah Hughes' Obviously: Stories from My Timeline.
"Even if you have seen me on TV or the internet, you probably
don't know that I am a former spelling-bee champion, Southerner,
Sundance Labs alum, and Disney cast member. I've lived a lot of lives
so far (all of them black, all of them matter), and it was never
really all that obvious how things would turn out..."
Reading Obviously is a real literary treat. Hughes serves up a
series of exquisitely crafted vignettes from her childhood and teen
and early professional years including:
*her mortification at a regional spelling bee where she misheard her
word;
*her nightmare fifth grade year with a hater for a teacher;
*her early experiences with animals, both pets and intruders;
*the many experiences of racism she encountered as a 15-year-old;
and so many more.
This coming-of-age narrative is completely engaging. I
recommend it to all readers who happen to be human beings.
On a purrrsonal note, I hope you had a great weekend. I sure did! On
its second official day spring came busting in like 4th of July
fireworks. Eugene and I went on a Sunday road trip. We went west
this time and enjoyed a McDonalds lunch. When we got back home temps
were in the 60s. I read outside in shorts and a tee shirt.
For the first time this year I'm doing a little project--a poster of
spring firsts and the day they happen. Everything from universal
(equinox) to idiosyncratic (the first spider). I plan to make it an
annual thing. You might want to try at least a list. It helps with
mindfulness.
My work week is starting off amazingly well. I got 96 on assignment 5
in statistics--my 2nd highest grade this semester. My favorite pre
pandemic jeans fit perfectly. And Emily stopped by a few minutes
ago. (Jules)
It feels like summer. Where are the Beach Boys when you need them?
(Tobago)
A great big shout goes out to Eugene and Emily.
Tobago and Jules Hathaway
Sent from my iPod
Adult memoir
I think many of us go through our child years, our teen years,
and maybe even some of our adult years feeling like our families of
origin and life experiences are/were uniquely weird. Everyone else's
clan could fill in for the perfect sitcom household or those
photoshopped images of artificial awesomeness posted on social media.
Your family just never got the script. Anyone suffering under this
delusion would do well to read well known Black actress, writer,
comedian Akilah Hughes' Obviously: Stories from My Timeline.
"Even if you have seen me on TV or the internet, you probably
don't know that I am a former spelling-bee champion, Southerner,
Sundance Labs alum, and Disney cast member. I've lived a lot of lives
so far (all of them black, all of them matter), and it was never
really all that obvious how things would turn out..."
Reading Obviously is a real literary treat. Hughes serves up a
series of exquisitely crafted vignettes from her childhood and teen
and early professional years including:
*her mortification at a regional spelling bee where she misheard her
word;
*her nightmare fifth grade year with a hater for a teacher;
*her early experiences with animals, both pets and intruders;
*the many experiences of racism she encountered as a 15-year-old;
and so many more.
This coming-of-age narrative is completely engaging. I
recommend it to all readers who happen to be human beings.
On a purrrsonal note, I hope you had a great weekend. I sure did! On
its second official day spring came busting in like 4th of July
fireworks. Eugene and I went on a Sunday road trip. We went west
this time and enjoyed a McDonalds lunch. When we got back home temps
were in the 60s. I read outside in shorts and a tee shirt.
For the first time this year I'm doing a little project--a poster of
spring firsts and the day they happen. Everything from universal
(equinox) to idiosyncratic (the first spider). I plan to make it an
annual thing. You might want to try at least a list. It helps with
mindfulness.
My work week is starting off amazingly well. I got 96 on assignment 5
in statistics--my 2nd highest grade this semester. My favorite pre
pandemic jeans fit perfectly. And Emily stopped by a few minutes
ago. (Jules)
It feels like summer. Where are the Beach Boys when you need them?
(Tobago)
A great big shout goes out to Eugene and Emily.
Tobago and Jules Hathaway
Sent from my iPod
Friday, March 19, 2021
Well That Escalated Quickly
Well That Escalated Quickly
Adult Memoir
Quite a few years ago I walked into my daughters' room to
deliver clean laundry. I saw my older daughter staring, horror
stricken and seemingly frozen, at one of her electronic devices. I
asked what was wrong.
She said, "Mom, they're saying terrible things about you."
She'd stumbled on the comments section of the Bangor Daily
News. I'd had an op ed or letter to the editor published. Other
writers had warned me to avoid comments. I'd been happy to follow
their advice. Now I was gazing at a swamp of poorly spelled,
ungrammatical verbal venom.
Back then I didn't know trolls from haters. But I did know that
these were unhappy people with a lot of time on their hands. I
advised Amber to ignore these people who felt emboldened by the
anonymity of the Internet to say things they probably wouldn't in a
face to face conversation.
That experience of dipping my toes in left me with no desire
whatsoever to go for a swim in social media. But most of the people I
go to class, work, and socialize with spend a lot of time doing laps.
So I'm really glad I got my hands on Franchesca Ramsey's Well, That
Escalated Quickly: Memoirs and Mistakes of an Accidental Activist.
Like my Kids, Ramsey had the great good fortune of growing up in
an online world (as opposed to starting graduate school abysmally
behind in computer skills like guess who). In high school she was
blogging. As an adult she spent hours making videos for YouTube both
after and during work. When one of her videos went viral she quit her
day job for full time internetting and acting. She learned a lot
blazing herself a path.
"In other words, I didn't set out to be an activist, and I've
made a lot of mistakes along the way. And precisely because of that,
I think I have a lot to teach folks who find themselves on this same
journey, struggling to find their voice and stand up for what they
believe in without screaming at some guy who calls himself
LethalDUMPS22 on Twitter that he doesn't know your life..."
Most of us are on this journey. I know I am. Ramsey gives a
lot of good advice on navigating the pitfalls of social media that
also has implications for offline discourse. Here's my favorite gem
from the book:
"One thing that I've learned during my time in the trenches of
content creation is that genuine apologies are very, very rare. If
you can perfect the art of saying sorry, more often than not people
will be willing to give you a second chance. A genuine apology is
made up of two parts: (1) taking responsibility for what you've done
and (2) committing to change..."
Have you ever before seen this concept defined so clearly? I
think we've all heard these "Sorry I've hurt your feelings" (meaning
your overly sensitive feelings are the only thing that's wrong)
apologies. Now we have the concept to explain why they just don't cut
it.
Ramsey also has a lot of important advice to give on racism,
sexism, and the other isms that hurt groups of people including a
really comprehensive glossary at the end. Well, That Escalated
Quickly is an excellent read for all us imperfect people on our life
long journey to becoming better.
On a purrrsonal note, it was a pretty quiet week. Tobago and I have
been enjoying the longer days and warming temps. We're expecting
temps in the 60s soon. Woo hoo! I always celebrate the first day I
can hang laundry outside, even when we don't have a pandemic going on.
(Jules)
Snow is melting
Off the car
Wonder where
The birdies are.
OK we have a truck but it doesn't rhyme. So I took artistic
liberties. (Tobago)
A great big shout out goes out to you, dear readers, in hopes that
your favorite signs of spring will be arriving soon.
Tobago and Jules Hathaway
Sent from my iPod
Adult Memoir
Quite a few years ago I walked into my daughters' room to
deliver clean laundry. I saw my older daughter staring, horror
stricken and seemingly frozen, at one of her electronic devices. I
asked what was wrong.
She said, "Mom, they're saying terrible things about you."
She'd stumbled on the comments section of the Bangor Daily
News. I'd had an op ed or letter to the editor published. Other
writers had warned me to avoid comments. I'd been happy to follow
their advice. Now I was gazing at a swamp of poorly spelled,
ungrammatical verbal venom.
Back then I didn't know trolls from haters. But I did know that
these were unhappy people with a lot of time on their hands. I
advised Amber to ignore these people who felt emboldened by the
anonymity of the Internet to say things they probably wouldn't in a
face to face conversation.
That experience of dipping my toes in left me with no desire
whatsoever to go for a swim in social media. But most of the people I
go to class, work, and socialize with spend a lot of time doing laps.
So I'm really glad I got my hands on Franchesca Ramsey's Well, That
Escalated Quickly: Memoirs and Mistakes of an Accidental Activist.
Like my Kids, Ramsey had the great good fortune of growing up in
an online world (as opposed to starting graduate school abysmally
behind in computer skills like guess who). In high school she was
blogging. As an adult she spent hours making videos for YouTube both
after and during work. When one of her videos went viral she quit her
day job for full time internetting and acting. She learned a lot
blazing herself a path.
"In other words, I didn't set out to be an activist, and I've
made a lot of mistakes along the way. And precisely because of that,
I think I have a lot to teach folks who find themselves on this same
journey, struggling to find their voice and stand up for what they
believe in without screaming at some guy who calls himself
LethalDUMPS22 on Twitter that he doesn't know your life..."
Most of us are on this journey. I know I am. Ramsey gives a
lot of good advice on navigating the pitfalls of social media that
also has implications for offline discourse. Here's my favorite gem
from the book:
"One thing that I've learned during my time in the trenches of
content creation is that genuine apologies are very, very rare. If
you can perfect the art of saying sorry, more often than not people
will be willing to give you a second chance. A genuine apology is
made up of two parts: (1) taking responsibility for what you've done
and (2) committing to change..."
Have you ever before seen this concept defined so clearly? I
think we've all heard these "Sorry I've hurt your feelings" (meaning
your overly sensitive feelings are the only thing that's wrong)
apologies. Now we have the concept to explain why they just don't cut
it.
Ramsey also has a lot of important advice to give on racism,
sexism, and the other isms that hurt groups of people including a
really comprehensive glossary at the end. Well, That Escalated
Quickly is an excellent read for all us imperfect people on our life
long journey to becoming better.
On a purrrsonal note, it was a pretty quiet week. Tobago and I have
been enjoying the longer days and warming temps. We're expecting
temps in the 60s soon. Woo hoo! I always celebrate the first day I
can hang laundry outside, even when we don't have a pandemic going on.
(Jules)
Snow is melting
Off the car
Wonder where
The birdies are.
OK we have a truck but it doesn't rhyme. So I took artistic
liberties. (Tobago)
A great big shout out goes out to you, dear readers, in hopes that
your favorite signs of spring will be arriving soon.
Tobago and Jules Hathaway
Sent from my iPod
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Monday, March 15, 2021
The Last Black Unicorn
The Last Black Unicorn
Adult memoir
Tiffany Haddish is a well known comedian and actress. Her road
to success was anything but an easy path. In The Last Black Unicorn
she shares her journey with readers.
"School was hard for me, for lots of reasons. One was I
couldn't read until, like ninth grade. Also I was a foster kid for
most of high school, and when my mother went nuts, I had to live with
my grandmother. That all sucked."
Haddish's early home life was chaotic. When she was about seven
her mother was grieviously injured in a car accident, having to learn
the most basic skills again. Her mom came home from the hospital
physically and psychologically abusive to the child who would take
care of her.
Although Haddish had gone to school with injuries serious enough
for teachers to notice, she wasn't put into foster care for her own
protection. Her mother committed a crime, was diagnosed with
schizophrenia, and was put into a state hospital. Her step-father
refused to take the children, even his biological ones.
Adulthood was no bed of roses for Haddish. An unwanted
pregnancy led to an abortion. Her mom was in the picture and
abusive. Her marriage was so horrendous a Mormon elder encouraged her
to get a divorce.
Haddish had resilience and a weapon that helped her survive:
humor. She could make people laugh. She used this talent to secure
herself a bright future.
If you favor survival against the odds narratives you'll really
want to read The Last Black Unicorn.
On a purrrsonal note, I hope you had a good weekend. I cut church
Sunday to go on a road trip. I've come to adore road trips. Any
chance I get to go further than I can walk I drink in all that I see.
I need to see the outside world and remind myself it's still there.
We drove around the Belfast (coastal) area which is one of my favorite
parts of Maine. We had a picnic of drive through McDonalds. We had
weird weather. We kept driving through bands of blue skies and
sunshine and grey skies and snow. It was like spring and winter were
wrestling for control. It was a mighty fine road trip. (Jules).
It was very strange weather. (Tobago)
A great big shout out goes out to Eugene.
Tobago and Jules Hathaway
Sent from my iPod
Adult memoir
Tiffany Haddish is a well known comedian and actress. Her road
to success was anything but an easy path. In The Last Black Unicorn
she shares her journey with readers.
"School was hard for me, for lots of reasons. One was I
couldn't read until, like ninth grade. Also I was a foster kid for
most of high school, and when my mother went nuts, I had to live with
my grandmother. That all sucked."
Haddish's early home life was chaotic. When she was about seven
her mother was grieviously injured in a car accident, having to learn
the most basic skills again. Her mom came home from the hospital
physically and psychologically abusive to the child who would take
care of her.
Although Haddish had gone to school with injuries serious enough
for teachers to notice, she wasn't put into foster care for her own
protection. Her mother committed a crime, was diagnosed with
schizophrenia, and was put into a state hospital. Her step-father
refused to take the children, even his biological ones.
Adulthood was no bed of roses for Haddish. An unwanted
pregnancy led to an abortion. Her mom was in the picture and
abusive. Her marriage was so horrendous a Mormon elder encouraged her
to get a divorce.
Haddish had resilience and a weapon that helped her survive:
humor. She could make people laugh. She used this talent to secure
herself a bright future.
If you favor survival against the odds narratives you'll really
want to read The Last Black Unicorn.
On a purrrsonal note, I hope you had a good weekend. I cut church
Sunday to go on a road trip. I've come to adore road trips. Any
chance I get to go further than I can walk I drink in all that I see.
I need to see the outside world and remind myself it's still there.
We drove around the Belfast (coastal) area which is one of my favorite
parts of Maine. We had a picnic of drive through McDonalds. We had
weird weather. We kept driving through bands of blue skies and
sunshine and grey skies and snow. It was like spring and winter were
wrestling for control. It was a mighty fine road trip. (Jules).
It was very strange weather. (Tobago)
A great big shout out goes out to Eugene.
Tobago and Jules Hathaway
Sent from my iPod
Saturday, March 13, 2021
Who Put This Song On?
Who Put This Song On?
YA/adult novel
"This is a story about me, and I am the hero of it. It opens
with a super-emo shot of a five-foot-nothing seventeen year old black
girl--me--in the waiting room at my therapist's office, a place that I
hate. It's so bright outside it's neon, and of course the soundtrack
is Yankee Hotel Foxtrot by Wilco, because I have more feelings than
anyone knows what to do with."
Morgan, protagonist of Morgan Parker's Who Put This Song On,
feels trapped in her small Southern California town. Trucks sport
conservative political and religious stickers. The population is
overwhelmingly white and defensively clueless when it comes to
racism. Conversations, even ones with friends, can leave her feeling
like she's walking on eggshells. One night her younger brother is
picked up by the police for walking in his own neighborhood at night.
Then there's her school, Vista Christian. Classrooms are
decorated with religious posters. Students are encouraged to go to
Christian colleges so that their pursuit of "rigorous education won't
cost them their "walk with God". Classes, from sex ed to history,
leave out a lot.
Finally, following an incident the previous summer, Morgan has
been diagnosed with Depressive Disorder Not Otherwise Specified and
put on meds. She feels that she's a major disappointment to her perky
former cheerleader mother. She fears that her friends will find out.
"This is a very popular sentiment at home, at school, in my
whole tiny world. Every bad mood is temporary, just waiting to be
overcome. I've always been told that the solution to all problems is
prayer and serving others. If you are holy, you are happy..."
Whether you're navigating your own teen years, parenting a teen,
or anywhere in between or beyond, you'll find this poignant and
powerful novel, based on the author's experiences, to be a most
excellent read.
On a purrrsonal note, well I had a wonderful surprise last night. I
was reading Mother Jones Daily Newsletter on my iPod touch. I had
answered an invitation to readers to share what we'll do with our
stimulus money. They shared four stories including mine.
"Focusing on grad school
I am an older graduate student who went back to school after my kids
grew up. I lost the job I used to pay tuition and fees because of
COVID. My refund will help me not have to take time off. That makes
me overjoyed!!!--Jules"
I made Mother Jones! YASSS! I get chills imagining progressives all
over the nation reading my words. (Jules)
That's my hooman. I iz proud of her. (Tobago)
A great big shout out goes out to Mother Jones for hard hitting,
informative, inspiring journalism.
Tobago and Jules Hathaway
Sent from my iPod
YA/adult novel
"This is a story about me, and I am the hero of it. It opens
with a super-emo shot of a five-foot-nothing seventeen year old black
girl--me--in the waiting room at my therapist's office, a place that I
hate. It's so bright outside it's neon, and of course the soundtrack
is Yankee Hotel Foxtrot by Wilco, because I have more feelings than
anyone knows what to do with."
Morgan, protagonist of Morgan Parker's Who Put This Song On,
feels trapped in her small Southern California town. Trucks sport
conservative political and religious stickers. The population is
overwhelmingly white and defensively clueless when it comes to
racism. Conversations, even ones with friends, can leave her feeling
like she's walking on eggshells. One night her younger brother is
picked up by the police for walking in his own neighborhood at night.
Then there's her school, Vista Christian. Classrooms are
decorated with religious posters. Students are encouraged to go to
Christian colleges so that their pursuit of "rigorous education won't
cost them their "walk with God". Classes, from sex ed to history,
leave out a lot.
Finally, following an incident the previous summer, Morgan has
been diagnosed with Depressive Disorder Not Otherwise Specified and
put on meds. She feels that she's a major disappointment to her perky
former cheerleader mother. She fears that her friends will find out.
"This is a very popular sentiment at home, at school, in my
whole tiny world. Every bad mood is temporary, just waiting to be
overcome. I've always been told that the solution to all problems is
prayer and serving others. If you are holy, you are happy..."
Whether you're navigating your own teen years, parenting a teen,
or anywhere in between or beyond, you'll find this poignant and
powerful novel, based on the author's experiences, to be a most
excellent read.
On a purrrsonal note, well I had a wonderful surprise last night. I
was reading Mother Jones Daily Newsletter on my iPod touch. I had
answered an invitation to readers to share what we'll do with our
stimulus money. They shared four stories including mine.
"Focusing on grad school
I am an older graduate student who went back to school after my kids
grew up. I lost the job I used to pay tuition and fees because of
COVID. My refund will help me not have to take time off. That makes
me overjoyed!!!--Jules"
I made Mother Jones! YASSS! I get chills imagining progressives all
over the nation reading my words. (Jules)
That's my hooman. I iz proud of her. (Tobago)
A great big shout out goes out to Mother Jones for hard hitting,
informative, inspiring journalism.
Tobago and Jules Hathaway
Sent from my iPod
Friday, March 12, 2021
These are the journal I just finished (the cat one) and the one I just started. Back in December when I had to choose a journal from my stash my first instinct was to pick something drab as befitting drab days. Then I realized dull days need pizzazz. Exciting days can be documented on anything. And the pizzazz made writing more fun. It's like the clothes I wear. I dress as awesomely as I would if I was going somewhere special because it adds joy to my life.
Sent from my U.S.Cellular© Smartphone
In The Country We Love
In The Country We Love
Adult memoir
"One moment--that's all it takes for your entire world to split
apart. For me, that moment came when I was fourteen. I returned home
from school to discover that my hardworking immigrant parents had been
taken away. In an irreversible instant--in the space of a single
breath--life as I'd known it was forever altered..."
Many adoring fans watch Diane Guerrero in Orange Is The New
Black and Jane The Virgin. As a child, this highly talented actress
was in a very precarious place. She was the legal resident (by virtue
of being born in the USA) daughter of undocumented parents. From a
very early age she lived with the constant fear that a single slip up
could result in her parents being deported. Things most of us would
find innocuous, say a police car cruising the neighborhood, were
sources of dread.
When Diane was only fourteen her worst nightmare came true. She
came home to find that her beloved parents had been arrested and were
in jail awaiting deportation hearings. Fortunately a close friend's
family was willing to take her in. There was no investigation by
Children's Protective Services. The same government that had stolen
her parents, her only caretakers, showed no concern for a legal
resident minor child.
During those teen years that can be a tumultuous challenge for
even protected kids Diane had to basically parent herself. This took
a serious toll on her now long distance relationships with her parents
and her mental and psychological health and self esteem--a toll that
extended well into her adult years. The fall out from that tragic day
almost cost her her life. In the book she candidly shares her journey
through loss and despair to healing and professional success.
For much of her life Diane had been silent about her family's
ordeal, ashamed of what they had been through. Sharing their
narrative was difficult for her. She wrote it as a gift for other
children in her situation.
"These days we're surrounded by a lot of talk about immigration
reform. Border security. A path to citizenship for the millions of
undocumented workers who live among us. Behind every one of the
headlines, there is a family. A mother and father. An innocent
child. A real-life story that's both deeply painful and rarely told.
At last, I've found the courage to tell you mine."
I urge you to read this poignant and powerful narrative and use
what you learn to initiate some very necessary conversations.
On a purrrsonal note, well we just passed the first official
anniversary of the pandemic. Did you imagine then how long it would
go on? I sure didn't. Were you changed as a person? I was greatly, I
believe for the better. One of the things I'm most proud of is
continuing to bring you content through this blog with the help of my
partner, Emily, who keeps me supplied with great books. (Jules)
A whole year? Whatever that is. I haven't changed. Still my same
smart, gorgeous, irresistable self. (Tobago)
A great big shout out goes out to my blog partner, Emily, with
gratitude for her deliveries of so many books and other wonderful
things. I am so looking forward to going to Sweet Frog to get froyo
with Emily and her kids when it's safe to do so.
Tobago and Jules Hathaway
Sent from my iPod
Adult memoir
"One moment--that's all it takes for your entire world to split
apart. For me, that moment came when I was fourteen. I returned home
from school to discover that my hardworking immigrant parents had been
taken away. In an irreversible instant--in the space of a single
breath--life as I'd known it was forever altered..."
Many adoring fans watch Diane Guerrero in Orange Is The New
Black and Jane The Virgin. As a child, this highly talented actress
was in a very precarious place. She was the legal resident (by virtue
of being born in the USA) daughter of undocumented parents. From a
very early age she lived with the constant fear that a single slip up
could result in her parents being deported. Things most of us would
find innocuous, say a police car cruising the neighborhood, were
sources of dread.
When Diane was only fourteen her worst nightmare came true. She
came home to find that her beloved parents had been arrested and were
in jail awaiting deportation hearings. Fortunately a close friend's
family was willing to take her in. There was no investigation by
Children's Protective Services. The same government that had stolen
her parents, her only caretakers, showed no concern for a legal
resident minor child.
During those teen years that can be a tumultuous challenge for
even protected kids Diane had to basically parent herself. This took
a serious toll on her now long distance relationships with her parents
and her mental and psychological health and self esteem--a toll that
extended well into her adult years. The fall out from that tragic day
almost cost her her life. In the book she candidly shares her journey
through loss and despair to healing and professional success.
For much of her life Diane had been silent about her family's
ordeal, ashamed of what they had been through. Sharing their
narrative was difficult for her. She wrote it as a gift for other
children in her situation.
"These days we're surrounded by a lot of talk about immigration
reform. Border security. A path to citizenship for the millions of
undocumented workers who live among us. Behind every one of the
headlines, there is a family. A mother and father. An innocent
child. A real-life story that's both deeply painful and rarely told.
At last, I've found the courage to tell you mine."
I urge you to read this poignant and powerful narrative and use
what you learn to initiate some very necessary conversations.
On a purrrsonal note, well we just passed the first official
anniversary of the pandemic. Did you imagine then how long it would
go on? I sure didn't. Were you changed as a person? I was greatly, I
believe for the better. One of the things I'm most proud of is
continuing to bring you content through this blog with the help of my
partner, Emily, who keeps me supplied with great books. (Jules)
A whole year? Whatever that is. I haven't changed. Still my same
smart, gorgeous, irresistable self. (Tobago)
A great big shout out goes out to my blog partner, Emily, with
gratitude for her deliveries of so many books and other wonderful
things. I am so looking forward to going to Sweet Frog to get froyo
with Emily and her kids when it's safe to do so.
Tobago and Jules Hathaway
Sent from my iPod
Monday, March 8, 2021
Sometimes I Lie
Sometimes I Lie
Adult Mystery
"My name is Amber Reynolds. There are three things you should know
about me.
1. I'm in a coma.
2. My husband doesn't love me anymore.
3. Sometimes I lie.
Amber, narrator of Alice Feeney's Sometimes I Lie, is indeed in
a coma. A ventilator is breathing for her. She gets nutrients
through a tube. She can't communicate or move a muscle. But she's
aware of what's going on. She feels people reposition her and clean
her. She can hear family members and medical people converse. Her
thoughts constitute one strand of a really suspenseful mystery.
The second strand consists of Amber's recollections of the week
before her accident--not a very good one. There's lots of drama at
work. Husband Paul is becoming increasingly distant, maybe thinking
of leaving her. An ex boyfriend is becoming an ominous presence. Then
there's her manipulative, unpredictable sister, Claire.
The third strand is entries from a preteen girl's diary. The
child writer is the victim of a very deprived, disorganized
household. Her parents can't take care of themselves, never mind a
daughter. She covets her only friend's seemingly perfect life and
family.
How do the journal entries fit in with the rest of the
narrative? Was the car accident really an accident? Will Amber
regain control of her body and leave the hospital before it's too late?
Read the book and find out...
...if you dare!
On a purrrsonal note, it was a fairly quiet weekend for my household.
Eugene got his first vaccine Saturday. Sunday I cut church to go with
Eugene to check on his camp. We've been having really strong winds
lately. Thousands of homes have lost power. He wanted to make sure
trees hadn't been blown on the camp. Fortunately none had. We got
Burger King lunch on our way home--drive through of course. That was
a treat, as was seeing the world beyond the trailer park. We were
listening to music on the truck's radio. Then this guy came on saying
he was going to explain some of the mysteries of cats' behavior.
Eugene not only didn't change the channel, but turned up the volume.
Baby Girl sure is charming him. (Jules).
Well of course I am. I am simply irresistable. (Tobago)
A great big shout out goes out to all who aren't throwing caution to
the winds, especially in states where governors are lifting
restrictions way too soon.
Tobago and Jules Hathaway
Sent from my iPod
Adult Mystery
"My name is Amber Reynolds. There are three things you should know
about me.
1. I'm in a coma.
2. My husband doesn't love me anymore.
3. Sometimes I lie.
Amber, narrator of Alice Feeney's Sometimes I Lie, is indeed in
a coma. A ventilator is breathing for her. She gets nutrients
through a tube. She can't communicate or move a muscle. But she's
aware of what's going on. She feels people reposition her and clean
her. She can hear family members and medical people converse. Her
thoughts constitute one strand of a really suspenseful mystery.
The second strand consists of Amber's recollections of the week
before her accident--not a very good one. There's lots of drama at
work. Husband Paul is becoming increasingly distant, maybe thinking
of leaving her. An ex boyfriend is becoming an ominous presence. Then
there's her manipulative, unpredictable sister, Claire.
The third strand is entries from a preteen girl's diary. The
child writer is the victim of a very deprived, disorganized
household. Her parents can't take care of themselves, never mind a
daughter. She covets her only friend's seemingly perfect life and
family.
How do the journal entries fit in with the rest of the
narrative? Was the car accident really an accident? Will Amber
regain control of her body and leave the hospital before it's too late?
Read the book and find out...
...if you dare!
On a purrrsonal note, it was a fairly quiet weekend for my household.
Eugene got his first vaccine Saturday. Sunday I cut church to go with
Eugene to check on his camp. We've been having really strong winds
lately. Thousands of homes have lost power. He wanted to make sure
trees hadn't been blown on the camp. Fortunately none had. We got
Burger King lunch on our way home--drive through of course. That was
a treat, as was seeing the world beyond the trailer park. We were
listening to music on the truck's radio. Then this guy came on saying
he was going to explain some of the mysteries of cats' behavior.
Eugene not only didn't change the channel, but turned up the volume.
Baby Girl sure is charming him. (Jules).
Well of course I am. I am simply irresistable. (Tobago)
A great big shout out goes out to all who aren't throwing caution to
the winds, especially in states where governors are lifting
restrictions way too soon.
Tobago and Jules Hathaway
Sent from my iPod
Saturday, March 6, 2021
Stay Woke: A People's Guide To Making All Black Lives Matter
Stay Woke: A People's Guide To Making All Black Lives Matter
Adult nonfiction
"In this book, we use our expertise as scholars and educators to
get you thinking about why a movement called Black Lives Matter rose
to prominence during the first self-identified Black president's
second term in office. Relatedly, we'll get you thinking about how
this moment in American political life relates to a deep history of
structural racism. We'll have you critically examine many things that
you probably take for granted or perhaps have never considered--
including the ways in which you may participate in reproducing racial
inequality--and do so in a way that brings otherwise-dry social
science scholarship to life."
In my study of antiracist literature one of my holy grails is
what I call an engaging book. Although it contains information needed
by newbies, it goes well beyond introductory. It presents basics in a
way that can arouse curiosity, insight, passion, and the desire to
delve further and become involved in antiracism in readers. By these
criteria Tehama Lopez Bunyasi and Candis Watts Smith's Stay Woke: A
People's Guide To Making All Black Lives Matter is solid gold.
Many people still believe that racism is a matter of inividual
sin. If you aren't running around in sheets burning crosses, if you
even confront Uncle Delbert when he says all the wrong things over
Thanksgiving turkey, aren't you woke? And is this even relevant?
Having elected a Black man to the nation's highest office, aren't we
post racial, beyond that whole mess?
Not by a long shot! Systemic, structural racism continues to
be as ubiquitous and usually invisible to those who benefit from it as
water is to fish. Whites are born into it by virtue of the unearned
privileges our pale epidermis confers on us. We continue by
unquestioningly participating in the status quo. Luckily, by learning
about the pervasive nature of the evil and making a real commitment to
help eradicate it we can move on to becoming antiracist. Bunyasi and
Smith tell us why and how.
Stay Woke is divided into six chapters. The authors
incorporated conversations with many people such as students, fellow
college professors, and social justice activists into how they
structured the material. Text is enhanced with photographs, cartoons,
charts and graphs, and other graphics. Each chapter ends with a set
of questions for reflection and discussion and a list of other
materials such as books, films, websites, and podcasts.
One of my favorite chapters is All the Words People Throw
Around. It's one of the most comprehensive glossaries I've ever
seen. It's right up front, following on the heels of the overview.
Terms are related to one another in their definitions and are
categorized by headings such as tools of oppression, tools of
liberation, common sense revisited, and American mythology. There are
even helpful tweets thrown in.
Are You Upholding White Supremecy is a very useful chapter. It
draws distinctions between overt racists (such as old Uncle Delbert
making those derogatory remarks over pumpkin pie), structural racists
(such as people with the power to trash the voting rights law or
school admin who forbid Black hair styles in dress codes), and
complicit racists who cloak microaggressions in plausible denial--I
didn't mean anything; you're playing the race card--or simply do
nothing to combat racism. It exposes the problematic nature of
concepts like all lives matter, if only he weren't wearing a hoodie,
and I don't see color.
But my favorite part of the book comes at the very end: Twenty-
One Affirmations for the Twenty-First Century. Each is a succinct
reminder of one of the principles introduced. We Are Leaderful
reminds us that it takes many types of leader and styles of leadership
to make progress. Interrogate Meritocracy reminds us of nefarious
factors that drastically limit many people's chances to achieve their
potential. And there's an oldie but goodie about doing unto others as
you'd have them do unto you. Can you imagine what the world will be
like if we actually all follow this admonition?
Who should read this book? All who aspire to become
antiracists. Although it's designed for beginners, none of us are too
woke to gain additional insight. Libraries should acquire multiple
copies and display them prominently.
On a purrrsonal note, I've experienced no side effects from the first
vaccine apart from a slight soreness at the injection site. I've
heard the second shot is worse. I'm planning on getting far enough on
homework to lie around and read a couple of days. I've got a friend
who will provide me with ginger ale and Easter candy. Love those
marshmallow Peeps. Another friend wants to go to the Red Cross and
donate soon. I said if vaccine doesn't disqualify me I'm in. One of
the post COVID things I'm most looking forward to is UMaine blood
drives where I'll be able to donate and then volunteer at canteen and
my BFF Lisa is running the show. (Jules)
My other hooman gets his first shot today. Good thing they haz me to
take care of them. (Tobago)
A great big shout out goes out to you, our readers, in the hope you
will soon be vaccinated and more able to look forward to the
activities you most enjoyed before the shitstorm struck about a year
(Holy cow! Did you suspect we'd be in it this long?) ago.
Tobago and Jules Hathaway
Sent from my iPod
Adult nonfiction
"In this book, we use our expertise as scholars and educators to
get you thinking about why a movement called Black Lives Matter rose
to prominence during the first self-identified Black president's
second term in office. Relatedly, we'll get you thinking about how
this moment in American political life relates to a deep history of
structural racism. We'll have you critically examine many things that
you probably take for granted or perhaps have never considered--
including the ways in which you may participate in reproducing racial
inequality--and do so in a way that brings otherwise-dry social
science scholarship to life."
In my study of antiracist literature one of my holy grails is
what I call an engaging book. Although it contains information needed
by newbies, it goes well beyond introductory. It presents basics in a
way that can arouse curiosity, insight, passion, and the desire to
delve further and become involved in antiracism in readers. By these
criteria Tehama Lopez Bunyasi and Candis Watts Smith's Stay Woke: A
People's Guide To Making All Black Lives Matter is solid gold.
Many people still believe that racism is a matter of inividual
sin. If you aren't running around in sheets burning crosses, if you
even confront Uncle Delbert when he says all the wrong things over
Thanksgiving turkey, aren't you woke? And is this even relevant?
Having elected a Black man to the nation's highest office, aren't we
post racial, beyond that whole mess?
Not by a long shot! Systemic, structural racism continues to
be as ubiquitous and usually invisible to those who benefit from it as
water is to fish. Whites are born into it by virtue of the unearned
privileges our pale epidermis confers on us. We continue by
unquestioningly participating in the status quo. Luckily, by learning
about the pervasive nature of the evil and making a real commitment to
help eradicate it we can move on to becoming antiracist. Bunyasi and
Smith tell us why and how.
Stay Woke is divided into six chapters. The authors
incorporated conversations with many people such as students, fellow
college professors, and social justice activists into how they
structured the material. Text is enhanced with photographs, cartoons,
charts and graphs, and other graphics. Each chapter ends with a set
of questions for reflection and discussion and a list of other
materials such as books, films, websites, and podcasts.
One of my favorite chapters is All the Words People Throw
Around. It's one of the most comprehensive glossaries I've ever
seen. It's right up front, following on the heels of the overview.
Terms are related to one another in their definitions and are
categorized by headings such as tools of oppression, tools of
liberation, common sense revisited, and American mythology. There are
even helpful tweets thrown in.
Are You Upholding White Supremecy is a very useful chapter. It
draws distinctions between overt racists (such as old Uncle Delbert
making those derogatory remarks over pumpkin pie), structural racists
(such as people with the power to trash the voting rights law or
school admin who forbid Black hair styles in dress codes), and
complicit racists who cloak microaggressions in plausible denial--I
didn't mean anything; you're playing the race card--or simply do
nothing to combat racism. It exposes the problematic nature of
concepts like all lives matter, if only he weren't wearing a hoodie,
and I don't see color.
But my favorite part of the book comes at the very end: Twenty-
One Affirmations for the Twenty-First Century. Each is a succinct
reminder of one of the principles introduced. We Are Leaderful
reminds us that it takes many types of leader and styles of leadership
to make progress. Interrogate Meritocracy reminds us of nefarious
factors that drastically limit many people's chances to achieve their
potential. And there's an oldie but goodie about doing unto others as
you'd have them do unto you. Can you imagine what the world will be
like if we actually all follow this admonition?
Who should read this book? All who aspire to become
antiracists. Although it's designed for beginners, none of us are too
woke to gain additional insight. Libraries should acquire multiple
copies and display them prominently.
On a purrrsonal note, I've experienced no side effects from the first
vaccine apart from a slight soreness at the injection site. I've
heard the second shot is worse. I'm planning on getting far enough on
homework to lie around and read a couple of days. I've got a friend
who will provide me with ginger ale and Easter candy. Love those
marshmallow Peeps. Another friend wants to go to the Red Cross and
donate soon. I said if vaccine doesn't disqualify me I'm in. One of
the post COVID things I'm most looking forward to is UMaine blood
drives where I'll be able to donate and then volunteer at canteen and
my BFF Lisa is running the show. (Jules)
My other hooman gets his first shot today. Good thing they haz me to
take care of them. (Tobago)
A great big shout out goes out to you, our readers, in the hope you
will soon be vaccinated and more able to look forward to the
activities you most enjoyed before the shitstorm struck about a year
(Holy cow! Did you suspect we'd be in it this long?) ago.
Tobago and Jules Hathaway
Sent from my iPod
Friday, March 5, 2021
Thursday, March 4, 2021
The Bad Daughter
The Bad Daughter
Adult Mystery
"You want complicated? I'll give you complicated: my parents
were married for thirty-four years, during which time my father
cheated on my mother with every skank who caught his roving eye,
including my best friend, Tara, whom he married five short months
after my mother died. And, just to make matters truly interesting, at
the time, Tara was engaged to my brother, Alec..."
At the moment these thoughts cross her mind, Robin, protagonist
of Joy Fieldings' The Bad Daughter, has no idea that her life is about
to become much more complicated. Her caustic sister, Melanie, whom
she hasn't talked to in six years, calls with grim news. Their Dad,
Tara, and her 12-year-old daughter from a previous marriage, Cassidy,
have been shot and are clinging to life.
Robin returns to the small town, Red Bluff, she fled following
her father's wedding, to stay with Melanie and her uncommunicative
son, Landon. She arrives to learn that Tara is dead. Her dad is in a
coma and not expected to wake up.
Cassidy, however, regains consciousness and lucidity. She tells
the sheriff that the shooters were big men wearing ski masks. She
didn't recognize either. In fact she isn't sure there wasn't a third.
Although the crime looks like a badly botched home invasion, as
she stays on, Robin becomes less convinced that it isn't something
more personal. Everyone, including sister dearest, has secrets.
Plenty has motive and opportunity, including, sadly, her beloved
brother.
Fans of roller coaster thrillers packed with twists and turns
will find The Bad Daughter to be a must read.
On a purrrsonal note, I got my first vaccine today. I was amazed by
how efficiently it all went. My next one will be in three weeks.
(Jules)
She got back safe. What? She gotta go back? (Tobago)
Great big shout outs go out to all the people making the vaccine
process run to smoothly, Adam for making my appointment, and Ed for
driving.
Just remember we aren't out of the woods any time. So if your state
goes dumb ass enough to lift rules too fast feel free to be sensible.
We want you to stay alive and healthy.
Tobago and Jules Hathaway
Sent from my iPod
Adult Mystery
"You want complicated? I'll give you complicated: my parents
were married for thirty-four years, during which time my father
cheated on my mother with every skank who caught his roving eye,
including my best friend, Tara, whom he married five short months
after my mother died. And, just to make matters truly interesting, at
the time, Tara was engaged to my brother, Alec..."
At the moment these thoughts cross her mind, Robin, protagonist
of Joy Fieldings' The Bad Daughter, has no idea that her life is about
to become much more complicated. Her caustic sister, Melanie, whom
she hasn't talked to in six years, calls with grim news. Their Dad,
Tara, and her 12-year-old daughter from a previous marriage, Cassidy,
have been shot and are clinging to life.
Robin returns to the small town, Red Bluff, she fled following
her father's wedding, to stay with Melanie and her uncommunicative
son, Landon. She arrives to learn that Tara is dead. Her dad is in a
coma and not expected to wake up.
Cassidy, however, regains consciousness and lucidity. She tells
the sheriff that the shooters were big men wearing ski masks. She
didn't recognize either. In fact she isn't sure there wasn't a third.
Although the crime looks like a badly botched home invasion, as
she stays on, Robin becomes less convinced that it isn't something
more personal. Everyone, including sister dearest, has secrets.
Plenty has motive and opportunity, including, sadly, her beloved
brother.
Fans of roller coaster thrillers packed with twists and turns
will find The Bad Daughter to be a must read.
On a purrrsonal note, I got my first vaccine today. I was amazed by
how efficiently it all went. My next one will be in three weeks.
(Jules)
She got back safe. What? She gotta go back? (Tobago)
Great big shout outs go out to all the people making the vaccine
process run to smoothly, Adam for making my appointment, and Ed for
driving.
Just remember we aren't out of the woods any time. So if your state
goes dumb ass enough to lift rules too fast feel free to be sensible.
We want you to stay alive and healthy.
Tobago and Jules Hathaway
Sent from my iPod
Monday, March 1, 2021
Vox
Vox
Adult Dystopia
"Tonight at supper, before I speak my final syllables of the
day, Patrick reaches over and taps the silver-toned device around my
left wrist. It's a light touch, as if he were sharing the pain, or
perhaps reminding me to stay quiet until the counter resets itself at
midnight..."
Have I got a dystopia for you!
Christina Dalcher's Vox is set in a horrifying America. The
president is a puppet of the Pure Movement, sort of a moral majority
on steroids. People considered dangerous, such as gays, are kept in
labor camps doing the hardest work. It's a kill two birds with one
stone situation. Women have been stripped of jobs and relegated to
the wife and mother sphere. Boys and girls are educated separately.
Girls learn how to be wives and mothers. Boys study Pure Movement
propaganda instead of history and science. Each woman and girl is
allowed one hundred words a day. A counter on her wrist keeps track
and can deliver a severe shock if she exceeds her quota.
One hundred words a day. Even in a pandemic most of us have
blown through that quota not long after, if not before breakfast.
Think of all the thoughts you would have to keep to yourself to
conduct just basic home and family running stuff.
Jean was a neuroscientist before she was relegated to
housewifery. Her focus had been on searching for a cure for a
specific kind of brain damage that makes it impossible for sufferers
to comprehend language and produce lucid speech. One day she is
visited by Reverand Carl, he who dictates to the President. A skiing
accident has left the president's brother aphasic. Her research
skills are needed to help effect a cure.
But something seems not quite right to Jean when she starts her
new job. The necessary and very expensive equipment she will use is
not new. And there are three research teams rather than the one she
has told about.
What if the mission she is a part of is much more nefarious than
what she's been led to believe?
What scares me the most about the book is that the premise is
not at all that far fetched. Trump, many of his pals still in power,
and a lot of the people who put him in office would consider the
society portrayed to be heaven on Earth.
Before you tell me this could never happen, recall:
*That clown can't possibly win;
*A few months in office will moderate his views and actions;
And *Congress or the Supreme Court will restrain him.
We aren't out of the woods. Word is he's planning a 2024
comeback. And he's got these friends working on ways to silence
inconvenient voters.
Throughout the book Jean regrets not being politically aware and
involved. Let's not let that be our regret. Let's work to evolve
into an America in which all citizens have voices.
On a purrrsonal note, I had an uneventful weekend. I did submit my
2nd assignment and bit the bullet. I got 95. Just seven more to go.
I went to zoom church. It was warm enough to walk Sunday. Otherwise
I kept to my pandemic usual.
Today I got exciting news. Adam secured me vaccine appointments. My
first is Thursday afternoon. I have to admit I'm a little scared.
I'll let you know how it goes in my next post. (Jules)
The hoomans getting vaccines? What is this world coming to? (Tobago)
A great big shout out goes out to the diligent workers who are getting
the world immunized.
Tobago and Jules Hathaway
Sent from my iPod
Adult Dystopia
"Tonight at supper, before I speak my final syllables of the
day, Patrick reaches over and taps the silver-toned device around my
left wrist. It's a light touch, as if he were sharing the pain, or
perhaps reminding me to stay quiet until the counter resets itself at
midnight..."
Have I got a dystopia for you!
Christina Dalcher's Vox is set in a horrifying America. The
president is a puppet of the Pure Movement, sort of a moral majority
on steroids. People considered dangerous, such as gays, are kept in
labor camps doing the hardest work. It's a kill two birds with one
stone situation. Women have been stripped of jobs and relegated to
the wife and mother sphere. Boys and girls are educated separately.
Girls learn how to be wives and mothers. Boys study Pure Movement
propaganda instead of history and science. Each woman and girl is
allowed one hundred words a day. A counter on her wrist keeps track
and can deliver a severe shock if she exceeds her quota.
One hundred words a day. Even in a pandemic most of us have
blown through that quota not long after, if not before breakfast.
Think of all the thoughts you would have to keep to yourself to
conduct just basic home and family running stuff.
Jean was a neuroscientist before she was relegated to
housewifery. Her focus had been on searching for a cure for a
specific kind of brain damage that makes it impossible for sufferers
to comprehend language and produce lucid speech. One day she is
visited by Reverand Carl, he who dictates to the President. A skiing
accident has left the president's brother aphasic. Her research
skills are needed to help effect a cure.
But something seems not quite right to Jean when she starts her
new job. The necessary and very expensive equipment she will use is
not new. And there are three research teams rather than the one she
has told about.
What if the mission she is a part of is much more nefarious than
what she's been led to believe?
What scares me the most about the book is that the premise is
not at all that far fetched. Trump, many of his pals still in power,
and a lot of the people who put him in office would consider the
society portrayed to be heaven on Earth.
Before you tell me this could never happen, recall:
*That clown can't possibly win;
*A few months in office will moderate his views and actions;
And *Congress or the Supreme Court will restrain him.
We aren't out of the woods. Word is he's planning a 2024
comeback. And he's got these friends working on ways to silence
inconvenient voters.
Throughout the book Jean regrets not being politically aware and
involved. Let's not let that be our regret. Let's work to evolve
into an America in which all citizens have voices.
On a purrrsonal note, I had an uneventful weekend. I did submit my
2nd assignment and bit the bullet. I got 95. Just seven more to go.
I went to zoom church. It was warm enough to walk Sunday. Otherwise
I kept to my pandemic usual.
Today I got exciting news. Adam secured me vaccine appointments. My
first is Thursday afternoon. I have to admit I'm a little scared.
I'll let you know how it goes in my next post. (Jules)
The hoomans getting vaccines? What is this world coming to? (Tobago)
A great big shout out goes out to the diligent workers who are getting
the world immunized.
Tobago and Jules Hathaway
Sent from my iPod
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