Tobago finds rainy days purrrfect for cozy naps. With the last week of the semester winding down and finals week on the horizon I know a lot of people who would love to join her.
Sent from my U.S.Cellular© Smartphone
Friday, April 30, 2021
Final Girls
Final Girls
Adult mystery
Recall we looked at Riley Sager's Home Before Dark? I got my
hands on an earlier work of his: Final Girls. I'm pleased to report
that it's equally spine chilling.
(But you don't have to just take my word for that. The
Horrormeister, himself, Mr. Stephen King considers the book to be a
great thriller.)
As the narrative begins there are three final girls, each the
sole survivor of a violent massacre. Lisa had escaped from a sorority
house, Sam from the inn she was working at, and narrator Quincy from
the rustic cabin where she and five college chums had been spending a
weekend.
Despite the best attempts of police and reporters, Quincy
remembers very little of her night of horror. She's tired of being
known for that one incident, of seeing pity in the eyes of total
strangers, and of constantly being the prey of journalists, bloggers,
and photographers. She's trying to move on by becoming engaged and
creating a popular baking blog.
All Quincy's best efforts are about to be thwarted.
Lisa is discovered dead in her bathtub. Although her death is
initially written off as a suicide, evidence of murder is soon
discovered. No suspects turn up.
The other final girls may be in danger. Quincy had received an
ominous letter.
"YOU SHOULDN'T BE ALIVE.
YOU SHOULD HAVE DIED IN THAT CABIN.
IT WAS YOUR DESTINY TO BE SACRIFICED."
Sam has surfaced after years off the grid and moved in with
Quincy and her fiancée. Her influence seems to be anything but
benign. She has Quincy feeling some raw, powerful emotions and doing
some pretty dangerous things.
Will the killer be busted before Quincy is dead or behind bars?
Read the book and see.
On a purrrsonal note, it's been a good week. Mostly purrrfect
weather. Today is rain, but the plants need it. (Speaking of plants,
I'll be able to volunteer at community garden this summer. I missed
it so much last summer. My world is opening up again). My daffodils
are gorgeous. The trees are leading out nicely. I put out the rest
of my windchimes. I had a really excellent meeting with my advisor.
Today is Eugene's last work day before he has a week's vacation. He
plans to get in some brook fishing. (Jules)
Fishing? Mmmm! A very worthy pursuit! (Tobago)
A great big shout out goes out to Eugene who works so hard to provide
for his family and Leah who is the best advisor anyone could possibly
have.
Tobago and Jules Hathaway
Sent from my iPod
Adult mystery
Recall we looked at Riley Sager's Home Before Dark? I got my
hands on an earlier work of his: Final Girls. I'm pleased to report
that it's equally spine chilling.
(But you don't have to just take my word for that. The
Horrormeister, himself, Mr. Stephen King considers the book to be a
great thriller.)
As the narrative begins there are three final girls, each the
sole survivor of a violent massacre. Lisa had escaped from a sorority
house, Sam from the inn she was working at, and narrator Quincy from
the rustic cabin where she and five college chums had been spending a
weekend.
Despite the best attempts of police and reporters, Quincy
remembers very little of her night of horror. She's tired of being
known for that one incident, of seeing pity in the eyes of total
strangers, and of constantly being the prey of journalists, bloggers,
and photographers. She's trying to move on by becoming engaged and
creating a popular baking blog.
All Quincy's best efforts are about to be thwarted.
Lisa is discovered dead in her bathtub. Although her death is
initially written off as a suicide, evidence of murder is soon
discovered. No suspects turn up.
The other final girls may be in danger. Quincy had received an
ominous letter.
"YOU SHOULDN'T BE ALIVE.
YOU SHOULD HAVE DIED IN THAT CABIN.
IT WAS YOUR DESTINY TO BE SACRIFICED."
Sam has surfaced after years off the grid and moved in with
Quincy and her fiancée. Her influence seems to be anything but
benign. She has Quincy feeling some raw, powerful emotions and doing
some pretty dangerous things.
Will the killer be busted before Quincy is dead or behind bars?
Read the book and see.
On a purrrsonal note, it's been a good week. Mostly purrrfect
weather. Today is rain, but the plants need it. (Speaking of plants,
I'll be able to volunteer at community garden this summer. I missed
it so much last summer. My world is opening up again). My daffodils
are gorgeous. The trees are leading out nicely. I put out the rest
of my windchimes. I had a really excellent meeting with my advisor.
Today is Eugene's last work day before he has a week's vacation. He
plans to get in some brook fishing. (Jules)
Fishing? Mmmm! A very worthy pursuit! (Tobago)
A great big shout out goes out to Eugene who works so hard to provide
for his family and Leah who is the best advisor anyone could possibly
have.
Tobago and Jules Hathaway
Sent from my iPod
Wednesday, April 28, 2021
The Beauty in Breaking
The Beauty in Breaking
Adult Memoir
Most of us, whether in person or on social media, curate our
lives carefully, editing out any areas of brokenness, of less than
perfection. We even hide them from ourselves. Dr. Michele Harper,
author of The Beauty in Breaking, considers this to be a big mistake.
She believes that brokenness and the ability to ponder on its meaning
can lead to greater strength.
Harper's early life was no bed of roses. Although her family
lived in a series of posh homes, behind closed doors there was no
safety or security. Her father was violently abusive to his wife. Her
older brother would jump in to protect his mom.
After college, medical school, and residency, Harper's final
graduation should have been a special moment. She was grieving
through it. She and her long term husband had just split up over
incompatible moves. She was about to start a new job in a new city
alone.
"...Living through such changes was difficult; now I see those
junctures, where everything I had counted on came to an abrupt end, as
a privelege. They gave me the opportunity to be uncertain. And in
that uncertainty grew opportunity."
As an emergency room physician in a still racist and sexist
medical system, Harper worked in a very fast paced, unpredictable
environment. Still she was able to gain deep insights from treating a
wide range of patients. In The Beauty in Breaking she candidly shares
those insights as well as those gleaned in her formative years.
Harper sees her narrative as one of metamorphasis. "...it is a
story of love rebuilt better; of a butterfly birthed from goo; the
story of newly grown wings that beat to a higher vibration to soar in
a place of unconditional love because the truest part of me has always
known and just now understands that this is where healing happens and
this is where healers abide."
On a purrrsonal note, today I was out in the world. Every year Maine
Day at University of Maine is a no classes day of service for students
and all others who wish to participate. My interfaith group did some
sprucing up at Wilson Center. It was so great working together
instead of being in different places gazing at our laptops. The
weather couldn't have been more purrrfect. (Jules)
Since it's national poetry month here is another haiku. This one is
called a cat's view of shedding season.
Look my silky fur
Adorns your best furniture
Just so purrrfectly! (Tobago)
A great big shout out goes out to my interfaith group. In a really
short time of zoom meetings we've managed to create an atmosphere of
safety, inclusion, and trust that lets us talk about complex and
difficult issues. We learn so much from each other.
Tobago and Jules Hathaway
Sent from my iPod
Adult Memoir
Most of us, whether in person or on social media, curate our
lives carefully, editing out any areas of brokenness, of less than
perfection. We even hide them from ourselves. Dr. Michele Harper,
author of The Beauty in Breaking, considers this to be a big mistake.
She believes that brokenness and the ability to ponder on its meaning
can lead to greater strength.
Harper's early life was no bed of roses. Although her family
lived in a series of posh homes, behind closed doors there was no
safety or security. Her father was violently abusive to his wife. Her
older brother would jump in to protect his mom.
After college, medical school, and residency, Harper's final
graduation should have been a special moment. She was grieving
through it. She and her long term husband had just split up over
incompatible moves. She was about to start a new job in a new city
alone.
"...Living through such changes was difficult; now I see those
junctures, where everything I had counted on came to an abrupt end, as
a privelege. They gave me the opportunity to be uncertain. And in
that uncertainty grew opportunity."
As an emergency room physician in a still racist and sexist
medical system, Harper worked in a very fast paced, unpredictable
environment. Still she was able to gain deep insights from treating a
wide range of patients. In The Beauty in Breaking she candidly shares
those insights as well as those gleaned in her formative years.
Harper sees her narrative as one of metamorphasis. "...it is a
story of love rebuilt better; of a butterfly birthed from goo; the
story of newly grown wings that beat to a higher vibration to soar in
a place of unconditional love because the truest part of me has always
known and just now understands that this is where healing happens and
this is where healers abide."
On a purrrsonal note, today I was out in the world. Every year Maine
Day at University of Maine is a no classes day of service for students
and all others who wish to participate. My interfaith group did some
sprucing up at Wilson Center. It was so great working together
instead of being in different places gazing at our laptops. The
weather couldn't have been more purrrfect. (Jules)
Since it's national poetry month here is another haiku. This one is
called a cat's view of shedding season.
Look my silky fur
Adorns your best furniture
Just so purrrfectly! (Tobago)
A great big shout out goes out to my interfaith group. In a really
short time of zoom meetings we've managed to create an atmosphere of
safety, inclusion, and trust that lets us talk about complex and
difficult issues. We learn so much from each other.
Tobago and Jules Hathaway
Sent from my iPod
Monday, April 26, 2021
Here's another picture from the past and a clarification. Back in my childhood I was a geek but NEVER a teacher's pet. I hated snitches as much as the next kid. Plus in school I was bored out my mind with the curriculum and rebelled against expectations of conformity and ladylike behavior. It was my private studies, what I considered my real education, I was zealous about. Also my peers weren't going to bully me. Although I didn't start fights I didn't back down.
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I found this picture while spring cleaning. Yes, we had ballpoint pens then. But I preferred fountain pens then, especially with turquoise ink. I was a geek back then--an unapologetic geek, a geek with attitude. Hell yeah, I was into books. If someone didn't like it, though.
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Tobago practicing her predator skills. No wonder we don't see the mice that plague other trailers. Mice in the walls are very much not good, especially if they gnaw on electrical wires. Geckie goes back to when my kids were little. Amber used to tape the Froggy and Geckie Show.
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Imperfect Justice
Imperfect Justice
Adult nonfiction
In the summer of 2008 a beautiful toddler named Caylee Marie
Anthony was reported missing. That winter her remains were discovered
hidden in a swamp near her home. Her death was determined to be a
homicide. The chief suspect was her mother, Casey Anthony.
Three years later the case went to trial. The prosecution team
had a lot going for them. Casey had been caught in numerous lies
throughout the investigation. Forensics evidence provided by a number
of experts had established links between the artifacts found in the
swamp and the Anthony home and was weighted toward death by deliberate
homicide rather than resulting from an accident.
Only the weight of all that evidence didn't seem to matter. A
lot of us were left wondering what the Hell had happened. It wasn't
just civilians like me. Jeff Ashton was on the prosecution team.
"I knew what was happening, but I don't remember processing it.
It might be egotistical, but it never occurred to me that all twelve
of those jurors, in that amount of time, could have rejected all that
evidence. It had always been in our minds that they could find Casey
guilty of second-degree murder or manslaughter, but a complete 'not
guilty'? That was shocking."
In his Imperfect Justice Ashton takes readers behind the scenes
for an up close look at the investigation and trial. It's a good read
for those who believe that the American justice system is riddled with
flaws, especially fans of Lisa Bloom's Suspicion Nation which we
looked at back in December.
On a personal note, I hope you had a lovely weekend. I sure did.
Eugene and I took a Sunday road trip. It was so lovely seeing the
trees leafing out and flowering. We even saw ducks on a pond. This
brought back precious memories of when the kids, especially Adam,
loved watching ducks. We got lunch at a general store in Jackman that
makes the best chicken salad sandwiches. (Jules)
Here is a haiku for you poetry lovers.
Say What! The humans
Have to get vaccinated?
Poetic justice. (Tobago)
A great big shout out goes out to our Eugene.
Tobago and Jules Hathaway
Sent from my iPod
Adult nonfiction
In the summer of 2008 a beautiful toddler named Caylee Marie
Anthony was reported missing. That winter her remains were discovered
hidden in a swamp near her home. Her death was determined to be a
homicide. The chief suspect was her mother, Casey Anthony.
Three years later the case went to trial. The prosecution team
had a lot going for them. Casey had been caught in numerous lies
throughout the investigation. Forensics evidence provided by a number
of experts had established links between the artifacts found in the
swamp and the Anthony home and was weighted toward death by deliberate
homicide rather than resulting from an accident.
Only the weight of all that evidence didn't seem to matter. A
lot of us were left wondering what the Hell had happened. It wasn't
just civilians like me. Jeff Ashton was on the prosecution team.
"I knew what was happening, but I don't remember processing it.
It might be egotistical, but it never occurred to me that all twelve
of those jurors, in that amount of time, could have rejected all that
evidence. It had always been in our minds that they could find Casey
guilty of second-degree murder or manslaughter, but a complete 'not
guilty'? That was shocking."
In his Imperfect Justice Ashton takes readers behind the scenes
for an up close look at the investigation and trial. It's a good read
for those who believe that the American justice system is riddled with
flaws, especially fans of Lisa Bloom's Suspicion Nation which we
looked at back in December.
On a personal note, I hope you had a lovely weekend. I sure did.
Eugene and I took a Sunday road trip. It was so lovely seeing the
trees leafing out and flowering. We even saw ducks on a pond. This
brought back precious memories of when the kids, especially Adam,
loved watching ducks. We got lunch at a general store in Jackman that
makes the best chicken salad sandwiches. (Jules)
Here is a haiku for you poetry lovers.
Say What! The humans
Have to get vaccinated?
Poetic justice. (Tobago)
A great big shout out goes out to our Eugene.
Tobago and Jules Hathaway
Sent from my iPod
Friday, April 23, 2021
I just went outside on a deceptively sunny but very blustery day to snap this daffodil picture for you. From now on when the weather allows I'll do all I can do outside with my lovely flowers--even if it requires a little extra reading. It's my own private spring tradition that I call Daffodil Days.
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Devil's Corner
Devil's Corner
Adult mystery/thriller
"Vicki Allegretti always wondered what it would feel like to
look into the barrel of a loaded gun, and now she knew. The gun was a
black Glock, nine millimeter, and it was aimed at her right eye..."
Talk about first sentences that say: let's get this party
started! Now! With Devil's Corner Lisa Scottoline had me hooked
right there. A true mystery affecianado would be hard pressed to
resist an opener like that and its promise of action and suspense.
Vicki Allegretti is on what should be a routine bit of business
for a prosecutor--meeting up with a confidential informant on a really
minor case. Only two guys with guns show up unexpectedly. Vicki's
ATF agent partner on the case, Morty, and the informant and her unborn
baby are shot to death.
Vicki is determined to avenge Morty's death by putting everyone
responsible behind bars. She's champing at the bit to be out on the
streets doing detective work. Her boss is strongly opposed. However,
a Scottoline protagonist never lets that stand in her way. (This is
probably why I identify so strongly with them.) Before you know it,
she's running around a part of Philadelphia known as Devil's Corner
with a very unlikely ally, getting closer and closer to exposing some
really dangerous characters, and hiding her adventures from both her
boss and her very protective parents.
In addition to suspense there's forbidden romance. Vicki and
colleague Dan have the kind of closeness that happens in professions
where people are together a lot, often in intense circumstances. They
consider themselves best friends. She'd like to be a lot more. But,
oh, snap, there's this wife of his. She's getting suspicious.
One of the many things I love about Scottoline's novels is that
humans aren't the only well fleshed out characters. My favorites in
Devil's Corner are Ruby and Zoey...
...and the only way you'll learn their identities is by reading
the book.
On a purrrsonal note, Tobago and I have had a good work week. With
the exception of yesterday's snow the weather has been grand. I've
had plenty of chances for outside reading. The first of my daffodils
are in full glorious bloom.
My big news is that I've tentatively (tentatively as I'm still just in
the masters program and have no guarantee of moving up to doctoral
studies) chosen the general theme I want to do a dissertation on:
campus food insecurity. I've started reading the literature so I can
narrow down my topic and nail a proposal and making more contacts in
the field.) (Jules)
My hooman dad bought me a new prey toy--a chameleon. It's not even my
birthday. (Tobago)
A great big shout out goes out to the prez of interfaith group,
Dominique Dispirito. She was named a 2021 Truman Scholar and made the
front page above the fold of the Penobscot Times. Woo hoo! Way to go!
Tobago and Jules Hathaway
Sent from my iPod
Adult mystery/thriller
"Vicki Allegretti always wondered what it would feel like to
look into the barrel of a loaded gun, and now she knew. The gun was a
black Glock, nine millimeter, and it was aimed at her right eye..."
Talk about first sentences that say: let's get this party
started! Now! With Devil's Corner Lisa Scottoline had me hooked
right there. A true mystery affecianado would be hard pressed to
resist an opener like that and its promise of action and suspense.
Vicki Allegretti is on what should be a routine bit of business
for a prosecutor--meeting up with a confidential informant on a really
minor case. Only two guys with guns show up unexpectedly. Vicki's
ATF agent partner on the case, Morty, and the informant and her unborn
baby are shot to death.
Vicki is determined to avenge Morty's death by putting everyone
responsible behind bars. She's champing at the bit to be out on the
streets doing detective work. Her boss is strongly opposed. However,
a Scottoline protagonist never lets that stand in her way. (This is
probably why I identify so strongly with them.) Before you know it,
she's running around a part of Philadelphia known as Devil's Corner
with a very unlikely ally, getting closer and closer to exposing some
really dangerous characters, and hiding her adventures from both her
boss and her very protective parents.
In addition to suspense there's forbidden romance. Vicki and
colleague Dan have the kind of closeness that happens in professions
where people are together a lot, often in intense circumstances. They
consider themselves best friends. She'd like to be a lot more. But,
oh, snap, there's this wife of his. She's getting suspicious.
One of the many things I love about Scottoline's novels is that
humans aren't the only well fleshed out characters. My favorites in
Devil's Corner are Ruby and Zoey...
...and the only way you'll learn their identities is by reading
the book.
On a purrrsonal note, Tobago and I have had a good work week. With
the exception of yesterday's snow the weather has been grand. I've
had plenty of chances for outside reading. The first of my daffodils
are in full glorious bloom.
My big news is that I've tentatively (tentatively as I'm still just in
the masters program and have no guarantee of moving up to doctoral
studies) chosen the general theme I want to do a dissertation on:
campus food insecurity. I've started reading the literature so I can
narrow down my topic and nail a proposal and making more contacts in
the field.) (Jules)
My hooman dad bought me a new prey toy--a chameleon. It's not even my
birthday. (Tobago)
A great big shout out goes out to the prez of interfaith group,
Dominique Dispirito. She was named a 2021 Truman Scholar and made the
front page above the fold of the Penobscot Times. Woo hoo! Way to go!
Tobago and Jules Hathaway
Sent from my iPod
Monday, April 19, 2021
Dead Ringer
Dead Ringer
Adult mystery/thriller
Try to imagine this nightmare come to life scenario. You run a
close-as-family law firm. Suddenly you're struggling financially,
scrambling to find funds to keep the office lights on and pay your
pregnant secretary and three associates. Office eviction proceedings
have already started. It's no fault of yours. A recession has caused
former clients to no longer be able to afford your services.
I think that would be enough challenge for anyone. Evidently
Lisa Scottoline, mystery author extrodinaire, didn't see the situation
that way. In Dead Ringer protagonist Bennie Rosato also has to cope
with potentially career derailing false accusations. A group of
judges sees her thrown out of a restaurant got drinking too much and
causing a scene. She's arrested for stealing diamond earrings.
There's only one person who could pull that off: Bennie's twin
sister. Alice has a life long score to settle. She may just be
getting started.
To top all that off, the client who may hold the key to her
firm's financial solvency is found murdered. The local police are so
enamoured with their theory (another rich foreigner slaying) they
refuse to look in any other direction...
...which leaves Bennie to search for the truth in a world that
includes some sinister players.
Reading Dead Ringer is like going on a big old roller coaster
with no seat belt, a total delight for true mystery fans.
Actually all Scottoline's works are mystery/thriller gold.
Before this pandemic ends I'll try to read and review every book she's
written. I have my inter library loan connections and a courier to
deliver me the goods.
My 2021 wish for Scottoline is may the muses be with you!!!
Know that each new release of yours will send the kids (your readers)
into a reading frenzy!
On a purrrsonal note, I hope you had a great weekend. I sure did.
Saturday morning Eugene and I went grocery shopping. I picked out
gourmet chocolates and a really cute shirt to celebrate how well I'm
doing in statistics. Eugene paid. After we put up the food we went
to Old Town Trading Post. I was able to buy a gift card for Eugene.
Our 32nd anniversary is coming up in July and I want to give him a
bunch of gifts. OTTP is his favorite store. Then Eugene asked if
there was any store I wanted to go to. We did a Goodwill run. I
lucked out. Five shirts and two books for me and a book for Eugene's
anniversary gift. Sunday Tobago and I attended zoom church. Tobago
seems to like church. She sings the hymns. Later we cashed in $18.50
worth of cans and bottles for Tobago's savings account. And later I
had phone chats with all my children. The week is starting out
great. It's sunny enough for me to hand laundry and read outside. My
advisor thinks my summer plans look great. (Jules)
It's always good to have money in the credit union. You never know
what will happen. I never saw the pandemic coming. (Tobago)
A great big shout out goes out to our friends at Old Town Trading
Post, a local community store where they're glad to see you even if
you don't spend a cent.
Tobago and Jules Hathaway
Sent from my iPod
Adult mystery/thriller
Try to imagine this nightmare come to life scenario. You run a
close-as-family law firm. Suddenly you're struggling financially,
scrambling to find funds to keep the office lights on and pay your
pregnant secretary and three associates. Office eviction proceedings
have already started. It's no fault of yours. A recession has caused
former clients to no longer be able to afford your services.
I think that would be enough challenge for anyone. Evidently
Lisa Scottoline, mystery author extrodinaire, didn't see the situation
that way. In Dead Ringer protagonist Bennie Rosato also has to cope
with potentially career derailing false accusations. A group of
judges sees her thrown out of a restaurant got drinking too much and
causing a scene. She's arrested for stealing diamond earrings.
There's only one person who could pull that off: Bennie's twin
sister. Alice has a life long score to settle. She may just be
getting started.
To top all that off, the client who may hold the key to her
firm's financial solvency is found murdered. The local police are so
enamoured with their theory (another rich foreigner slaying) they
refuse to look in any other direction...
...which leaves Bennie to search for the truth in a world that
includes some sinister players.
Reading Dead Ringer is like going on a big old roller coaster
with no seat belt, a total delight for true mystery fans.
Actually all Scottoline's works are mystery/thriller gold.
Before this pandemic ends I'll try to read and review every book she's
written. I have my inter library loan connections and a courier to
deliver me the goods.
My 2021 wish for Scottoline is may the muses be with you!!!
Know that each new release of yours will send the kids (your readers)
into a reading frenzy!
On a purrrsonal note, I hope you had a great weekend. I sure did.
Saturday morning Eugene and I went grocery shopping. I picked out
gourmet chocolates and a really cute shirt to celebrate how well I'm
doing in statistics. Eugene paid. After we put up the food we went
to Old Town Trading Post. I was able to buy a gift card for Eugene.
Our 32nd anniversary is coming up in July and I want to give him a
bunch of gifts. OTTP is his favorite store. Then Eugene asked if
there was any store I wanted to go to. We did a Goodwill run. I
lucked out. Five shirts and two books for me and a book for Eugene's
anniversary gift. Sunday Tobago and I attended zoom church. Tobago
seems to like church. She sings the hymns. Later we cashed in $18.50
worth of cans and bottles for Tobago's savings account. And later I
had phone chats with all my children. The week is starting out
great. It's sunny enough for me to hand laundry and read outside. My
advisor thinks my summer plans look great. (Jules)
It's always good to have money in the credit union. You never know
what will happen. I never saw the pandemic coming. (Tobago)
A great big shout out goes out to our friends at Old Town Trading
Post, a local community store where they're glad to see you even if
you don't spend a cent.
Tobago and Jules Hathaway
Sent from my iPod
Friday, April 16, 2021
Look Again
Look Again
Adult Mystery
"Ellen couldn't stop looking at the white card, which read HAVE
YOU SEEN THIS CHILD? The resemblance between the boy in the photo and
her son was uncanny. They had the same wide-set eyes, smallish nose,
and lopsided grin...the boys could have been twins."
I think most of us would consign a missing child flyer to the
trash can or recycling bin after maybe a cursory glance and a feeling
of sympathy for the missing child and bereft family. This was the
first impulse of Ellen, protagonist of Lisa Scottoline's Look Again.
However, as a reporter, she let curiosity get the better or her and
discovered even more similarities between missing child Timothy and
her own Will.
Ellen had met baby Will at a hospital where she had been
researching a human interest story. He had been between heart
surgeries.
"...He lay at the end of the sunny unit, a tiny boy in a diaper,
in an institutional crib with high white bars. He was undersized,
failing to thrive...his was the only crib with no plush toys or
colorful mobiles attached to the bars."
In the two years following his adoption Will had grown strong
and healthy and bonded tightly with his new mother. But what if the
adoption procedures had not been completely kosher? What if Will
rightfully belonged to someone else? Would Ellen be able to let him go?
And what if her investigations are catching the eye of a truly
bad character with a strong vested interest in the truth not coming to
light, someone who has killed and has no qualms about killing again?
Look again is a cliff hanger of the highest caliber and so much
more. For those of us who are parents: what if you learned that your
beloved child belonged to someone else and you were the only one who
knew?
I would have thrown the flyer away. What about you?
On a purrrsonal note, it's been a really good week. The weather has
been sunny and gorgeous. I've been getting in a bunch of outdoor
reading. Yesterday I saw my first bee of the season. (BTW Speak up
for pollinators whenever you can. They're a crucial part of our
ecosystem.) My first daffodil bud is starting to blossom. Today is
grey. We're expecting a little bad weather. Oh, well. We need some
precip. I am SO EXCITED that I got 100% on my most recent statistics
assignment. My average is 94.93. If I do well enough on my last
assignment I'll get a solid A. I am going to seriously miss the
class. Spring cleaning is coming along fine. Emily keeps bringing me
the most awesome library books. I'm for sure living my best life.
(Jules)
I'm living my best cat life. Food, a home with a loft and windows,
toys, and hoomans who totally adore me. YASSS!!! (Tobago)
A great big shout out goes out to UMaine's 2021 valedictorian, Bailey
West who is also a community contributor and genuinely nice human
being. We predict that she will continue to be a light in the world.
Tobago and Jules Hathaway
Sent from my iPod
Adult Mystery
"Ellen couldn't stop looking at the white card, which read HAVE
YOU SEEN THIS CHILD? The resemblance between the boy in the photo and
her son was uncanny. They had the same wide-set eyes, smallish nose,
and lopsided grin...the boys could have been twins."
I think most of us would consign a missing child flyer to the
trash can or recycling bin after maybe a cursory glance and a feeling
of sympathy for the missing child and bereft family. This was the
first impulse of Ellen, protagonist of Lisa Scottoline's Look Again.
However, as a reporter, she let curiosity get the better or her and
discovered even more similarities between missing child Timothy and
her own Will.
Ellen had met baby Will at a hospital where she had been
researching a human interest story. He had been between heart
surgeries.
"...He lay at the end of the sunny unit, a tiny boy in a diaper,
in an institutional crib with high white bars. He was undersized,
failing to thrive...his was the only crib with no plush toys or
colorful mobiles attached to the bars."
In the two years following his adoption Will had grown strong
and healthy and bonded tightly with his new mother. But what if the
adoption procedures had not been completely kosher? What if Will
rightfully belonged to someone else? Would Ellen be able to let him go?
And what if her investigations are catching the eye of a truly
bad character with a strong vested interest in the truth not coming to
light, someone who has killed and has no qualms about killing again?
Look again is a cliff hanger of the highest caliber and so much
more. For those of us who are parents: what if you learned that your
beloved child belonged to someone else and you were the only one who
knew?
I would have thrown the flyer away. What about you?
On a purrrsonal note, it's been a really good week. The weather has
been sunny and gorgeous. I've been getting in a bunch of outdoor
reading. Yesterday I saw my first bee of the season. (BTW Speak up
for pollinators whenever you can. They're a crucial part of our
ecosystem.) My first daffodil bud is starting to blossom. Today is
grey. We're expecting a little bad weather. Oh, well. We need some
precip. I am SO EXCITED that I got 100% on my most recent statistics
assignment. My average is 94.93. If I do well enough on my last
assignment I'll get a solid A. I am going to seriously miss the
class. Spring cleaning is coming along fine. Emily keeps bringing me
the most awesome library books. I'm for sure living my best life.
(Jules)
I'm living my best cat life. Food, a home with a loft and windows,
toys, and hoomans who totally adore me. YASSS!!! (Tobago)
A great big shout out goes out to UMaine's 2021 valedictorian, Bailey
West who is also a community contributor and genuinely nice human
being. We predict that she will continue to be a light in the world.
Tobago and Jules Hathaway
Sent from my iPod
Monday, April 12, 2021
Good Talk: A Memoir In Conversation
Good Talk: A Memoir In Conversation
Adult graphic novel
"The trouble began when my 6-year-old son, Z, became obsessed with
Michael Jackson."
If you're a parent you know that young children ask lots of
questions, some of which are not easy to answer. This was the case
for Mira Jacob, daughter of immigrant parents from India and author of
Good Talk: A Memoir In Conversations. At the start of the book Z is
wanting information on his hero such as "Who taught him how to dance?"
But as he processes events such as 9/11 and its aftermath and the
election of Donald Trump the questions are more urgent and personal.
"If the president doesn't like us does that mean the army doesn't like
us? What if they only like Daddy? Will he have to give us up?"
Jacob's talks with her son aren't the only ones in the book.
It's composed entirely of them. There are her interactions with her
own parents and brother, a teacher, the white Jewish man who becomes
her husband, her Trump supporter in-laws who want to steer away from
any uncomfortable discourse, and other people including some pretty
clueless whites.
This splendid method of story telling, put into a graphic novel
format, gives Good Talk an intimacy that is missing in so many other
antiracism books. The pictures, in addition to being amazing works of
art, add greatly to the message. It would be impossible for the
reader not to become engaged in and touched by the narrative.
But you don't have to take my word for this. Award winning
author Jacqueline Woodson describes the book as "A beautiful and eye
opening account of what it means to mother a brown boy and what it
means to live in this country post-9/11, as a person of color, as a
woman, as an artist..."
Here's how I suggest you read the book. Pick a time you won't
be interrupted. Shut the devices off. Curl up in your favorite
reading spot with your choice of snacks and beverages. You'll be in
for some for sure quality time.
On a purrrsonal note, speaking of quality time, I had the most
incredible Sunday. Eugene and I went on a road trip to the Big City
(Portland East as opposed to West Coast) which is my favorite city on
the globe and Eugene never drives to. Only he had a motorcycle to
give Adam. So we spent much of a day chilling and had lunch with our
younger two kids. We were all so happy to be together after what felt
like ages. It was a for real celebration. We also saw Adam's Asia
and got to play with the other family cats: Beans, Delilah, and
Archie. It was the dearest wish of my heart coming as a total out of
the blue surprise. If you have people you yearn to spend time with I
know you're totally feeling me. Thanks! (Jules)
I read the other cats' posts. Hoomans are feline Facebooks. (Tobago)
A great big shout out goes out to all members, human and feline, of
our fabulous family.
Tobago and Jules Hathaway
Sent from my iPod
Adult graphic novel
"The trouble began when my 6-year-old son, Z, became obsessed with
Michael Jackson."
If you're a parent you know that young children ask lots of
questions, some of which are not easy to answer. This was the case
for Mira Jacob, daughter of immigrant parents from India and author of
Good Talk: A Memoir In Conversations. At the start of the book Z is
wanting information on his hero such as "Who taught him how to dance?"
But as he processes events such as 9/11 and its aftermath and the
election of Donald Trump the questions are more urgent and personal.
"If the president doesn't like us does that mean the army doesn't like
us? What if they only like Daddy? Will he have to give us up?"
Jacob's talks with her son aren't the only ones in the book.
It's composed entirely of them. There are her interactions with her
own parents and brother, a teacher, the white Jewish man who becomes
her husband, her Trump supporter in-laws who want to steer away from
any uncomfortable discourse, and other people including some pretty
clueless whites.
This splendid method of story telling, put into a graphic novel
format, gives Good Talk an intimacy that is missing in so many other
antiracism books. The pictures, in addition to being amazing works of
art, add greatly to the message. It would be impossible for the
reader not to become engaged in and touched by the narrative.
But you don't have to take my word for this. Award winning
author Jacqueline Woodson describes the book as "A beautiful and eye
opening account of what it means to mother a brown boy and what it
means to live in this country post-9/11, as a person of color, as a
woman, as an artist..."
Here's how I suggest you read the book. Pick a time you won't
be interrupted. Shut the devices off. Curl up in your favorite
reading spot with your choice of snacks and beverages. You'll be in
for some for sure quality time.
On a purrrsonal note, speaking of quality time, I had the most
incredible Sunday. Eugene and I went on a road trip to the Big City
(Portland East as opposed to West Coast) which is my favorite city on
the globe and Eugene never drives to. Only he had a motorcycle to
give Adam. So we spent much of a day chilling and had lunch with our
younger two kids. We were all so happy to be together after what felt
like ages. It was a for real celebration. We also saw Adam's Asia
and got to play with the other family cats: Beans, Delilah, and
Archie. It was the dearest wish of my heart coming as a total out of
the blue surprise. If you have people you yearn to spend time with I
know you're totally feeling me. Thanks! (Jules)
I read the other cats' posts. Hoomans are feline Facebooks. (Tobago)
A great big shout out goes out to all members, human and feline, of
our fabulous family.
Tobago and Jules Hathaway
Sent from my iPod
Friday, April 9, 2021
Every Fifteen Minutes
Every Fifteen Minutes
Adult mystery
Good novels combine riveting plots with believable and
interesting characters. Great novels add the element of relevant
issues presented skillfully enough to engage the reader. In Every
Fifteen Minutes Lisa Scottoline gifts us with a great novel.
Protagonist Eric is like a 21st century version of the Biblical
Job, an unfortunate guy stripped of all the good things in life.
First there's his increasingly acrimonious divorce. Ex wife Caitlin
is cutting down on his specified in the agreement parental rights.
She's selling the house they once shared with no option for him to buy
it back.
Then there's his new (psychiatric) patient. Max, 17, is
devastated by the impending death of the grandmother who raised him.
He raises red flags in Eric's mind, and not only in terms of potential
suicide. He seems obsessed with a girl he has a crush on and fears
that he might harm her. Eric thinks he might have a Tarasoff issue (a
potentially dangerous situation in which he'd be mandated to warn a
client's potential victim and the police) on his hands. But, fearful
of eroding Max's fragile trust, Eric says nothing. Things take an
ugly turn for the worse.
Then there's Kristine, a medical student on rotation at the
hospital psychiatric unit he's head of. When he rejects his advances
she files an official allegation of sexual harassment. Suddenly he's
under investigation, even having to pee into a cup for a drug test.
"I'm a sociopath. I look normal, but I'm not. I'm smarter, better,
and freer because I'm not bound by rules, laws, emotions, or regard
for you...
I fool everybody."
Scattered through the narrative are narrative are direct,
ominous messages to readers from one of the characters, adding yet
another layer of suspense. Which one? When will they work their evil?
If you're in the market for a spine chilling, impossible to put
down mystery with engaging ethical issues you can't do better than
Every Fifteen Minutes.
On a purrrsonal note, this week I am living my best life, no doubt
about it. We're having sunny, warm weather. I was able to open my
studio window and pop in a screen for the first time in 2021
yesterday. The breeze roused Tobago from her nap in her loft. The
trees are budding, their leaves soon to reveal themselves. Statistics
continues to be wonderful. My project of thinning out my clothes and
changing my storage system for them is falling into place more
perfectly than I imagined it would. I was craving a grilled cheese
sandwich and had hormone and antibiotic free cheese from Maine cow
milk instead of the plastic wrapped slices. And as I ate my lunch
outside picnic style I read the most amazing graphic novel I've ever
feasted my eyes on. You're lucky. I'm going to bump it to the head
of the line and post a review of it soon, probably after this weekend.
(Jules)
Cool refreshing breezes. Life is good. (Tobago)
A great big shout out goes out to dairy farmers who keep the dicey
stuff out of their products.
Tobago and Jules Hathaway
Sent from my iPod
Adult mystery
Good novels combine riveting plots with believable and
interesting characters. Great novels add the element of relevant
issues presented skillfully enough to engage the reader. In Every
Fifteen Minutes Lisa Scottoline gifts us with a great novel.
Protagonist Eric is like a 21st century version of the Biblical
Job, an unfortunate guy stripped of all the good things in life.
First there's his increasingly acrimonious divorce. Ex wife Caitlin
is cutting down on his specified in the agreement parental rights.
She's selling the house they once shared with no option for him to buy
it back.
Then there's his new (psychiatric) patient. Max, 17, is
devastated by the impending death of the grandmother who raised him.
He raises red flags in Eric's mind, and not only in terms of potential
suicide. He seems obsessed with a girl he has a crush on and fears
that he might harm her. Eric thinks he might have a Tarasoff issue (a
potentially dangerous situation in which he'd be mandated to warn a
client's potential victim and the police) on his hands. But, fearful
of eroding Max's fragile trust, Eric says nothing. Things take an
ugly turn for the worse.
Then there's Kristine, a medical student on rotation at the
hospital psychiatric unit he's head of. When he rejects his advances
she files an official allegation of sexual harassment. Suddenly he's
under investigation, even having to pee into a cup for a drug test.
"I'm a sociopath. I look normal, but I'm not. I'm smarter, better,
and freer because I'm not bound by rules, laws, emotions, or regard
for you...
I fool everybody."
Scattered through the narrative are narrative are direct,
ominous messages to readers from one of the characters, adding yet
another layer of suspense. Which one? When will they work their evil?
If you're in the market for a spine chilling, impossible to put
down mystery with engaging ethical issues you can't do better than
Every Fifteen Minutes.
On a purrrsonal note, this week I am living my best life, no doubt
about it. We're having sunny, warm weather. I was able to open my
studio window and pop in a screen for the first time in 2021
yesterday. The breeze roused Tobago from her nap in her loft. The
trees are budding, their leaves soon to reveal themselves. Statistics
continues to be wonderful. My project of thinning out my clothes and
changing my storage system for them is falling into place more
perfectly than I imagined it would. I was craving a grilled cheese
sandwich and had hormone and antibiotic free cheese from Maine cow
milk instead of the plastic wrapped slices. And as I ate my lunch
outside picnic style I read the most amazing graphic novel I've ever
feasted my eyes on. You're lucky. I'm going to bump it to the head
of the line and post a review of it soon, probably after this weekend.
(Jules)
Cool refreshing breezes. Life is good. (Tobago)
A great big shout out goes out to dairy farmers who keep the dicey
stuff out of their products.
Tobago and Jules Hathaway
Sent from my iPod
Wednesday, April 7, 2021
Less
Less
Adult Fiction
"From where I sit, the story of Less is not so bad..."
Arthur Less, novelist central character of Andrew Sean Greer's
Less, would probably disagree with this statement. His narrative
begins with a bad news trifecta. He's about to learn that his
publishing house is rejecting his latest offering as the whining of
the over privileged. He's about to turn fifty, embued with the horror
and dread too many people associate with the approaches of ages ending
in zeros after the arrival of legal drinking status. His lover of
about a decade is about to marry someone else. In fact he's been
invited to the wedding.
At first Less was paralyzed with indicision. If he went, there
would be pitying looks, especially from his long term frenemy, Carlos
("Arthur, you know my son was never right for you") Pelu.
"Yet Less could not simply decline the invitation. To sit at
home while all the old gang gathered up in Sonoma to drink Carlos'
money--well they would cackle about him all the same..."
Less copes by taking an option only available to the most
privileged among us: a trip around the world planned around a series
of random invitations. Sorry. To busy to attend your little event.
Best wishes.
What I liked about the novel was the unpredictability of his
adventures and misadventures. He chills on a desert island with his
frenemy and would be father-in-law who has an unusual request to
make. A dog tears up the blue suit he considers his signature piece.
Stepping on a sewing needle leads to a middle of the night broken
ankle. And, of course, the airlines lose his luggage. I like the
book on the level of clueless American abroad comedy.
At any deeper level, though, I found it more maudlin than
poignant. He's mourning the two lost loves of his life. He's
terrified of the aging process and society's expectations of his older
self which he totally buys into. When a tailor insists on making him
a grey suit, claiming that he's too old to wear blue, he accepts a
detested grey suit instead of saying "Blue or I take my money
somewhere else."
My favorite character in the book was the invisible til the end
narrator. From the beginning I could tell this was the voice of
someone important in Less' life. I kept looking to clues to his
identity.
On a purrrsonal note, yesterday I had a day that would have been
amazing even in a nonpandemic year. It started in the morning when I
got an inspiration for my next opinion piece. I was in the zone. It
felt like catching lightning in a jar. While I was writing Emily came
by with library books and Easter candy. I found out that I got 97 on
my most recent statistics assignment. The hoodie Eugene told me to
order arrived early and was even more beautiful than the picture. All
the jeans I haven't worn since I went into pandemic house arrest still
fit perfectly. I had a nice phone chat with my daughter and a
marshmellow Peeps and hard cherry lemonade/black raspberry ice cream
ice cream soda and good book happy hour. I mean what more could one
ask for? (Jules)
When my hoomans iz happy I iz happy. (Tobago)
A great big shout out goes to the wonderful students who organized a
toiletries drive for Black Bear Exchange. Shampoo, conditioner, and
other body care items are a big help!!!
Tobago and Jules Hathaway
Sent from my iPod
Adult Fiction
"From where I sit, the story of Less is not so bad..."
Arthur Less, novelist central character of Andrew Sean Greer's
Less, would probably disagree with this statement. His narrative
begins with a bad news trifecta. He's about to learn that his
publishing house is rejecting his latest offering as the whining of
the over privileged. He's about to turn fifty, embued with the horror
and dread too many people associate with the approaches of ages ending
in zeros after the arrival of legal drinking status. His lover of
about a decade is about to marry someone else. In fact he's been
invited to the wedding.
At first Less was paralyzed with indicision. If he went, there
would be pitying looks, especially from his long term frenemy, Carlos
("Arthur, you know my son was never right for you") Pelu.
"Yet Less could not simply decline the invitation. To sit at
home while all the old gang gathered up in Sonoma to drink Carlos'
money--well they would cackle about him all the same..."
Less copes by taking an option only available to the most
privileged among us: a trip around the world planned around a series
of random invitations. Sorry. To busy to attend your little event.
Best wishes.
What I liked about the novel was the unpredictability of his
adventures and misadventures. He chills on a desert island with his
frenemy and would be father-in-law who has an unusual request to
make. A dog tears up the blue suit he considers his signature piece.
Stepping on a sewing needle leads to a middle of the night broken
ankle. And, of course, the airlines lose his luggage. I like the
book on the level of clueless American abroad comedy.
At any deeper level, though, I found it more maudlin than
poignant. He's mourning the two lost loves of his life. He's
terrified of the aging process and society's expectations of his older
self which he totally buys into. When a tailor insists on making him
a grey suit, claiming that he's too old to wear blue, he accepts a
detested grey suit instead of saying "Blue or I take my money
somewhere else."
My favorite character in the book was the invisible til the end
narrator. From the beginning I could tell this was the voice of
someone important in Less' life. I kept looking to clues to his
identity.
On a purrrsonal note, yesterday I had a day that would have been
amazing even in a nonpandemic year. It started in the morning when I
got an inspiration for my next opinion piece. I was in the zone. It
felt like catching lightning in a jar. While I was writing Emily came
by with library books and Easter candy. I found out that I got 97 on
my most recent statistics assignment. The hoodie Eugene told me to
order arrived early and was even more beautiful than the picture. All
the jeans I haven't worn since I went into pandemic house arrest still
fit perfectly. I had a nice phone chat with my daughter and a
marshmellow Peeps and hard cherry lemonade/black raspberry ice cream
ice cream soda and good book happy hour. I mean what more could one
ask for? (Jules)
When my hoomans iz happy I iz happy. (Tobago)
A great big shout out goes to the wonderful students who organized a
toiletries drive for Black Bear Exchange. Shampoo, conditioner, and
other body care items are a big help!!!
Tobago and Jules Hathaway
Sent from my iPod
Tuesday, April 6, 2021
Fwd: And Our April Book Club Read Is...
Sent from my iPod
Begin forwarded message:
From: "Read It Forward" <email@e.crownpublishing.com>
Date: April 5, 2021 8:33:10 PM EDT
To: "Julia" <beaniebabylover@gmail.com>
Subject: And Our April Book Club Read Is...
Join the Virtual Happy Hour featuring the author, Jasmin Darznik!
View email in browser
About the Book Set in 1920s San Francisco, The Bohemians is a dazzling novel about one of America's most celebrated photographers, Dorothea Lange. (You definitely know her most famous photograph, "Migrant Mother," as a defining image of the Great Depression.) The years Dorothea spends in San Francisco, and the people she meets (including Frida Kahlo and Ansel Adams), will awaken the grit, compassion, and daring that will become trademarks of her career.
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by Melanie Benjamin
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by Karen M. McManus
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