tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-49886602081409673172024-03-27T16:54:12.528-07:00The Written, Spoken and Visual WordMelissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07098231851894526499noreply@blogger.comBlogger422125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4988660208140967317.post-92116203498171874122024-03-27T02:51:00.000-07:002024-03-27T02:51:53.138-07:00REVIEW Monsters We Defy by Leslye Penelope <p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGsORv6pQepAhu_9XwbuN0pji21kzyXQswKJ6PXNB7lREU-ES_jcMTHUpWqgfKZcsKq0pR_DOPajXj2-O3uod34TLB9Dl8bkW7E4JrW6KDlySH3Jn337Z7roocImDnkA-SJa0surpVSFpGrGl3xPI8pC7A0l0_tt_wUjNETbtuQIdbL89uynhg0FuruD4/s474/monstersdefy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="316" data-original-width="474" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGsORv6pQepAhu_9XwbuN0pji21kzyXQswKJ6PXNB7lREU-ES_jcMTHUpWqgfKZcsKq0pR_DOPajXj2-O3uod34TLB9Dl8bkW7E4JrW6KDlySH3Jn337Z7roocImDnkA-SJa0surpVSFpGrGl3xPI8pC7A0l0_tt_wUjNETbtuQIdbL89uynhg0FuruD4/s320/monstersdefy.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>Clara Johnson is a Black Woman living in DC during the time of Langston Hughes. She is something else - she was born with a caul and screaming and her ability to commune with spirits is attributed to her caul. In this novel, Penelope tells the story of Clara and her team as they attempt to save the Black community from spirits stealing their destinies. When we meet Clara, she has been brokering deals between people for six years already and is working as a typist at a local journal. She is offered a deal by a spirit that she calls the Empress - if she can get a hold of a special ring, and provide it to the empress, Clara will be released from her deal with the Empress. The same deal will be extended to anyone else helping her. She enlists the help of her roommate, Zelda, Jesi Lee (a porter), musician Israel Lee and Aristotle. </p><p>I thoroughly enjoyed this novel. The period - 1920's DC Black community - was amazing rich, as were the characters and Clara's story. The characters remained warm and empathetic, even where they could easily become cold and cynical. The story was fun and not just a run of the mill treasure hunt - more noir combined with historical fiction (Clara Johnson was an actual person!) - so it was fun. The pacing was good too - it moved quickly. It also kept me on my toes - the "bad guy" and the plot kept changing, so I was constantly reading, hoping to learn more. </p><p>The theme of freedom is important here - there is a group of people that are seemingly held captive and forced to work, much like the sharecroppers were forced to work in the wake of slavery. The debts held by the spirits also reflect that. The book begs the question of what can actually be done with freedom. If freedom is so hard won, then what can and should be done by those who have actually won that freedom? </p><p>Really enjoyed this book. </p>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07098231851894526499noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4988660208140967317.post-41691227145969368642024-03-24T05:10:00.000-07:002024-03-24T05:10:00.287-07:00Links I love<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijPqmAIeNPEFYLzR0SKIZrUMXCvUbDKNBi1-cvMixbTwRVLLnoOHks4IaNCg4AfCz6LknAnUsFZUqKON6XMizJdahsxGIay5ZmS7LjYOB_nn5a-I1zpBJ0tcBSJtlvtRneFpU1QyenaQotbOi7klsqDEbW3IQZP90o7R9Q52v7_RZUa7DYaFdw6LUpXo0/s474/th%20(4).jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="343" data-original-width="474" height="232" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijPqmAIeNPEFYLzR0SKIZrUMXCvUbDKNBi1-cvMixbTwRVLLnoOHks4IaNCg4AfCz6LknAnUsFZUqKON6XMizJdahsxGIay5ZmS7LjYOB_nn5a-I1zpBJ0tcBSJtlvtRneFpU1QyenaQotbOi7klsqDEbW3IQZP90o7R9Q52v7_RZUa7DYaFdw6LUpXo0/s320/th%20(4).jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>I hope that everyone had a good week, including St. Patrick's!!</p><p></p><ol style="text-align: left;"><li>Is the most <a href="https://allears.net/2024/03/17/is-the-most-expensive-hotel-in-disney-world-really-worth-it/">expensive hotel</a> at WDW worth it?</li><li><a href="https://thedisneyblog.com/2024/03/17/actor-patrick-warburton-makes-surprise-appearance-at-disneylands-soarin-over-california/?utm_source=feedly&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=actor-patrick-warburton-makes-surprise-appearance-at-disneylands-soarin-over-california">Patrick Warburton</a> surprises people at Soarin. Would have loved it if this happened when we were there!</li><li><a href="https://crimereads.com/chris-bohjalian-las-vegas/">Chris Bohjalian</a> and lots of things, including his new book.</li><li><a href="https://nerdist.com/article/star-wars-blue-milk-coming-to-grocery-store-shelves/">Star Wars</a> blue milk is coming</li></ol><div>Enjoy.</div><p></p>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07098231851894526499noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4988660208140967317.post-23563003006796176512024-03-21T03:10:00.000-07:002024-03-21T03:10:36.299-07:00REVIEW Come and Get It by Kiley Reid<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyNAIg1-LSkMXxmHM8INSj6IltmRuN_IFGzd_rAq2B2QEH9xf5Zu-y9VgJopeaur5nMBv56xtrfrJDl_UsEPejgxPa35vcmdI3ALnaTtN90vmJ1IkGSgcp5ppUukYh7mUBpFIc_BisXuYt0akFICJUcDdSFhFa1_5dLm-bR_8RweeR3-plaD7gaJC7K8s/s474/comegetit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="474" data-original-width="474" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyNAIg1-LSkMXxmHM8INSj6IltmRuN_IFGzd_rAq2B2QEH9xf5Zu-y9VgJopeaur5nMBv56xtrfrJDl_UsEPejgxPa35vcmdI3ALnaTtN90vmJ1IkGSgcp5ppUukYh7mUBpFIc_BisXuYt0akFICJUcDdSFhFa1_5dLm-bR_8RweeR3-plaD7gaJC7K8s/s320/comegetit.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>I was intrigued by the title, so I picked this up, not having known about Reid's previous book, which was long listed for various awards. This is a campus novel about the University of Arkansas, featuring Millie, a 24 year old Senior and RA. Millie is black and becomes particularly fond of a visiting (much older) white professor named Agatha, who has come to campus to interview students about weddings and getting married. When we meet everyone, Millie has arranged for the initial interviews and the story moves from there. </p><p>I found that this novel was more of a fly on the wall novel - we are observing from somewhat of a distance while the day to day life of a college unfolds around us. We observe the interaction of race, gender and class and the interpersonal conflicts that arise with living in dorms - the ultimate cramped place. It is pretty fast paced, but don't rush through it otherwise you'll miss the things that Reid is trying to teach you about the power dynamics inherent with the intersection of race class and gender. I enjoyed that I could hear the voices of the characters in my head as I was actually reading the dialogue, which doesn't often happen for me. I appreciated Reid's questioning of how we view the lives of people for our consumption and her questioning of the entitlement that surrounds that. </p><p>Enjoyable and quick, definitely recommended. </p>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07098231851894526499noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4988660208140967317.post-74539159245335660882024-03-19T02:40:00.000-07:002024-03-19T02:40:00.248-07:00REVIEW: Mussolini's Daughter by Caroline Moorehead<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3dF_f2H67lPsm3L4QQpAKI-tnwD_30JCl4KSrU0PdE1I7yga-bjQN7RuY-EVdr_FLoD1B1EMujwchk3X9HJINb5VayW86rTvG2Bjjv6FLAXLsP7YjF2uoEZhsYN_8_TGKOXjNQ8CeR1EioF3MTGqsY4sk4P3Wp8AWxm1mU2-KZZZ9e8C0fRJFXY-l7NQ/s716/daughter.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="716" data-original-width="474" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3dF_f2H67lPsm3L4QQpAKI-tnwD_30JCl4KSrU0PdE1I7yga-bjQN7RuY-EVdr_FLoD1B1EMujwchk3X9HJINb5VayW86rTvG2Bjjv6FLAXLsP7YjF2uoEZhsYN_8_TGKOXjNQ8CeR1EioF3MTGqsY4sk4P3Wp8AWxm1mU2-KZZZ9e8C0fRJFXY-l7NQ/s320/daughter.jpg" width="212" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>I got this book as one of my birthday presents. It looked intriguing, but it was somewhat deceptive in its title. This book, as the title not so subtly suggests, is supposed to be about Edda Mussolini - the eldest child and eldest daughter of Benito Mussolini. She was, theoretically, one of the most powerful woman in Europe in the 1930's and early 40's. </p><p>Edda was born in 1910 to Rachele and Benito and, initially, had to deal with poverty, beatings and instability. Perhaps not surprisingly, her father was absent - he was often in hospitals or in jail for his fascist activities. Edda would often visit him in prison where she was taught to hug her father, not to show love, but to enable him to conceal items on Edda for her mother. Edda was never allowed to show emotion, instead being taught that stoicism was valued. She was mercurial and enigmatic, according to Moorehead, and was a very distant mother herself as a result. In her teens, Mussolini became "Il Duce" and rose to power, thrusting Edda into the spotlight. Mussolini treasured her more than her other siblings, but she never was the only woman to have his attention given his not so secrete womanizing. She became the "first lady" of the regime because her mother was very reclusive and private. Edda ended up marrying a man named Gian Ciano, who also was known for his womanizing.</p><p>Shortly after their marriage, they travelled to Shanghai for a posting and this is where Edda seems to have been the happiest. She loved being in Shanghai. Even though there was still womanizing, Edda seems to have thrived in society there. Edda's happiness seems to shine when she's farthest from Rome - not only was she happy in Shanghai but she was very happy in the islands of Italy, off the mainland (think Capri). She had bouts of depression, listlessness and abused alcohol at best. Unlike other women, she travelled widely as an emissary of her father, including engaging in meetings with Hitler and his regime as her father's representative. Eventually, Ciano votes against his father in law, who is arrested, imprisoned and ultimately freed from jail. As a result, Ciano himself is arrested and summarily executed. As a result, she flees to Switzerland and, eventually, is "safe" when her father himself is executed in 1945.</p><p>I guess I understand that a book like this cannot be written without providing historical context - particularly with details about Benito Mussolini's life - because Edda's life and her power seem to be in relation to him. However, I felt that most of the book was about her father and not really about her, even though it's supposed to be about her. It left me feeling like I wanted more. There were maybe 15 pages about her lift after World War II ended, which was disappointing because I wanted to know what happened to her after her escape. I did really appreciate Moorehead's prose and her research, which was prodigious. She obviously thoroughly researched this book. The book itself is almost like a movie and moves fairly quickly. </p><p>Definitely worth the read, but I would get it out of the library instead of purchasing. </p>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07098231851894526499noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4988660208140967317.post-14162839535452620622024-03-17T02:42:00.000-07:002024-03-17T02:42:00.197-07:00Links I love<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQinhvJw2xK-gTCoByUUmW8f0krEnssqc_u3Tv1IlKMJ4xtKEXTHRJqu0fT7ZrK4CfeOuvajbtNRUNTKfvE4z2_Smb-e_VI7pPOPwnqg8IUFcpuo7VksAm-Zd8e59hRyp-3bIiCqZhxJ1QkbgqX5pW78K3EjSsMKvUPY8aUO7UEKyFmb7CSGzhu75Dask/s474/th%20(4).jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="343" data-original-width="474" height="232" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQinhvJw2xK-gTCoByUUmW8f0krEnssqc_u3Tv1IlKMJ4xtKEXTHRJqu0fT7ZrK4CfeOuvajbtNRUNTKfvE4z2_Smb-e_VI7pPOPwnqg8IUFcpuo7VksAm-Zd8e59hRyp-3bIiCqZhxJ1QkbgqX5pW78K3EjSsMKvUPY8aUO7UEKyFmb7CSGzhu75Dask/s320/th%20(4).jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>It was my birthday last weekend, so it was pretty low key for me, thankfully. Here are some links! Enjoy.</p><p></p><ol style="text-align: left;"><li><a href="https://bookriot.com/2024-international-booker-prize-longlist/">International</a> Booker prize longlist announced.</li><li><a href="https://fivebooks.com/best-books/five-mysteries-set-in-russia-boris-akunin/">5 mysteries</a> set in Russia.</li><li>Does <a href="https://www.huffpost.com/entry/covid-19-pandemic-sense-time-warped_l_65e5e7b7e4b0f8905933790c">time</a> feel different since the Pandemic?</li><li>Kate Middleton and the <a href="https://www.bustle.com/entertainment/kate-middleton-apology-edited-mothers-day-photo">hubub</a> around her photo.</li><li>What is a <a href="https://www.mentalfloss.com/posts/what-is-flat-white-coffee?utm_source=RSS">flat white</a>? I like them and cappuccinos - yum.</li><li>5 pieces of sleep advice to <a href="https://www.huffpost.com/entry/common-sleep-myths-advice_l_65e8c51fe4b0170871fcb433">ignore</a>.</li><li>On Tana French's <a href="https://crimereads.com/tana-french-on-embracing-discomfort-irish-wit-and-chosen-family-in-the-hunter/">new</a> novel - it's not Dublin Squad, but I'll take it.</li><li><a href="https://www.distractify.com/p/mom-ruins-9k-gender-reveal-party">This</a> is...interesting? Sucks? Let me know what you think.</li><li><a href="https://www.npr.org/2024/03/15/1238765983/wendy-williams-dementia-exploited-documentary">Wendy Williams</a> and her dementia - how sad.</li><li><a href="https://reason.com/volokh/2024/03/16/beverly-hills-cop-is-a-fourth-amendment-movie/">Beverly Hills Cop</a> is a fourth amendment movie.</li><li>How <a href="https://www.mentalfloss.com/posts/the-simpsons-debunks-fan-theories?utm_source=RSS">The Simpsons</a> debunks fan theories.</li><li><a href="https://www.thedailybeast.com/obsessed/lori-loughlins-curb-your-enthusiasm-comeback-is-so-twisted">Lori Loughlin</a> and Curb Your Enthusiasm</li></ol><p></p>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07098231851894526499noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4988660208140967317.post-80678591303255052432024-03-12T01:54:00.000-07:002024-03-12T01:54:22.724-07:00REVIEW: The Black Echo by Michael Connelly<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7ymJRshqYKdCdqCC4NM7p9DFAqdg9yl9lhx8juGBk7ZDh_B7e3GFnu33DCkJPmRnh7h3KPZACnP8zre1XJa1T8vngP8Vg3hN9o5VBcj13fiI961kH97zIgeBCX-dcTGDJzjnSGIi51OH70ziRAS2gx6U447P5GeFhPJdKj-ajxvsW5E3Ou8L5ZHM_fhg/s630/blackecho.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="630" data-original-width="413" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7ymJRshqYKdCdqCC4NM7p9DFAqdg9yl9lhx8juGBk7ZDh_B7e3GFnu33DCkJPmRnh7h3KPZACnP8zre1XJa1T8vngP8Vg3hN9o5VBcj13fiI961kH97zIgeBCX-dcTGDJzjnSGIi51OH70ziRAS2gx6U447P5GeFhPJdKj-ajxvsW5E3Ou8L5ZHM_fhg/s320/blackecho.jpg" width="210" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>I have always been a fan of mystery and crime drama, let's be real. But I picked up the first in the <a href="https://www.michaelconnelly.com/series/">Bosch series</a> after watching a few episodes on Amazon Prime. And I honestly am glad that I found these books. The book's main character is Harry Bosch, a Vietnam vet and a detective at the LAPD who has had his share of employment woes. When we meet him, he's been sent to the Hollywood Homicide Division, which is a Siberia for detectives, after being demoted from an elite unit after an officer involved shooting. Bosch is called to the scene of a suspected homicide, where he learns that a fellow vet and acquaintance, Billy Meadows, has died under suspicious circumstances. Bosch suspects that the death may be linked to a robbery that the FBI is investigating, and so he teams up with Agent Eleanor Wish to investigate and hopefully prevent another bank robbery.</p><p>After reading this, I can see why it won awards when it was written (although, in the nature of full disclosure, it is somewhat dated - for instance, the characters have pagers and must use payphones. Bosch seems like the type of character that would be really grouchy about updates in technology, like cell phones). I enjoyed the character of harry Bosch - he's not infallible and comes with his own baggage. He likes jazz, coffee and cigarettes. He makes decisions that don't always align with the rules. He has a tough exterior, but a wicked soft spot for victims and the vulnerable. </p><p>I also really enjoyed the book and the pacing. It moved very well. Even though the chapters/sections are long-ish, they are often split out into 2-5 page chunks that make for easy and quick consumption. The pacing itself was very good, even for such a deceptively long book. And the plot twists! Hang with it and you won't be disappointed. </p><p>I look forward to reading more of these novels.</p>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07098231851894526499noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4988660208140967317.post-10640300072609930052024-03-10T01:00:00.000-08:002024-03-10T01:00:00.487-08:00Links I love<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9MlBCYjAwYv4bZzMf0oomhPLtM2ER-G41xuDFNvSFK6hB8vOElmE4N-USt_IIixvFmC98X14eNoWpk4sW1MvejLZMAYFr_uOgnKiEPXnaKrti2uwbv3iBBXMUEE1C42pX01VP9JOAnwjSj4fh7hqoFErOGA53Pv0i8skcpuxBhypi8pMkQjyXwfo7fHM/s474/th%20(4).jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="343" data-original-width="474" height="232" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9MlBCYjAwYv4bZzMf0oomhPLtM2ER-G41xuDFNvSFK6hB8vOElmE4N-USt_IIixvFmC98X14eNoWpk4sW1MvejLZMAYFr_uOgnKiEPXnaKrti2uwbv3iBBXMUEE1C42pX01VP9JOAnwjSj4fh7hqoFErOGA53Pv0i8skcpuxBhypi8pMkQjyXwfo7fHM/s320/th%20(4).jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>We are back and back to reality. :( The weather has been quite mild for us though, which makes a difficult transition back a bit easier. I hope all are well! Here we go:</p><p><br /></p><p></p><ol style="text-align: left;"><li>The <a href="https://crimereads.com/romancing-the-stone/">charm</a> of Romancing the Stone.</li><li>Dartmouth basketball team <a href="https://www.nhpr.org/sports/2024-03-05/dartmouth-mens-basketball-team-votes-to-unionize-shaking-up-college-sports">unionizes</a>.</li><li>New <a href="https://bookriot.com/haruki-murakamis-first-novel-in-six-years-coming-november-2024/">Haruki Murakami</a> book being released in November.</li><li><a href="https://www.themarysue.com/kyrsten-sinema-announces-retirement-as-useless-corporate-senate-shill-who-accomplished-nothing/">Kyrsten Synema</a> is retiring.</li><li>NH's <a href="https://www.nhpr.org/climate-change/2024-03-07/how-new-hampshire-is-weathering-a-short-and-sparse-ski-season">short</a> ski season</li></ol><div>Enjoy your week!</div><p></p>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07098231851894526499noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4988660208140967317.post-78873592551642879242024-02-25T01:17:00.000-08:002024-02-25T01:17:00.240-08:00Links I love<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW1qE9I8Wp5_iku_HyB1p8e0tUfYCZ_kUKPJR5wqZzljlvmnvG7uu8sjS9htWdY0-_HYbN2pNqhvCh-vs0GD-d06H3d2_BmG-tJ2SEPWJTmatD9U502lBke0J95hY8515qCZSMKdloiDhb9T7PaUfKrxzFc_2-FhAz8gsFP80tk4RKYBzM7k-dD9zQ3ZE/s474/th%20(4).jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="343" data-original-width="474" height="232" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW1qE9I8Wp5_iku_HyB1p8e0tUfYCZ_kUKPJR5wqZzljlvmnvG7uu8sjS9htWdY0-_HYbN2pNqhvCh-vs0GD-d06H3d2_BmG-tJ2SEPWJTmatD9U502lBke0J95hY8515qCZSMKdloiDhb9T7PaUfKrxzFc_2-FhAz8gsFP80tk4RKYBzM7k-dD9zQ3ZE/s320/th%20(4).jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>I'm hoping that spring comes sooner rather than later, hence the tulip. By the time you read this, we'll be in Florida hopefully enjoying some good weather. </p><p></p><ol style="text-align: left;"><li>1. <a href="https://fivebooks.com/best-books/best-novels-from-pakistan-safinah-danish-elahi/">5 best fiction</a> books from Pakistan.</li><li>Foods that help women retain <a href="https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2024/02/18/1231552773/protein-diet-muscle-strength-training-muscle-loss-women">muscle mass</a>. </li><li><a href="https://www.npr.org/2023/12/28/1221648271/hospice-care-myths-jimmy-carter-end-of-life">Awareness</a> of what hospice care is in light of President Carter being in hospice for one year. </li><li><a href="https://www.themarysue.com/david-tennant-and-michael-sheens-rivalry-just-went-next-level/">This</a> rivalry just went next level</li></ol><p></p>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07098231851894526499noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4988660208140967317.post-30072297073554688782024-02-20T01:45:00.000-08:002024-02-20T01:45:02.166-08:00REVIEW: Down the Hill by Susan Hendricks<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXuc2jqncwUld9nzqiQ0eVxMPpj0prbjzK3CUvXbUYICYXeBOegiq05c-f0Gmpt1FfjCCNGRLW87HqHAQKoipuHOyjlg1StyDZEFKlzx14dXyO3dUMeuW2keMSiMxH_73gzTN2gaPaRTu-W4ikYhiwfCXpIP1bpcTv75dMNhBV1FhagywwtG54RBQYTBI/s276/downthehiill.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="276" data-original-width="183" height="276" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXuc2jqncwUld9nzqiQ0eVxMPpj0prbjzK3CUvXbUYICYXeBOegiq05c-f0Gmpt1FfjCCNGRLW87HqHAQKoipuHOyjlg1StyDZEFKlzx14dXyO3dUMeuW2keMSiMxH_73gzTN2gaPaRTu-W4ikYhiwfCXpIP1bpcTv75dMNhBV1FhagywwtG54RBQYTBI/s1600/downthehiill.jpg" width="183" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>In February of 2013, two teenagers - Libby and Abby - were hiking the trails close to <a href="https://www.wrtv.com/longform/delphi-daughters-a-360-tour-of-the-monon-high-bridge">Monon high bridge</a> and near their home in Delphi on an unexpected day off from school. Libby's sister, Kelsi, dropped the two girls off at the trailhead, waved goodbye and went to work. This was the last time that anyone saw them alive, as approximately 24 hours later, their bodies were found about a mile from where they were last seen. What makes this particular case so interesting and intriguing is that there was little physical evidence or other evidence released to the public at the time of the acts, and even now, with a person accused and trial scheduled, there is not a lot of information in the public as a gag order has been issued. One of the most, if not THE most intriguing pieces of evidence is audio and visual recordings made by Libby of a man who said "Guys...down the hill." There were also two composite sketches released and law enforcement has understandably remained very, very quiet about the evidence they have - they don't want to jeopardize the investigation at all. </p><p><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Susan_Hendricks">Susan Hendricks</a>, an anchor for CNN/HLN, was one of the first reporters to begin discussing and reporting on this case. She became very, very close to the families in this case as a result of her reporting and noted how this case really impacted her in a way that prior cases that she reported on in her decades of reporting had never done so before. This is a memoir of her reporting on her case and her relationships with the families. She also attempts to delve deeper into the mystery surrounding the death of the two girls and attempts to examine the impact that the deaths had on the community and the heartland at large. It focuses on Susan's personal journey as opposed to other, more "traditional" true crime books.</p><p>I found that the book itself was very, very fast paced. I enjoyed that there were lots of natural breaks, even within chapters, which allowed me to consume small bites in between other tasks. I very much enjoyed the behind the scenes views that I got of crime reporting and I appreciated learning about the impacts that such reporting had on the reporters. I enjoyed learning about the families as well - this is so easy to lose in true crime reporting. Be forewarned - there is no closure on this as the trial for the person arrested for these offenses has not yet occurred. </p><p>There were definitely parts of the book that I did not like - the last few chapters were word for word interviews in paragraph form (as opposed to transcripts) of interviews that Hendricks did with two experts-one a former investigator and one a behavioral analyst - that did not contain any real introspection on Hendricks' part. I enjoyed the previous parts of the book because Hendricks had discussed her own experiences and insights, so these chapters just seemed out of place and very dry in a way. I suspect that Hendricks was trying to provide answers, and some guidance as to what was going to happen, but if I wanted that, I would have looked for interviews elsewhere. </p>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07098231851894526499noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4988660208140967317.post-63532094804759702682024-02-18T01:39:00.000-08:002024-02-18T01:39:00.154-08:00Links I love<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOLwkxsCvcTrtPXLVfn1XHUgibMkfCKD-b47sM5lxKCjRS6b6_-Ty_tsak3Us8FmKSWnklAnR-NpcbAQfZfIvdQOOIYqdO7SQdEXiwobaevA_q6Na3VbjJuolW7BSrARp9zzYOwIMZlVuNozlN05i6JG3fe2djzeGXZo-_8ttKsmXP0cRy60B3ynyYLik/s640/406912331_18401284270006649_3265954472521520112_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="512" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOLwkxsCvcTrtPXLVfn1XHUgibMkfCKD-b47sM5lxKCjRS6b6_-Ty_tsak3Us8FmKSWnklAnR-NpcbAQfZfIvdQOOIYqdO7SQdEXiwobaevA_q6Na3VbjJuolW7BSrARp9zzYOwIMZlVuNozlN05i6JG3fe2djzeGXZo-_8ttKsmXP0cRy60B3ynyYLik/s320/406912331_18401284270006649_3265954472521520112_n.jpg" width="256" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">We watched the Super Bowl last week but I unfortunately couldn't make it through the entire game. I'm getting old. Congrats KC! </div><div style="text-align: left;"><ol style="text-align: left;"><li>The story behind <a href="https://www.npr.org/2024/02/11/1230771942/carl-weathers-super-bowl-ad">Carl</a> Weather's posthumous Super Bowl ad.</li><li>This widow's <a href="https://www.nhpr.org/nh-news/2024-02-12/she-lost-her-husband-in-2022-this-valentines-day-she-wants-to-help-other-widows-feel-less-alone">project</a> on valentine's day.</li><li><a href="https://www.npr.org/2024/02/15/1230701661/caitlin-clark-a-tsunami-of-impact-and-influence-breaks-the-ncaa-scoring-record">Caitlyn Clark</a> breaks NCAA scoring record</li><li>10 historical fiction books about <a href="https://bookriot.com/historical-fiction-books-about-books/">books</a>.</li><li>While you're at it, read books <a href="https://www.booklistqueen.com/books-about-the-1990s/">about the 90's</a>.</li><li>What happens if you commit a crime in <a href="https://www.todayifoundout.com/index.php/2024/02/what-happens-if-you-commit-a-crime-aboard-an-aircraft-or-in-international-waters/">an aircraft or on international waters</a>?</li><li>How was the Italian mafia <a href="https://www.todayifoundout.com/index.php/2024/02/how-was-the-italian-mafia-established-in-the-u-s/">established in the US</a>?</li><li>Billy Joel wants to start his own Traveling <a href="https://www.vulture.com/article/billy-joel-sting-john-mayer-don-henley-super-group.html?utm_source=flipboard.com&utm_medium=social_acct&utm_campaign=feed-part">WIlburys</a>.</li></ol><div><br /></div></div></div><br /><p></p>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07098231851894526499noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4988660208140967317.post-82952344713360368742024-02-14T01:09:00.000-08:002024-02-14T01:09:11.720-08:00REVIEW: All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg21MXcmwrzRno_c1w1NVTnuq7NazDBcmxv2T-9OgGbTFJgHCYURsRqOJ_JgDkObsADEhdV6DK5Rqgr9WsVXJYZFs0HbGK3DrWEiBIR-_iD35v6Wmc4oGxmaw3rCVU7HN3Tve-4RWmb2AN_YGxldg4TLrB-bItcU5uwa_IQKobPcyFK_b9uxHeQ9tL5gOA/s727/light.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="727" data-original-width="474" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg21MXcmwrzRno_c1w1NVTnuq7NazDBcmxv2T-9OgGbTFJgHCYURsRqOJ_JgDkObsADEhdV6DK5Rqgr9WsVXJYZFs0HbGK3DrWEiBIR-_iD35v6Wmc4oGxmaw3rCVU7HN3Tve-4RWmb2AN_YGxldg4TLrB-bItcU5uwa_IQKobPcyFK_b9uxHeQ9tL5gOA/s320/light.jpg" width="209" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>I am not sure why it took me so long to read this novel - maybe I was feeling so inundated by World War II books. Anyways, it's a Netflix series now so I wanted to read it before seeing the series. This novel takes place in Germany and France before and during Germany's occupation of France. Marie Laure is a blind girl living in France with her father, who is the keymaster of the local museum and Werner is a German orphan living in an orphanage in the German countryside with his sister Jutta. Werner is a pro at fixing things and, specifically, fixing radios. </p><p>In 1940, Marie and her father escape German occupied Paris for Saint Malo, where her great Uncle Etienne has a home. Her father has been entrusted with a remarkable and valuable piece from the museum - the Sea of Flame - which the Germans are looking for. Werner also ends up in Saint Malo, where he is tracing transmissions sent by Marie and Etienne on behalf of the resistance, all the while the Germans are still looking for this historical piece. </p><p>I really enjoyed the descriptions in this novel, although the non linear storytelling was disconcerting. I had a hard time shifting between times, but perhaps that was the point of this. I loved both Marie and Werner - all the characters really, as they were all quite memorable. The 530 pages seemed to really move, which was also good. I very much look forward to the series and more of Doerr's work. </p><p><br /></p>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07098231851894526499noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4988660208140967317.post-20104097429754279842024-02-11T01:37:00.000-08:002024-02-11T01:37:00.135-08:00Links I love<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZfRfqXNC5PNBOGaAX9cuhwGAL9f5bkJzkFuiVkDSeFq9HiP9b-Yw6ZWEfaffYxUu5ga3LbtrVpj4UJ1R-P-FxmoDa1zdDrT5ZXzAWhvZ10_L3GBteUBOW4KD5Puc5fFh_zjlLmylsqHMCDTNBEWwgPKuRQgr_h6jP74WmxpvgbmfSzbFLSwgZruN1m4w/s640/406912331_18401284270006649_3265954472521520112_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="512" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZfRfqXNC5PNBOGaAX9cuhwGAL9f5bkJzkFuiVkDSeFq9HiP9b-Yw6ZWEfaffYxUu5ga3LbtrVpj4UJ1R-P-FxmoDa1zdDrT5ZXzAWhvZ10_L3GBteUBOW4KD5Puc5fFh_zjlLmylsqHMCDTNBEWwgPKuRQgr_h6jP74WmxpvgbmfSzbFLSwgZruN1m4w/s320/406912331_18401284270006649_3265954472521520112_n.jpg" width="256" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Happy Sunday and Super Bowl Day! I am enjoying watching the game with my fiancee! <br /><p></p><p></p><ol style="text-align: left;"><li>Book on the <a href="https://www.npr.org/2024/02/03/1228873898/author-discusses-the-toxic-coverage-of-female-celebrities-in-the-2000s">coverage</a> of female celebs in the early 2000's.</li><li>It's flu season, at least here in the Northeast. Here are some <a href="https://www.mentalfloss.com/posts/10-facts-about-the-flu-01hkdx9e6d0k?utm_source=RSS">Flu Facts</a>.</li><li><a href="https://www.npr.org/2024/02/06/1229602722/country-music-star-toby-keith-is-dead-at-62-after-battle-with-stomach-cancer">Toby Keith</a> has passed away.</li><li><a href="https://www.huffpost.com/entry/heart-attack-nausea-symptom_l_65c10f9de4b0dbc806ad8a4b">Subtle</a> heart disease warnings that are often missed.</li><li>Nelson Mandela <a href="https://www.mentalfloss.com/posts/tracy-chapman-fast-car-nelson-mandela-connection?utm_source=RSS">helped</a> Tracy Chapman?</li><li><a href="https://www.mentalfloss.com/posts/true-crime-books-recommended-by-casey-sherman?utm_source=RSS">Five</a> true crime books to read recommended by Casey Sherman.</li><li>Taylor Swift, misogyny and the <a href="https://theholdernessfamily.com/taylor-swift-super-bowl-and-misogyny/">Super bowl</a>.</li><li><a href="https://bookriot.com/books-on-finding-your-purpose/">8 books</a> on finding your purpose.</li><li>The <a href="https://www.julesbuono.com/rory-gilmore-book-list/">Ro ry Gilmore</a> book list.</li><li><a href="https://www.themarysue.com/office-space-is-still-too-relevant-25-years-later/">Office Space</a> was made 25 years ago!</li></ol><p></p>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07098231851894526499noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4988660208140967317.post-79613833468508079502024-02-08T01:19:00.000-08:002024-02-08T01:19:39.072-08:00REVIEW: Differ We Must by Steve Inskeep<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidN0JM8cl6ncaPs4s_klXyxSTbQmMv4FInwFYx0QAc5z1n8FfDUJUV2fjQnqMqXsTYO_0Jf1Hc6zkV7WKmantf9v9DD9NCG_NiCI3mmHd2guEsF7W9t29_jqlf9Uy1Toz6hct8A5mSDIrRYpvAOCgDMoaTrX6gSReQZuhja-_cagP5L9eS-dDqtI84HtU/s450/th.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="296" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidN0JM8cl6ncaPs4s_klXyxSTbQmMv4FInwFYx0QAc5z1n8FfDUJUV2fjQnqMqXsTYO_0Jf1Hc6zkV7WKmantf9v9DD9NCG_NiCI3mmHd2guEsF7W9t29_jqlf9Uy1Toz6hct8A5mSDIrRYpvAOCgDMoaTrX6gSReQZuhja-_cagP5L9eS-dDqtI84HtU/s320/th.jpg" width="210" /></a></div><br /><div>In this book, Inskeep, a morning anchor on NPR, draws on 16 interactions with well known Washington politicians, at the time (although we have forgotten them) that Lincoln had. While the stories and chapters were very interesting and informative, there wasn't anything new or compelling insofar as the argument that these interactions helped Lincoln actually develop his policies. I very much enjoyed the anecdotes about the President under pressure, who exhibited some humanity. </div><div><br /></div><div>I very much enjoyed the chapters about the women in his life - there's a chapter about a female army private and, of course, Mary Todd Lincoln (who apparently suffered from some mental ailments). The book itself is easily accessible and very readable, but I don't think that there is anything groundbreaking in it. </div><div><br /></div><div>Definitely worth the read but make sure your expectations are adjusted accordingly. </div>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07098231851894526499noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4988660208140967317.post-42945224426015167702024-02-04T01:12:00.000-08:002024-02-04T01:12:00.868-08:00Links I love<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTa2GjBVjX50Dn4pBGA_c6gALwdPF1vymlfoUnZmHblFbQKWNLf-UaV5lVL9jGHRf63jdhFUdjaI-frnChPHUOmR8ZZTkg63GhD9SA75kUJsc9RmpnRYyYIsvQv1vZKurhvIGOCV_gDtINYEkRji8XgmZJ_c6TiieFHobAZdscOLU3LpizYFKfNEVkUqg/s640/406912331_18401284270006649_3265954472521520112_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="512" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTa2GjBVjX50Dn4pBGA_c6gALwdPF1vymlfoUnZmHblFbQKWNLf-UaV5lVL9jGHRf63jdhFUdjaI-frnChPHUOmR8ZZTkg63GhD9SA75kUJsc9RmpnRYyYIsvQv1vZKurhvIGOCV_gDtINYEkRji8XgmZJ_c6TiieFHobAZdscOLU3LpizYFKfNEVkUqg/s320/406912331_18401284270006649_3265954472521520112_n.jpg" width="256" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>I hope that everyone had a good week. I have two books I'm reading right now so I'm hoping to have reviews soon! I watched the movie <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rustin_(film)">Rustin</a>, a biopic about <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bayard_Rustin">Bayard Rustin</a>, in which Colman Domingo plays Bayard Rustin - definitely worth it for his performance. I've been going back to the gym and starting to slowly increase my running - my endurance was shot by Covid. This has been one of the hardest parts for me - I want to be back to normal <b>now</b> if you get my drift. Anyways, here you go!</p><p></p><ol style="text-align: left;"><li>A new book about <a href="https://www.npr.org/2024/01/27/1227111977/come-and-get-it-review-kiley-reid-such-a-fun-age">college</a>, that has nothing to do with the Ivy League.</li><li><a href="https://fivebooks.com/category/fiction/historical-fiction/historical-fiction-recommended-by-historians/">Historical fiction</a> books recommended by historians</li><li><a href="https://allears.net/2024/01/27/3-new-items-you-cant-go-to-disney-world-without/">Things</a> you can't go to WDW without.</li><li><a href="https://bookriot.com/bookish-valentines-day-sweatshirts/">Bookish</a> Valentine's Gifts.</li><li><a href="https://www.npr.org/2024/01/29/1227574179/amelia-earharts-lost-plane-howland-island">Amelia Earhardt's </a>plane may have been found.</li><li><a href="https://www.npr.org/2024/01/29/1222539335/banned-books-high-school">Secret</a> shelf of banned books is thriving.</li><li><a href="https://www.npr.org/2024/01/29/1199885917/how-to-mind-your-business-create-boundaries-family-friends">How</a> to mind your own business.</li><li><a href="https://nerdist.com/article/celebrate-25-years-of-lego-star-wars-with-millenium-falcon-r2-d2-tantive-iv/">25 years</a> of Lego Star Wars</li><li>No new trial for <a href="https://www.huffpost.com/entry/alex-murdaugh-new-murder-trial-bid-denied_n_65b6ea37e4b077c17ab593af">Alex Murdagh</a></li><li><a href="https://reactormag.com/5-books-about-regretting-that-cult-you-joined/">Five books</a> about joining a cult </li><li>Apollo Creed - Carl Weathers - has <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2024/02/02/entertainment/carl-weathers-prolificactor-famous-for-rocky-and-the-mandalorian-dead-at-76/index.html">passed away</a>.</li></ol><p></p>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07098231851894526499noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4988660208140967317.post-11278342623427873282024-02-03T01:23:00.000-08:002024-02-03T01:23:25.459-08:00REVIEW: Unsub by Meg Gardiner<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggUCBZJ5NDjyrrwLyRWrypbch5SMw7JQh5XWq5KTMrr3OonIWxR5B-IDnn6M62Zg30LvccJ1PSK5TFNutEG1l-HfIEMmw5VrO3T1Wni2k9xHuKREBHVMsorlEznj90ASjtZn-_cyzaUaMxQcbBzQTaK4AdCq6eRZbgM-rlXtRuLgHzafio0kWD9iebcf8/s467/unsub-310x467.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="467" data-original-width="310" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggUCBZJ5NDjyrrwLyRWrypbch5SMw7JQh5XWq5KTMrr3OonIWxR5B-IDnn6M62Zg30LvccJ1PSK5TFNutEG1l-HfIEMmw5VrO3T1Wni2k9xHuKREBHVMsorlEznj90ASjtZn-_cyzaUaMxQcbBzQTaK4AdCq6eRZbgM-rlXtRuLgHzafio0kWD9iebcf8/s320/unsub-310x467.jpg" width="212" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>I don't know why I hadn't heard about this book previously, but I hadn't. I'm glad that I got here late to the party though.</p><p>Unsub, in this context, is <a href="https://fluentslang.com/unsub-meaning/">shorthand</a> for unidentified subject. This novel is about a cold case involving a serial killer known colloquially as The Prophet, and he was terrorizing the San Francisco Bay area when our heroine, Caitlyn Hendrix was a child. The Prophet seems to have been inspired by the Zodiac Killer. Caitlyn's attachment to the case seems to be genetic - her father, Mack, was the original detective investigating the Prophet killings. Caitlyn, in the present day, is also a police officer and is roped into investigating the case. Bodies have started turning up again that bear the marking of the Prophet, including the almost ritualistic markings on the bodies. Caitlyn seeks help from her father, but he's hesitant to assist because of the mental anguish that the case originally caused him. </p><p>I loved this book and found much to enjoy about it - it moved very, very fast and hooked me right from the beginning. Granted, I enjoy serial killers and cold cases so I would have been very surprised if I hadn't enjoyed the subject matter. It was very easy to empathize with Caitlyn and her co-workers, who were desperate to solve these crimes - it was very much like I was with them as they were trying to figure things out. The characters were not flat and were strong, realistic characters. It would have been so easy to have them be flat, but they were not.</p><p>I definitely look forward to the next books in the series and reading more of Gardiner's novels. </p>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07098231851894526499noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4988660208140967317.post-60085898558729518892024-01-28T01:44:00.000-08:002024-01-28T01:44:00.190-08:00Links I love<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHZ342q_KL4lR_1A4N8wA021MUgTQNQjlf1XLBTaQXmDFKNmLEG7J26K0HA_4GMAvrI2gx1Lq7yHWXbTSCgZgrnNLQ2oWfdf-KOy9FIrXQQBfyyg_dAGXk5aDAqWa0EXYy9Cy2C1PAXkipsH98Cd-SmqrRNPYgfuZ3rBwHVgBSI9inOHYL12PVLYh2av8/s640/406912331_18401284270006649_3265954472521520112_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="512" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHZ342q_KL4lR_1A4N8wA021MUgTQNQjlf1XLBTaQXmDFKNmLEG7J26K0HA_4GMAvrI2gx1Lq7yHWXbTSCgZgrnNLQ2oWfdf-KOy9FIrXQQBfyyg_dAGXk5aDAqWa0EXYy9Cy2C1PAXkipsH98Cd-SmqrRNPYgfuZ3rBwHVgBSI9inOHYL12PVLYh2av8/s320/406912331_18401284270006649_3265954472521520112_n.jpg" width="256" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>It's primary week here in New Hampshire so it's been crazy here. I've started watching <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/True_Detective">True Detective</a> on Max and it's so good. Also lots of football! I'm slowly recovering from Covid - I have taken to getting back to being active but it's been slow. I've been walking instead of running or spinning, which can be frustrating, but slowly I hope I'll get back to where I was. </p><p></p><ol style="text-align: left;"><li>The <a href="https://www.npr.org/2024/01/20/1225560129/1980s-middle-school-slow-dance-songs-playlist-i-didnt-know-needed-80s-chillpill">80's playlist</a> of slow songs you never knew you needed.</li><li><a href="https://www.booklistqueen.com/1980s-books/">Some books</a> that came out in the 80's.</li><li>Best <a href="https://www.julesbuono.com/best-fiction-family-drama-books/">family drama</a> books.</li><li><a href="https://www.huffpost.com/entry/therapy-people-pleasers-topics_l_65a7de50e4b041f1ce64448d">6 things</a> people pleasers report the most trouble with.</li><li><a href="https://www.mentalfloss.com/posts/most-famous-nappers-history?utm_source=RSS">10 famous</a> nappers.</li><li><a href="https://www.bustle.com/entertainment/oscar-snubs-for-margot-robbie-greta-gerwig-celebrity-reactions">Oscar snub</a> for Greta Gerwig and Margot R obie upset a lot of people.</li><li><a href="https://bookriot.com/books-as-wedding-favors/">Interesting</a> ideas for wedding favors</li><li>what is the <a href="https://crimereads.com/helter-skelter-50-years/">legacy</a> of Helter Skelter?</li><li>Where to <a href="https://www.npr.org/2024/01/26/1226773706/oscars-academy-awards-barbie-oppenheimer">watch</a> the Oscars.</li><li>A <a href="https://www.thesomervilletimes.com/archives/130006">good way</a> to stop stress in your life.</li></ol><p></p>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07098231851894526499noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4988660208140967317.post-79204170361750069652024-01-21T02:11:00.000-08:002024-01-21T02:11:00.182-08:00Links I love<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOvxeV5D-GV6o4VRRq81NTe7Vvw_u5S5BPQi0Tf0Uem5wPIuTkHDrxqhiVeIXxi3AeSQnQMyGPTmqNGHPS5US2bUkeRtI0HG28dFg0Wht4d2NqgXT4hniBZPPjDs4wMKgLiOmQZr3NMvHj5UNrsGdMeN4jFLOqeT06vtyTX2EgDVbyGLuRc3cDmXsFma0/s640/406912331_18401284270006649_3265954472521520112_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="512" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOvxeV5D-GV6o4VRRq81NTe7Vvw_u5S5BPQi0Tf0Uem5wPIuTkHDrxqhiVeIXxi3AeSQnQMyGPTmqNGHPS5US2bUkeRtI0HG28dFg0Wht4d2NqgXT4hniBZPPjDs4wMKgLiOmQZr3NMvHj5UNrsGdMeN4jFLOqeT06vtyTX2EgDVbyGLuRc3cDmXsFma0/s320/406912331_18401284270006649_3265954472521520112_n.jpg" width="256" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>Last week, I tested positive for Covid. BOOOOO! I am on the mend (I think). I have one of <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Fidus-Gallon-Motivational-Paracord-Removable/dp/B08796YQ83/ref=sr_1_2_sspa?crid=R69GTM41MVVJ&keywords=64+ounce+water+bottle&qid=1705232268&sprefix=64+ounce+water+bottle%2Caps%2C97&sr=8-2-spons&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9hdGY&psc=1">these </a> water bottles and I made sure to drink at least one of these a day - I often got close to two (yes, I was going to the bathroom a lot!) and usually I drank 40 ounces of water with <a href="https://drinklmnt.com/">these electrolytes</a> in the morning to make sure that I continued to be hydrated. Here are some stories that I found very interesting this week:</p><p></p><ol style="text-align: left;"><li><a href="https://www.wmur.com/article/raw-video-fire-multiple-oil-tankers-epping-nh/46376488">Raw video</a> of a tanker fire.</li><li>I was obsessed with <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Natalia_Grace">this case</a>, and <a href="https://www.themarysue.com/will-there-be-the-curious-case-of-natalie-grace-season-3-answered/">this</a> article asks how many seasons we really need?</li><li><a href="https://www.themarysue.com/best-dark-academia-movies/">Dark academic</a> shows you might like.</li><li><a href="https://www.mentalfloss.com/posts/john-carpenter-filmmaker-movie-facts?utm_source=RSS">Ten facts</a> bout John Carpenter - the Halloween guy.</li><li>I'm not sure if <a href="https://www.npr.org/2024/01/15/1224763378/buffalo-bills-pittsburgh-steelers-game">this</a> is a first for Buffalo or not.</li><li><a href="https://www.disneyfoodblog.com/2024/01/15/our-jaws-dropped-when-we-saw-disneys-latest-starbucks-tumblers/">Latest</a> tumblers at WDW.</li><li>The <a href="https://www.julesbuono.com/best-beach-reads-of-all-time/">top beach reads</a> predicted for this year.</li><li>Not enough participants to have a <a href="https://www.npr.org/2024/01/17/1225139002/abc-news-republican-debate">debate</a>.</li><li><a href="https://www.nhpr.org/nh-news/2024-01-19/experienced-hiker-dies-in-solo-trek-in-blinding-waist-deep-snow-in-nh-mountains">This</a> happens way too often. I hiked that loop in the summer. He was literally in the middle of nowhere. </li><li><a href="https://www.southernliving.com/food/slow-cooker/slow-cooker-soup-recipes">Slow cooker</a> soups. We're trying the French Onion soup.</li><li>The <a href="https://www.texasmonthly.com/news-politics/the-juror-who-found-herself-guilty/?src=longreads">juror</a> who found herself guilty.</li><li>Seinfeld was onto something with the <a href="https://www.mentalfloss.com/posts/does-double-dipping-spread-germs?utm_source=RSS">double dip</a>.</li></ol><p></p>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07098231851894526499noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4988660208140967317.post-13023914711065194652024-01-20T02:59:00.000-08:002024-01-20T02:59:37.301-08:00REVIEW: Romantic Comedy by Curtis Sittenfeld<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu_jRhI49SF9ovUUhyphenhyphenBZnDX9wHErZPwJ8YmWXIwZZ10Hnbide0WvbY73uV40c21SNITwvTZvbzghlC8lQV2KB_4ICiPZauQ_LaKhvlI4RMcuX5OW4dmKEwJS3mk5kFuOzhGNH1ndvxSf9Z3JRt7_YK_hA_enuWiBDccEol-kVa4ysWbUFnY95oIow0bFA/s474/rcsittenfeld.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="301" data-original-width="474" height="203" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu_jRhI49SF9ovUUhyphenhyphenBZnDX9wHErZPwJ8YmWXIwZZ10Hnbide0WvbY73uV40c21SNITwvTZvbzghlC8lQV2KB_4ICiPZauQ_LaKhvlI4RMcuX5OW4dmKEwJS3mk5kFuOzhGNH1ndvxSf9Z3JRt7_YK_hA_enuWiBDccEol-kVa4ysWbUFnY95oIow0bFA/s320/rcsittenfeld.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>I have enjoyed all of Sittenfeld's works and this is her most recent so I picked it up at my library. Of course, it has helped her that it has been included in <a href="https://reesesbookclub.com/">Reese's Book Club</a>.</p><p>We meet the main character, Sally Milz, in 2018 pre pandemic NYC where she is a seemingly confident sketch comedy writer for The Night Owls, which is definitely based upon SNL. That particular week, the guest host is also the music person - a singer named Noah who is supposedly really hot. In their first meaningful interaction, he has asked her to assist him in rewriting/editing his sketch and during that interaction, Sally is impressed by his thoughtfulness and kindness, leading to a crush on him. There is definite chemistry between them, that later on is dampened during a post show interaction between the two. It is only two years later during the lockdown of the pandemic that they reconnect via email and begin to sort through their interactions.</p><p>I generally like Sittenfeld's writing - she's smart and funny without being condescending or appearing to have a chip on her shoulder and this novel didn't disappoint or stray for that. It was compulsively readable and a fast move. I did, however, expect more to go wrong - so yes, my biggest complaint is that there wasn't enough catastrophe and the novel was way too tidy. Though Noah is a recovering alcoholic and Sally has an insecurity streak as wide as the Mississippi, these flaws are seemingly smoothly overlooked or dealt with in a way that did not ring true with me. Having said that, definitely enjoyable and worth the read. </p>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07098231851894526499noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4988660208140967317.post-42595271488932782252024-01-14T01:15:00.000-08:002024-01-14T01:15:00.163-08:00Links I love<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja4zqRKK9jV4CnAm9btZZp1GrtcxKYQoAuY66NKRb7ajXHsPuyPmMR0iUj6KHC-mB4tQKVEbbzpBJMw8OYLpNeVstGDl0ngNPI9BN-obnzPA61RjxEvsziCh1ASUWHs3Bs581hl1HSwmHePhXFBcaPKU48hu3nECA_W0HS_hRXt-nVV_ErQ2mfEZIBcTg/s640/406912331_18401284270006649_3265954472521520112_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="512" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja4zqRKK9jV4CnAm9btZZp1GrtcxKYQoAuY66NKRb7ajXHsPuyPmMR0iUj6KHC-mB4tQKVEbbzpBJMw8OYLpNeVstGDl0ngNPI9BN-obnzPA61RjxEvsziCh1ASUWHs3Bs581hl1HSwmHePhXFBcaPKU48hu3nECA_W0HS_hRXt-nVV_ErQ2mfEZIBcTg/s320/406912331_18401284270006649_3265954472521520112_n.jpg" width="256" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p></p><ol style="text-align: left;"><li><a href="https://fivebooks.com/best-books/notable-psychology-and-self-help-books-of-2023-cal-flyn/">5 books</a> on psychology and self help that were notable in 2023.</li><li>The <a href="https://www.popsugar.com/entertainment/reading-challenge-2024-49318757">Popsugar</a> reading challenge.</li><li><a href="https://bykndl.com/">Awesome</a> side hustle shop. The hats look super cute.</li><li><a href="https://www.npr.org/2024/01/08/1223487690/purple-rain-musical-prince">Purple Rain</a> is becoming a musical.</li><li><a href="https://www.npr.org/2024/01/09/1223517634/don-scott-becomes-first-black-speaker-in-virginia-legislatures-400-year-history">Don Scott</a> is the first Black speaker in Virginia Legislative history.</li><li>Valentine's Day <a href="https://www.julesbuono.com/valentines-day-gifts-for-book-lovers/">gifts</a> for book lovers.</li><li>The story of the <a href="http://Baileys.">Baileys.</a></li></ol><p></p>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07098231851894526499noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4988660208140967317.post-61086544985398250232024-01-09T02:08:00.000-08:002024-01-09T02:08:38.675-08:00REVEW: The Passage by Justin Cronin<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyPX2J7Dqe0ZzTeW0sEEqYIs18qsZhPIPi1u5SvFEh_f02quFdtT8F2U2Q018Ri5cSg-YrSRbntdYUdmmxxhy_GVkv6mVB9mbPMcnijizGjz-qeyk-nRHyJSL-HV_e-kvQy8soSrkORv1z3TPzJZe8v9BVdqhVBL9K09FvgzfObeqAH7zUq6C9sN0TPpA/s160/cronin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="160" data-original-width="105" height="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyPX2J7Dqe0ZzTeW0sEEqYIs18qsZhPIPi1u5SvFEh_f02quFdtT8F2U2Q018Ri5cSg-YrSRbntdYUdmmxxhy_GVkv6mVB9mbPMcnijizGjz-qeyk-nRHyJSL-HV_e-kvQy8soSrkORv1z3TPzJZe8v9BVdqhVBL9K09FvgzfObeqAH7zUq6C9sN0TPpA/s1600/cronin.jpg" width="105" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>This book has been around a while and is a repeat for me, although I read it a long, long time ago. This novel has been accurately described as medical thriller, post apocalyptic and horror all in one, which is not inaccurate. The novel is split into three sections: medical thriller (in which we learn about how the apocalypse came to pass), post apocalyptic and then action.</p><p>The most interesting sections for me were the first and second sections. I enjoyed learning, in the first section, about the history of the events and being introduced to 6 year old Amy, who is the main, very much Christ like savior of this book (and the rest of the series). The pace is quick and sucks you in, which I appreciated and enjoyed.</p><p> In the second section, which is 93 years after the events in the second section, we learn that most of the world's population is dead or infected (making them vampiric). There is a colony of survivors living in a compound in California on borrowed time, utilizing crossbows and battery operated lights to keep the "virals," as the infected are called, at bay. A completely new set of characters is introduced and I had to chart it out because there were only a few families, meaning that there were a lot of characters with the same last name. The pace is slowed down tremendously so that Cronin can give a picture of how life is different in this time. Life changes dramatically when Amy of the first section, barely older physically, appears at the Colony. </p><p>In the third section, a handful of the Colonists elect to leave and make their way to various other parts of the country, including Colorado and Vegas, on foot culminating in an epic battle with one of the virals.</p><p>I enjoyed this book generally speaking; however the last section of the novel seemed like a slog to me. It took me a longer period of time to get through it and wasn't very interesting to me, which is probably going to be an unpopular opinion. I really liked Cronin's writing style generally speaking and his character development was on point. It's not your typical horror novel, but is more of a look at what motivates people to do the things that they do. </p>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07098231851894526499noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4988660208140967317.post-21329378443219136032024-01-07T02:28:00.000-08:002024-01-07T02:28:00.148-08:00Links I love<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiygz8UygjtYtRI-LXANyggo26y3yH3GJshKZS8B3pnyKc9GFZ7SKc2VzHmELoyeTQTdp-8RqHeD0xqJIa4L09D4mXnDE9o966DhynwzYO1ra8fxfAM5gzgK9K3eKc9dQ2vfw-QF_NiGaIAmilW-weqn0RQjz_XBQ9gqm0xdYo03YANIh9YcOQDOEJMRxo/s640/406912331_18401284270006649_3265954472521520112_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="512" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiygz8UygjtYtRI-LXANyggo26y3yH3GJshKZS8B3pnyKc9GFZ7SKc2VzHmELoyeTQTdp-8RqHeD0xqJIa4L09D4mXnDE9o966DhynwzYO1ra8fxfAM5gzgK9K3eKc9dQ2vfw-QF_NiGaIAmilW-weqn0RQjz_XBQ9gqm0xdYo03YANIh9YcOQDOEJMRxo/s320/406912331_18401284270006649_3265954472521520112_n.jpg" width="256" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>Happy new year everyone! I love the Rose Bowl parade and the games of course on New Year's Day. What do you enjoy?</p><p></p><ol style="text-align: left;"><li><a href="https://www.npr.org/2024/01/01/1221606624/mickey-mouse-public-domain-disney">Steamboat Willie</a> is in the Public Domain. <a href="https://www.npr.org/2024/01/01/1222380396/thousands-of-u-s-copyrighted-works-from-1928-are-entering-the-public-domain">Listen</a> to this story about other things entering the public domain.</li><li>Did your <a href="https://www.npr.org/2023/12/31/1222132825/checking-your-2024-horoscope-astronomy-explains-why-your-sign-might-have-changed">astrological </a>sign change?</li><li>Why do Amish towns have <a href="https://www.mentalfloss.com/posts/lewd-sounding-place-names-pennsylvania-amish-country?utm_source=RSS">lewd</a> names?</li><li><a href="https://bookriot.com/achievable-reading-goals/">Setting</a> achievable reading goals.</li><li>Charlie McAvoy gets <a href="https://www.bostonmagazine.com/weddings/2024/01/03/charlie-mcavoy-bruins-wedding/">married</a> at the Boston Public Library.</li><li>A <a href="https://www.npr.org/2024/01/03/1222737191/beat-tetris-willis-gibson-oklahoma-kill-screen">13 year old</a> may have become the first person to beat Tetris. Good job kid!</li><li><a href="https://thedisneyblog.com/2024/01/04/disney-legend-glynis-johns-passes-at-age-100/?utm_source=feedly&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=disney-legend-glynis-johns-passes-at-age-100">Glynis Johns</a> passes away. </li><li><a href="https://www.huffpost.com/entry/world-of-warcraft-account-revealed-missing-ohio-teen-location-florida_n_6597081ce4b0f27b6e36c681">World of Warcraft</a> account reveals missing teens location.</li><li>Our first winter storm is <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2024/01/06/weather/winter-storms-snow-northeast-saturday-climate/index.html">here</a>.</li><li><a href="https://electricliterature.com/75-books-by-women-of-color-to-read-in-2024/">75 books</a> to read in 2024 by Women of Color</li><li><a href="https://www.self.com/story/best-soothing-podcast-episodes">12 chilling podcasts</a> to listen to when you need to recharge</li><li><a href="https://www.sfchronicle.com/sports/ostler/article/sunnyvale-cold-case-hutchison-18340663.php?src=longreads">One detective</a> solves 8 cold cases. In one year. In his spare time.</li></ol><p></p>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07098231851894526499noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4988660208140967317.post-80341031044811657052023-12-31T02:23:00.000-08:002023-12-31T02:23:00.158-08:00Links I love<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfXyGFWWnQR_jk0IRP4AbF1Ku6DaMa8yEjoGz5fMOZ82mu51vtPZCyUVKTO-ep0xn-KDQk8GlmpDzkJWnMa8Q-Y0zP_JvcAu_ep_XV5M569pvDlZkTXCudh6-WDn59Yhmd_yBSUiqs2BxoRnHcCqbPMddZni54Qw-TULItqQZp4-fnoaB_4QLNiRrkcaY/s640/406912331_18401284270006649_3265954472521520112_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="512" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfXyGFWWnQR_jk0IRP4AbF1Ku6DaMa8yEjoGz5fMOZ82mu51vtPZCyUVKTO-ep0xn-KDQk8GlmpDzkJWnMa8Q-Y0zP_JvcAu_ep_XV5M569pvDlZkTXCudh6-WDn59Yhmd_yBSUiqs2BxoRnHcCqbPMddZni54Qw-TULItqQZp4-fnoaB_4QLNiRrkcaY/s320/406912331_18401284270006649_3265954472521520112_n.jpg" width="256" /></a></div><div><br /></div>It's almost the New Year. Happy New Year and I hope that everyone enjoys. <br /><p></p><p></p><ol style="text-align: left;"><li>Why is the <a href="https://www.mentalfloss.com/posts/why-is-space-needle-shaped-like-that?utm_source=RSS">space needle</a> shaped that way?</li><li>The contemplated new <a href="https://www.nhpr.org/nh-news/2023-12-26/wave-free-or-die-should-this-be-the-new-state-flag">NH flag.</a></li><li><a href="https://www.wsj.com/arts-culture/books/ann-patchett-tom-lake-nashville-35f2415b?st=rdcr5fmxvzm6rzr&reflink=desktopwebshare_permalink">Ann Patchett's</a> reading resolutions for 2024.</li><li>No way <a href="https://jezebel.com/dwayne-johnson-caught-in-series-of-shocking-lies-about-1851130254">Dwayne Johnson</a>!</li><li>Local (to me) librarians pick the best <a href="https://www.nhpr.org/show/check-this-out/2023-12-27/check-this-out-local-librarians-pick-their-favorite-books-of-2023">books</a> of 2023.</li><li>History <a href="https://reason.com/volokh/2023/12/29/history-podcasts-for-the-new-year/">podcasts</a> for the new year.</li><li>Some pretty smart and practical <a href="https://allears.net/2023/12/28/i-go-to-disney-world-every-day-these-are-my-red-flags/">indicators</a> that parks at Disney will be busy.</li></ol><p></p>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07098231851894526499noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4988660208140967317.post-58325336890450674692023-12-24T01:38:00.000-08:002023-12-24T01:38:00.139-08:00Links I love<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG1sQK2GUau1ufuAiCrD4is_SQed1hHsAqvR-UmKiDfuFOsJLLIRV0i4MadHIS6z9zS094QffT2xKpcnQPqe-lZUpj2mB_ca8YCu4vjAFO2d9ErI9XCicXb-D9_6Zffq3MMl6BeW9Xhbxj7puDuHjYUzWlO02zAyNmjZKlhZ7YyOulBarVN2CXsXDxvUs/s640/406912331_18401284270006649_3265954472521520112_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="512" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG1sQK2GUau1ufuAiCrD4is_SQed1hHsAqvR-UmKiDfuFOsJLLIRV0i4MadHIS6z9zS094QffT2xKpcnQPqe-lZUpj2mB_ca8YCu4vjAFO2d9ErI9XCicXb-D9_6Zffq3MMl6BeW9Xhbxj7puDuHjYUzWlO02zAyNmjZKlhZ7YyOulBarVN2CXsXDxvUs/s320/406912331_18401284270006649_3265954472521520112_n.jpg" width="256" /></a></div><br /> For those celebrating, please enjoy the holiday!<p></p><p></p><ol style="text-align: left;"><li>Goodreads review problem and its<a href="https://www.npr.org/2023/12/17/1219599404/goodreads-review-bombing-cait-corrain"> solution.</a></li><li>Three things to never do at a<a href="https://www.disneyfoodblog.com/2023/12/17/3-things-you-should-never-do-at-a-disney-world-buffet/"> Disney buffet</a>.</li><li><a href="https://www.disneyfoodblog.com/2023/12/16/8-closures-that-could-derail-your-next-disney-world-vacation/">8 closures</a> that are upcoming at WDW.</li><li><a href="https://www.cnn.com/2023/12/18/europe/reykjanes-volcano-erupts-iceland/index.html">Volcano</a> erupts in Iceland.</li><li><a href="https://www.huffpost.com/entry/ruby-franke-pleads-guilty-child-abuse_n_6580b4a8e4b0e142c0bedea1">Parenting YouTuber</a> pleads guilty to criminal charges involving the children.</li><li>The most <a href="https://bookriot.com/the-most-popular-books-in-us-public-libraries-2023/">popular books</a> in US libraries.</li><li>How people <a href="https://www.npr.org/2023/12/21/1220925326/winter-solstice-celebrations-around-the-world">celebrate</a> the return of light.</li></ol><p></p>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07098231851894526499noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4988660208140967317.post-57945775270435109592023-12-22T00:43:00.000-08:002023-12-22T00:43:36.699-08:00REVIEW: JFK's Last Hundred Days by Thurston Clarke<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcBEzoKRZTA22tCG6Q3rQMRbCjX8ZPW_4kT1R5bUJ5tsehHdDtlAz5Rspgm_3c2JNKy9QEVrK0xBOywZeru3kZfMUlW7go2dydYicLwvaiUFy92NVzFLMUIMjGMT0FIuTSKaHMJYUeRDkQWUcrvWocNx5RBuF1fHZv5eCs0WnBRedLmbK49gAOUAvKRjk/s950/JFK.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="713" data-original-width="950" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcBEzoKRZTA22tCG6Q3rQMRbCjX8ZPW_4kT1R5bUJ5tsehHdDtlAz5Rspgm_3c2JNKy9QEVrK0xBOywZeru3kZfMUlW7go2dydYicLwvaiUFy92NVzFLMUIMjGMT0FIuTSKaHMJYUeRDkQWUcrvWocNx5RBuF1fHZv5eCs0WnBRedLmbK49gAOUAvKRjk/s320/JFK.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>I was inspired to read this book after my recent, and first, visit to the <a href="https://www.jfklibrary.org/">JFK Presidential Library</a> in Boston, MA. This year was also the 60th anniversary of his tragic death. As the name not so subtly indicates, this is about the roughly three months leading up to his death; however, it is also deceptive as it also covers some of the major events and policies of his term in office and major events from his personal life.</p><p>Thurston Clarke meticulously researched this book - given the depth of what is covered and its detail, it must have taken quite some time - and yet, it wasn't terribly dry or boring. Clarke also doesn't shy away from the seamier and more...awkward...parts of JFK's personal life, such as his womanizing and his relationship with Jackie, including his cruelty to her after the death of a daughter in 1956 (when he was on a cruise that he nearly refused to cut short to return home to her - it still took him three days after their child's death to return). In the last three months of his life, Clarke recounts how his relationship with Jackie was transformed, in relation to the death of their son, Patrick (who is younger then John John and Caroline). Also, Clarke details his transformation in domestic and foreign policies, particularly with regards to Cuba/USSR and civil rights. Based upon this book, I often wonder if we would have been entangled in Vietnam for as long as we were, if at all, if JFK had not died and had won a second term. </p><p>The book was a good mix of anecdotes, which were the most interesting for me, and political discourse. It wasn't too heavy handed and didn't get bogged down in too much political maneuvering or chatter. I liked getting a peak into the personality of a man that is somewhat legend for that period of history. This was a compelling and digestible book about the man, that I would encourage all to add to their collection. </p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07098231851894526499noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4988660208140967317.post-41821807117148318722023-12-17T01:22:00.000-08:002023-12-17T01:22:00.204-08:00Links I love<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVFFWKYMvyak6OI3EJnIP3Bvs5PJYWT7vScj77KMmvqZqCGmEp0bMjsKzFQpfP5p4skgv_FwRag8IWaJ6fbYCxF905NMqfZLsJgn3vMZ-9BeYOMlfJaHqKs_UA5_a88K29vFKLExmYukQ757CokBqxrG8ne9FwE2VOxXBm78-Texl_yg2AdAnMoDdYgbs/s3888/mount-washington-in-winter-92369691-5c560547c9e77c00016b35cf.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2592" data-original-width="3888" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVFFWKYMvyak6OI3EJnIP3Bvs5PJYWT7vScj77KMmvqZqCGmEp0bMjsKzFQpfP5p4skgv_FwRag8IWaJ6fbYCxF905NMqfZLsJgn3vMZ-9BeYOMlfJaHqKs_UA5_a88K29vFKLExmYukQ757CokBqxrG8ne9FwE2VOxXBm78-Texl_yg2AdAnMoDdYgbs/s320/mount-washington-in-winter-92369691-5c560547c9e77c00016b35cf.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /> I know that this is a busy time for everyone. I hope that everyone remembers to take a few moments for themselves. <p></p><p></p><ol style="text-align: left;"><li>As an adult, I can now really appreciate <a href="https://www.mentalfloss.com/posts/home-alone-house-gangster-fan-theory?utm_source=RSS">this</a> question about Home Alone.</li><li>Presidents at prominent colleges are <a href="https://www.politico.com/news/2023/12/09/penn-president-resigns-00130961">resigning</a>.</li><li>Wikipedia's top <a href="https://www.mentalfloss.com/posts/most-popular-wikipedia-pages-2023?utm_source=RSS">25 most popular</a> pages of 2023.</li><li><a href="https://fromourbookshelf.com/nonfiction-gift-guide/">Nonfiction</a> gift guide - I love these as much as I love year end best of lists.</li><li>The most <a href="https://www.huffpost.com/entry/common-flu-symptoms-2023_l_6575cbe9e4b052dbf81dc34b">common flu symptoms</a> that doctors are seeing right now.</li><li><a href="https://www.huffpost.com/entry/dangerous-things-pets-holidays-goog_l_65660874e4b066e398b541d5">11 holiday items</a> that are not good for pets.</li><li>JRR Tolkien posed as <a href="https://www.mentalfloss.com/posts/jrr-tolkien-father-christmas-letters?utm_source=RSS">Father Christmas</a> for 23 years.</li><li><a href="https://www.themarysue.com/best-horror-movies-for-people-afraid-of-horror-movies/">10 best horror</a> movies for people who hate horror movies.</li><li><a href="https://www.npr.org/2023/12/14/1196978388/techniques-to-help-cope-with-family-fights-during-the-holidays">How</a> to avoid family fights during the holidays.</li><li><a href="https://bookriot.com/quiz-cozy-mystery-jobs/">Quiz</a> on what myst ery novel job you'd have.</li><li>Highest rated <a href="https://bookriot.com/the-highest-rated-celebrity-memoirs-according-to-readers/">celebrity memoirs</a>.</li><li>The <a href="https://www.bostonmagazine.com/news/2023/12/14/boston-womens-soccer-partners/">investors</a> bringing women's soccer back to Boston.</li><li><a href="https://www.mentalfloss.com/posts/amazing-women-scottish-history?utm_source=RSS">Cool women</a> in Scottish history.</li><li>The<a href="https://thedisneyblog.com/2023/12/14/dvc-offers-first-look-at-the-new-cabins-at-disneys-fort-wilderness/?utm_source=feedly&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=dvc-offers-first-look-at-the-new-cabins-at-disneys-fort-wilderness"> new cabins</a> at Wilderness Lodge. We're going in February but are staying <a href="https://dvcfan.com/3-bedroom-grand-villa-disneys-old-key-west-resort/#jp-carousel-21951">here</a>.</li></ol><div>Enjoy your week!</div><p></p>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07098231851894526499noreply@blogger.com1