tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27045816092704897332024-03-13T04:17:44.230-07:00LaDeDa BooksFine Print on a Mondaybhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13858786360258361908noreply@blogger.comBlogger668125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2704581609270489733.post-49387502750486927062024-02-14T10:58:00.000-08:002024-02-14T10:58:04.178-08:00Seven Kinds of People You find in Bookshops<p style="text-align: justify;"></p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgebfBr69z2yGJgZE0TUJVsUUm6TRg06BD_0XnRmzK1a3WzrCCxy2Ak8PVt4srYJhqlxF5s4v0VDEuXYwBByqv_hY7xLEf-JfC7-CuWiY_ukwddlvpdk3sv7N4sVs7ms7Ekj2LFAPgZ8PA1Za6d2wbhLdEp9gRdqGJKK1r1nMQIu8k5fOiI9bFwKn4EFw/s1532/types%20pf%20readers.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1532" data-original-width="1023" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgebfBr69z2yGJgZE0TUJVsUUm6TRg06BD_0XnRmzK1a3WzrCCxy2Ak8PVt4srYJhqlxF5s4v0VDEuXYwBByqv_hY7xLEf-JfC7-CuWiY_ukwddlvpdk3sv7N4sVs7ms7Ekj2LFAPgZ8PA1Za6d2wbhLdEp9gRdqGJKK1r1nMQIu8k5fOiI9bFwKn4EFw/s320/types%20pf%20readers.jpg" width="214" /></a></div></blockquote></blockquote><br /> One of the perks of being of being a bookseller is that I know readers - lots of different kinds of readers - and each and every one has a story to tell, a joke to share, a plate of homemade cookies, or a simple smile to remind me stop, breathe, and take in the day. This may sound counter intuitive, but many of these readers give me books. I am surrounded by books both at LaDeDa and at home, still, nothing tops a book that has been selected with care just for me.<p></p><p style="text-align: justify;">My most treasured book-gift came from friends Jim and Susie Miller. On our opening day of business, the Millers were among our first customers. I was nervous, unsure if I had made the right decisions. On top of that, taking money from friends felt awkward, and embarassing. The book they chose happened to be one I had read several times. In fact, I owned a copy, It seemed logical to say, "Hey, I have a copy of this book at home. I'll drop it off at your house and you can return it when you're done." They proceeded to school me in Bookselling 101, Lesson #1 --<i>sell the book if you want to keep the doors open.</i></p><p style="text-align: justify;">Susie then handed me the most wonderful edition of <b><i>Flowers from Shakespeare's Plays</i></b>. With a tattered cover faded to a quiet sage green, the book bloomed with page after page of watercolor paintings, descriptions of each flower (and sometimes weeds) along with a quotation from the play in which the flower was mentioned. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">Even better than that was the hand written note on the inside cover from gifter to recipient, followed by a note from Jim and Susie. If that isn't special enough, in the margins near most of the pictures were dainty notes on when, and where each flower had been planted, along with the temperature on planting day, and whether or not the flower thrived. Each February, I page through and begin planning for spring.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">I began this blospost with the intention of focusing on the book pictured above. This, too, was a gift, nicey inscribed by customer-now-friend, Jim. "Bev, how often does a person run across a book that they give to their favorite bookstore?" The post was to offer desciptions of the seven types mentioned in the title in hopes that you would find yourself among the list and send us a note. Clearly, that didn't happen. But it will. I know this has gotten long. I have missed my moments pounding these keys; time flew as the words spilled. Check back next week for those promised descriptions.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">You're wondering where the blog has been, right? Honestly, I don't know. In part, I was playing with other formats, hoping to create a weekly newsletter for the store. I enjoyed designing and writing short somethings in that form for a number of organizations and purposes. But, do you know how short those news items are? I created columns,stuck in some artsy icons, leaving little to no room for my scintillating commentary on books. And heaven forbid that my wisdom on universal truths would have to omitted. So, back to blogging it is. It is nice to be back and I am trying to figure out how to make commenting on here possible so you can add your own scintillating universal truths for our thousands of readers. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">Thanks for stoipping by. (Please give the comment button a whirl so we know if it works or not. Thanks.)</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Be happy</p><p style="text-align: justify;">LaDeDa Bev</p><p style="text-align: justify;"> </p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p>bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13858786360258361908noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2704581609270489733.post-4685152995588978582023-11-08T11:55:00.000-08:002023-11-08T11:55:05.975-08:00Cat's Cafe Book Signing<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8dhh26FspMhyJrzOJ80djC9cZ8by7AwlpGeakA_xWj8EYeqISc1pkXQRG1wAkJRcU7_Ll4Nf8vZfOWpXiQLxPUyfxhdVqeV_MhlfSDv_WEs9TDJEnhxLiFfUIIhQj9dpSxIZOCln8F_watgM8HEMMKpccLAoXHxR38gtuOGHA7puRX1zfYGXqvUuE9Ok/s1781/cats%20cafe.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1781" data-original-width="1169" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8dhh26FspMhyJrzOJ80djC9cZ8by7AwlpGeakA_xWj8EYeqISc1pkXQRG1wAkJRcU7_Ll4Nf8vZfOWpXiQLxPUyfxhdVqeV_MhlfSDv_WEs9TDJEnhxLiFfUIIhQj9dpSxIZOCln8F_watgM8HEMMKpccLAoXHxR38gtuOGHA7puRX1zfYGXqvUuE9Ok/s320/cats%20cafe.jpg" width="210" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Ralls Melotte, retired from his architectural firm in 2019,
sat down at his computer and began his first novel, <i>Cat’s Café</i>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Meet and chat with Melotte,<b> Saturday, November
11, 10:30-12:00</b> at LaDeDa Books, 1624 New York Ave., Manitowoc.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">The book takes readers back to pioneer times when American settlers
moved westward into the Rocky Mountains and beyond.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In 1879, in the small rural town of Eagle
Rock Idaho, Cat and her husband Patrick run a saloon.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Patrick thought the saloon would be suited to
the laborers who lived and worked there; Cat has other plans. When a new bridge
connects the two sides of town and the population grows, Cat’s dream of opening
a café could become reality. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">However, on the morning of July 4, Patrick goes missing, and
it appears he may not return.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Cat finds
herself running the saloon, navigating challenges once handled by her husband,
and forsaking her dream. Complicating matters is a corrupt sheriff who stirs up
trouble at every turn.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Commenting on Melotte’s novel, the Kirkus Review stated “The
dramatic center of the story – Catherine finding the inner strength to take on
a pile of problems – is handled with an engaging sense of compassion…A zesty
and occasionally touching story of a woman confronting the crude realities of a
new life.”<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Books will be available for purchase and signing at the
event. Events like this offered free to the public, and help sustain the health
of small, independent bookstores. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Individuals not able to attend can have a
book reserved by emailing bdenor@lsol.net.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><o:p> </o:p></p>bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13858786360258361908noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2704581609270489733.post-6230388558357458732023-04-12T09:11:00.002-07:002023-04-12T09:16:45.090-07:00Judy Blume...banned again!<p> </p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in; mso-line-height-alt: 13.2pt;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;"><b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: #2b2b2b; font-size: 21pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"></span></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmHzRTvPSHQBUFqYXSii2N92AxruNd3ugWBa9srELnadSHZrrQDxmTLej-c6R20z5PPl4qeAFA9rfi3OgOMlXS-C8XjA9KRAG3cCJ39nKwVs3TYFXczoP5cWQgHeNKlF2zNC-dZK5hD45kF6v-LRd05Xd9Fvs7PzYAbkyMHMtjB7JVy1nmYSm8o4-W/s1516/hello%20God.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1516" data-original-width="995" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmHzRTvPSHQBUFqYXSii2N92AxruNd3ugWBa9srELnadSHZrrQDxmTLej-c6R20z5PPl4qeAFA9rfi3OgOMlXS-C8XjA9KRAG3cCJ39nKwVs3TYFXczoP5cWQgHeNKlF2zNC-dZK5hD45kF6v-LRd05Xd9Fvs7PzYAbkyMHMtjB7JVy1nmYSm8o4-W/s320/hello%20God.jpg" width="210" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><b><br />Let’s
Talk About — Gasp! — Sex in Classic Novels<o:p></o:p></b><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none; text-transform: uppercase;">MARCH 23, 2023</span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;">By Christa Protano</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 22.5pt;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 22.5pt; text-align: justify;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;">When the </span><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LzRzojHC3iE" target="_blank"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: #754cac; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">trailer</span></a><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;"> for the
film-adaptation of </span><a href="https://www.itsmemargaret.movie/" target="_blank"><i><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: #754cac; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">Are You There God, It’s Me Margaret</span></i></a><i><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"> </span></i><span face="Arial, sans-serif"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">dropped in early
February my social feeds were all abuzz. Mom friends were counting down the
days until the film’s release so they can take their daughter and make it a
generational event. But I couldn’t help but wonder … (cue Carrie Bradshaw’s
sex-</span>columnist<span style="font-size: 12pt;"> voice): Were the morality police going to descend upon movie
theaters everywhere come April?</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">After all, Judy
Blume is one of the most frequently challenged authors of our time, with <i>Margaret </i>and
four other of her novels </span><a href="https://www.ala.org/advocacy/bbooks/frequentlychallengedbooks/decade1999" target="_blank"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: #754cac; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">challenged or banned in the nineties alone</span></a><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">. And since signs of this </span><a href="https://daily.jstor.org/fun-with-naming-decades-in-history/" target="_blank"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: #754cac; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">edgy decade</span></a><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"> are popping up in current
fashion and music trends, is it possible that Blume’s popular coming of age
tale will soon find itself back on a banned book list? Well, </span><a href="https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2023/03/19/florida-republican-bill-girls-periods-school/11504099002/" target="_blank"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: #754cac; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">if Florida has anything to say about it</span></a><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">, it just might.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">According to
the </span><a href="https://www.ala.org/" target="_blank"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: #754cac; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">American
Library Association (ALA)</span></a><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">, the rise in book bans and book challenges is
unprecedented, </span><a href="https://www.publishersweekly.com/pw/by-topic/industry-news/libraries/article/91823-ala-reports-shocking-increase-in-book-challenges-in-2022.html" target="_blank"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: #754cac; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">with more than 1,200 challenges being filed in 2022</span></a><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">. And while LGBTQ+
themes and characters of color are the top two reasons for these challenges,
sexual content comes in third, as reported by the non-profit </span><a href="https://pen.org/report/banned-usa-growing-movement-to-censor-books-in-schools/" target="_blank"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: #754cac; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">PEN America</span></a><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 22.5pt; text-align: justify;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;">Now, we know you
can’t really compare a 1970s book about puberty and teen sexuality to, say, a
modern-day <i>Fifty Shades of Grey</i>, but the reason for both books
being banned is the same: most people are still afraid to publicly talk about
sex (unless you are a member of </span><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ydrtF45-y-g" target="_blank"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: #754cac; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">a
certain 90s rap duo</span></a><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;">). But just because something is banned from the classroom or your local
library, doesn’t mean it’s going to go away. In fact, because of the increased
media coverage of current book bans, many challenged titles actually see </span><a href="https://thehill.com/changing-america/enrichment/education/3654369-how-banning-books-can-actually-increase-their-sales/" target="_blank"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: #754cac; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">an increase in sales</span></a><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;">.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 22.5pt; text-align: justify;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;"> At the end of the day, sex
definitely sells. So if like me, you want to know what all the fuss is about,
consider adding these provocative — and once banned — classic novels to your
TBR list. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 22.5pt; text-align: justify;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Great-Gatsby-Other-Leather-bound-Classics/dp/1645173518/ref=sr_1_1?crid=KTXPY4YSNPE8&keywords=the+great+gatsby+leather+bound&qid=1679425253&sprefix=The+Great+Gatsby+leather%2Caps%2C173&sr=8-1"><b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: #754cac; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">The
Great Gatsby</span></b></a><span style="color: #754cac;"><b> </b></span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; text-align: left;">As if an
extramarital affair were not enough to raise eyebrows, Fitzgerald’s backdrop of
drinking and excess landed this classic novel on the top of the challenged list
many a times, </span><a href="https://www.ala.org/advocacy/bbooks/frequentlychallengedbooks/classics#:~:text=The%20Great%20Gatsby%2C%20by%20F,sexual%20references%20in%20the%20book." style="text-align: left;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: #754cac; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">according
to the ALA.</span></a><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; text-align: left;"> Most recently, </span><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Great-Gatsby-Other-Leather-bound-Classics/dp/1645173518/ref=sr_1_1?crid=KTXPY4YSNPE8&keywords=the+great+gatsby+leather+bound&qid=1679425253&sprefix=The+Great+Gatsby+leather%2Caps%2C173&sr=8-1" style="text-align: left;"><i><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: #754cac; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">Gatsby</span></i></a><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; text-align: left;"> was challenged
at the Baptist College in Charleston, SC, in 1987 because of language and
sexual references.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1645178455/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=printe05-20&camp=1789&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=1645178455"><b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: #754cac; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">Tess
of the D’Ubervilles </span></b></a> <span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; text-align: justify;">When English author Tom Hardy wrote
what is now regarded as his greatest work, the Brits were not pleased. Upon
publication in 1891, </span><a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1645178455/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=printe05-20&camp=1789&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=1645178455" style="text-align: justify;"><i><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: #754cac; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">Tess of
the D’Ubervilles </span></i></a><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; text-align: justify;">was immediately censored by the British government for
its disconcerting take on Victorian society’s moral code. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Leaves-Grass-Leather-bound-Classics-Whitman/dp/1684125553/ref=sr_1_1?crid=P2PHUYWA5HVL&keywords=leaves+of+grass+leather+bound&qid=1679427899&s=books&sprefix=leaves+of+grass+leather+bound%2Cstripbooks%2C88&sr=1-1"><b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: #754cac; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">Leaves
of Grass </span></b></a> <span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; text-align: justify;">Another classic work
that managed to offend those of the Victorian Age is </span><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Leaves-Grass-Leather-bound-Classics-Whitman/dp/1684125553/ref=sr_1_1?crid=P2PHUYWA5HVL&keywords=leaves+of+grass+leather+bound&qid=1679427899&s=books&sprefix=leaves+of+grass+leather+bound%2Cstripbooks%2C88&sr=1-1" style="text-align: justify;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: #754cac; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">Walt
Whitman’s collection of poems and essays</span></a><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; text-align: justify;">. Published in 1855, libraries
dismissed the work because of its sexual overtones and Whitman lost the respect
of critics and peers for many years.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"> </span><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Rises-Other-Stories-Cloud-Classics/dp/1645177157/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1JVS12DLFKFM2&keywords=The+Sun+Also+Rises+word+cloud&qid=1679428041&s=books&sprefix=the+sun+also+rises+word+cloud%2Cstripbooks%2C89&sr=1-1" style="text-align: left;"><b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: #754cac; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">The
Sun Also Rises</span></b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: #754cac; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"> </span></a><span style="color: #754cac;"> </span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; text-align: left;">Hemingway’s very
first — and some say finest — novel was published in 1926 and banned in Boston,
MA, less than five years later. </span><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Rises-Other-Stories-Cloud-Classics/dp/1645177157/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1JVS12DLFKFM2&keywords=The+Sun+Also+Rises+word+cloud&qid=1679428041&s=books&sprefix=the+sun+also+rises+word+cloud%2Cstripbooks%2C89&sr=1-1" style="text-align: left;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: #754cac; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">The
story,</span></a><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; text-align: left;"> which follows a group of ex-pats as they travel around a post-WWI
Paris and Spain, was last banned in California in 1960s due to the characters
decadent behaviors and use of profanity.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-align: justify;"><i><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; text-align: left;">So there you have it: We live in a society that suddenly fears words and the ideas they </span><span style="text-align: left;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif">convey. The thought police exist in every community, challenging books available in libraries and school boards, and in doing so, they limit what some think, and above all, learn. What can we do? Read banned books. Seek out and discus controversial ideas. Watch the news with a critical eye and listen between the words. Together we can push the pendulum back to a time before the growth of the lemming population.</span></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-align: justify;"><i><span style="text-align: left;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif">Be sure to check out our events tab. </span></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-align: justify;"><i><span style="text-align: left;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif">Thanks for stopping by.</span></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-align: justify;"><i><span style="text-align: left;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif">Stay happy and keep reading stuff you aren't supposed to.</span></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: black; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p><i> </i></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><br /></o:p></p>bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13858786360258361908noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2704581609270489733.post-64922348745912032232023-03-15T09:33:00.001-07:002023-03-15T09:33:11.810-07:00Where are the Children Now - by guest reviewer Christina Brown<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8QiZMMe_u71l7_5D2KV9x_drDkWhBfmD6vUKueFMUFyJ5OOOtrrTRXvr72Qu8-pjiZSkeliMPKDGSz5o_MLLboWKaxJkiIbqI5fZIKctzXVXcDI9v8ipWKTskjc0TeMC_g2H_jezoP2EUirdoNZ4aWYHIPqVFfrdNMKo8kBEceM5OKYbdghd8FACB/s1781/clark.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1781" data-original-width="1218" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8QiZMMe_u71l7_5D2KV9x_drDkWhBfmD6vUKueFMUFyJ5OOOtrrTRXvr72Qu8-pjiZSkeliMPKDGSz5o_MLLboWKaxJkiIbqI5fZIKctzXVXcDI9v8ipWKTskjc0TeMC_g2H_jezoP2EUirdoNZ4aWYHIPqVFfrdNMKo8kBEceM5OKYbdghd8FACB/s320/clark.png" width="219" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p class="p1" style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span class="s1"><span style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleEmphasizedBody;">This
was a a fast read for me, with well described characters and interesting
details to set the scene, as is typical from Clark. Immediately prior to
reading this, I reread <b><u>Where are the Children?</u></b> but found that I didn’t really
need to as this book had plenty of context/back story for Nancy and her
children’s history included - which was primarily meant to highlight how
bizarre (and traumatic) it was for this family to be dealing with another
missing child case in their lifetime. </span></span></p><p class="p1" style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span class="s1"><span style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleEmphasizedBody;"><br /></span></span></p><p class="p1" style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span class="s1"><span style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleEmphasizedBody;">While I found myself suspicious of a few
characters even early on, I was still surprised by the story’s twist in the end
for who was actually behind Riley going missing. Which is what usually happens
when I read Clark’s books- her character and intricate scene development leave
you wondering who is truly to be trusted and what is even true. </span></span></p><p class="p1" style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span class="s1"><span style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleEmphasizedBody;"><br /></span></span></p><p class="p1" style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span class="s1"><span style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleEmphasizedBody;">I found a few
style differences in how the book was written as compared to other Clark books
but it wasn’t anything bad per-say (just different) and I couldn’t quite
discern if that was due to Alafair Burke’s contributions, the current/modern
time period references or something else entirely. Overall, I really enjoyed
the book and found it on par with Clark’s other books! Oh, and the original <b><u>Where are</u></b> <b><u>the Children?</u></b> still holds up as a really great book- only some
references and details (ex: commonplace cigar/cigarette use in public) felt
dated despite this being written in the 1970’s. My suggestion: read them both!</span></span><o:p></o:p></p><p class="p1" style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span class="s1"><span style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleEmphasizedBody;"><br /></span></span></p><p class="p1" style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span class="s1"><span style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleEmphasizedBody;">My two cents...</span></span></p><p class="p1" style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span class="s1"><span style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleEmphasizedBody;"><br /></span></span></p><p class="p1" style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleEmphasizedBody;">I agree...this is vintage Mary Higgins Clark. I totally enjoyed reading a traditional mystery where the plot is linear and the clues logical. Predicting the ending is half the fun or reading mysteries, isn't it? I never - and I mean NEVER - get it right, be it a novel or a TV show. The trend in twister mysteries, started with Gone Girl, I guess, frustrate me. They jerk me around, lead me hither and yon, and then, in the last twenty pages, they tell me they were just kidding, Hidden clues, minor characters, and tons of red herrings make it nearly impossible to solve the mystery. But they sure are popular so it's probably just me...too old fashioned for these new fangled styles.</span></p><p class="p1" style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleEmphasizedBody;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleEmphasizedBody;">Christina Brown has joined us as a now and then reviewer. Let me know if you are interested (Steve? we miss you). The marvelous perks include Advance Reader Copies (ARC) of books, continued pressure to get your review to me, and of course, a review on our blog is sure to make you famous. Thank about it. </span></p><p class="p1" style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleEmphasizedBody;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleEmphasizedBody;">Spring...yes, we see hints that it will surely arrive soon.</span></p><p class="p1" style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleEmphasizedBody;">Stay safe, Stay healthy, Stay happy. Stay groovy.</span></p><p class="p1" style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleEmphasizedBody;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleEmphasizedBody;">Thanks for stopping by.</span></p><br /><p></p>bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13858786360258361908noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2704581609270489733.post-92055077479668626102023-01-18T09:35:00.000-08:002023-01-18T09:35:01.611-08:00Women Talking by Miriam Toews<p style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZeZvQvXqizWsUUx1kDDArWUQgdVHsqR2eIQtnAHEYQXxuBfM7aKeUGYHrIZYkWu_4jZkXXfMUCbM_AIDAkBLFGnr2D96iaaSyhKy1zO04F6winHZTQLNL76P5mq058O300QT5f15VbKjMOPEE9PfVW_Jd__puq_HnmF2wc3XTgvOdsMtWlopIBowh/s1666/women%20talking.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1666" data-original-width="1085" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZeZvQvXqizWsUUx1kDDArWUQgdVHsqR2eIQtnAHEYQXxuBfM7aKeUGYHrIZYkWu_4jZkXXfMUCbM_AIDAkBLFGnr2D96iaaSyhKy1zO04F6winHZTQLNL76P5mq058O300QT5f15VbKjMOPEE9PfVW_Jd__puq_HnmF2wc3XTgvOdsMtWlopIBowh/s320/women%20talking.jpg" width="208" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">Eight Mennonite women have two days to decide their next move. Will they run -- leave the settlement and the only life they have ever known? Will they stay and remain subservient to a culture in which women are all but invisible? Might they take unspeakable measures and risk their relationship with God in a superb effort to claim their freedom and search for independence and identity?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">In two days, the men who have been systematically sexually abusing these women, as well as several young children, will be released from jail. Gathering in the hayloft of a senile community member, the women meet secretly to discuss their future. The fear of leaving sickens them, as does the fear of staying. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">For the past two years, the women have been repeatedly violated, and were told evil spirits came to them in the night to punish them. The women believe these lies until one of them fights off the belladonna depressant used to sedate her, coming face to face with her attacker. No spoilers here...suffice it to say the agonizing realization of what has been happening paralyzes some of the women while mobilizing others.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">Since most of the women cannot write, they enlist the help and the skills of an expelled Mennonite man to keep minutes of their meetings. There is no wonder this based on truth book has become the subject of a much talked about film.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">On a Happy 2023 note...each year I choose a reading theme and try to wedge in as many books as possible that fit that mold. Last year I chose tween books that I had somehow missed along the way, books like <b><u>Black Beauty</u></b> and <b><u>Mary Poppins</u></b>. Books for the 9-12 year old age group are playful, imaginative, and --in my opinion -- too often sad. But with the plethora of fine writers in that category, it is easy to circumvent those tear jerkers. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">2023? I'll be checking out all sorts of mysteries -- cozies, police procedurals, locked rooms, supernatural, local color. FB me with any suggestions you have for me please.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">Thanks for stopping by.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">Stay healthy. Stay safe. Stay happy.</div><br /> <p></p>bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13858786360258361908noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2704581609270489733.post-61890605091025858812023-01-03T09:23:00.002-08:002023-01-03T09:24:57.456-08:00Wintering by Katherine May...reprint from 2021<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLglj1jR6NJo5-Hj6mKxt2g-XS9qOoItH8XnvKqqf42qccXZYI-Tc2dZccE2HT_a6Pnpbx-qqsDmzOKD_digP7fJwYDmWlj7FoKyPdiF1VGbnybIct7VmdCHHmxtWdBJ4B8iBfRg6ZeaLG37G31Fg8J7qZhXC_G_LG53qoaUwV6JSGfAQlILXuASy9/s1678/Scan.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1678" data-original-width="1094" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLglj1jR6NJo5-Hj6mKxt2g-XS9qOoItH8XnvKqqf42qccXZYI-Tc2dZccE2HT_a6Pnpbx-qqsDmzOKD_digP7fJwYDmWlj7FoKyPdiF1VGbnybIct7VmdCHHmxtWdBJ4B8iBfRg6ZeaLG37G31Fg8J7qZhXC_G_LG53qoaUwV6JSGfAQlILXuASy9/s320/Scan.jpg" width="209" /></a></div><br /> <span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px;">In the depth of winter, I finally learned that within me there lay an invincible summer.”</span><p></p><p><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px;">― </span><span class="authorOrTitle" face="Lato, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold;">Albert Camus</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span class="authorOrTitle" face="Lato, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 14px;">That Camus quote nicely sums up what Katherine May discovered as she wintered through some tough times. Categorizing this book challenges...part memoir, part self-help, part commentary on ritual...and then there's all the history, and quirky details about things we (or at least I) just don't think about. Winter is May's metaphor for quietly working through troubling times, no matter when, where or how long he working through takes.<br /></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span class="authorOrTitle" face="Lato, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 14px;"><span>May takes us along as she winters through a full year filled with doubts, fears and high anxiety. At times she frustrated me with her Debbie Downer routines, and just like that, a smooth transition would begin. In the process of allowing herself to drift away from the darkness, she learned, she grew, and she accepted her life in the moment.</span></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span class="authorOrTitle" face="Lato, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 14px;"><span>New age thinking took center stage at times, not quite unicorn thinking, but close. New age has never been my genre of choice but, stepping aside from that, May filled the book with stories past and present. She offered insights into the Druid religion, the feast of Saint Lucia (that story was a doozie), and took me to the sauna culture of Scandinavia. Like May, I'd take a fast and hard pass on that one. No way I am going to sit sweating with a bunch of naked strangers, plunge into icy water, and declare myself renewed. </span></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span class="authorOrTitle" face="Lato, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 14px;"><span>Oh, but the wolves stories and the bee keeping - mesmerizing. Embedded in all her experiences was the warmth and strength we get from ritual. Weekly coffee with friends, game night, or perhaps something bigger like religious celebrations...rituals keep us close to what is important to us, to what grounds us, and to what brings us together.</span></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span class="authorOrTitle" face="Lato, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 14px;"><span>This is a book to share. It will resonate with each reader differently. My copy will find its way later today to a friend's front porch with the hope that, after reading, she will do the same. Maybe, in a couple years or so, it will find its way back to me, battered, highlighted, written in, and questioned.</span></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span class="authorOrTitle" face="Lato, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 14px;"><span>For some reason, after reading May's closing words...</span></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span class="authorOrTitle" face="Lato, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 14px;"><span>"It often seems easier to stay in winter, burrowed down into our hibernation nests, away from the glare of the sun. But we are brave, and the new world awaits us...we have a kind of gospel to tell and a duty to share it. We, who have wintered, have learned some things"</span></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span class="authorOrTitle" face="Lato, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 14px;"><span>...I wanted to walk to my dog on this cold January day, and the let the bitter cold air surround me...just to see what is has to say. </span></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span class="authorOrTitle" face="Lato, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 14px;"><span>Pleasant wintering to you all.</span></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span class="authorOrTitle" face="Lato, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 14px;"><span>Thanks for stopping by.</span></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span class="authorOrTitle" face="Lato, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 14px;"><span>Stay safe. Stay healthy. Stay happy.</span></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span class="authorOrTitle" face="Lato, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 14px;"><span>Only ten Mondays till spring. </span></span></p>bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13858786360258361908noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2704581609270489733.post-41084740034219623362022-12-16T10:38:00.002-08:002022-12-16T10:38:49.067-08:00It's a Wonderful Woof by Spencer Quinn<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrXak2OjpNyrTisskwwxKf5h0Py_edYEc9R7Xxvw1vh6Mt4oPl9kRxDIf471KCMqdhRpkhBPLNHkkymPybW8cLUt79qMRG9SU_to2hhB0y05PY03sOPJ98ElRHzzerdlC9BEFa0BfDSwCF8OIcOoFzMghivoq9eRJtLJMSTY7ql6mDSNK_Sb17POLz/s1651/Scan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1651" data-original-width="1072" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrXak2OjpNyrTisskwwxKf5h0Py_edYEc9R7Xxvw1vh6Mt4oPl9kRxDIf471KCMqdhRpkhBPLNHkkymPybW8cLUt79qMRG9SU_to2hhB0y05PY03sOPJ98ElRHzzerdlC9BEFa0BfDSwCF8OIcOoFzMghivoq9eRJtLJMSTY7ql6mDSNK_Sb17POLz/s320/Scan.jpg" width="208" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">You all have been keeping us busy the past few months here at LaDeDa. Thank you for that. We sure do appreciate your continued support by purchasing books, and recommending our shop to your friends. But more than that, there is nothing better than hearing the bell ring, watching the door open and seeing your smiling face. This has become a second home for me, and your visits...well, I wish I had the word's to tell you how much they brighten my day.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">During these brisk months, I usually kick back with some fun, easy reads. I have missed a couple Chet and Bernie book over the years and, when this holiday title popped up I took it as a sign. Time to get reacquainted with an old, favorite series. If you haven't' read a Chet and Bernie book, here's the scoop: Bernie is a washed up cop with some crazy habits, but still well connected to people in his previous world. Bernie open his own PI business and takes on random, and quirky cases. Chet, his obnoxious, insightful, and mixed-up breed dog and constant companion, helps solve Bernie's wack-a-doodle cases. Oh, Chat narrates all the books and I sincerely believe that Spence Quinn was a dog in a former life. He nails dog ways and wags on every page.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">In this special edition book, Bernie Little and Chet are enjoying a joyful holiday in the Valley. Despite the dismal shape of the finances in the Little Detective Agency, Bernie passes on a case and refers it to a fellow PI. But when Victor doesn't show up at his mother's house to light the Hanukkah candles, she hires Chet and Bernie to find him.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">They soon discover that Victor's clients have also vanished, and the trail leads to whispers of a previously unknown art treasure, possibly buried for centuries..</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">No one is better than Chet at nosing out buried secrets, but soon he and Bernie are dashing through a Christmas blizzard with danger closing in around them.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">You can pick up the books any where in the series, but starting with <b><u>Dog On It</u></b> will introduce you to Bernie, Chet, and Chet's little friend, Iggy. Such fun.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">Thanks for stopping by.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">Stay safe, Stay healthy. Stay happy.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">Read silly stuff one in a while. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><p></p>bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13858786360258361908noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2704581609270489733.post-79185471832702963162022-11-09T15:39:00.000-08:002022-11-09T15:39:24.009-08:00Killers of the Flower Moon <p style="text-align: justify;"> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKUwg64lMuEnJHr-6LA35wt21mR67ScmWDm53FeOYbYxx3xbHS04l1Hf4Cu5MJXRrPcRtyXDhWqup9qmDYaU0nk6NUalYP3BxAD4CXd04fb0gwEsMiRaqDjQdR4WKEd74CC7T5k-zPMcJ-7-Puys1ZkBSm4aenHhon_ODuikBENHCG6E8TfI9c7ebV/s1603/killers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1603" data-original-width="1045" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKUwg64lMuEnJHr-6LA35wt21mR67ScmWDm53FeOYbYxx3xbHS04l1Hf4Cu5MJXRrPcRtyXDhWqup9qmDYaU0nk6NUalYP3BxAD4CXd04fb0gwEsMiRaqDjQdR4WKEd74CC7T5k-zPMcJ-7-Puys1ZkBSm4aenHhon_ODuikBENHCG6E8TfI9c7ebV/s320/killers.jpg" width="209" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">In May of 1921, Mollie Burkhart's family members began to disappear. People adjacent to her life became ill. Many died. The "coroners" and other officials shook their heads, and then turned their heads - away from the issue. After all. Mollie, her family, and friends were Osage Indians. Murdering them seemed to be the only way white men could get possession of the valuable land owned by this tribe. Eventually there were arrests and a series of questionable trials. One reporter wrote "It is a question in my mind whether this jury is considering a murder trial or not. The question for them to decide is whether a white man killing an Osage is murder -- or merely cruelty to animals."</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">The complexity and shame of this piece of American history if finally coming to light. The stories of murders and rapes of indigenous women throughout history are finally being told in numerous showcases. Recently the Manitowoc Public Library hosted an compelling exhibit - much of it with appalling details, hard to read, and even harder to believe. "Alaska Daily," a new network tv series focuses on missing indigenous women in Alaska -- women authorities simply don't care to spend time searching for. And Craig Johnson, author of the Longmire series tells us the story of a missing Indian youth in <b><u>Daughter of the Morning Star,</u></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">The more I read books like this, and books like <u><b>Radium Girls</b></u>, <b><u>The Woman They Could Not Silence,</u></b> and historical fiction pieces such as <b><u>Before We Were Yours</u></b> the more I am grateful for the happy bubble where I can retreat to a space filled with friendly, honest, and ethical people. But I can't stay there too long; outside the bubble, there are more people in need than we can imagine. Our own community may not be hosting the type of atrocities we read about, but there are needs. Now is the time we begin to think about our neighbors in need, our fellow citizens, and we donate time, goods and money. Moving into 2023, let's think about year long awareness, giving and helping. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">Thanks for stopping by</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">Be aware. Be grateful. Be happy.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">Oh...forgot to mention, this story of Mollie Burkhart is made into a streaming movie starring Leonardo DiCaprio. He will play Mollie's husband. A white man who married Mollie with a specific plan in mind.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"> </div><br /><p></p>bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13858786360258361908noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2704581609270489733.post-48653730787921968392022-10-21T19:12:00.001-07:002022-10-21T19:12:23.814-07:00The Hacienda<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgImPOs_r7ijWNWrBW7IptAU9X504fBacQq-s4WUjtFzRgW1iFzl1_ds4I8d0GVzCQhypFwqk38iZ7TTv1e3cgaRQjBhH-t17IlnugwDkKa1kwulXgAj6lETTKN-VMnNSD06KsRXPBX-l2JXHn1N9JIXTACF_XRxQQab7mszjm8zIIx6mW_UjNy3UUz/s1781/hacienda.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1781" data-original-width="1186" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgImPOs_r7ijWNWrBW7IptAU9X504fBacQq-s4WUjtFzRgW1iFzl1_ds4I8d0GVzCQhypFwqk38iZ7TTv1e3cgaRQjBhH-t17IlnugwDkKa1kwulXgAj6lETTKN-VMnNSD06KsRXPBX-l2JXHn1N9JIXTACF_XRxQQab7mszjm8zIIx6mW_UjNy3UUz/s320/hacienda.jpg" width="213" /></a>s</div><p><br /></p><div style="text-align: justify;">Like it or not, pumpkin spice season has arrived. That warm scent drifting though every conceivable airspace signals me that the time has come to get scared. Can't explain why. As I kid I spent hours</div><div style="text-align: justify;">working up the courage to watch one of the corny Vincent Price movie spin-off of Poe tales. I also spent many hours with eyes covered in fear of seeing something I would never forget...and fingers in my ears to not hear the woman scream (it was always a woman being terrorized, wasn't it?).</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">That was all too much for me and eventually I turned to scary books. Not much better. I found myself warning the sweet young thing not to open the door, or to go down into the basement. <b><u>The Hacienda</u></b> is one of those books. Chapter one. Right out loud. I asked Beatrix "What were you thinking?" Stir up a potion of <b><u>Rebecca</u></b> and <b><u>Mexica Gothic</u></b> and you have this book</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">During the overthrow of the Mexican revolution, Beatrix's father was executed and their home was destroyed. When handsome Don Rodolfo Solorzano proposes, Beatrix ignores the rumors surrounding his first wife's sudden death. Marry Rodolfo - live in a lavish estate with servants. Yup...sounds like trouble...and it is. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">There are visions. There are voices. There are threats. And there is Rodolfo's odder than odd, sister, Juana. Beatrix has nowhere to turn so she clings to the village priest, Padre Andres, who...well, he has his own bag of disturbing tricks.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">I warned her again and again....</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Great Halloween read.</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Thanks for stopping by.</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Stay safe. Stay healthy. Stay happy..,and get a little scared.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><p></p>bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13858786360258361908noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2704581609270489733.post-46440418766227871222022-10-14T11:35:00.002-07:002022-10-14T11:35:43.955-07:00Author Meet and Greet <p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Susan Fink and Mary Schmal will be visiting us for an author Meet and Greet </span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Saturday, October 29, 10:30 -12:00.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMuQfgTBOIhNW0D84cP24-KEGf5TGsbyV_LQ4rMnMVLNF611wpiz3wu9nBeejFZ9Dt_Us8hEi8AyIES6eviJcx1QrHn2sxJhUnOq0zCkHo5Aq06SSwGepyM3yMMfAtmZ1F_i1-2-6nv7JO6JY2uA0cxFZR0rXygJBlU1EQhHDJ6dRre2p4uv-o8UP0/s1814/fink.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1814" data-original-width="1191" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMuQfgTBOIhNW0D84cP24-KEGf5TGsbyV_LQ4rMnMVLNF611wpiz3wu9nBeejFZ9Dt_Us8hEi8AyIES6eviJcx1QrHn2sxJhUnOq0zCkHo5Aq06SSwGepyM3yMMfAtmZ1F_i1-2-6nv7JO6JY2uA0cxFZR0rXygJBlU1EQhHDJ6dRre2p4uv-o8UP0/s320/fink.jpg" width="210" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">Manitowoc author, Susan Fink, has written an accessible guide for anyone struggling with a number of life's stressors such as time management, parenting, social media use, and alone time. Each chapter looks at a myth about self-care, shares the author's personal challenges, and identifies misconceptions. Scriptural explanations, questions, and prayer prompts are included with blank spaces for interactive use. The book's easy to use format is conducive to personal and group study.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisFr3MmKZXWYFt5jaOdUXpoD7_EYzWkeb5EB10fYspbGB53kNL45dhnMMcXoCf7yKKGS7mcjhCSJ-MsNjfFIGxbYd3J7znfEe1d67OQPoEOKh4WMe-ap1QKPCieFA6b6FD0NpD6Mw5VbJUtDbBQYj3h5uCAxTIjnJKOQDbI3jhEOmdz8LlLNUPbq32/s1559/schmall.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1559" data-original-width="1020" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisFr3MmKZXWYFt5jaOdUXpoD7_EYzWkeb5EB10fYspbGB53kNL45dhnMMcXoCf7yKKGS7mcjhCSJ-MsNjfFIGxbYd3J7znfEe1d67OQPoEOKh4WMe-ap1QKPCieFA6b6FD0NpD6Mw5VbJUtDbBQYj3h5uCAxTIjnJKOQDbI3jhEOmdz8LlLNUPbq32/s320/schmall.png" width="209" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">Mary Schmal, Milwaukee teacher and writer, hopes that her <b>Children of the Light</b> Series inspires readers to acknowledge and embrace, as do her character, all nine <i>Fruits of the Spirit</i>. Nine kids, Nine gifts. Nine blessed.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">Each book in the series focuses on a different <i>Fruit of the Spirit.</i> The stories tell of the many adventures, challenges, and experiences of nine children and their lives in a remote lighthouse in 1884. Each child learns about the importance of a specific <i>Fruit of the Spirit</i> meant not just for him or her, but for everyone. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">Books will be available for purchase and signing on the day of the event. Author signings such as this help independent bookstores stay alive and thriving. Therefore we respectfully ask that you not bring in books to be signed that have been purchased elsewhere. If you would like a signed book but cannot attend, we will happily reserve one for you. Pre-payment required.</div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"> </p>bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13858786360258361908noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2704581609270489733.post-54264065039820919772022-09-20T15:02:00.002-07:002022-09-20T15:13:39.805-07:00A Death in Door County by Annelise Ryan<p style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_TeRDdJHUQjIkTbxyOb0A0LfVdwRU76j-N8-HjFMNaUN2akhPQHo6NvZjO_Fz8pLw1ELUVRhq20qw82LKor7EmWQGyHcjelz_zN6wkkNcZfsixVczsBbgELbab63h1hY3WQZ-hYjw8rW4jNT42fL76MpYisDAiY_wAJFYaw6nC5gJ383Th2N8Byvl/s1853/DC.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1853" data-original-width="1244" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_TeRDdJHUQjIkTbxyOb0A0LfVdwRU76j-N8-HjFMNaUN2akhPQHo6NvZjO_Fz8pLw1ELUVRhq20qw82LKor7EmWQGyHcjelz_zN6wkkNcZfsixVczsBbgELbab63h1hY3WQZ-hYjw8rW4jNT42fL76MpYisDAiY_wAJFYaw6nC5gJ383Th2N8Byvl/s320/DC.jpg" width="215" /></a></div><br /> So many of us follow the fall colors, watching the lush greens change day by day painting the world with soft brown, orange, and beige. This magic foliage show stands out as one of the highlights Door County has to offer us. That and miles of shoreline for sea glass searching, campgrounds, hiking trials and of course limitless shopping and eating.<p></p><p style="text-align: justify;">Now let's add a monster and a murder to that list. Since I haven't quite finished the book yet...here's the info from the inside flap...</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><i>Morgan Carter, owner of the Odds and Ends bookstore in Door County, Wisconsin, has a hobby. When she's not tending the store, she's hunting cryptids - creatures whose existence is rumored but never proven to be real. It's a hobby that cost her parents their lives but one she'll never give up on.</i></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><i>So when a number of bodies turn up on the shores of Lake Michigan with injuries that look like bites from a giant unknown animal, police chief Jon Flanders turns to Morgan for help. A skeptic at heart, Morgan can't turn down the opportunity to find proof of an entity whose existence she can't definitely rule out. She and her beloved rescue dog, Newt, journey to the strait known as Death's Door to hunt for a homicidal monster in the lake, but if they're not careful, she just might be its next victim</i>.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">A tag line on the binding says "A monster Hunter mystery." Could that mean Morgan survives to solve another Door County mystery?</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Thanks for stopping by.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Stay safe. Stay healthy. Stay happy.</p>bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13858786360258361908noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2704581609270489733.post-56876751836269211252022-09-02T13:34:00.000-07:002022-09-02T13:34:15.800-07:00Bake by Paul Hollywood<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikc__MjFWyq8b2CmIDPMuDS60tCqNCm5EuC_9h1r3aobPnJf5FsGjDlToDK1bbmYqT-U9rTdo8hCWs5S3CipHpOOK-ZpbUUyPohEUh1nMsns8aMNkcw0pY2nLmkb6IRshot13jV8eOzvUetM1tLUtUwBImhlONiQGMdngkXLhVCJ5Lrbb3Ym3erwcO/s2576/bread.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2576" data-original-width="1932" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikc__MjFWyq8b2CmIDPMuDS60tCqNCm5EuC_9h1r3aobPnJf5FsGjDlToDK1bbmYqT-U9rTdo8hCWs5S3CipHpOOK-ZpbUUyPohEUh1nMsns8aMNkcw0pY2nLmkb6IRshot13jV8eOzvUetM1tLUtUwBImhlONiQGMdngkXLhVCJ5Lrbb3Ym3erwcO/s320/bread.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"> Covid wasn't all bad, was it? Here at LaDeDa we felt life slow down. Customers wandered and shopped longer, and then they stayed around for conversation. We made new friends during covid, friends to have coffee with, friends to laugh with, and friends to listen to as they philosophized.</div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;">People read more. Because of travel challenges including masks, and mass of complex restrictions, people stayed here - right in the Lakeshore. Discovers were made. We really do have an endless treasury of goodness right in our own backyards. And backyards got a whole lot of attention during covid. Gardening, canning, and best of all, sharing the wealth of produce with neighbors became the norm.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"> And people baked. I have arrived a bit late to the baking craze, still I have arrived. For me, baking has always been a chore. Even making cookies gets out of hand. Flour everywhere, gooey dough, complicated, ingredient laden recipes. Not my idea of fun. But then there's Paul Hollywood. Yup, he lured me in with those steely blue eyes, leaning in and critiquing the nervous contestants on <i>The Great British Baking Show. </i></p><p style="text-align: justify;">I caved and purchased his very expensive, bake book filled with manageable recipes, and beautiful colored pictures of bakes, and of Paul Hollywood. My plan is to bake my way through the book. So far so good. I have owned the book for exactly one month now, and have made one recipe, the first one - banana bread. OK. I did OK as you can see from the above picture. I will make a few changes if I ever go back to this recipe, but no time for that now. I must move and learn to make a proper Victoria Sponge. This one looks easy and if it works out, I may share it with my book group. But for sure, you will get a picture of the final product.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Thanks for stopping by</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Stay safe. Stay healthy, Stay happy.</p>bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13858786360258361908noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2704581609270489733.post-25406887634638328222022-08-05T14:03:00.004-07:002022-08-05T14:03:53.382-07:00Daughters of the Morning Star<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZsMpa7X0h63PeEq1LVuZnhomtIaqw61YYPBmhaaHJvzlZBimAcxWf55rWOFgsNxKeAqlqh8kibCMztjyZviQ90knhjNRn6HFvAGcjTHWmAV7ebge70aGPX659Zkzk0_91PJkp6l0hrhn3wvdyRNSuKOKze3mlg1CoGWic2QndDfEk7mFLuEzVGW5B/s1521/Scan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1521" data-original-width="1012" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZsMpa7X0h63PeEq1LVuZnhomtIaqw61YYPBmhaaHJvzlZBimAcxWf55rWOFgsNxKeAqlqh8kibCMztjyZviQ90knhjNRn6HFvAGcjTHWmAV7ebge70aGPX659Zkzk0_91PJkp6l0hrhn3wvdyRNSuKOKze3mlg1CoGWic2QndDfEk7mFLuEzVGW5B/s320/Scan.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">Thanks to friend Nebraska Steve for introducing me to Walt Longmire and the gang years ago. I first got hooked on the TV series, and then backtracked and began reading the books. The series is good...but the books...offer so much more. Starting with the series planted a voice and a cadence in my ear, making reading the books that much more powerful. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">Walt is a sheriff on the border of an Indian reservation, requiring him to balance his law with reservation law. The two often frequently due to deeply held beliefs and traditions. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">This particular book brings even more meaning to the recent exhibit at the Rahr-West on missing, murdered, and exploded indigenous women. I am not quite finished yet so rather than bumbling though a summary. here's the info from the back of the book....</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><i>When Lolo Long's niece Jaya begins receiving death threats, Tribal Police Chief Long calls on Absaroka County Sherriff Walt Longmire along with Henry Standing Bear as lethal backup. Jaya "longshot" Long is the phenom of the Lame Deer Lady Morning Stars high school basketball team and is following in the steps of her older sister, who disappeared a year previously, a victim of missing Native women in Indian Country. Lolo hopes that having Longmire involved might draw some public attention to the girl's plight, but with this maneuver she also inadvertently places the good sheriff in a one-on-one with the deadliest adversary he has ever faced in both this world and the next.</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">If you're intrigued and want to dig into a Longmire book, <b><u>Cold Dish</u></b> would be a good place to start.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">Thanks for stopping by.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">Stay safe. Stay healthy. Stay happy.</div><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p><br /></p><br /> <p></p>bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13858786360258361908noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2704581609270489733.post-18238134049364635432022-06-25T10:31:00.001-07:002022-06-25T10:31:19.539-07:00One Hundred Saturdays by Michael Frank<p style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4clNSfuqcxpeEJQZdaJNZ6gfTeH0_IhKxY8LmmGE0N1i4LdtcMbAJmNSdkS3sRxBw74DMkXxumDgN1VbypIQH9rQm_VznbFN4iUsWfZ3USTqFCdyjGRfbdWXvgeqDepBkJhmGzamiJ3BFLG1ZNRX22e0oH6U7TSWjGrnodPUxjdVetWf7lsH6b-7t/s1657/100.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1657" data-original-width="1110" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4clNSfuqcxpeEJQZdaJNZ6gfTeH0_IhKxY8LmmGE0N1i4LdtcMbAJmNSdkS3sRxBw74DMkXxumDgN1VbypIQH9rQm_VznbFN4iUsWfZ3USTqFCdyjGRfbdWXvgeqDepBkJhmGzamiJ3BFLG1ZNRX22e0oH6U7TSWjGrnodPUxjdVetWf7lsH6b-7t/w268-h400/100.jpg" width="268" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">Stella's story will stick with you. In recent years, publishers have offered us a fine selection of WWII fiction, often highlighting little know heroic efforts made by women. Of course, the backdrop of many of these stories was the Holocaust. These novels stand as warnings about how quickly anger and hate can change the world. I have read and appreciated many, but none compare to the depth, honesty, and sensitivity of Stella's recollections.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">For one hundred Saturdays, Michael Frank visits with Stella and little by little, she shares. From growing up in Jewish Rhodes, being removed to a concentration camp, and ultimately surviving and thriving, she talks - with some hesitation. We feel her mulling as she weighs her words deciding what to relive, and with how much detail. The process begins with gentle prompts from Frank and evolves organically to a shared experience between two people who have become friends. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">I so wanted Stella to be angry, to cry, to spew acidity at those who robbed her of family, and years of happiness and normalcy. She did not. My admiration grew the more I read, and to be honest, I slowed down the closer I got to the final pages. How would she bring this all together and put a neat punctuation mark on it all, I wondered. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">If you have a friend, old or new, I encourage you to listen. There are stories waiting to be told. There are vibrant storytellers all around. If you have read one WWII book this year, please read another. Read Stella's story...and then seek out your own Stella.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><br /> <p></p>bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13858786360258361908noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2704581609270489733.post-59547334820337393572022-06-03T13:40:00.002-07:002022-06-03T13:40:29.298-07:00The Gown by Jennifer Robson<p style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUkrgg2sLXJagl5qU4aqx8wWzF4ZXA480U7XzWmJlFx2Kai4MyqeHnzTtHNV-MDfHVKRotspepV96iwcYPXzk425Ip1GNaR9wPC0WS1pU7DEgg8EfwgnRFDaCzj-p0eXynLBBJ-WqfKPEQk97WwyK9b3cCB9GdeWS9M1JQmQ_6pTvulrAuMhg8YYzx/s1779/crown.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1779" data-original-width="1164" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUkrgg2sLXJagl5qU4aqx8wWzF4ZXA480U7XzWmJlFx2Kai4MyqeHnzTtHNV-MDfHVKRotspepV96iwcYPXzk425Ip1GNaR9wPC0WS1pU7DEgg8EfwgnRFDaCzj-p0eXynLBBJ-WqfKPEQk97WwyK9b3cCB9GdeWS9M1JQmQ_6pTvulrAuMhg8YYzx/s320/crown.jpg" width="209" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div>All of England is abuzz this week as Queen Elizabeth celebrates her 70th year as Great Britain's most beloved public servant. We all know that the Brits handle pomp and circumstance better than anyone, but there will be some livelier celebrations later this week as notable musicians rock out in her honor.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><b><u><br /></u></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><b><u>The Gown</u></b> tells the behind the scenes story of the making of the Queen's wedding dress. Robson uses the trendy framework of characters in different times and places narrating their stories. She also incorporates the rather trite convention of someone finding an odd bit of this or that tucked away which leads the finder on a mission to learn more - of course, ultimately uncovering family secrets. In this case, it is Heather who suspects that an intricately embroidered piece of fabric left to her by her grandmother might have some connection to the royal wedding. Really? Why did her grandmother not include some sort of note in the box with the fabric? This just does not happen.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbrZd1cpNXe5xd5T7LuJxJbrscFDXStoidQsT069bnWf10N6YjZWOOHcFQJcqCrjmR5ztksQLl7JHg-_xjeoxuyQ-of81M4xX_8GC9gGdHis4CpnGV6QqStMtLWFK7a5l3hYyZQn5c_R1v05NAdUaS7_hM-Vqz4dhfAbh74ZxW9H9u_HUT9gPzFIkZ/s1960/coronation.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1960" data-original-width="1440" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbrZd1cpNXe5xd5T7LuJxJbrscFDXStoidQsT069bnWf10N6YjZWOOHcFQJcqCrjmR5ztksQLl7JHg-_xjeoxuyQ-of81M4xX_8GC9gGdHis4CpnGV6QqStMtLWFK7a5l3hYyZQn5c_R1v05NAdUaS7_hM-Vqz4dhfAbh74ZxW9H9u_HUT9gPzFIkZ/s320/coronation.jpg" width="235" /></a></div><br />Oh, but it does. sort of. In fall, my basement flooded again, and in order to fix it correctly this time, extensive masonry work needs to be done. In clearing out the area for work to begin, I ran across a gallon freezer bag filled with items from England. Among other items, I found this program dated June 2, 1953 - the approved program from the Queen's coronation. What a wealth of information and history! Following several pages of pictures, Arthur Bryant writes " A coronation is a nation's birthday. It is the day on which people celebrate the union that makes them one. Of that union the Crown is the symbol."</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">What I found most captivating were the thirteen pages (in tiny, tiny print) detailing the coronation procession - what carriages/vehicles were used, who sat where in each, the time each was to leave the palace...hundreds of names and titles. A few pages beyond that, the Archbishop of Canterbury offered a tribute, followed by the complete text of the coronation ceremony itself. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">I have no idea where this treasure trove came from. I do not remember buying it, or receiving it as a gift. Unlike our protagonist Heather, I will not attempt to discover the source of this mysterious gift. Instead, I will enjoy it, and perhaps if you stop in the store and are real nice to me, I will show it to you.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">Back to <b><u>The Gown</u></b>. This is simple book, elegant, stylish. History, romance, self discovery all play parts in this multi-generational tale of a dress. Often, major televised events such as this pique our interest, and lead us to a bit of personal research. Although <b><u>The Gown</u></b> is historical fiction, there is enough time and place info to satisfy your need to continue you royal fix.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">Thanks for stopping by.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">Stay safe. Stay healthy. Stay happy. </div><br /> <p></p>bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13858786360258361908noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2704581609270489733.post-47995693392713320752022-04-28T11:48:00.000-07:002022-04-28T11:48:04.515-07:00The Last Chance Library<p style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqJ32pVwqvXnhiZd1Z4ddFl94aOkmbL7P1tzC_Rqfc3Xq4j2tgY2eNfFjfoPVvP3sTizOh_qD8XqY21R0ziGqrEERXOGvdLANVWv3BJccHX0S7HoXi1I01JSZuC80cdsoe4FdmmudDrlIOv3-Q9DNzbY2QWDrhOFpv5nLmQBccWH5RyZ-NywaWHfz2/s1581/last%20chance.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1581" data-original-width="1012" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqJ32pVwqvXnhiZd1Z4ddFl94aOkmbL7P1tzC_Rqfc3Xq4j2tgY2eNfFjfoPVvP3sTizOh_qD8XqY21R0ziGqrEERXOGvdLANVWv3BJccHX0S7HoXi1I01JSZuC80cdsoe4FdmmudDrlIOv3-Q9DNzbY2QWDrhOFpv5nLmQBccWH5RyZ-NywaWHfz2/s320/last%20chance.jpg" width="205" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div> Where have I been? That's a fair question. We all get into reading slump from time to time, and that black hole has been my home for a few weeks. Might it have been an existential book crisis? Perhaps. Forgive me for I have....been captivated by the Johnny Depp trial. My guilty pleasure which I can watch at home before I come to work, watch on my work computer as I skim the latest edition of Publishers Weekly, and then watch the three hour recap after work, which is immediately followed by a rerum of the recap, so hypothetically I could consume 6 hours of watching what I just watched. Change is needed.<p></p><p style="text-align: justify;">Hmmm. Why? I wonder that myself each day as I shelve new orders of historical fiction about women dong something in WWII. Book themes come in waves, you know. First we had the orphans. They always sat on suitcases, and sometimes they faced away from the camera - faceless children in threadbare coats. Sometimes they didn't even have shoes. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">What's hot now? Paris. Little shops. Wolves. Libraries and librarians. In my estimation, most offer us helpings of dismal lives in exhausting situations. Sure, authors offer us a lot to chew on in these books, but dang it, I need a good belly laugh, or al least something a bit more tender. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">Enter the fine folks in tiny Chalcot, England. Essentially, a group of library loving misfits who find their voices and pull together to prevent their beloved sanctuary from being swallowed by big business. <br />Marjorie and June man the card catalogue with decidedly different approaches to how books and patrons should be regarded. Stanley takes up residence every day to read the newspaper and people watch. Mrs. B. appears regularly, slamming a generally highly regarded piece of literature on the check-out desk, declaring it to be garbage. Jackson, Vera, Chantal, Alex round out the regulars.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Oh, I forgot to mention the stripper. Charming and wistful - but this book goes far beyond charm and wist (spell check is telling me wist is not a word! Oh well, you get it right?) I was reminded not to be so judgey since we never know individual's back stories. Also, we never really know how others perceive us...that's a big question and I wonder if I want to know that answer. And the biggest question - what would I be willing to stand up and save?</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Truth is, more often than not, these light, Sunday afternoon reads are just that, simple, delightful stories meant for sunny days on the deck with iced coffee, and a dog snoring gently. This book gave me exactly what I needed to get turning pages once again...more books to read, more things to think about. I promise myself to cut back on the Depp drama and dig into <b><u>Lonesome Dove</u></b> - all 844 pages. I am on page 38. Will keep you updated.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">One more note about book trends before I leave...if you are searching for a light-hearted book, just take a look at the cover art. Minimalist. Pastels. Angular images. Faceless people who somehow make us happy.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">If you have a happy suggestion for me, drop me line on our store Facebook page.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Thanks for stopping by.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Stay safe. Stay healthy. Stay happy.</p>bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13858786360258361908noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2704581609270489733.post-19654655738484422882022-03-26T09:10:00.001-07:002022-03-26T09:10:42.628-07:00Letters to a Stranger by Colleen Kinder<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTBIwnhXZ69GpiPUSoLlMG_M-Nbu-LZVGYARAaaBJiBovMJi7TDNvSCnqEX81WXiofbIhQB9R69RfEav-B-gckoj7r2OE4M-td4QQyPAQRGoGXVHIOX_sfYru0kCs6XgW3b3WFVFpmjWixcz27qXzm2YlcJfPjnx43jJ4mCRLko1Wq8-Gh-KWK323y/s1662/letters.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1662" data-original-width="1126" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTBIwnhXZ69GpiPUSoLlMG_M-Nbu-LZVGYARAaaBJiBovMJi7TDNvSCnqEX81WXiofbIhQB9R69RfEav-B-gckoj7r2OE4M-td4QQyPAQRGoGXVHIOX_sfYru0kCs6XgW3b3WFVFpmjWixcz27qXzm2YlcJfPjnx43jJ4mCRLko1Wq8-Gh-KWK323y/s320/letters.jpg" width="217" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">This book gave me a long pause. Who has haunted me enough to write a letter to him/her? The Polish neighbors from my childhood perhaps. The family whose language puzzled me and whose heritage I did not take the time to value. Maybe it would the student who showed up in every elective class I ever taught. He was a watcher - intense eyes. He seldom spoke. I cringed each time his name showed up on my class lists. He waited until the last day of his senior year to talk with me human to human telling me that he took all my classes because I was his favorite teacher. For sure I would write to college professor, Sister Salome. I would say "Salome, yes I know I break every writing rule you ever taught me. Yes, I still have a spelling handicap. But I would like to think that your wry smile appears each time I violate a rule, giving me permission to do so just as you did when I was a struggling undergraduate. One more yes...Yes I continue to 'celebrate the Oxford comma'".</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Author Colleen Kinder put out a call for anyone wanting to write to a forgotten someone. She received thousands of funny, heartful, insightful, sad, and sometimes scary responses. Here are examples of what you will find:</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">From the back cover.....</div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Leslie Jamison</b></div><div style="text-align: center;">writes to the traveling magician in Nicaragua whose memory helped her stay sober</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Ted Conover</b></div><div style="text-align: center;">addresses the frazzled backpacker he met at the border between Rwanda and Tanzania</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Michelle Tea</b></div><div style="text-align: center;">recalls a bewitching girl she met in a Texas tattoo parlor</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Julia Glass</b></div><div style="text-align: center;">wonders about the Italian stranger she rebuffed in Florence so many years ago</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Peter Orner</b></div><div style="text-align: center;">addressed the chatty Floridian who interrupted his solitude at the edge of a New Hampshire lake</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">...on and on...the stories poke at our personal memories and perhaps prompt us to put pen to paper and write.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Who would you write to?</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Please...continue to stay safe, stay healthy, stay happy.</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Thanks for stopping by.</div><p></p>bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13858786360258361908noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2704581609270489733.post-59468739523376548172022-02-26T08:01:00.001-08:002022-02-26T08:30:21.287-08:00Black Beauty and Heidi<p style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgVwMzlwXk2KcoDH41zexXNnTGlJBDgGI1HgsMxja8VMlfmN7dJDSLtw8J5wxmnVFqHSNwHcSH3wO1LuY1C7Nu4-7qgGKBJMiIvZpaVDh_-7AB7oc7qmlzjffM6I_d4JsLFJCNZd3hIGYh2rff0zHaO7sgu-PXvJxSoqV65ji9qF0ZoU5c_bVuRGzOT=s2690" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1803" data-original-width="2690" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgVwMzlwXk2KcoDH41zexXNnTGlJBDgGI1HgsMxja8VMlfmN7dJDSLtw8J5wxmnVFqHSNwHcSH3wO1LuY1C7Nu4-7qgGKBJMiIvZpaVDh_-7AB7oc7qmlzjffM6I_d4JsLFJCNZd3hIGYh2rff0zHaO7sgu-PXvJxSoqV65ji9qF0ZoU5c_bVuRGzOT=s320" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>Growing up around the corner from the old Carnegie Library in Manitowoc made me feel like the luckiest kid in the world. <p></p><p style="text-align: justify;">Joe and Mike terrorized me daily. The rest of the neighborhood kids went to public school (egads!) and every year, on the last day of school, we private school learners were warned about playing with <i>them</i>, and so I didn't. No big deal. I had the library. Clearly it had been built around the corner just for me.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">I was a frequent visitor - more like a daily pest, I fear. I can still picture the elegant dark woodwork, and the dual staircase leading up to the children's department. (Deep inhale with eyes closed...) ... smell the rich wood polish used to keep those rails gleaming and slippery. Choosing left stairs or right made all the difference, you know. The steps were marble. Veiny, shiny, slick. Heavy wood tables crammed into the children's department remained mostly empty and quiet, so different from sounds of eager readers treasure hunting in the tight rows between shelves.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">That room is also were I met Perdita (Dete) my best friend librarian, who, by the way, was not a shusher. I can only imagine how she tired of me constantly asking "What's a good book?'. Dete did her best to turn me on to horse stories, <b><u>The Black Stallion</u></b>, and all the popular horsey clones. Not right for me then, but now, since I have chosen "forgotten books" from my childhood" as my reading theme for 2022, I decided to honor my friend Dete, and begin with <b><u>Black Beauty.</u></b></p><p style="text-align: justify;">Still, weeks after finishing, I continue to shake my head and wonder how many nine-year-olds have been traumatized, or at least greatly saddened by this book. Beauty shares his story with us, lots of sad sad stories about being sold, traded, abused, mishandled, and often lonely. Still, this strong animal found inner fortitude and muscled through the bad to get to the good; we are left with hope at the end. Animals have an inner life that we need to examine and respect. I am convinced of that after reading this book.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Next up: <b><u>Heidi. </u></b> So far, So good. So happy. Remember the Shirley Temple movie version of this book? I watched it so many times that I can hear her voice as I read, as well as the voices of Clara, the Alm Uncle, and Peter. Heidi's insightfulness, and jolly temperament changes the lives of all she meets. Happiness abounds in this playful book</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Both of these books give us a clear protagonist to side with - a personality we root for, lean into, and cross our fingers that things will work out for them in the end. I often miss that in contemporary fiction. Too often books are laden with grief, insurmountable challenges, or powerful darkness. These two books have been a much-needed break from all that for me. Oh, I managed to slip in <b><u>Fried Green</u></b> <b><u>Tomatoes</u></b> as well, which zigs and zags emotionally, providing a nice path back to weightier stuff.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Winter is nearly done. Really. But if the days have gotten too long to bear, and you need color in your life other than the sloppy, melting grey snow, try a middle grade novel. Fast plots. Honest characters, and just the right amount of silly.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Thanks for stopping by.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Stay safe. Stay healthy. Be silly. </p>bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13858786360258361908noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2704581609270489733.post-82221575309931855092022-01-25T13:11:00.003-08:002022-01-25T13:18:11.973-08:00The Truth About the Truck<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgXf3nN9E9r4dqerZzDF19jEUwyqToh9GCusffGSx1G-7zK56daIDTjM_i6RmE3cZSL1OJzj-Qr6t3R5Dr5QM0d2n7gyXYVZ7tdRTTqt_nTWpH3wNErZ5h1oprw_NkqGQiPXfZyGjmmwMq5cli0rtyuWR0BvokHnyszXmqo5WjDMTZMs5LzkCxTZ479=s1925" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1925" data-original-width="1424" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgXf3nN9E9r4dqerZzDF19jEUwyqToh9GCusffGSx1G-7zK56daIDTjM_i6RmE3cZSL1OJzj-Qr6t3R5Dr5QM0d2n7gyXYVZ7tdRTTqt_nTWpH3wNErZ5h1oprw_NkqGQiPXfZyGjmmwMq5cli0rtyuWR0BvokHnyszXmqo5WjDMTZMs5LzkCxTZ479=s320" width="237" /></a></div><br />For years I have been waiting for a juicy, and well-written book about reality TV. Tisdale's <b><u>The Lie About the Truck</u></b> might be a close as I will ever get. You see, I always suspected that contestants sign tight "keep-your-mouth-shut-or-you-won't-get-any-money" contracts. I was pretty correct on that one.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">To be clear, this book is mainly about "Survivor" that slick show that strands groups of diverse (?) individuals in a an area without the usual creature comforts and requires them to scheme, lie, and trick fellow contestants all the while pandering just enough to not get thrown off the island. Really complex psychological gameplay, and the author sheds much light on that dynamic.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">If you are a dedicated reality watcher, no matter how hard you try to redefine "reality," at some point you ask yourself "How is that really possible?' How much editing and manipulation go on behind the scenes to create the drama that ends up in our living rooms each week? Sorry to say, there is a lot. What surprised and saddened me most was how the production crews of this particular show treat the natural inhabitants and the environment of the filming location. Not respectful in many cases.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Little know fact...there is a "Survivor" like show in many countries of the world. The author frequently referenced a show called "Alone". I tracked down this survivor on steroids offering and made it through three episodes. Ten contestants were deposited miles apart from each other in the Arctic and challenged to survive for 100 days. Each built a shelter - one with a fireplace for smoking and dehydrating food; each recorded thoughts using a GO-Pro and standing camera. Lots of babbling to themselves. This was tense stuff and I feared for each person's safety. I bailed after the third episode - after the bludgeoning of a rabbit.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">In his poem <b><i>The Wasteland</i></b>, T.S. Elliot wrote "Humankind cannot bear too much reality." Right.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Thanks for stopping by.</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Stay safe. Stay healthy. Stay happy/</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><p></p>bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13858786360258361908noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2704581609270489733.post-13921870635057114822022-01-13T15:10:00.001-08:002022-01-13T15:10:15.431-08:00The Midnight Library<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgljywmePVzj3qWd1HCxI-fRi3ejlW_bl6qjhGquyLD6RwoJs11NTRiA7hbnA4Fc4pWJKWub9EtuJCfsbaQDF3e8zWCLVUiWtIGNcI8fgImg_ywaQh7fhpmRdz_xmaqOREiA-eePokyk07Vk7BQ2q0crwbWrjYYOc6bgFqt0BHsT4ZtzPO4RI5NF4Gz=s1424" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1248" data-original-width="1424" height="280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgljywmePVzj3qWd1HCxI-fRi3ejlW_bl6qjhGquyLD6RwoJs11NTRiA7hbnA4Fc4pWJKWub9EtuJCfsbaQDF3e8zWCLVUiWtIGNcI8fgImg_ywaQh7fhpmRdz_xmaqOREiA-eePokyk07Vk7BQ2q0crwbWrjYYOc6bgFqt0BHsT4ZtzPO4RI5NF4Gz=s320" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Who hasn't had regrets? I know I have plenty but have found a different place to store them in my psyche after reading this book.</div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;">Poor confused, depressed, desperate Nora Seed doesn't want to live. She has broken up with a long time boyfriend, walked away from a promising career as a musician, and feels responsible for her cat's death. And that is just the beginning of her misery. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">When the story begins, Nora is 19 hours away from dying. She has a plan but that plan is interrupted by a fantastical leap into an alternate universe. Here you need to suspend disbelief and just go with it. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">In her new reality, Nora has multiple chances to return to those pivotal moments in her life that brought her to her current stage of misery. Given the opportunity to make different choices, she views each situation with clearer eyes, examining carefully what path her gut told her to follow as opposed to what she, in the present, real world, believes she ought to have done.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Each of the many could-have-been lives Nora confronts leads her to new conclusions, not always happy ones, yet each shapes her <i>now</i> life in insightful and dramatic ways. This is a story about introspection, evaluation, and searching for a place to exist in the moment. Very zen - yet very loud messages in these somewhat uncomfortable times.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"> We have so much think time these days - days to examine our own regrets, and let go of those thoughts that keep us awake at night.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Stay safe. Stay healthy. Stay happy.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Thanks for stopping by.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p>bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13858786360258361908noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2704581609270489733.post-8906438786285062502022-01-05T12:08:00.002-08:002022-01-05T12:08:23.825-08:00LaDeDa Books - no beans about it.<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgA8eDKeB0grX80SuVLfIWMw3qPAEjo6bTo6zVnHFbjcV0myZKqzKFI-MJj8IUFfcAUHgoqPEi0CViQ8I1K4xKI-K-5Kv4Spxbdlik8DwRY3vQxBCRqgXvz3eN16bvsJ1k-Z_3WzNGEnhWWYsYUllralww2o3_Gk96mzpce1G3xfSqy2vhLNJOleW4W=s3264" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3264" data-original-width="2176" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgA8eDKeB0grX80SuVLfIWMw3qPAEjo6bTo6zVnHFbjcV0myZKqzKFI-MJj8IUFfcAUHgoqPEi0CViQ8I1K4xKI-K-5Kv4Spxbdlik8DwRY3vQxBCRqgXvz3eN16bvsJ1k-Z_3WzNGEnhWWYsYUllralww2o3_Gk96mzpce1G3xfSqy2vhLNJOleW4W=w266-h400" width="266" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"> <br />Too much time has passed since my last post. This post won't be about books, but rather about some changes here at LaDeDa. First, let me tell you about the new logo and window signs. You may notice something missing from our name...and beans! Yup, sorry to say, we no longer offer coffee or specialty drinks. State health codes have changed, and along with those changes come requirements for some new equipment. The expense of those upgrades didn't seem logical to me, and so we are now simply LaDeDa Books.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">We appreciated our previous logo, designed and gifted to us by Milwaukee artist and theatre friend, Brian Gilmer. It served us well for twenty-five years, and hope to have many long years with our new logo and window signs. In the coming months, we will be experimenting with some new lines to fill the space once occupied by our beloved espresso machine.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Winter sure does complicate life in so many ways, and if you're like me, you'd just as soon stay home, wrapped in a blanket, with a cup of cocoa, a dog, and book. If that describes you and you just don't don't want to leave home to do some book browsing you can shop on line at <a href="http://bookshop.org">bookshop.org</a>. It works just like other on-line resources but - you know what? - you can have the fine folks at <a href="http://bookshop.org">bookshop.org</a> send us (or another indie bookstore of you choice) the profits. They will send the books right to your door. It's a nice way to support local even when it might not be possible for you to get out and do so.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">What am I reading? Each year I pick a reading theme and try to stick as closely to it as possible. This year I have decided to read those books I missed while growing up. It seems I went directly from <i>Nancy Drew</i> to <b><u>The Grapes of Wrath</u></b>. Of course there will be other books on my list; our book group has chosen <b><u>Rock Paper Scissors</u></b> by Alice Feeney for our January meeting. But for right now, I'm starting with <b><u>Black Beauty.</u></b> If you have other suggestions for me, please send them to me on our FB page.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Happy trails until next time</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Stay safe. Stay healthy. Stay happy.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><p></p>bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13858786360258361908noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2704581609270489733.post-32125093226655430932021-11-15T12:51:00.000-08:002021-11-15T12:51:27.589-08:00On Animals<p></p><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0a2cE1w24p8/YZLGbGJAD0I/AAAAAAAAD7A/QeINNY2dJLUC_kj_Wn53Khu1b4LMBfQdQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Scan%2B%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1502" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0a2cE1w24p8/YZLGbGJAD0I/AAAAAAAAD7A/QeINNY2dJLUC_kj_Wn53Khu1b4LMBfQdQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/Scan%2B%25281%2529.jpg" width="235" /></a></div><br />How odd. What are you doing in my house, you little furry thing? How did you decide to bond with me, and what would you be if you lived somewhere else, with a different person? Would you still sing for walks three times a day, and vigorously demand scratches, or would you have curated a whole new set of charming tricks? I am happy that Mable decided to be my congenial roommate, but Orlean's book made me look at her in a whole new way. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><b><u>On Animals</u></b> is both fun and informative. In this collection of essays, the author reveals and challenges our relationship with animals -- why we need them, fear them, and how they manipulate us into inviting them into our lives. The book is filled with fascinating facts, served with chatty stories about her travels as she investigated everything from the difference between mules and donkeys, and annual taxidermy conventions. Here is just a sample of what I learned...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">Chickens have personalities - thus the authors agonized over which chicken would be best behaved (and most showy) on <i>The Martha Stewart Show</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">There are remote places in the US where farmers still use donkeys for field work - and they are traded, auctioned and stolen regularly</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">Rabbits are the third most popular domesticated pet in the US with about 5000 sanctioned rabbit shows each year</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">If you own a homing pigeon and you move, the pigeon will most likely return to its first home</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">Pandas seem to be some sort of evolutional mistake - a one note diet, one day of fertility a year, appear to be parts glued together from other animals, silly, lazy, and funny</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">Oh, you'll learn about taxidermy. lion behavior, the fate of Keiko, the free-willy whale...so so much. Orleans' easy going style lets you chuckle of bit, sniffle at times -- surprises at every page turn.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ge2BJQGXAH0/YZLG0CWykKI/AAAAAAAAD7I/I9W1zBmXNBgDrExK5U1Xy-v1UStoCq7rACLcBGAsYHQ/s1631/table%2Bmabel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1631" data-original-width="1513" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ge2BJQGXAH0/YZLG0CWykKI/AAAAAAAAD7I/I9W1zBmXNBgDrExK5U1Xy-v1UStoCq7rACLcBGAsYHQ/w185-h200/table%2Bmabel.jpg" width="185" /></a></div>Now, my dog, Mabel Mable Davenport, has become even more mysterious and important to me though she basically spends her days doing important dog work...sleeping, playing, eating, and pooping ...all the while inviting me into her world and making sure I know how happy she makes me. Not so sure about how happy her napping on the dining room table makes me...but that's a story for another time.<br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">Thanks for stopping by.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">Stay safe. Stay healthy. Stay happy (and get an animal if you don't have one!)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><p></p>bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13858786360258361908noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2704581609270489733.post-19467863098343429692021-10-25T09:50:00.000-07:002021-10-25T09:50:12.352-07:00The Whistling Season<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-72kMbraXGKU/YXbPjiWRAfI/AAAAAAAAD6w/X8xLj8Xh-x4pkS2o29fbkvR0C8WPGfOGgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1592/whistling.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1592" data-original-width="1050" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-72kMbraXGKU/YXbPjiWRAfI/AAAAAAAAD6w/X8xLj8Xh-x4pkS2o29fbkvR0C8WPGfOGgCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/whistling.jpg" width="211" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Ivan Doig believed that "ordinary people deserved to have their stories told"; he accomplished just that in this gentle work of fiction which reads much like a thoughtful memoir. I suspect that some episodes began in the hallways of the author's memory.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;">So many thoughts popped to mind as I read -- the first being "This is so slow and could very well be the first book discussion title I won't finish." I can't say what changed, but I found myself drawn to this book, turning off the TV, cheating time away form other needs just to get back at it. Although I wanted to learn what Rose and Morris were really up to, or to hear about the next near disastrous adventure of the Milliron boys, I didn't want the book to end.. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">Let me back up. In 1907, the Melliron family moved to Marias Coulee, Montana from Manitowoc, Wisconsin. Yes, you read that right. Little Manitowoc references were scattered throughout. Mom died, the boys were boys, and dad needed a housekeeper. Enter Rose with her brother, Morrie, tagging behind. Mary Poppins and Bert, or something more sinister? That thread floats nicely amid the tales of day to day challenges of homesteading. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">That's it. That's pretty much what happens, but it's a nice journey to be taken on. I was often remined of Bruce Springsteen songs. He's a storyteller, narrating his day, his thoughts and dreams in his lyrics. Funny, I also though about a friend who writes mundane Facebook posts. "Took the dogs out in the rain. They didn't like it. At home now watching 'Wheel for Fortune' and drinking coffee." Not much going on there, but it's a picture of what life is made of. Small moments. Important in the moment and , as Doig would tell us, deserving to be told. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">This "slow" book nudged memories to the surface for me and got me thinking about people, and events that had been tucked somewhere for quite a while. That was nice. My only wish for this book was that I had read it on one of those days with a blizzard raging...nowhere to go...just me, the dog, coffee, and a good book.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Thanks for stopping by.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Stay safe. Stay healthy. (Don't fool yourself, Covid is still a big thing here).</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Stay happy.</p>bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13858786360258361908noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2704581609270489733.post-43053856723916883372021-09-27T12:32:00.001-07:002021-09-27T12:32:15.760-07:00Banned Book Week Time<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-n02rv1Szfh0/YVIUM8cbEKI/AAAAAAAAD6Q/RDP6mnlFH88iq5jGe0_-M6C3XV0uOZgfACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Untitled.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1703" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-n02rv1Szfh0/YVIUM8cbEKI/AAAAAAAAD6Q/RDP6mnlFH88iq5jGe0_-M6C3XV0uOZgfACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/Untitled.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><br />Happy Banned Book Week!<p></p><p style="text-align: justify;">Every September, libraries, schools, bookstores, museums and other locations around the world celebrate the right to read during Banned Book Week. At its heart, Banned Book Week is a celebration of the freedom to access ideas, a fundamental right that belongs to everyone and over which no one person or small group should hold sway. Banned Books Week is a celebration of books, comics, plays, art, and journalism.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"> Each year the American Library Association's Office for Intellectual Freedom compiles a list list of the Top Ten Most challenged Books in order to inform the public about censorship...</p><p><br /></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="background: #FEFEFE; line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: center; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: #494949; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The ALA Office for
Intellectual Freedom tracked 156 challenges to library, school, and
university materials and services in 2020. Of the 273 books that were
targeted, here are the most challenged, along with the reasons cited for
censoring the books:<o:p></o:p></span></p><ol start="1" style="margin-top: 0in;" type="1">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="background: #FEFEFE; color: #333333; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in; vertical-align: baseline;"><b><i><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; font-family: "inherit",serif; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; padding: 0in;">George</span></i></b><b><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; font-family: "inherit",serif; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; padding: 0in;"> by Alex Gino</span></b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br />
Reasons: Challenged, banned, and restricted for LGBTQIA+ content,
conflicting with a religious viewpoint, and not reflecting “the values of
our community”<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="background: #FEFEFE; color: #333333; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in; vertical-align: baseline;"><b><i><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; font-family: "inherit",serif; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; padding: 0in;">Stamped: Racism, Antiracism, and You</span></i></b><b><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; font-family: "inherit",serif; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; padding: 0in;"> by Ibram X. Kendi
and Jason Reynolds</span></b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br />
Reasons: Banned and challenged because of author’s public statements,
and because of claims that the book contains “selective storytelling
incidents” and does not encompass racism against all people<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="background: #FEFEFE; color: #333333; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in; vertical-align: baseline;"><b><i><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; font-family: "inherit",serif; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; padding: 0in;">All American Boys</span></i></b><b><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; font-family: "inherit",serif; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; padding: 0in;"> by Jason Reynolds and Brendan Kiely</span></b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br />
Reasons: Banned and challenged for profanity, drug use, and
alcoholism, and because it was thought to promote anti-police views,
contain divisive topics, and be “too much of a sensitive matter right now”<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="background: #FEFEFE; color: #333333; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in; vertical-align: baseline;"><b><i><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; font-family: "inherit",serif; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; padding: 0in;">Speak</span></i></b><b><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; font-family: "inherit",serif; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; padding: 0in;"> by Laurie Halse Anderson</span></b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br />
Reasons: Banned, challenged, and restricted because it was thought to
contain a political viewpoint and it was claimed to be biased against male
students, and for the novel’s inclusion of rape and profanity<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="background: #FEFEFE; color: #333333; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in; vertical-align: baseline;"><b><i><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; font-family: "inherit",serif; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; padding: 0in;">The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian</span></i></b><b><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; font-family: "inherit",serif; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; padding: 0in;"> by Sherman Alexie</span></b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br />
Reasons: Banned and challenged for profanity, sexual references, and
allegations of sexual misconduct by the author<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="background: #FEFEFE; color: #333333; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in; vertical-align: baseline;"><b><i><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; font-family: "inherit",serif; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; padding: 0in;">Something Happened in Our Town: A Child’s Story About Racial
Injustice</span></i></b><b><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; font-family: "inherit",serif; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; padding: 0in;"> by Marianne Celano, Marietta Collins, and Ann Hazzard,
illustrated by Jennifer Zivoin</span></b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br />
Reasons: Challenged for “divisive language” and because it was
thought to promote anti-police views<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="background: #FEFEFE; color: #333333; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in; vertical-align: baseline;"><b><i><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; font-family: "inherit",serif; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; padding: 0in;">To Kill a Mockingbird</span></i></b><b><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; font-family: "inherit",serif; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; padding: 0in;"> by Harper Lee</span></b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br />
Reasons: Banned and challenged for racial slurs and their negative
effect on students, featuring a “white savior” character, and its
perception of the Black experience<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="background: #FEFEFE; color: #333333; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in; vertical-align: baseline;"><b><i><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; font-family: "inherit",serif; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; padding: 0in;">Of Mice and Men</span></i></b><b><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; font-family: "inherit",serif; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; padding: 0in;"> by John Steinbeck</span></b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br />
Reasons: Banned and challenged for racial slurs and racist
stereotypes, and their negative effect on students<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="background: #FEFEFE; color: #333333; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in; vertical-align: baseline;"><b><i><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; font-family: "inherit",serif; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; padding: 0in;">The Bluest Eye</span></i></b><b><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; font-family: "inherit",serif; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; padding: 0in;"> by Toni Morrison</span></b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br />
Reasons: Banned and challenged because it was considered sexually
explicit and depicts child sexual abuse<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="background: #FEFEFE; color: #333333; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in; vertical-align: baseline;"><b><i><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; font-family: "inherit",serif; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; padding: 0in;">The Hate U Give</span></i></b><b><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; font-family: "inherit",serif; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; padding: 0in;"> by Angie Thomas</span></b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br />
Reasons: Challenged for profanity, and it was thought to promote an
anti-police message<o:p></o:p></span></li>
</ol><div><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px;">Thanks for stopping by and keep reading -- no mater what.</span></span></div><div><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px;">Stay safe. Stay healthy. Stay happy.</span></span></div><div><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px;">Oh, by the way, there's a new punctuation mark -- the em dash. I enjoy it!</span></span></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: #FEFEFE; line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: #494949; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> <o:p></o:p></span></p><p>
</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="background: #FEFEFE; line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: center; vertical-align: baseline;"><br /></p>bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13858786360258361908noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2704581609270489733.post-76343327656029333212021-09-14T13:02:00.002-07:002021-09-17T11:40:30.589-07:00Cookbook Time<p style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0NtWz1Zy9Ec/YUDw46jhPxI/AAAAAAAAD6I/nau1ZjzTs2w4noOAB8Xoa1kocgjXKJoLQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1690/amish%2B%25282%2529.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1690" data-original-width="1227" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0NtWz1Zy9Ec/YUDw46jhPxI/AAAAAAAAD6I/nau1ZjzTs2w4noOAB8Xoa1kocgjXKJoLQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/amish%2B%25282%2529.jpg" width="232" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"> Wow, was I shocked to be greeted with sweatshirt weather while dragging my beast out for her first emptying of the day. Monday, September 13...sweatshirt weather! Too early. But, it did get me thinking about my yearly look-though of a hot chocolate recipe book I bought years ago and have yet to try any of the concoctions. Don't know why. Really, doesn't a hot chocolate a day this winter sounds like a plan? Perhaps I will start with "Hellfire" hot chocolate, and if I survive that I will move on to an African inspired beverage that was a favorite of Marie Antoinette. There's lavender-pistachio, bay infused, and a whole chapter called "For Adults Only". You can figure out what the added ingredients are there for sure.</div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;">All that looking and lusting made me realize it is time for my sort of annual look at funny cookbooks, and believe me, this Amish selection is a hum-dinger.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">First off, we have the battling relatives, Millie and Susan (no last name in case you might know these warring culinary cousins). This is one of those cookbooks where people submit their favorite recipes and when enough have been collected, viola...a book appears. Well, if on page 27 you find Millie's recipe for Angel Crisp Cookies, you will find Susan's recipe three pages after. Millie bakes Glorious Cookies and Mock Ham Loaf, and so does Susan. Only problem is, Susan never tells us how long to bake or at what temperature. Not one in 52 recipes does Susan give us cooking information. There are other members of the same family who make contributions, but Millie and Susan take the cake.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">These folks use an awful lot of Crisco and Spam. A cook wishing to remain anonymous gives us her Favorite Meal which includes 1 cup frozen hamburger. Apparently we are to eat the hamburger on the side since there are no instruction on adding it to the mélange of onions, potatoes, cabbage, milk, Velveeta, and Crisco. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">Page after page you will find gems just like that side by side with some tasty sounding recipes, but oh, all that Crisco!</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Every section begins with a rather random poem. The chapter called Main Dishes, Soups & Meats begins with an ode to Maid Marion.</p><p style="text-align: center;">She was ironing her dolly's new gown</p><p style="text-align: center;">Maid Marion fours years old.</p><p style="text-align: center;">With here eyes puckered down</p><p style="text-align: center;">and a pain-stricken frown</p><p style="text-align: center;">Under her tresses of gold.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Eventually, little Marion, who feels she has failed at ironing, gets a message from the Lord telling her that the iron wasn't hot. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">Bits of Amish wisdom fill empty space at page bottoms: never throw dirt, you only lose ground...nothing in the world is friendlier than a wet dog...</p><p style="text-align: justify;">And never forget - if you have your father's nose it must mean that before you were born he had two.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Thanks for stopping by.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Stay safe. Stay healthy. Stay happy.</p>bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13858786360258361908noreply@blogger.com0