Book Review: "The German House" By Annette Hess

A fire ball of action and suspense as it's set during WWII when all hell has just broken loose.

As we investigate the case we come across EVA hired to translate during the Frankfurt Auschwitz Trials of 1963.

She has high hopes to leave it all behind that's until she came upon DAVID who has hired her for the war crimes trial even though her suitor Jurgen was set to propose.

Now, it's a rush to judgment as she encounters her family's hidden secrets and now must self examine upon questioning why her parents stayed silent all these years.

With new found revelations coming out she has but one goal- to bring justice to those who have been harmed - and make the Nazis pay for their crimes.

She is one tough and fiery prosecutor who stops at nothing but the truth.

But will she be able to handle the truth and expose the dark side?

A fab new read by Annette Hess

Book Review: "Finding Chika" By Mitch Albom

Love, Loss, and the Pursuit of Happiness and HOPE!

When I first read this I was literally and figuratively blown away.

The pictures, the written word, the emotions just flowed from every page.

The life of Chika- a little girl, an earthquake, an orphanage, and a family that desperately loved her for who she was and for her courage.

Sadly, she was stricken ill with a life altering that they hoped the American doctors might be able to cure.

What they didn't expect was to fall in love so deeply, to uncover a heroic little girl that would win the hearts of all those who embarked on her journey, and a world deeply changed by having her in it.

"Chika died last spring, when the trees in our yard were beginning to bud, as they are budding now, as it is spring again. Her absence left us without breath, or sleep, or appetite, and my wife and I stared straight ahead for long stretches until someone spoke to snap us out of it.”

"Hopelessness can be contagious. But hope can be, too, and there is no medicine to match it. Chika’s believing in us helped us believe in ourselves.”

While it's a sad story in the end it's also an inspiring story of love, family, and the will to survive and thrive while celebrating the life of such a sweet and special child.

Book Review: "The Politics of Deception" By Patrick J. Sloyan

Wiretapping Dr. King? Attempting to place a 'hit' on Fidel Castro? Overthrowing and assassinating the South Vietnamese president Ngo Dinh Diem?

I've heard many things about JFK but I don't recall much of what was noted here and that's why it's so important to read and became knowledgeable from a wide range of authors and novels especially pertaining to historical perspectives in which the classrooms always provide the watered down politically approved versions.

The research was extensive, the quotes and pictures were troubling, the behind the door deals was pure madness.

As they say, history repeats itself is this is the ugly side of such history and makes me wonder if his actions with much of the above contributed to his sudden death.

I realize much has been said about the nature of conspiracy theorists surrounding it all and from every angle of projectory so it's an interesting topic to follow up.

It's a great read, well written, well documented.

Book Review: "Cleaning the Gold" By Karen Slaughter

“The most unbelievable scene in any action movie was the part where Tom Cruise jammed the thumb drive into the slot and it slid in on the first try.”
― Lee Child, Cleaning the Gold

Honestly, I'm at a loss on this one having only been offered 80 pages to make an informed analysis and analytical review.

It was simply too short and felt more like a sampling with two authors adding input from both sides but nothing jiving.

Rushed and lacking in the things that most thrillers possess for this gal but variety is the spice of life and perhaps my loss is your gain.

Try it and see for yourself.

Hope you enjoy.

Book Review: "The Mamba Mentality" By Kobe Bryant

One of the best books I've ever read that portrays not only the love of the game but the insight to succeed in both personal and professional endeavors.

First off, my heart goes out to all those involved in the sudden loss of not only Kobe Bryant but his daughter and all those families who lost loved ones that day.

The Mamba Mentality was not only how he played but how Kobe lived his life.

Everything he did he did with 100% all in mode and it's the only way to be successful.

His insight was similar to Dale Earnhardt's insight regarding the drafting needed to pass an opponent.

He studied videos and mannerisms, he learned from his opponents actions on and off the courts, he was never afraid to ask questions and then apply himself.

I'm not a basketball player, in fact I suck, couldn't dribble a ball but yet both my girls played the game and loved the sport.

One thing I will note is his supportive system is what also helped propel him forward and he's lucky to have had that system behind him.

The Merion High School success never ended as he was the youngest to be drafted to the NBA and his stats speak volumes of his talent.

Clearly, his light was extinguished way too early but his advice, his passion, his heart lives on in the lives of all those he touched over the years.

I cannot underscore he may have been flawed and yes after his death he may have been elevated to a level beyond being a legend with god like qualities; yet many questions will forever remain unanswered.

https://news.yahoo.com/disney-heiress-says-kobe-bryant-165713568.html

In the end, he must make amends with his maker and in the end we are not the judge nor the jury.

In closing, he provided hope for many kids struggling to understand the game and break into the NBA and beyond.
He showed them the inside lane of travel and gave them advise that's non measurable.

May he rest in peace...

Book Review: "American Dirt" By Jeanine Cummins

In the words of Jeanine Cummins," I hoped to present one of those unique personal stories-a work of fiction-as a way to honor the hundreds of thousands of stories we may never get to hear. And in so doing, I hope to create a pause where the reader may begin to individuate. 
When we see migrants on the news, we may remember: these people are people. I worried that, as a non migrant and non Mexican, I had no business writing a book set almost entirely in Mexico, set entirely among migrants. I wished someone slightly browner than me would write it. But then, I thought, If you're a person who has the capacity to be a bridge, why not be a bridge? So, I began."

Now, I will note two more articles that were just brought to my attention today via twitter: 
https://slate.com/culture/2020/01/american-dirt-controversy-will-publishers-change.html
https://www.nytimes.com/2020/01/29/books/american-dirt-jeanine-cummins-book-tour.html?smid=tw-nytbooks&smtyp=cur

In addition, the New York Times offers additional articles that stemmed from this author,her publishers promotional and marketing dilemma, and the public's outcry in how migrants were portrayed.

Is it sensualization?

Is it for profit only?

Or is it the author's right to write what she has a direct connection too which includes sadly violence and women's voices needing to be heard in a world that promotes silence.

When DT mentioned, “When Mexico sends its people, they’re not sending their best. They’re not sending you. They’re not sending you. They’re sending people that have lots of problems, and they’re bringing those problems with us. They’re bringing drugs. They’re bringing crime. They’re rapists. And some, I assume, are good people.”

– Donald Trump, presidential announcement speech, June 16, 2015 what was the reaction?
He's still our President is he not? Has he received a similar backlash in his 'freedom of speech' while doing so during a Presidential announcement speech no less....

I remind readers of this fact: Jeanine Cummins at 16yo lost 2 cousins to a brutal rape and tossed over a St. Louis Missouri bridge by 4 complete strangers.
She has had her own brother beaten and forced over a bridge.
What she wanted to bring insight too was this: How to live in a place that's collapsing beneath us? How to protect our children from this trauma? As well as being a voice for women in a world that silences their voices against injustices.

She's also married to an undocumented immigrant whom married for a green card after finding no other way, having dated for five years.

This book didn't just appear on the coffee table one night, it took 4 yrs of research in tackling the public's perceptions against immigrants and in altering the notion that Latino's are often viewed as invading mob's who drain resources as criminals and are viewed as helpless -faceless-impoverished brown masses.

I do not believe we all have to agree but I do believe it's noted that this is Contemporary FICTION and this author has as much right to write it as an male counterpart.
Now it's time to discuss what makes this book an Oprah Book Club selection and why all the buzz surrounding it.

This book was fast paced that provides readers an emotional look into the hard core concerns surrounding the border, the cartel, the migrants fleeing from impoverished nations and the terrible traumas they are fleeing or have been subjected too in the process.
The book begins with terror on the doorstep as a family is slaughtered during a joyous birthday party celebration in which Lydia and son Luca had to hide in a shower for protection in Acapulco.

These family members included her husband Sebastian, her mother, her sister, and her sisters kids.

The notion that you can flee for safety was her top concern -as she decides to cash out- and head to Denver.

Luca was only 8yo and very impressionable having experienced such horror- Lydia worried how his psyche would be able to handle it all.

Sebastian at the time was a journalist writing about this terror that surrounded them with risky pieces that he often questioned about writing but listed his work as simply,"staff writer" in hopes of keeping his family safe.
Yet, can we ever truly be safe?

Javier was a 'drug lord', father of a daughter to Marta with secrets of his own, and a poet who was involved with Los Jardineros ( a fictional drug cartel).

As they attempt to flee from hotel, to trains, to caravans this family learns the hard way that sometimes you can run but you cannot hide.

The voyage for freedom was excruciatingly painful having witnessed deaths along the way -a man missing the train and being devoured by it leaving a mangled body on the tracks to a young man suffering from asthma attack w/o an inhaler and succumbing to these medical issues.

Along the way they run into two Ecuadorian young ladies and sisters with their own incredibly heart wrenching stories.

Soledad and Rebecca are both teens who experienced way more than their ages represent.
They were both raped and one even miscarried while being forced into a relationship with a gang.

Now, as parents we all want to protect our kids but as the author noted how far will we go to save them?

Javier's daughter eventually learned of her father's actions from an article - yes - Sebastian's.

She eventually couldn't live with the reality and it's noted: "One more death should not matter much."

The girls were also suffering after learning their own father also suffered a horrendous attack -being stabbed 3x- once in the eye.

My word the violence - the pain- the hope for a better life. A golden life.

This book did have several quotes that hit me hard in the manner in which migrants and other characters were portrayed in a negative light: IE. " Like every migrant here, he looks bone-weary and relieved to be indoors where the aroma of a hot meal greets him."
"She was a woman who had never been beautiful, but who took care to appear as if she might once have been." ( this pertained to Javier's wife).

"It's natural to get used to it, though, right? We adapt."

"This is not normal."

"How do you find a coyote, make sure he's reputable, pay for your crossing, all w/o getting ripped off? "A lot of them will steal your money and then sell you to the cartel, you know?"
El Chacal was the known coyote in this story yet the author notes," Of course, it is, why would a coyote be named Roberto or Louis or Jose when he can be named The Jackal."

Or this commentary," It's amazing that riding on top of a freight train can become boring, but it's true."

Lastly this one," Most of these people are bad guys anyway, young man. They're not innocents. They're gang members, they're running drugs."

When the migrants run into Beto they note," So you were born in a garbage dump." His mom was a garbage picker and his father he barely knew.

"All the migrants wear the same uniforms, right? Dirty jeans, busted shoes, baseball hats."
"I'm not a real migrant- says Beto. I'm just a poser."

So, in closing I leave you this for you to ponder:
"The mind is magical."
"Human beings are magical."

Use your talents wisely, allow dialogue, allow intellectual conversations on all sides, and stay authentic.

Freedom is not free.

Voices need not be silenced. Voices shall be heard.

Women speak out against injustices and stay true to self.
Remember this: "When they go low we go high"- Michelle Obama!
Dare one say: "I stand with her."
Be the change you wish to see.

A must read for 2020! One that I highly recommend.

Book Review: "Followers" By Megan Angelo

Followers is a creative idea in a world in which it's not crazy to have this realm of possibility.

It's a dystopian novel in which the end results could be magnified and become dangerous if not handled properly under the guise of those who seek to harm.

What if hackers were able to take over the world by stealing personal information and revealing it?

Would you worry about what someone could uncover about you?

We live in a data driven society in which our worth is measured by our amount of followers, our daily interactions, our perfectly painted lives that have been altered and cropped.

We no longer live in the moment, we no longer interact as humans, we simply move around in a state of constant chaos and anxiety driven by fears.
What if we were able to understand that fame can lead to influence and that influence can be tweaked?

Think to yourself, what is social media's purpose? How has it altered your own life?

Who should be held accountable and responsible for what is posted, what's shared, what's seen online on the dark web?

Is privacy nothing more than a mere illusion? 

Privacy in the wrong hands can wreak havoc among us all and this novel examines the relationships of the end consequences to such judgement.
We live in a world in which our self worth boils down to the number of likes, followers, comments, and shares we receive.

We have technology that shows who follows and unfollows, who interacts and doesn't, who spies on us and withdraws from us; but is this a fair and equal balance or should we simply 'build a wall'?

The story revolves around two main characters: Orla and Marlow with two distinct timelines from 2016 to 2051 with plenty of action and intrigue to fill the mind.

In Marlow's futuristic yet empty world she's not only lonely but wondering if having a ton of followers can replace her neediness.

She begins questioning the idea that perhaps her definition of friends has been too laxed and in fact what she now encounters in her constantly evolving life is nothing more than mere followers. 

Can she take the next big step in order to appease the public and brand and market herself in a different 'light?'

It's all in how one sells oneself but for her the life she built revolved around branding, marketing, and publicity and she's feeling isolated more than ever before.

Now with Orla we have a different situation revolving in orbit in which she must rely heavily upon trends in order to pave her way as a NYC blogger. Her roommate wants to have the fame and fortune but she's got one major issue: her devices are her world.

Yet, if only they can take time to smell the roses rather than be held up hostage to their own devices.

The value of work is questioned alongside the complicated relationships they have forged.

As parents we've all been told be careful what you share pertaining to your kids and how much of it you place online.

Stalkers, bots, trolls, auto-matrons, all of it is not only shocking but scary in the fact that a simple google search of a name or a reverse click on a phone number can send a treasure trove of information. PERSONAL information.

So, it's not wild too conjure up an idea such as the author's in which hackers have launched a US attack in which time seems to stand still.

People are revolting. Households are suffering. The emotional terrorism has shut down the normal ebb and flow of simply living.

It'd be worth noting that up to the latter 200 pages I was set to give this a three star rating. As I progressed into the last 100 pages or so I found a shift in the general feel this book had taken from the beginning and was now on a fast track of rapid altering changes.

All secrets were now being revealed. The 404 broken link was part of the equation. The files never seemed to stop being downloaded even three years later after causing undue chaos in so many lives.

The idea behind 'Atlantis' which was set in two separate locations was a unique take on the science fiction arena.

The marriages, the births, the familial relationships all became much more crucial to the characters existence.

The fact that one character in particular wanted to be so successful in her career but later uncovered she was already a success in her own eyes having raised a family, in becoming a wife, in being a decent citizen- and that was 'good enough.'

As mothers we must unite and stay grounded and focused on the bigger picture and in this case that picture need not be shared with the world nor do you need to go back to the past to uncover it.

As a debut, this worked well, and I would recommend it.