Grab My Blog Button
#104 One Can Make A Difference
One Can Make a Difference: How Simple Actions Can Change the World
Dedication
I am dedicating this review to Natasha at Maw Books Blog. Reading this book was rewarding and inspirational to me, especially as it coincided with her Reading and Blogging for Darfur project. The story of the people of Darfur touched her heart so much through book and film that she dedicated the entire month of September to raise awareness and donations. She may not be a world-wide spiritual leader, a politician, a rock-star, a fashion designer, a movie star, a celebrated athlete, or a movie director, but she is a hero to me. She used the medium she had at her disposal and dove in head first to help people she’s never met. Her efforts this month truly embody the spirit of this book. Natasha, this world is richer place because of you.
For every comment left here about this book review, service to others, or other related topics, I will donate 25 cents to Natasha’s efforts.
Review
I was leery about accepting a copy of One Can Make A Difference, edited by Ingrid E. Newkirk, the co-founder of PETA. I remember very clearly the first time I received PETA literature in high school and it completely freaked me out. While I don’t agree with harming animals unnecessarily, I don’t agree with making people unwittingly look at mutilated bunnies just because they open up an envelope, either. That was the first and last piece of mail and, later down the road, email that I opened from that organization. Lauren at Meryl L. Moss Media Relations, Inc. convinced me that this would be a good book and I’m glad that I followed her advice. One Can Make A Difference provides a great look at ways in people turn their passions into service.
This book starts with something as simple as learning to be comfortable in your own skin in order to serve as an example to others and ends with developing long term solutions for housing Native Americans. There are so many other interesting ideas brought forth within this book. I can’t say that they all spoke to me, but the key is to find something that sparks a passion in your heart. From there will come your inspiration to change the world, even if that world is just one person. I enjoyed the stories written by people whose service to others is well know, such as The Dalai Lama and Paul McCartney and by those who fly under my radar, such as Sean Austen, Oliver Stone, and Kevin Bacon. Best of all, not everyone featured was a celebrity. I got to meet Dana Hork and Anita Smith.
This book is structured such that each individual’s story opens with some brief biographical information about that person and his or her road to service. As much as I enjoyed the individual stories, I appreciated the biographical information equally. For example, I would have been completely lost in the very first story about Barbara (Bobbie) Adams. She is the woman who wore her Star Trek uniform to jury duty in Little Rock, AR. Without that information, I couldn’t have brought this woman to mind. While it may be easy to brush her off as a Trekkie, I was really inspired by her story. Her ideals may not be mine, but her strength of character and dedication to her convictions is both inspirational and admirable. I also found it nice that this book was organized in alphabetical order by the individual’s last name. Doing so put the emphasis on what the person was trying to accomplish, not who the individual is. Finally, there is source and, when appropriate, contact information for each of the individuals.
This will most definitely be my graduation gift from this point forward. Living a life of service, however one may find it – in a career, during one’s spare time, through one’s charitable giving, or as a result of one’s interests and passion – is one’s most important legacy. Reading this book is to discover how each person can honestly and creatively make a difference.
*******
To buy this book, click here
The Sunday Salon My Trip to the National Book Festival!
Yesterday, despite the muggy, slightly drizzly day, I had the most wonderful time at the National Book Festival in Washington, D.C. The night before I thanked Target that my latest purse was huge. It hard cover versions of Neil Gaiman’s American Gods and Neverwhere, to hard cover copies of The Other Queen, and paperback versions of The Other Boleyn Girl, The Satanic Verses, and The Color of Water. I should have weighed it, because it was heavy. I didn’t really care, though. I was excited to be gathering signatures for them all.
We left our house just after 6am and drove to Vienna, VA, where we caught the Metro to The Smithsonian and walked out on the Mall. It was so wonderful to be in the capitol. It had been 12 years since I last was there.
“There’s a familiar sight.” Danny said as we were walking toward the event.
“What? The tents?” I replied.
Danny pointed straight ahead. “No, the Capitol.”
“Oh…” Unlike in the past, I wasn’t paying any attention to the monuments and buildings. I was looking for the Book Festival tents.
When we got there, we were a little after Neil Gaiman’s talk began in the Children and Teens’ tent. The crowd was so huge that we could barely hear what he was saying. While I was trying to figure out what to do, Danny was trying to point out to me that Laura and Jenna Bush were about 50 yards from us signing books, but I wasn’t paying attention to him. I was single-minded. I now regret not taking peak at them when I had been so close. Next time I’ll have to remind myself to try to absorb it all in. Anyway, since Salman Rushdie and Philippa Gregory were speaking at the other end of the event, we decided to head in that direction in hopes of getting a good spot. When I saw the Fiction and Mystery tent, it was starting to sink in to me that I was finally there.
Marisa de los Santos was speaking when we arrived and she was delightful. She stood at the podium and was glowing. I have not read Love Walked In or Belong to Me, but I certainly wish that I had now. She discussed her writing methods, how her characters develop, and her relationship as an author with poetry and novels. Listening to her seemed like listening to a long lost friend.
After de los Santos, Salman Rushdie was scheduled to speak. I was hoping to find a seat between authors, but no such luck. Very few people who were seated moved. I was able to move up to stand behind the last row of chairs. As soon as Salman entered the tent, you could feel the air charge with electricity. We were packed in the tent like sardines and, looking behind me, there were several rows of people lined up outside of the tent. It took a few moments to get started because someone who kept shouting “Sit Down!” She finally figuring out either that she was in the back of the standing room only section or went away. There was a sign language interpreter for each of the authors, so everything was translated. When people starting shhing this woman, it was hilarious.
Unlike de los Santos, Salman was interviewed. Marie Arana, the editor in chief of the Washington Post’s Book Review led the discussion. We found out that Friday had been the 20th anniversary of the publication of The Satanic Verses and everyone cheered. He discussed his time under the fatwa set down by Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini and how over time he became able to be in public without fear of his life. The discussion then turned to The Enchantress of Florentine, which couldn’t sound more symbolic and beautiful. TBR edition number three of the day. The discussion wrapped up with very long question from the audience and then Salman was thanked with a huge round of applause. He was intelligent and witty. It was a great experience getting to listen to him.
There was a change in the audience between Rushdie and Philippa Gregory – enough so that I got a seat in the second to last row. It was like sitting in a book club because there was instant discussion all around about Philippa and her work. Even in the muggy atmosphere, I got goosebumps when Philippa walked on stage.
She gave a wonderful speech. She discussed writing The Other Queen and looking at history knowing that it was written by men who held prejudices about who and what a woman was. She gave a little incite into her life as a writer. While she joked about her husband living with someone she thinks is the greatest living author of British historical fiction, her husband’s take on her profession keeps her humble. For him, it’s just something to keep her occupied during the British football season. She read a couple of sections from The Other Queen and it was a treat to hear her read. She answered several questions about The Other Boleyn Girl, what it really meant to be the historical consultant for her recent motion picture, and The Other Queen. One of my favorite questions was about how royal women lived with the weight of producing an heir on their heads. Did they ever resort to swapping a newborn princess for a commoner’s son? With the exception of the rumors about Mary of Modena, Queen Consort of James II, it wasn’t believed that this happened. Then she noted that even today that there is a modern prince who may have cause to question his paternity. The lively way in which she answered that question was delightful.
As soon as Philippa’s talk was over, Danny and I headed over to the book signing pavilions. I had mapped out our book signing schedule for the afternoon. First Neil Gaiman, then Philippa Gregory, then Salman Rushdie, and finally James McBride. My plans and the reality of the situation were vastly different. There was the line leading up to Neil Gaiman and then SEVEN feeder lines! There was already a huge line for Salman Rushdie and it was two hours before he was scheduled to get there. Long story short, I decided that I was really there for Philippa Gregory first and Neil Gaiman second. In order to get both autographs, we decided to have Danny wait in Gaiman’s line while I waited in Philippa’s. I might not get a picture with her, but I was on a mission for Jena, Alyce and Jill. In the end, it didn’t even work out to get Neil Gaiman’s autograph (I am SO sorry, Jena!). The lines were just too long. If you want more than one author’s signature, you almost have to make a choice between listening to the talk and waiting in line.
I waited in Philippa’s line for about an hour and 45 minutes, but it was a pleasure. I met Karrie, a lobbyist for Second Harvest Food Bank/Feeding America, which is a wonderful non-profit organization that is located across the country. If you are looking for a charity that helps people in your area, Feeding America is a wonderful organization. Karrie and I had a wonderful time getting to know each other. She wanted both Philippa’s autograph and Cokie Roberts’. She picked Philippa’s because it’s more likely that she can attend another book signing for Cokie Roberts than getting to meet Philippa again. Karrie is a wonderful person and getting to know her made the time fly. There was some concern that we wouldn’t even get to Philippa, but we got through within the first half hour. Since Danny didn’t make it through Neil’s line, he waited with us so that I could get Alyce’s book autographed. With the one book per person limit, that was it (sorry, Jill!).
I wanted to ask her what her opinion was of the rape scene in movie but, as I recall, I pretty much gushed about how much I’ve enjoyed her novels and how they’ve shaped my reading habits. She thanked me and agreed to take a picture with me:
She is holding my copy of the book and I am in heaven! What is most funny about this picture is that I made sure to get my hair colored and cut on Thursday so that it would look nice in the picture. Since it was so muggy, I’m dripping in sweat. Oh well… what’s that they say about pride coming before the fall? 
Despite my hair, I will treasure this picture for the rest of my life. Thank you, Philippa for being so gracious!
After Danny got Alyce’s book signed, we waited for Karrie to come back down the line. Are we happy campers or what?
The National Book Festival was an incredible experience that I will never forget. Danny and I got to spend the day together in a huge crowd of book lovers. It was extremely organized for such a huge event. The volunteers kept those of us waiting in line for book signings aware of what was going on, had the books ready for the authors so that the lines ran smoothly. They also regularly walked up and down the lines with the bottled water donated by Target. Assuming this continues on into the next administration, I will be making plans to attend again next year and in the years to come. There is plenty of activities for children and it would be a great way to help foster the love of reading in my daughter’s lives.
Christmas Eve in September – I’m off to the National Book Festival
I really need to get to bed and get some sleep, but I feel exactly like I did as a kid on Christmas Eve. I cannot believe that tomorrow has finally arrived and that I’ll soon be seeing and perhaps meeting Philippa Gregory. I’ve loved her ever since I started reading The Other Boleyn Girl. That book single-handedly redirected my reading habits and I couldn’t be more thankful about it. I would not be making this trip if she weren’t there and I cannot wait to just smile at her. Alyce and Jill, your copies of The Other Queen are in my bag as I write. I can’t wait to get them signed for you and sent off in the mail. Since my husband is going with me, I’m hoping that I can get my copy of TOBG and one copy of TOQ signed during my turn and the other signed during my husband’s turn.
I’m also going to see and hopefully get autographs from Neil Gaiman, Salman Rushdie, and James McBride. I read James McBride’s The Color of Water for a class in grad school and it had a profound impact on me. It is the most beautiful love letter a man could ever write to his mother. I am so thrilled to have the opportunity to meet him.
I haven’t read Neil Gaiman or Salman Rushdie yet, but I will be very soon. Jena graciously sent me a copy of Gaiman’s Neverwhere simply because I offered to get an autograph for her. She emailed me about it on a particularly stressful day at work and it just made me feel so good inside. I will treasure that novel in so many ways because you gave it to me, Jena! Thank you so much!!!! I also found out that Neil Gaiman is the Neil that Tori Amos often writes about. I’m sure that when I was first a Tori fan I researched who Neil was, but he wasn’t anyone on my radar at the time. When my husband sent me an email about Neil and Tori’s friendship and mutual admiration, I about fell off my chair. Tomorrow I hope to be once removed from Tori Amos. Wow!
I spent my lunch break at Barnes and Noble today and bought a copy of The Satanic Verses. All the hoopla surrounding that book took place around the time I was a senior in high school, so just picking it up takes me back to those days. Assuming I get it authographed and Rushdie allows for pictures, that will be the way that I honor Banned Book Week on my blog.
So, now I’m going to make myself lay down and try to get some sleep… I’ll have pictures and more posted this weekend.
Authors, Mental Illness, and Suicide
I just read an article from Globe and Mail revealing for the first time apparently, that L.M. Montgomery, the author of Anne of Green Gables, committed suicide at the age of 67 through a drug overdose. The author suffered through a great deal of depression during her life. Reading this made me very sad. She created a novel that has been an adolescent staple for close to 100 years now, yet she was unable to fully enjoy her life or her success because of the depression from which she suffered. This news also comes close on the heals of the recent suicide of David Foster Wallace, who has now joined the company of Ernest Hemingway, Sylvia Plath, Charlotte Perkins Gilman, Hunter S. Thompson, Richard Brautigan, and Virginia Woolf.
I know that authors are not alone in their connection with mental illness and suicide. Artists and other highly creative people also seem more likely than the general population to suffer from depression or other forms of mental illness and ultimately commit suicide. It wonder if it is true that creative people are more likely to have these types of issues or if it only seems that way because of their fame and noteriety? Is what drove these authors and artists to write or create also responsible for their mental anguish? Could any of those people have been saved while keeping their talent alive and flourishing?
When I started this blog, I was trying to find some way to fight my way out of the depression and anxiety that was strangling me after my beautiful and beloved daughter Allison was born. She was two at the time, but everywhere I turned I smacked into the same wall. I was hoping that making a goal for myself that had nothing to do with being a wife (I love you, Danny!) and a mother (you too, Em -n- Em and Ally McBeal!) could help me. I decided to read 52 books in 2007. After I got started, I wanted to document what I read in some way. That was the beginnings of what is now The Literate Housewife Review. It has been the combination of reading and the creative outlet of writing my blog that has helped me feel more like myself. I could not imagine what it would be like if this made no difference or if it made me feel worse.
I have had the wonderful opportunity to correspond with and, in some cases, talk with several authors who have written novels and memoirs that I have really enjoyed. I am also eagerly anticipating my trip to D.C. this weekend to listen to Neil Gaiman, Philippa Gregory, Salmon Rushdie (great way to kick of Banned Books Week!) and James McBride and hopefully get my books signed. I do not know any of their personal circumstances, but it would be devestating to me if any one of them were to be in such a situation.
While I know that the appreciation of millions can do nothing if someone is so dark inside, I want to express my appreciation for authors and other artists. As you reflect the human experience, you enhance it and make it beautiful. You provide a context through which to speak, discuss and think about that which is without words and I will forever be grateful.
Guidance for Reviewing Young Adult Literature
I still remember the day that I left Young Adult literature behind for good. I was in the 8th grade and looking forward to high school when I found a booklet at the library that listed the 101 books that every high school student should read before college. I don’t remember what books were on that list, but I decided that because I needed to prepare myself that I was too old to read anything childish any longer. Goodbye, Nancy Drew, Sweet Valley High, and Girl of the Limberlost. Hello, Catch 22, All Quite on the Western Front, and Jackie Collins (Mom, if you’re reading this, “Junk in, junk out.” I know… Sorry!).
Fast forward 24 years (yikes!) and I have finally returned to the world of YA literature. I finished Sisters of Misery by Megan Kelly Hall last week. Suffice to say, times and standards have changed since 1984. As I mentioned in my Sunday Salon post, there were quite a few references to drugs, smoking, sex, rape and attempted gang rape. Also, the word c*nt is used. As an adult, I was fine with all of those things (with the exception of my least favorite word) and really enjoyed the book.
When writing my review, I feel like I should look at it form the YA angle because that is the target audience. My question for those of you who have more experience reading and reviewing YA fiction: are there any content boundaries or standards for YA fiction similar to movie ratings? If not, how do you define yours? I would really appreciate some feedback on the YA fiction of today. I would hate to write a review making note of content that would be considered standard. Likewise, I don’t want to leave it out and have people wished I had given them advance notice.
#103 First Daughter
First Daughter
First Daughter is a political thriller that takes place at a time in American history when one religious and extremely conservative president is about to step down from power after eight years. Sound familiar? It should. This president, who is never named, does not want to hand over the power he’s so enjoyed, not even when the president-elect, Edward Carson, is a member of his own party. He will go to any length to keep pulling the strings of government by using extremely liberal and atheist groups as scapegoats for what is going wrong in the country. When Carson’s daughter, Alli, is kidnapped just before the swearing in, will this be just situation the current POTUS needs to keep control?
Although the struggle to keep or gain political power is the backdrop of this novel, this is really the story of Jack McClure, a divorced ATF agent who has just recently lost his own daughter Emma in a tragic car accident. Emma and Alli had been roommates before her death. Jack also has dyslexia. In high school, he is lucky enough to meet a man who mentors him and teaches him how to harness the way his brain takes in and compiles information use it to his advantage. Although he is not part of the FBI, Edward Carson specifically asks him to be a part of the governmental team in charge of finding Alli and tracking down her kidnapper.
Jack was an interesting character and I very much enjoyed meeting him and following him on his journey. He was a fully fleshed out character and his strength of character and perseverance are inspirational. His struggle to deal with Emma’s death was also his struggle with faith, religion, and the afterlife. What disappointed me in the end was that Jack deserved a nemesis as strong and complex as he is. The individual who kidnapped Alli had that potential. Instead, the author gave Jack the easy way out. He, like everyone on the FBI’s team, underestimated him and that is a shame.
First Daughter was an enjoyable novel, but ultimately I found it disappointing. It had the potential of being an exciting political and psychological thriller. Unlike March however, I don’t like my thrillers to come in like a lion and out like a lamb. As the POTUS and the members of the First American Secular Revivalists were two-dimensional, I didn’t find them menacing at all. Neither side was complex or spontaneous. The POTUS and his team were bullies, no doubt. It was as if the author was concerned with making a political statement, not with supporting it. I would like to meet Jack McClure in another adventure. Given the suspense he was able to create throughout Alli’s captivity, I’m confident that Eric Van Lustbader has what it takes to carry a thriller through until the very end. That would make for an exciting novel.
*******
To buy this novel, click here
The Sunday Salon 09.21.08
It is such a gorgeous day today! This is the first morning I woke up feeling chilly. A few months from now I’ll no doubt be complaining about this, but it felt really, really good. I’ll be wearing long pants and a long sleeve t-shirt today for sure. And, since I’ve finally gotten my seasonal blahs to a manageable place, I can enjoy the cooler weather and the changing of the colors.
What a week! Book Blogger Appreciation Week was an inspiration to me. Jen at Devourer of Books made my week early on and it just stayed that way. I enjoyed visiting new blogs and presenting four of the awards and two contests. It culminated in a wonderful book blogger wide shout out to Amy at My Friend Amy that was really impressive. It’s amazing what a group of people who don’t know each other can do in such a short period of time. I want to personally thank Trish at Hey Lady, Whatcha Readin’ for the gorgeous button she created for Amy. It is absolutely lovely!
The Literate Housewives’ Book Club is also back up and running. After 9 months, we’re giving it another try. In addition to the blog, I’ve created a forum and will be creating a newsletter. Our first book is Immortal by Traci Slatton. A couple of the members have finished the book, but I’m about 10 chapters in myself. We’re not actually describing the book until we’ve finished, which will probably be closer to the end of the month. So, there’s still time to join if you’re interested.
In addition to the blogging, I got a good deal of reading done. I finished Sisters of Misery by Megan Kelly Hall. I read that novel to help out Andi at AndiLit. It was really good and I just noticed that in the activity of BBAW that Amy hosted a guest post by the author. I really enjoyed it and am looking forward to the sequel. I also read and enjoyed The Torn Skirt by Rebecca Godfrey. I’ll be writing and posting the reviews for these novels this week.
I have a question about young adult literature for those of you who regularly read and review it. Sisters of Misery is listed in the YA Lit category. It was about a group of high school aged girls, so that fits YA to me. However, there were quite a few references to drugs, sex, rape, and gang rape. Two characters, one of whom is a high school character, smoke. What really stuck out to me as being inappropriate for a YA novel is my least favorite word, c*nt. Are these topics and the use of that kind of language acceptable or common in the YA literature of today? It’s been since the late 80s since I’ve read YA fiction and I know that a lot has changed…
I’m starting Bad Monkey by Matt Ruff and The Other Queen by Philippa Gregory in addition to Immortal for my reading this week. A lot of great reading is heading my way.
Next weekend I’ll be heading to the National Book Festival in Washington, D.C. and I cannot wait! I’ll have pictures and a report back on those festivities in my next Sunday Salon. In the meantime, have a great week everyone!
Amy, Queen of Book Bloggers, We Thank You!
This summer, after book blogging was patronized in the mainstream media, Amy from My Friend Amy made a suggestion that we celebrate book blogging. From that idea, Book Blogger Appreciation Week was born. Many of us have participated in interviews, contests, give-aways, and through awards; but, this would never have happened were it not for the dream, perseverance, planning, hard work and dedication of Amy. This has been a wonderful week and, as members of the Book Blogging community, in one voice we want to thank Amy for all that she has done.
Amy, you are truly the Queen of Book Bloggers and we love you!
Check Out Alyce’s Review of Making War to Keep Peace
Feeling overloaded with ARCs, I offered Making War to Keep Peace by Jeanne Kirkpatrick to another reader who would be interested in reading and reviewing it. Alyce at At Home with Books graciously accepted my offer. She’s read and reviewed the book here. In my heart of hearts I really wanted to keep the book and read it. I knew that it just couldn’t happen. Reading Alyce’s excellent review made me regret not reading it even more, but I’m so glad that it was reviewed and is out there. It sounds like an important book for our day and time. I’m definitely going to be buying a copy of this book or renting it from the library.
Alyce, I can’t thank you enough for agreeing to read and review this book. You certainly did it proud!
Announcing the BBAW Book Blog Reader’s Contest Winners!!!!
Joshua Henkin and I had a great time reading and reviewing all of the wonderful entries in our “I read book blogs because…” contest (click here for the original post). This contest was open to all of our wonderful book blogs readers who do not write for a blog themselves. On Monday, over 50 entries were narrowed down to 10 finalists. From that list, Joshua selected the first, second, and third place winners.
Josh, I can’t thank you enough for making this contest for readers so very special. It’s so wonderful to know that there are authors out there who so willingly give of themselves to their readers. I’m looking forward to reading your work for many decades to come.
Without further ado, here are top three finalists in this contest:
First Place
The First Place winner, who receives a signed copy of Matrimony from Joshua Henkin as well as a 6 book grab bag from Hachette Book Group is:
Laura from MN
Congratulations, Laura! To peak your interest in your upcoming copy of Matrimony, here is a video of Joshua:
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lt82n38jSOo]
If you have a book club, you might also be interested in this message I received from Joshua:
I wanted to let you know about a special time-bound offer my publisher, Vintage, is making to book groups. Sign up by midnight September 21 and Vintage will set up a phone chat for your book group with me to discuss my novel MATRIMONY, which has recently come out in paperback. Normally, only five book groups are chosen among the entrants, but I have agreed to talk to all book groups that sign up. Here’s the link to learn more, and to sign up. http://www.randomhouse.com/vintage/read/chat.html. I would be delighted to talk to your book group.
Second Place
The Second Place winner, who receives a three book grab bag from Hachette Book Group and a copy of First Daughter by Eric Van Lustbader from me is:
Jeanne Sager
Congratulation, Jeanne!
Third Place
The Third Place winner, who receives a three book grab bag from Hachette Book Group is:
K. Stephenson
Congratulations, K!
Please send me an email with your mailing information and I will pass that on to everyone who needs it. Please report back when you get your prizes. I love to hear your reactions!
Book Blogger Con
Have you heard about the 1st Annual Book Blogger Convention that will be held in NYC during the BEA? You should check it out. I know it will be a fantastic experience. Unfortunately I won't be able to attend due to family obligations, but I'll be trolling blogs for up to the minute news.
WE Magazine’s A Woman Blogger to Watch
Literate Challenges
What's in a Name? 3
Random Reading Challenge
