#MargeMod

[wehavethoughts]

Interior Chinatown Review!

Media Title:  Interior Chinatown Author: Charles Yu Media Type: Hardcover large print book Published: Pantheon Books, 2020 Genre: Literary Fiction

Reviewed By: MargeMod Content Warnings: Racism, Discrimination

This review contains spoilers for Interior Chinatown 

Rating: Full bouquet out of a full bouquet

Summary: Written mostly in a screenplay-type of format, this relatively small book is the fictional life story of Willis (Ming-Chen) Wu. A promising young man who has his academic career cut short when he decides to decline his acceptance into UCLA's doctoral program to go home to care for his ill mother. His life is further redirected when he can't find any job in his field because, as one recruiter tells him, his accent is the problem. Funny thing, Willis doesn't have an accent. The recruiter agrees and tells him that is just weird, an Asian-looking man should not speak unaccented English. So Willis accepts a job as an actor in Chinatown where among other things, he must become fluent in accented English. His roles include: Disgraced Son, Delivery Guy, Guy Who Runs in and Gets Kicked in the Face, Striving Immigrant, Background Oriental Male and Generic Asian Man.

Review: In my journey to combat racism and become a better ancestor (see previous review of Me and White Supremacy: Combat Racism, Change the World, and Become a Good Ancestor by Layla F. Saad) I want to read stories told by other Americans in their own voice. This month, I selected this award winning novel by Charles Yu. The story takes us along as a young Asian man tries to live his best life only to remain slotted to a very narrow set of options simply because of how he looks.

Using the screenplay-type of format, the author visually sets the story as this family's scripted existence. I had never read a book that used this format. At first it was a little confusing, but I eventually recognized that the format itself was helping to tell the story. This book is interesting visually and in its heart is simply the story of family love and ambition in a racist society.

In America if you look a certain way you are expected to sound a certain way and play specific roles. Until the mid-1900s, State and Federal laws severely limited Asian citizen rights and liberties. Adding to this tragedy, the white-dominated society in the US continues to pigeonhole and limit it's Asians sons and daughters long after these horrific laws were overturned. I gave this book my highest rating because it is written well, is in an interesting format, and has much to teach us non-Asians.

[wehavethoughts]

Educational Children’s Books Review!

Media Titles: Jambo Means Hello, Swahili Alphabet Book by Muriel Feelings; K is for Kwanzaa by Juwanda G. Ford; Ten, Nine, Eight by Molly Bang; and Feast For 10 by Cathryn Falwell Reviewed By: MargeMod Content Warning/Spoilers: None Rating: Full Bouquet out of Full Bouquet

How many alphabet, counting or first word books are on your child's bookshelf? Now, how many are in a different language or show people that don't look like you? Don't be shy, in fact be aggressive in making sure that these simple learning books contain representation of people and places that are like your family as well as those that are not like your family. What can be more basic in forming your child's view of the world than learning the alphabet, counting and language? This review includes four books that show African-American heritage, language and faces.

Media Title: Jambo Means Hello, Swahili Alphabet Book Author: Muriel Feelings Pictures By: Tom Feelings Media Type: Soft Cover Children's Book (ISBN: 0-14-054652-9) Genre: Alphabet, Swahili people, Kiswahili language, East Africa

Summary: Adults are failing their children if we do not expose or teach them a second, or third or even fourth language. What better way to introduce another language than through the alphabet? The full-page Introduction explains where Swahili is spoken and how there are no Q or X sounds in Swahili. Each letter presents a word in Swahili, and gives the pronunciation and a bit of explanation. This book is wonderfully illustrated with everyday scenes of activities that happen in an African village and in a child's life. Just about any age group would find something to catch their interest.

Review: The illustrations are superb. At the end of the book there is a "A note about the art." The end result of the seemingly complicated process is stunning. Having traveled in East Africa myself in 1974, I can say that Tom Feelings' illustrations perfectly convey the look, feel and experience I enjoyed during my trip. Some of the Swahili words selected for the alphabet seem familiar (baba means father) and anyone who has seen Lion King should not be surprised that rafiki means friend.

Media Title: K is For Kwanzaa, A Kwanzaa Alphabet Book Author: Juwanda G. Ford Illustrated By: Ken Wilson-Max Media Type: Soft Cover Children's Book (ISBN:0-590-18995-6) Genre: Children's alphabet book, Kwanzaa traditions, Swahili words

Summary: As the title clearly shows this book presents the traditions of Kwanzaa using the alphabet. The origin of Kwanzaa and its seven principles are explained in the first pages, and then the alphabet begins with A is for Africa. Some words highlighted are in Swahili and the short text on each gives its proper pronunciation. The book uses the familiarity of the alphabet to teach a tradition that began in 1966. Older children would enjoy the information provided and younger readers would like the vibrant colors.

Review: This lively book could be at home on a child's bookshelf or on a classroom reference table. Familiar english words like harvest and neighborhood are included with Swahili words like gele and lapa. The illustrations use bold vibrant colors that complement and support the text. I agree completely with the back page description that "the brilliant pictures bring to life all that is central to Kwanzaa: cultural heritage, family, and community."

Media Title: Ten, Nine, Eight Author: Molly Bang Media Type: Soft Cover Children's book (ISBN: 0-590-45583-4) Genre: Children's counting 1 to 10 book, bedtime

Summary: This bedtime countdown book is made up of only views in the child's bedroom. A friendly black cat and familiar items hold the reader's interest. The text is gentle and rhythmic. What family hasn't at one time or another said "1 big girl all ready for bed"? Intended for very young children, beginning readers would enjoy it as well.

Review: Because it was read so often and carried all over the house by my daughter, this poor little book is stained and torn. I've included it in this review because the colors and illustrations are soft, wonderful and the phrasing seems to come straight from the heart. I love all the room details from the flowered wallpaper to the chair upholstery pattern.

Media Title: Feast For 10 Author: Cathryn Falwell Media Type: Soft Cover Children's Book (ISBN: 0-590-48466-66-4) Genre: Child's counting book, shopping, meal preparation, inter-generational

Summary: This counting book is fun because it counts up to 10 twice! The first time the happy group goes shopping for the makings of a feast. The second counting is the preparation of the ingredients. Throughout it shows helpful children interacting in a common activity. Very young children would enjoy the drawings and how the children participate.

Review: Kudos to anyone who takes five children to the grocery store, but in this book it works. Any family with multiple children would enjoy seeing the hustle and bustle of a grocery shopping trip and then the meal preparation. A one-child family would be delighted as well. The white background allows the action and colors to shine and I particularly like the clear lines and wonderful detail.

Conclusion: I am a (very) white woman. In fact, I've been known to describe myself as alabaster. Truth be told, a more accurate description of my skin tone might be pink with lots and lots of freckles. But I loved and married someone decidedly not pink and our child has only two freckles. Her strength of character and tolerant, open world view, I believe was formed because she grew up with a large and loving family from many countries and cultures and with lots and lots of books.

Tags: education, parenting, children, teaching, languages, children’s book reviews, multicultural, MargeMod, bedtime stories, children’s books,

[wehavethoughts]

Dial “A” for Aunties Review!

Media Title:  Dial “A” for Aunties Author: Jesse Q. Sutanto Media Type: Hard copy book Genre: Literary Fiction, Dark Humor, Mystery, Intrigue Reviewed By: MargeMod Content Warnings: Attempted sexual assault, death, violence, racism

This review CONTAINS spoilers for Dial “A” for Aunties.

Rating:  One Flower out of a Full Bouquet 

Summary: Is it possible to be your own person when you are happily part of a large and loving family that thinks it knows what is best for you? Author Jesse Sutanto takes us on a rollercoaster ride of what it is like to live in an Asian extended family with aunties galore! As the only child who came home after college, Maddelin has trouble finding a balance between her own happiness and family expectations. When her mother creates an online dating profile for her and inadvertently uses code language (eggplant, for example) that attracts a certain kind of date, she has to take drastic action to prevent an assault. Her date is accidentally killed and in a sudden panic she turns to her aunties to help her deal with the body. She and all the aunties are busy providing flowers, photography services and a wedding cake to a huge wedding the next day so there isn't time to permanently address the body situation, so they improvise. Throw in that the wedding is being held at an exclusive resort managed by Maddelin's true love and the reader has no clue how she can possibly escape being charged with murder let alone reunite with the man of her dreams.

Review: This book was a delight! The main character and her aunties were so fun to be around, it made you want to be on this crazy ride.  When the Aunties interact with each other, she hits the whole sister-dynamic right on the head. As the middle daughter of five daughters, I recognize and thoroughly approve of the interplay between the sisters in this book.  How everything tied together at the end was terrific.  I appreciated that the author explains in her opening message that the style of dialogue she uses for her aunties is not in any way making fun of them and is not disrespectful.  She explains at some length in a "Dear Reader" message before the Prologue that her family's merging of Indonesian, Mandarin and English can seem "jagged and cracked, and we often struggle to convey what we are trying to say." She further notes that "This is the price my parents have had to pay to ensure that my brother and I were safe and sound." Some of her characters speak in this broken way and the author notes that this reflects their trilingual abilities. She sees the line between authenticity and stereotype and hopes that her use of this technique is seen by the reader as authentic. I love that she explained this dialogue usage to me so that I could understand her as an author and appreciate this wonderful family she created in her book.

So, you might ask, if it is such a delightful book, why the low rating? The accidental death and how the body was handled abruptly pulled me out of the book. First, I'm not sure why the author thought it was necessary to evolve the initial "accidental" murder into a later horrifying death by suffocation. She glossed right over this transition and then thought it was funny (I did not) to have a bunch of drunk guys carry the corpse around because they thought he was a drunk member of the wedding party. For me, this part of her story makes it so that I cannot wholeheartedly recommend her book. Though, for readers who enjoy this type of dark humor or who don’t mind these kinds of plot points, Dial “A” for Aunties may be a good choice.

[wehavethoughts]

Gator Bait Review!

Media Title:  Gator Bait Author: Jana DeLeon Media Type: Electronic copy book Genre: Mystery, Action, Humor Reviewed By: MargeMod Content Warnings: Violence, death, guns

This review CONTAINS (mild) spoilers for Gator Bait by Jana DeLeon.

Rating: One Flower out of a Full Bouquet

Summary: CIA assassin Fortune Redding needs to lay low. She blew her cover saving a child from being sold into slavery and gained a million-dollar bounty on her head. Since that much cash is great motivation for any and every bad guy to search for her, Fortune accepts a temporary new identity as her boss's niece, Sandy-Sue. As a former beauty queen and current librarian, Sandy-Sue is the antithesis of Fortune, a tomboy sniper with a temper. In order to implement the switch, the real Sandy-Sue is sent to Europe by her uncle for the summer and Fortune travels to Sinful, Louisiana to inventory her great-aunt's property for sale. Sandy-Sue had not been back to Sinful since she was a child, so an imposter might stand half a chance. The book is a story of hidden strength and individual growth with the help of several unexpected elderly allies.

Review:  The author has gathered an interesting group of characters and places them in a small southern town that is supposed to be a quiet backwater. At least that is what the Iraq War Veteran thinks when he comes home to join the local police force. That is also what the CIA Director thinks when he tries to hide Fortune there until she can safely go back to her sniper job. But they are both wrong when lives are threatened and new friends are put at risk. I think the characters I enjoyed the most are the two female Vietnam veterans who befriend Fortune and help her navigate her new persona so that no one looks too closely at her credentials. And is there room in this book for crazy mishaps involving dynamite? Of course there is.

This book did not get a full bouquet because after a certain point Fortune and her new friend's antics-- and the explanation offered to explain those antics-- seem to be just silly. Enjoyable, but silly. Also, the very favorable comments, characters, and situations regarding small town southern hospitality and politeness featured in this story are overshadowed by the unkind descriptions of rural folks and townspeople. In particular, the book is unkind to those that are different from our protagonist -- like her middle-aged male neighbor who likes to dress in costume at home.

Gator Bait is the fifth book in the 18 book series centered around Fortune Redding (number 19 is expected in 2021). This was the first of the series I picked up and I enjoyed Gator Bait enough to read the rest. I won't give any series spoilers, but as a reader you should be warned that not every story line gets resolved in any individual book. Each book has a new set of circumstances, a new murder mystery to be solved all set against a backdrop of Fortune pretending to be someone she is not and at the same time finding her true self.

Overall, Gator Bait and Fortune’s entire series are fun, light reads that are perfect for most mystery fans.

[wehavethoughts]

Bonus Thoughts! by MargeMod

No excuses. You are past time to fold inclusive books into your child's life! There are so many good choices out there but Color Dance by Ann Jonas is a good place to start. This particular book reminds us that we are surrounded by colors. They make our world beautiful and joyous. They simply are. Every child should know that they are beautiful alone and that we all have a human obligation to shine our light on the beautiful colors of others.

I am furious that some people continue to divide, differentiate, diminish and degenerate others because somehow somewhere we came to believe that by doing so it improves our own position. IT DOES NOT! These divisive actions damage our soul and this damage can start young when children are not shown the diversity and value of the world around them. Be mindful of what you teach your children and remember that even the simplest exposure to people who don’t look like them will go a long way.

This year let us all be joyful in our Color Dance.

[wehavethoughts]

A Dangerous Man Review!

Media Title:  A Dangerous Man, Elvis Cole & Joe Pike Series, Book 18 Author: Robert Crais Media Type: EBook Genre: Action, Mystery

Reviewed By: MargeMod Content Warnings: Kidnapping, Death, Guns, Violence This Review Contains Spoilers Rating: One Flower out of a Full Bouquet

Summary:  In his series of novels starring private detective Elvis Cole and his silent, but deadly partner Joe Pike, Robert Crais has taken us on one exciting, terrifying ride after another. These two ex-Ranger/policemen offer their private investigative and surveillance services to sort out all types of situations. Their methods are often unorthodox but justified. A Dangerous Man, the latest installment of this series, begins with Joe simply going to his bank to deposit checks and be ogled by the bank clerk Isabella Roland. Because of his military and police skills of observation and his own deep-seated sense of obligation to another human, this routine morning evolves into an action packed story where Joe and Elvis save Isabelle not once, not twice but three times from dark characters in her parents' past.

Review: Fans of Robert Crais will not be disappointed by this addition to the Cole/Pike series. It contains all the elements readers expect - a wonderful mix of humor, interesting story-telling, twists and turns, quirky specialists tossed together with a healthy distrust of police and institutions. You will be wrong if you assume that the dangerous man is the bad guy. In fact, in this story the most dangerous man is Joe who uses his deadly skills to make sure Isabella never needs to be afraid of the men who had been searching for her mother for over 20 years. One thing I love about this story, and most books by Robert Crais, is that he does not rely on a magic person that is available to complete fantastical research instantly and come back with a solution that could not in a million years be found by a real private detective. There is no high-tech, easy solution to this mystery. Almost everything discovered in this story comes from online research, talking/listening to people and observing what the situation presents.

Young adults might recognize themselves in the main character - 23 year old Isabelle Roland who is just trying to live her best life. More than once she exclaims "I am an adult!". One of the most chilling scenes is when the bad guys use her own text messages to her best friend to draw Isabelle out of a safe place and puts her in danger again. The author paints an appealing picture of a spunky young lady, inordinately devoted to friends, generally dismissed by adults and completely unaware of her parents' history. The reader does not know until the last chapter if Isabelle actually has the millions of dollars that the bad guys insist that her mother had stolen over 25 years prior.

The reason I didn't give a Full Bouquet rating is because the author spent a lot of time convincing us what a compassionate and principled man Joe is but, his frequent and extremely violent actions didn’t mesh with his new 'softer' side. I appreciated learning more about Joe's depth of character and his many facets make him less of a mercenary caricature, however at some point it just doesn't make sense that such a nice guy could be so brutally violent. In fairness, he only kills the bad guys, but the body count was staggering. Overall, I still recommend this book, it was just easier to root for the Dangerous Man when he wasn’t trying to also be a good man.

[wehavethoughts]

More Educational Children's Books Reviews!

Media Titles: Pass the Fritters, Critters by Cheryl Chapman; Everybody Cooks Rice by Norah Dooley; Shake It To The One That You Love The Best by Cheryl Warren Mattox; Color Dance by Ann Jonas; and It Takes A Village by Jane Cowen-Fletcher Reviewed By: MargeMod Content Warning/Spoilers: None Rating: Full Bouquet out of Full Bouquet

If you think about it, we humans don't come with innate knowledge of anything, so your child needs to learn absolutely everything to survive and thrive. You are probably your child's best teacher simply because you are the person around this new mind the most. In this review, I have pulled together examples of books that teach basic concepts of growing up such as interacting with others, responsibility, colors, foods etc. that are also culturally inclusive. Please, please use every opportunity to expand your child's view of the world. When teaching manners, reach for books like Pass the Fritters, Critters or when teaching colors reach for books like Color Dance. This review includes five books that present basic knowledge such as color identification, community and family interaction.

Media Title: Pass The Fritters, Critters Author: Cheryl Chapman Pictures By: Susan L. Roth Media Type: Soft Cover Children's Book ISBN: 0-590-47995-4 Topic: Table manners, rhyming Age Group: Pre-school

Summary: Exceptionally bright graphics invite us to lunch with a child and some interesting animal guests. Until the magic words are used, demands such as "Pass the carrot, Parrot" are answered with a "Forget it!" This book is wonderfully illustrated with fun rhyming phrases that show how asking politely and saying thank you can get you what you want in life, or at least at this particular lunch table.

Review: The illustrations are bold and in a cut-out style that is very appealing. The sing-song phrasing (Thanks for the cider, Spider) will have your child "reading" along with you and recognizing individual words long before they conquer spelling.

Media Title: Everybody Cooks Rice Author: Norah Dooley Illustrations By: Peter J Thornton Media Type: Soft Cover Children's Book ISBN: 0-590-45597-4 Topic: Multicultural cuisine, cook book Age Group: Elementary School

Summary: The title says it all - everyone in this neighborhood is cooking rice! Carrie spends the entire book going from house to house looking for her brother. In each home someone is cooking a different rice dish that represents their cultural heritage.

Review: Connecting six cultures in one small neighborhood with their rice dishes is a gentle way to begin talking about cultural differences and similarities. However, even though Carrie visits six families of different ethnicities, there is very little variation in skin tone, in fact everyone in the book looks much too similar.  I think the muted colors are a disservice to the story which calls for vibrant representation of faces. The recipes in the back are a nice touch and a great way to introduce foods from another culture using an ingredient (rice) that is so common.

Media Title: Shake It To The One That You Love The Best: Play Songs and Lullabies from Black Musical Traditions Collected and Adapted By: Cheryl Warren Mattox Illustrations from the works of: Varnette P. Honeywood and Brenda Joysmith Media Type: Soft Cover Children's book ISBN: 0-9623381-0-9 Topic: Children's music, game and song book Age Group: All ages

Summary: Music and children's games are an integral part of growing up. The author notes that the 26 play songs she has collected for us are not just childhood amusements, but a vital link to her musical heritage as an African-American. Definitely a classroom reference book, it makes me wish that I could read music! In addition to the actual music score we also get multiple verses, as well as instructions for each game.

Review: Even though I can't read music the exuberance of these songs and games comes out loud and clear. The illustration styles of Honeywood and Joysmith are completely different, but work together perfectly. I swear that I can hear the children in Joysmith's pictures laughing-they are so expressive! If you can't read music, find someone who can because this book must be read and sung!

Media Title: Color Dance Author: Ann Jonas Media Type: Soft Cover Children's Book ISBN: 0-590-30040-7 Topic: Child's book of colors and dance Age Group: Pre-school

Summary: Three little dancers representing the primary colors of red, yellow and blue run, jump and twirl around to visually combine and separate thereby creating all the secondary and tertiary colors.

Review: Sweet, beautiful, happy, simple and fun describe this colorful book. Be prepared because this could be the first time your little reader will see and hear magenta, vermillion and chartreuse. Who knows what creativity will be unleashed! Don't be surprised if your little reader asks for scarves of many colors to dance with and to decorate their space.

Media Title: It Takes A Village Author: Jane Cowen-Fletcher Media Type: Soft Cover Children's Book ISBN: 0-590-46598-8 Topic: African village and marketplace, manners Age Group: Elementary School

Summary: Spending the day at the market with her little brother gets very complicated for Yemi. Separated from him for a time she worries if he is hungry or thirsty. But he is not because he is under the caring and watchful eye of the merchants. Once Yemi finds her brother, she traces his path backwards and thanks everyone who cared for him.

Review: Even though this story is a bit longer than other books I have selected, it really is worth the trip.The illustrations are amazing and you truly see what a marketplace community looks like and how it operates to collectively care for its children. It is a beautiful story with exceptional illustrations.

CONCLUSION: Helping your child feel comfortable existing in a complex, wonderful beautiful non-monochromatic world is a gift that should be given to every child. Just as you make sure they are safe, have nutritious food and have access to learning, please make sure they recognize and appreciate all members of the human family and can function with grace and dignity when interacting with everyone. 

[wehavethoughts]

the dip Review!

Media Title:  the dip: A Little Book That Teaches You When To Quit (And When to Stick) Author: Seth Godin Illustrated By: Hugh Macleod Media Type: Hard copy book ISBN: 978-1-59184-166-1 Genre: Self help

Reviewed By: MargeMod Content Warnings/Spoilers: None

Rating: Full Bouquet out of a Full Bouquet

Summary: This small book (less than 80 pages) covers a lot of territory, but never strays too far from its goal: to help each of us be a superstar by recognizing and escaping dead ends, embracing “the dip” while also staying focused and motivated. “The dip” is that time in a project/job after you have started something exciting, but long before you are considered an expert/successful. “The dip” is when most people give up, but this book teaches you when to put your head down and plow through it and when not to.

The author seeks to straighten out some bad advice we may have received in our life, like "quitters never win and winners never quit". He observes that winners quit all the time. Godin explains that strategic quitting is the secret to success and "understanding the different types of situations that lead you to quit - or that should cause you to quit- is the first step toward getting what you want."

Review: I have to admit that reading this book was a personal struggle for me. The voice in my head that says NEVER QUIT and FINISH WHAT YOU STARTED was so loud that it took me until half-way through the book to recognize that in order for me to hear what the author was trying to tell me, I had to replace the word "quit" with "redirect". With that rewording I could begin to consider what Godin was saying. The section explaining that quitting is not the same as failing was especially enlightening. Godin pulls together sound advice and explains it in easy to understand language. His suggestions can be applied to professional decisions as well as personal ones. Word of caution: don't get stuck (like I did) on keywords based upon what you have been told growing up.

Godin's book is refreshing because he believes you can reach the success you want, however he wants you to understand that how we have been encouraged previously (STICK IT OUT UNTIL YOU WIN) is flawed. Not only does he clearly discuss the elements of success, he also explains how we should stop and redirect our actions at the appropriate time. His down to earth approach is very appealing and I recommend that you take the time to listen to what he has to say.

[wehavethoughts]

Once a Warrior Review!

Media Title:  Once A Warrior: How One Veteran Found A New Mission Closer To Home Author: Jake Wood Media Type: Hardcover Book Genre: Nonfiction, Biography Reviewed By: MargeMod Content Warnings/Spoilers: War, Suicide, Natural Disaster, Trauma, Military Service

Rating: Full Bouquet out of a Full Bouquet

Summary: This book is the real-life story of the creation and evolution of Team Rubicon, a nonprofit organization created and staffed by veterans. They originated as a loosely assembled team who saw an earthquake devastate Haiti's capital in January 2010 and thought that their military skills of crisis logistics, medicine and emergency response could be valuable in quickly addressing immediate needs in hard to reach disaster areas. One successful response led to the next, and the organization evolved and built itself into a serious response organization that continues to help people on the ground in the U.S and internationally. In addition it strengthens and supports veterans who are transitioning from military to civilian life.  

Crossing the Rubicon - An English idiom meaning to pass the point of no return or to dedicate oneself to a risky course of action.

Review: It’s a little awkward to "rate" a non-fiction book. The event’s featured in this book happened regardless of my opinion, but I have thoughts and I’d like to share them with you.

Jake Wood's down-to-earth writing style is very readable and I found his unvarnished dialogue to be crystal clear. We follow Jake through his active duty stints in Iraq and Afghanistan and come to know him and his buddies. They did what was asked of them without concern for their personal safety or consideration of long-term physical and emotional impacts.  He reminds us more than once that since 2012 more service members have died by suicide than in combat. Here are his own words:

"People sometimes ask me what war was like. What they really want to know is whether I did something terrible. Sometimes I'm tempted to tell them that whatever I did, they paid me to do it. Of course I never tell them that and I usually just say that we always made the right choice no matter how hard. My answer always feels truthful, but the truth is rarely simple. Is there a right choice among bad options?  "We came home with our honor and integrity intact.", I'll say as my mind wanders back to the screams of those children echoing off the valley walls."

I generally don't read war stories because frankly, war is hell. If there is enough trauma/violence in a situation that requires armed forces, then I don't want to know the details. I picked this book up because of my personal dedication to public service and the author was able to keep me reading because at its core this is a book about the founding of a crisis relief non-profit. While there was about as much flag waving as you’d expect in this type of book, there was also a surprising amount of empathy and questioning of authority. While still in active duty he questioned whether the military operations he was involved in were worth the price paid by him, his fellow soldiers and the people whose country they occupied. Then, when he discovered the answers to those questions, he chose not to reenlist.  

The majority of this story follows Jake as he recognizes the untapped resource of veterans that can be brought together to address immediate critical situations - exactly what they were trained to do. He identifies Team Rubicon's root of success as being that moment when millions of men and women raised their hands to serve their country overseas, and in the process learned that service was in their blood. Legal, financial, strategic challenges came like waves, but they were defeated again and again by these well trained former service members. Team Rubicon adjusted to the situation at hand, identified immediate needs and addressed those needs with the skills and resources available. With clear uncomplicated dialogue, the author tells us about the volunteers he has met, including the Vietnam veteran who observed that he had been sent to Vietnam without a choice, but that Team Rubicon gave him a chance to choose. He explained that in Team Rubicon he found a community that reminded him of the people he served with-- a connection he never thought he'd feel again. This well written uplifting story is so fantastic it seems almost impossible, but it is not. It is very real.

I was drawn to this story because of the public service aspect. Why hasn't this connection between military training and emergency response been built before? It's brilliant. Veteran's have such fantastic transferable skills. It was not a story to glorify old traumas, but rather to put forward a solution and show what can be done to appropriately utilize marketable skills.

According to their website (https://teamrubiconusa.org/) as of December 15, 2020 Team Rubicon is delivering food, staffing & assisting at Covid testing site operations in the Navajo Nation, deploying to Honduras to provide clean water for communities affected by Hurricanes Eta and Iota, and continues to train military veteran Greyshirts (the name given to Team Rubicon volunteers) with a six-month curriculum of self-discovery and leadership training.

[wehavethoughts]

The Affirmation Dot-To-Dot Puzzle Book Review!

Media Title: The Affirmation Dot-To-Dot Puzzle Book Compiled by: Patience Coster Media Type: Soft Cover Book ISBN: 978-1-78888-770-0 Genre: Relaxation, Meditation, Fun

Reviewed by: MargeMod Content Warnings: None! Rating: Full bouquet out of a full bouquet.

Summary: This throwback to simpler times combines dot-to-dot coloring book (8.5″ by 11″) images with encouraging and inspirational statements. The Introduction explains that it's puzzles "promise a great mental workout, while affirmative quotes encourage an optimistic, reflective way of thinking." It is simple and straightforward.

Review: When coloring books specifically designed for adults became popular several years ago, I was intrigued. The graphics were wonderful and I purchased several. It turns out that while I enjoyed coloring as a child, it held no interest for me as an adult. I'm not very good about staying within the lines and my color combinations are suspect. Don't get me wrong, I love receiving drawings and coloring art from friends and family, however it is not something I want to do myself. When I saw that I had an option besides standard coloring books, I thought I would give it a try.

With the dot-to-dot format I found that I was completely engaged in the wonderful images and poignant quotations. The affirmations are gentle, thought-provoking and simple: "I live in the present and am confident of the future." Quotes from famous people are also included, some which I had never heard before. For example, I didn't know that Marilyn Monroe said, "Wanting to be someone else is a waste of the person you are." or that Mark Twain said, "The two most important days in your life are the day you are born and the day you find out why."

Whatever the affirmation, I found that I repeated it over and over as I worked my way around the 350 to 550 dots. Also, who designs the puzzles? An artist, for certain! Is it the sequence of numbers that is important to contemplation or is it the joy in finding something that isn't clear when you start? I don't know but I suspect it is all these things and more. For me, I found the simple action of counting surprisingly relaxing.

The author suggests the use of a small ruler or straight edge to help with longer spaces between dotes. I agree. I wish that the book had been constructed to lay flat when opened or to be able to remove pages so that the puzzles could be drawn on without a bend in the page itself. I did not enjoy the puzzles that spelled out words, but the wildlife and flowers puzzles are amazing. The numbers with each dot are very small, so if you have limited vision, you will need magnification. The dots are very small and so they are not distracting to the final picture. This is good for people who value the final product but makes the journey more difficult. This book would be fun for all ages but because of the small type size and how in some designs the dots are so close together, it may be a challenge for young artists.

All in all, the puzzles and the affirmations are terrific! I am certain I will pick up another copy when I finish the 60 or so puzzles in this book.

[wehavethoughts]

Affirmation Children’s Books Review

Media Titles:  On The Day You Were Born by Debra Frasier, Just Because I Am by Lauren Murphy Payne and I'm A Girl! by Lila Jukes Reviewed By: MargeMod Content Warning/Spoilers: None Rating: Full Bouquet out of Full Bouquet

This review is for three children's books with affirmation as a general theme. Since all of us were children at one point, I think every age group will enjoy and feel empowered by these books. If you are in frequent contact with a child, I hope you will add them to your bookshelf and read them to that child often. Because I believe that hatred, racism and sexism are all learned behaviors, I am convinced that they can be defeated if adults live by example and communicate with children in a way that does not create and encourage these divisive attributes.

Media Title: On The Day You Were Born Author: Debra Frasier Designed By: Debra Frasier and Joy Chu Media Type: Soft copy book ISBN: 0-440-83216-0 Genre: Children's book, natural systems, educational

Summary: The book I've selected to begin this branch of my reviews is appropriately "On the day you were born". Earth tone colors and language that evokes ancient stories assure children that we are all part of the animal kingdom and when we are born are welcomed into it by the Earth and all its creatures. It explains how a child is part of and fits into the rhythms of the world, and gives strength, confidence, comfort and assurance. At the end of the book there are several reference pages that discuss the natural systems mentioned in the story, for example animal migration, gravity and Earth’s rotation.  

Review: Everything about this book is wonderful! The colors are appealing. The graphics are child-like but classic, as if they came from cave paintings. The text has a voice of assurance and welcome, and paints a picture in your heart: "While you waited in darkness, tiny knees curled to chin, the Earth and her creatures with the Sun and the Moon all moved in their places each ready to greet you the very first moment of the very first day you arrived." Some children's books come with an indication of the age or reading level of the intended audience. This book did not, however it is appropriate to be read to an infant and would be enjoyed until they became an adult.

Media Title: Just Because I am - A Child's Book Of Affirmation Author: Lauren Murphy Payne, M.S.W. Illustrated By: Claudia Rohling Media Type: Soft cover book ISBN:0-915793-60-1 Genre: Children's book, emotional health, educational

Summary: This Self-Help For Kids© book promises to “strengthen and support a child's self-esteem with warm, simple words and gentle, appealing illustrations". The first double-page spread sets the style, tone and rhythm used throughout the book. It presents, in text and drawings, facets of being a child - being afraid, decision-making as well as taking care of your body as examples. Giving a name to their feelings and recognizing that everyone makes mistakes provides a child with information and comfort.

Review: Another wonderful book! Not only is the reader encouraged and affirmed "just because", but also for each challenge presented, a solution is given. The child is not left wondering what to do when they feel scared or when they have strong feelings. Assurance is given that these feelings are valid and appropriately belong to the child. Being able and encouraged to identify needs is included as well. The graphics have a polished clean look to them. Each double-page spread is framed like a picture with loads of detail and appealing colors to interest little eyes. The suggested age group of this book is 3-8 years old.

Media Title: I'm a Girl! Author: Lila Jukes Illustrated By: Susan Keeter Media Type: Soft copy book ISBN: 1-56790-519-6 Genre: Children, girls, affirmation

Summary: This small book packs a powerful message. It suggests that because a girl is strong, courageous, smart, powerful, independent and valuable, she is beautiful. Each attribute is illustrated by several everyday actions of a child. The independent girl is shown buying things at a small grocery, checking out books at the library, feeding her dog and cheering herself up.

Review: Wow - I wish every child believed they were strong, courageous, smart, powerful, independent and valuable.  All the girls in this book appear to be middle-school age, but the message is appropriate for all ages. I love how all the examples of things a child does to show these attributes are realistic, everyday activities. The illustration style may not appeal to everyone and may seem messy to some readers. I thought the overall color scheme was too dark and found the style and color selection to be a distraction from the wonderful message rather than a reinforcement of it. Also, I wish that the book had been titled "I am!" rather than "I am a Girl!". It presents a wonderful message to all children. I would hate for someone to not select this book because they did not identify as a girl. Finally, the book ends with "she is beautiful' as if that is the absolute best thing a girl can be. As American women, physical beauty is something we are told we should strive for, but while this is a good story about all sorts of things that can make you beautiful (strength, courage, etc.), having the punchline being beauty-based does imply that beautiful is the best thing you can be.

Conclusion: These three books present terrific affirmations in easy to understand language. They deliver their messages with different styles, colors and techniques and yet all present a positive and diverse representation of people, ages and occupations. As I noted previously, I believe that hatred, racism and sexism are all learned behaviors that can be defeated if adults live by example and communicate with children in a way that does not create and encourage these divisive attributes. If you are raising a child or are in contact with children, I suggest that you make sure your bookshelves are packed with books such as the examples that I am reviewing and read them often with a child or by yourself. Our future world will be determined upon your action.

[wehavethoughts]

The Appeal Review!

By: John Grisham, 2008 Media Type: Large Print, Soft copy book ISBN: 978-0-7393-2766-1 Genre: Legal drama

Review by: MargeMod Rating: Flower

Content Warning: Death, Family Loss, Depression, Leukemia, Cancer, Wrongful Death, Corporate Impropriety

This review DOES CONTAIN spoilers for The Appeal.

Summary:  A family devastated by several deaths from industrial pollution receives a massive award. The book opens with a wrongful death verdict that includes $40 million for loss caused by environmental dumping by the town's largest employer. The story follows the company's legal and illegal actions to undermine the verdict and influence the appeal decision.

"...in Washington money arrives through a myriad of strange and nebulous conduits...In most democracies the transference of so much cash would be considered outright corruption, but in Washington the corruption has been legalized." (The Appeal, Chapter 37)

Review: I have read a lot of John Grisham novels and he is an expert in weaving interesting stories with engaging characters, believable twists and turns, and lots of good guys and bad guys. Sometimes the reader doesn't always know which side everyone is on, which can add to the thrill. In The Appeal, the good guys and bad guys are clear (which is fine), but the ending is a shock (not fine).

My favorite characters were the attorneys for the victim, wife and husband team who go all-in to finance their defense of the appeal including mortgaging their home, downsizing everything including getting a smaller older car, giving up eating out for mac and cheese at home. They were lovable, tenacious and fun to read.

When the new justice was elected (which I saw coming) and when his own child was severely injured and probably permanently disabled because of medical mistakes (saw that coming, too) the reader thinks they know how the appeal will play out. The author has given the characters a reasonable avenue to set things right. It’s a terrific read… until the end.

In my introduction as a reviewer, I said that the novels I enjoy don't have to be all sunshine and roses. I get that sometimes bad things happen, but I prefer that everything comes out in the wash and that the ending is satisfying. I like to read about how smart engaging people can figure out how to set everything right. In this regard, The Appeal left me unsatisfied.

This is a story about the many underhanded, legal and illegal things the bad guy uses to try to overturn a just verdict. The premise is interesting and compelling, but guess what? All their manipulations work! The ending has the bad guy sailing off on his huge new mega-yacht and the good guys are left battered and bankrupt. No thank you!

In the Author's Note, Grisham tells us that "...there is a lot of truth in this story. As long as private money is allowed in judicial elections we will see competing interests fight for seats on the bench. The issues are fairly common. Most of the warring factions are adequately described. The tactics are all familiar. The results are not far off the mark."

I'm not interested in my fiction mirroring reality this closely. Maybe this book was written (~2008) as a cautionary tale. Maybe it was an exposé. Was Grisham a visionary? I don't know. What I do know is that in my fiction, I need entertainment, twists and turns, questionable actions, suspense, joy, hope and a believable satisfying conclusion. For me, the bad guys should not come out on top. Deceit, bribery and manipulation should not be narratively rewarded. I guess I need to educate myself on judicial election reform.

Tldr; This book was the ultimate rollercoaster, but with a crash for the ending. An enjoyable exciting ride, but the final scene made me wish I didn't get on.

[wehavethoughts]

Furry Logic Review!

Title: Furry Logic -  A Guide to Life's Little Challenges

Author: Jane Seabrook

Publisher: Ten Speed Press, 2004

ISBN: 1-58008-569-5

Media Type: Hard copy book

Genre: Humor, Art, Life Lessons, Encouragement

Website: www.furrylogicbooks.com

 Reviewed By: MargeMod

Rating: 

Summary: Book of insightful/inspirational quotations matched with original artwork of animals. Approximately 40 pages laid out with one quotation and one drawing per spread.

Review: You could be forgiven if you assume this small (6” x 6”), bright (heavy weight paper with crisp clear colors) book that pairs original drawings of animals with clever quotations is a lightweight effort. It is in fact a perfect presentation which allows the reader to appreciate simple quotations and extraordinary watercolors. How can each animal's face/position/orientation be so expressive?

The answer to that question can be found in the Author's Note where Jane Seabrook explains her technique for building each color layer using a single hair sable brush. Amazing! I tried to pick out my favorite saying, but I couldn't, so let me offer you two: "Life is full of challenge and frustration, but sooner or later you'll find the hairstyle you like."

And:  "Never eat more than you can lift." This book should be in your library, but not up on your shelf. Keep it somewhere handy for frequent smiles and reflection.

(Bouquet icon by Vectors Point from the Noun Project)

[wehavethoughts]

What Animal Are You? Review!

Title:  What Animal Are You?

Author: Jeremy Bronson 

Illustrator: Liz Phang 

Publisher: Rabbit's Foot Press 2002 

ISBN: 1-58786-010-4

Media Type: Soft copy book

Genre: Humor, Self Awareness

Reviewed By: MargeMod

Rating: 

Summary: The author promises the reader a "life-changing adventure through the human mind and across the animal kingdom."  After completing the initial 25 questions, the reader is then directed to a specific personality chapter where you walk through 5 additional questions, which narrows the search down to a specific animal.  Each animal has a one-page description.

Review: This book is easy to read and funny.  Each animal designation was presented with positive & negative elements.  In addition to being entertained (which I was), I was also expecting to learn something about human nature and animals (which I was promised). However, no source references were given, neither were any studies or sources provided to back up the author's assertions. As a reader I was expected to simply assume that the author knew what he was talking about - not something any reader should be expected to do. Further, the reader was not given any suggestions for additional reading.  I gave the book my lowest rating because I thought a "life-changing" adventure should involve learning, and not simply entertainment.

(Sprout Icon by Jae Deasigner from The Noun Project)

[wehavethoughts]

Daily Calm Review!

Media Title: Daily Calm via the Calm app Writer and Narrator: Tamara Levitt Media Type: Podcast/Audio media Genre: Meditation, Self-help Reviewed by: MargeMod Content Warnings/Spoilers: None

Rating: One flower out of a Full Bouquet

Summary: Daily Calm is a guided meditation session that explores a single, specific theme such as Alleviating Worry, Letting Go or Self Soothing. Each meditation is around 10 minutes long and a new one is sent to subscribers of the meditation service Calm every morning. Guided meditation is when a narrator talks you through the meditation steps (position, relaxation, focus, breathing, etc.) and/or offers observations for consideration, so previous experience in meditation is not necessary. The author and narrator for all these meditations is Tamara Levitt.

Review: Just about everyone agrees that meditation is good for your health and your soul, and I agree. Meditation has been practiced for centuries - structure, pace and individual techniques vary. I have found that for me, a relatively short (less than 30 minutes), guided meditation is wonderfully comforting, strengthening and somehow so grounding that when I finish the meditation I am refreshed, focused and happy.

The Daily Calm is great because a brand new meditation is delivered every day and you can listen to it whenever it suits your schedule. I found the Daily Calm topics to be wonderful and the music/nature sounds used as background or played during the non-narrated times to perfectly match the topic. The only reason the Daily Calm did not get my highest rating was because I did not love the narrator's voice (I found it to be too monotonous). A quick look at the comments on the Daily Calm YouTube sessions will show that many people find it very soothing, however, it just did not work for me. I do appreciate that in order to offer support during this crazy time, some previously recorded Daily Calm sessions have been made available to everyone on YouTube.

Receiving a new Daily Calm each day was a gentle reminder to care for myself and I liked the convenience of it coming to me. I encourage the designers to invite other narrators to give listeners variety. Regardless of how you do it, your heart and soul will thank you for taking the time to meditate.

[wehavethoughts]

WeHaveMods!

By now you know that WeHaveThoughts! So, allow us to introduce who we are! 

TideMod

Hello, TideMod here! I’m a recent PhD grad who is just a huge nerd about SciFi/Fantasy (SFF) media of all kinds. Most of my reviews will fall under the very broad SFF umbrella, with a focus on movies and TV shows. I will occasionally branch out and review media set in the real world, but don’t hold your breath. The media I review will be rated out of 5 waves:

with one wave meaning that the media offended me greatly and I wouldn’t recommend it to anyone, and five waves indicating that, as far as I can judge, it was perfect in every way. 

I love media that prioritizes diversity and creative world-building. Dragons, pirates, and complex magic systems will automatically add at least half a wave because I just love them so much. I am always a sucker for happy endings, so I will very rarely rate ‘grimdark’ or hopeless media highly. 

And before you ask: No! My PhD is not in anything remotely related to Media Studies! I’m a scientist with way too many thoughts!

PodMod

Hi! I'm PodMod! After being lovingly appointed 'Podcast Queen' by my loved ones, I'm excited to share podcast reviews with WHT! My rating system will be 'hot mics' on a scale of 1-5, with 5 hot mics being terrific, and 1 hot mic being poor. My reviews will focus on content, host, information, and delivery. Please note: Sound quality is important, but if a podcast rates highly in other areas, poor sound quality will not factor in as weightily in their review. 

So what can you expect to be reviewed? If you were hoping for a more centrist approach, you will be disappointed to know that there will be no reviews of podcasts such as 'Mike Rowe's Dirty Jobs' or 'The Rush Limbaugh Morning Update'. If the podcast is at all conservative or too centrist, it is automatically disqualified from review.

What you CAN expect are reviews of podcasts that promote empathy, education, humor, and intersectionality, and of course, true crime podcasts (with the stipulation that the podcast host(s) speak respectfully about the victims and survivors). ;) I'm excited to share reviews to podcasts that make us better and more thoughtful individuals and inhabitants of our little planet.

CinniMod

Hi! I enjoy exploring the world through food and working with new spices. For the past two years, I have attempted at least one new recipe a month.  

My reviews will mainly feature recipes that I have tried, and will include notes on any alterations I may make. Some dishes are meant to be an all-day affair, while others are a weeknight dinner. I love making both! The time it takes to complete the recipe will generally not factor into the overall rating. 

My rating system will be out of five cinnamon rolls. Five cinnamon rolls indicate that the end result is well worth the effort, the recipe was easy to follow, and I’ll make it again. One cinnamon roll means that the end result was unsalvageable and/or the recipe was difficult to follow.

DogMod

Hi there, I'm DogMod, an eclectic lover of content, including cartoons, documentaries, fiction novels, and comics. Only the tastiest of media will do for me and I cannot wait to share with you the best tastes and worst wastes of the web, written word, and streaming services. My reviews will be rated in tastiness, as in, "in short, this book was delectable, a mega'tasty treat of literary delight. A super fine 5 out of 5 Tasty." Or, "this book would have been better off if it would have just stayed a tree. At least then you might get something tasty like maple syrup, or a hickory nut out of it. 0 out of 5 Tasty, and God help anyone who ever has to read this.” Let's get lapping up the best and forgetting the rest- together!

MargeMod

I have retired after nearly 40 years in public service. I come from a large extended family and have been a hospice volunteer for approximately 10 years. I have always enjoyed reading and was raised in a home with loads of books (Thanks, Mom) and a stern attitude for "wasting my time by sitting around" (Come on, Dad).  My life journey is movement toward happiness for myself and those around me.

My reviews will be on a variety of books relating to: Encouragement; Answering life's little and big questions; Self-help; and an occasional straight-forward Murder Mystery.

I will have only 3 rating categories: 

A sprout is the lowest rating and it will indicate that the author did not capture my interest and I will not be looking for more work by that author. A single flower means that I enjoyed the book and will probably look for other works by this author. A full bouquet indicates that I loved the book, will definitely look for more works by this author, and highly recommend that you read it. Highest reviews will go to books that teach me something, are humorous, and/or hold my interest. I dislike violence against innocents, topics I can’t relate to, and when I can’t figure out what the heck the author is trying to say.

DesignMod

Welcome to my digital space centered on interior design! I’m DesignMod, your humble host on a journey thinking through the material aesthetics of our living spaces. On this page, we’ll discuss books found in the interior design or home organizing sections of your library. My goal is to identify which books encourage personal creativity and expression, and offer insightful guidance that is accessible to all people. 

I also hope to curate a collection that strays away from the typical audience of this genre: rich, white, Christian women. These types of books are --for many reasons-- marketed to people who have time and money, who are culturally shaped to express themselves within the domestic space, yet in a way that also insists upon pleasing visitors and guests. I hope to open the discussion of interior design to all audiences, because I think that being mindful of our living spaces will make us all happier and more peaceful when we interact in the world and with people around us.

I will rate these literatures on a scale of one to six geese. One goose could mean that the book: isn’t worth your while in terms of style, is incredibly illegible or hard to understand, is classist or inconsiderate of lower socio-economic classes, or simply isn’t what it says it is. The prize of six geese will be awarded only the most stellar books, those that inspire genuine creativity, offer insightful advice and knowledge, are written for the proletariat, and actually are fun to read.

I, DesignMod, have a Masters degree in cultural studies --she’s verbose. My goal is to write a blog with accessible yet articulate information on how we learn how to take care of our living spaces. I enjoy tending to my plants, drawing kawaii illustrations, learning languages, and thinking critically about the world. My favorite animal is a seal (aka water doggo), and I also very much love pelicans, hippos, elephants, and puppy angels (especially pit bulls and other thicc bois and girls.)

Icon Credits from the Noun Project:

Wave by Nawicon

Podcast by Jejen Juliansyah Nur Agung 

Cinnamon Roll by Kaylen Yul Lee

Teeth Biting Tongue by Vectors Point

Sprout by Jae Deasigner 

Flower by Hat-Tech

Bouquet by Vectors Point

Goose by Tatyana