tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-73112322817774685432024-03-13T08:44:44.793-07:00My Life With Books A lot of books get published each year. A few get read while the others are ignored.
In this blog I would like to present some book reviews of books I have read and feel are important enough for you to read also.
Feel free to suggest books which you feel I should review for you. I will consider them. Dane Swansonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03374340099795666042noreply@blogger.comBlogger293125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7311232281777468543.post-46596148375440921802024-01-17T14:43:00.000-08:002024-01-17T14:43:13.480-08:00Keppan by Jayne Zehngut and Cynthia Salasovich<p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> For those who enjoy good reading, I highly recommend this. It is the first book written by these authors and it is handled well.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_J8YQYFib9oEZPdQP9wisT2ZhThdYTpOdnELXeTtpCAfLfNlftzITa2xC8Fx1f9RkkWOfU-7WAb4SrqiPZOBniJ_fT4OeDe8ur4tiE3vOolAahu8fBy3BDGFBPAItn5LPCkLPNy9I0yHpRG3oPrNN2Pf8n8BDTqfpzSdf1g7cGfURW4PPLjbAxrIugLSB/s180/keppan-artist's%20blood%20oath.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="169" data-original-width="180" height="169" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_J8YQYFib9oEZPdQP9wisT2ZhThdYTpOdnELXeTtpCAfLfNlftzITa2xC8Fx1f9RkkWOfU-7WAb4SrqiPZOBniJ_fT4OeDe8ur4tiE3vOolAahu8fBy3BDGFBPAItn5LPCkLPNy9I0yHpRG3oPrNN2Pf8n8BDTqfpzSdf1g7cGfURW4PPLjbAxrIugLSB/s1600/keppan-artist's%20blood%20oath.jpg" width="180" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><p></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">It is set in the art world. The story begins with the death of an well known Japanese artist by his car going over the side of the hill n Topanga Canyon.. Was it murder or was it an accident? </span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">It is a case for Hercuree Lewis and Toni Nicholas, Yes. It is a female protagonist; both LAPD detectives. Art forgery and murder form the crime. The case moves from Los Angeles to Japan and back.</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Great research was required to get all the details of the art world. and Japanese culture in order to make this story read authentic. </span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">It seems the art work was authenticated by an ink made of the artists blood in the signature area. This made sure the artists DNA was there. As you knw, DNA is not transferable.</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">For those of us who know mystery writing we know there must be a victim , a killer, and a detective or someone who can bring the killer to justice. These ladies have a grasp of that formula.</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">It is suspenseful and detailed. It is an easy read. It is published by a small Beverly Hills company called Cool Titles. It came out in November/December 2023 so it is current. It can be ordered in paperback from Amazon. I am sure you can get it from Barnes and Noble. Since it has been published recently I am sure it can be seen soon in a local bookstore near you.</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Good reading to you all.</span></p>Dane Swansonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03374340099795666042noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7311232281777468543.post-78430408890783068892024-01-13T14:34:00.000-08:002024-01-17T14:45:41.535-08:00The Super Puzzle by Mark Hamilton<p> This will be quite different from other book reviews. I am doing this one on a large book which is part of a series of books-- a trilogy it turns out. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLrjlMhfajrcUT6QJH9bcBxzsgmKbKKeMt8fJLR7717MmWkG8N4NMXQetnSpXPrgHQ-KW2l8SMCUsYbf_-4ScBxxjWaOMvrZl9iSMMoXHmadiLK46tk3n42V0FHTF5Qv4do0g1HCQFdGrpPix13B7dOGycxTflAfRnutu8lJHR14juiOjULYSW6XGzcBL2/s263/books2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="192" data-original-width="263" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLrjlMhfajrcUT6QJH9bcBxzsgmKbKKeMt8fJLR7717MmWkG8N4NMXQetnSpXPrgHQ-KW2l8SMCUsYbf_-4ScBxxjWaOMvrZl9iSMMoXHmadiLK46tk3n42V0FHTF5Qv4do0g1HCQFdGrpPix13B7dOGycxTflAfRnutu8lJHR14juiOjULYSW6XGzcBL2/s1600/books2.jpg" width="263" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>First of all, this book is not available for the public reader. For some reason , if you hear about it, it will be because a letter has been sent to you stating that you have been chosen by something called the Secret Society to receive a chance to receive (For a high price, or otherwise free) ((Don't try to unpuzzle that)) a manuscript which only a small selected few ever see.</p><p>Using the coded secrets in this book ( and there will be two others needed to unlock the code) you will be able to become rich, attain and draw loved ones to you, give back great value to the world. </p><p>A Mister Mark Hamilton has penned this trilogy releasing the secrets of this society.</p><p>Is it for real? Well, if you believe the letter you received reporting that you have been chosen.</p><p> You won't find this series of manuscripts in a book store or library. Only if you responded to this letter.</p><p>In my research I have come to the conclusion it is a marketing ploy.. </p><p>The character development is zero. The plot is centered around a Miss Annabelle who trains 12 students, all 8-years of age when the book opens, to think in Neothink about things This gets her in trouble and she is thrown out of teaching, The students grow up to do great things using this Neothink philosophy. </p><p>Hamilton says this is written in code and can be picked up. by your right brain as you read.</p><p>He states- when you read this secret manuscript twelve very good things will happen to you.</p><p>I have finished book one and am still waiting.</p><p>Again he states- as you read, you will easily and automatically absorb the secret ancient and modern powers money/power giants used exclusively by them throughout history.</p><p>My advice- don't respond if you recie3ve this letter. The book series seems to be a way for money to pass from your wallet to his bank account.</p><p>Read good books. This is not one you need bother with if you are a chosen one by this secret society.</p>Dane Swansonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03374340099795666042noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7311232281777468543.post-33246632507474553762023-06-19T11:26:00.000-07:002023-06-19T11:26:16.027-07:00Proving Ground by Kathy Kleiman<p> </p><p>This is one story that should be told. It has been hidden for too long.. In fact, I suspect it is forgotten. part of computer history. </p><p>A proving ground is a place where things are tested and prototypes are developed.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxwusMdqS8IbFEPsatzr8CaVsVJBLgjDzKoZCLs5FCSpBRuyl2YyFnvH4RSkBvTQaordK_KJP7kKTQltBZbdYl3ziwrZQ_1gN09LOpx41qwk98hhyswQxQD_9OhpoJNWAqeRHTpEli7QJWlF9vYKtI3N1BVmKk5zyNn_O5p7d5KSY0p_XLCSu4FgZkWbU7/s276/Proving%20ground.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="276" data-original-width="183" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxwusMdqS8IbFEPsatzr8CaVsVJBLgjDzKoZCLs5FCSpBRuyl2YyFnvH4RSkBvTQaordK_KJP7kKTQltBZbdYl3ziwrZQ_1gN09LOpx41qwk98hhyswQxQD_9OhpoJNWAqeRHTpEli7QJWlF9vYKtI3N1BVmKk5zyNn_O5p7d5KSY0p_XLCSu4FgZkWbU7/w133-h200/Proving%20ground.jpg" width="133" /></a></div><br /> <p></p><p>Once upon a time there was a machine called the ENAIC. That part is known, What isn't known is that six women were responsible for getting it to work. It started in a small room at the Moore School., a respected engineering institution.. During the second world war there was a need by the Army to calculate artillery equations to help the war effort. </p><p> But how to program a general purpose program for the use they saw? It would need mathematical knowledge. </p><p>Six women applied. They had to break into a male dominated world.. </p><p>Today if you were to ask about them you would probably get blank looks. During the war we had computers, people who worked the machines, but few acknowledged females.</p><p> It is about time now for us to remember them. </p><p>I found this enjoyable and very informative.</p><p>It should be read by everyone. </p><p>The book is published by Grand Rapids Publishing and can be purchased for around $30.00 at a local book store. Or go to your local library and read it. </p><p>It is a good book for computer history.</p><p> </p>Dane Swansonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03374340099795666042noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7311232281777468543.post-76743472271052754142023-05-22T13:11:00.000-07:002023-05-22T13:11:08.206-07:00Looking For That Book<p> A side discussion for a while. I have been reviewing books that come my way. I have even reviewed books through the years that the Santa Monica library discusses during their book-read month each year.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR0OyIhkH2aoCu_3tt5Jx7R7gxgfKBSUOU9g4RkghzHrhmxV4A90jifotHQX8YqubulvJtZTbkksRLv1gOsMHl9e9e5fx2jL5h19nQoG-EAVJxg_nk1vPIjPliM2N5yJ0Gf98MMJIgtEZ3vw-sNZ11z0FUH-OH6he7zNNEKr7hFbrlD_XPfg52SIwzOQ/s263/books2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="192" data-original-width="263" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR0OyIhkH2aoCu_3tt5Jx7R7gxgfKBSUOU9g4RkghzHrhmxV4A90jifotHQX8YqubulvJtZTbkksRLv1gOsMHl9e9e5fx2jL5h19nQoG-EAVJxg_nk1vPIjPliM2N5yJ0Gf98MMJIgtEZ3vw-sNZ11z0FUH-OH6he7zNNEKr7hFbrlD_XPfg52SIwzOQ/s1600/books2.jpg" width="263" /></a></div> But there may be some of you out there who are just wondering how do hyou find a book tnat you have heard about. Or that hard to find text book.<p></p><p> My suggestion is Biblio.com.</p><p> I recommend and if you should use the link to go in and buy using my link, the company will share the profits with me at no cost to you. <a href="https://shareasale.com/r.cfm?b=385748&u=2296457&m=40674&urllink=&afftrack=">Biblio.com</a></p><p> I am sure you will be satisfied.<br /></p>Dane Swansonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03374340099795666042noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7311232281777468543.post-61688568646706085692023-04-15T13:38:00.004-07:002023-04-15T13:46:39.709-07:00Fairy Tale A Novel by Stephen King<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvgYdKOKX-FGlNk7NOBE7A--eZju0sLMBMf2BqZoV-pZyHuSewUWJDQgwH4KJsNYlttAEkkkyZqVyz9n28ucRpptfQl31McsdrswXcOzGU7E6h41ElakUr3qEJE8I_CjHfuNzYkuJY8BdLZgiDQ3MRKjETolBymBhuroH0DMs2oHJlA8jVxt-TsVJWOQ/s120/Fairy%20Tale.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="120" data-original-width="79" height="120" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvgYdKOKX-FGlNk7NOBE7A--eZju0sLMBMf2BqZoV-pZyHuSewUWJDQgwH4KJsNYlttAEkkkyZqVyz9n28ucRpptfQl31McsdrswXcOzGU7E6h41ElakUr3qEJE8I_CjHfuNzYkuJY8BdLZgiDQ3MRKjETolBymBhuroH0DMs2oHJlA8jVxt-TsVJWOQ/w96-h120/Fairy%20Tale.jpg" width="96" /></a></div><br /> <p></p><p>King has done it again. He has written a book which will hold you entranced.</p><p> In the past he got side tracked, I feel, in social novels . at least to me; that is what the <i>Mr. Mercedes</i> trilogy seemed to be.</p><p> Here you once again will find giants, the walking dead, the large oversized bugs. The pace is full steam ahead once he establishes mood. He is a master at mood. He has said in the past in his <i>Danse Macabre </i>he aims for the gross out</p><p>He retains his voice in this one. It is written in first person. You are seeing the fairy world, an alternate universe under the ground, as he experiences it. It is run by fairy tale principles. It is driven by a curse that needs to be overcome. King refers to a lot of books of the genre which enhances the readers enjoyment if they have been exposed to them. If not, a person can always list them to be read later.</p><p>King's books are best read to be digested slowly letting every incident slowly circulate in the mind.</p><p>In short, King has a style that is identifiable as King. It looks easier than it is. Lovecraft had it. King has it. Other writers in this genre seem to develop it. If you are looking for sowe thing to keep you reading, you have found it.</p><p> Of courser you can find this book at your local bookstore. It is about 600 pages and is published by Scribner. Or you could find it in your local library.</p>Dane Swansonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03374340099795666042noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7311232281777468543.post-28737336984732017902023-04-03T19:58:00.000-07:002023-04-03T19:58:28.505-07:00So Help Me God by Mke Pence<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj7M0cvcFvyZVPnOU-Qh26hPDlpCYzWR2h4sCLEPIhQmYg1dBdfZJnx-L4AujsZjjLuS5Ha9HE6IOOJ1KajY1gJ6dEIIYPCD64qWvhwg3pfjy1PnrcvRefi4e0Zg__Gh72wBfVTHldftqUXHJKpBjuYSNwu1-Qlscc1IJ1cK4dG_K_c-LbrUghxSAoLg/s250/Pence.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="250" data-original-width="166" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj7M0cvcFvyZVPnOU-Qh26hPDlpCYzWR2h4sCLEPIhQmYg1dBdfZJnx-L4AujsZjjLuS5Ha9HE6IOOJ1KajY1gJ6dEIIYPCD64qWvhwg3pfjy1PnrcvRefi4e0Zg__Gh72wBfVTHldftqUXHJKpBjuYSNwu1-Qlscc1IJ1cK4dG_K_c-LbrUghxSAoLg/w133-h200/Pence.jpg" width="133" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div> January 6, 2021 will always be remembered as the day the mob stormed the United Sates Capital trying to stop a mandated counting and reaffirming of election results.<div>What lead up to this moment? Historians will need a proper account of what lead up to this. And who better to leave them an account than the person who was directly involved in the event as the vice president.</div><div> This is a honest look at what type of person is Mike Pence. And from his own mouth. </div><div> "I was not afraid, but I was angry. I was angry at what I saw, how it desecrated the seat of our democracy, and dishonored the patriotism of millions of our supporters", he reports.</div><div> Get to know the man. He is not Trump, whom he served with. Don't paint him with the same brush. </div><div> In this book he comes across as maybe a bit too trusting. He seems to look for the good side of people over much. A trusting person. But he also appears to readjust and keep going when he over trusts.</div><div> His Christian stance seems true. His daily lifestyle seems to be attractive.</div><div> Pence does not pull punches. And I think in the years to come when the historians look for source material to record the history of this period that this autobiography will be one they can use. </div><div> I recommend this book for everyone. There will no doubt be many books penned about this time in American history. The books written of the period should be accurate and trustworthy. I think this is one of those books.</div><div> The book is published by Simon & Schuster and my be purchased from your local bookstore. Or you may find a copy in your local library.</div>Dane Swansonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03374340099795666042noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7311232281777468543.post-16027140896799424612023-01-02T11:42:00.011-08:002023-01-02T11:54:19.382-08:00Is Christianity for Me? by Nat Crawford<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJbynIot1Zzbm7wvmSPzEW41BH1oHiuOxOF7puqJrCS4of9fXOrXsIqKnNYGrIkHwiI9c8T5Fo4Rm4k0l4qnF73uI-zCjiy1kv8aBYUzmG9beXDzw7MXK9Lz8KefXhokXcjyCVMeM2uhIUdlAXD_reozm0G5m26uWnvQh6qEYOL1DOPFCjYtBkkjospQ/s263/books2.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="192" data-original-width="263" height="146" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJbynIot1Zzbm7wvmSPzEW41BH1oHiuOxOF7puqJrCS4of9fXOrXsIqKnNYGrIkHwiI9c8T5Fo4Rm4k0l4qnF73uI-zCjiy1kv8aBYUzmG9beXDzw7MXK9Lz8KefXhokXcjyCVMeM2uhIUdlAXD_reozm0G5m26uWnvQh6qEYOL1DOPFCjYtBkkjospQ/w200-h146/books2.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p>This book is a winner. There are lots of books out there attempting to explain Christian beliefs. Most do good jobs. This one is just right.</p><p> The author is one of the Back to The Bible teachers. In fact, he heads up the Podcast <i>Win The Day</i> sponsored by Back to the Bible. You can find him at <a href="https://www.backtothebible.org" target="_blank">https://www.backtothebible.org </a></p><p> It is written in the genre of apologetics. Apologetics is not apology but a defense of belief systems. This book has the subtitle of <u>Rediscovering The Evidence and Implications of the Faith. </u> And that is what it does.</p><p> Issues such as The Existence of God , Why is There Suffering?, What is The Christian's Job Description?, and more are covered in an easy to read in an understandable style. I recommend you listen to Back To The Bible and see if you can get a copy </p><p> It is sent to those who make a donation to Back to The Bible and request it.</p><p> Nat Crawford has his MA in Apologetics and Biblical exposition and is working towards his doctrinal studies as of 2021. So he is not aiming for only head knowledge. He can be seen on the Podcast daily. </p><p> </p>Dane Swansonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03374340099795666042noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7311232281777468543.post-42979045152834455082022-11-28T10:43:00.000-08:002022-11-28T10:43:30.154-08:00Unmasked by Paul Holes<p> It is not easy doing cold cases. </p><p> Have you ever asked yourself just what kind of person does this type of work? Or what type of life style does it take?</p><p> Paul Holes, along with Robin Gaby Fisher, pens a book that could help you put flesh to the person who does this type of forensics work.</p><p> "My ex-wife used to say my job was my mistress, and I chose my mistress over everyone," writes Holes.</p><p> Just what type of mind set does it develop? </p><p> Holes takes you with him as he works his job as a crime solver. It has the sub-title <i>My Life Solving American's Cold Cases.</i> And he lets you see the losses he suffered as he narrowed his attention to his one passion- to close these cases.</p><p> This book isn't a collection of individual snapshots as are some other true crime books. This is a daily over the shoulder journey of a crime fighter. He does close some cases. But his frustration also is allowed to be recorded..</p><p> "Few people know the pressures of the woeful world of homicide ..not one to be entered lightly...No one leaves unscathed." he observes.</p><p> I see the main case dominating the story is finding who he calls the East Area Rapist. It took him many years to close that cold case. </p><p> "A psychological sadist... brandishing control, tying up and blindfolding his victims, before ordering them to sexually satisfy him," is how he described the person.</p><p> This book can be read by people interested in true crime non-fiction. It is not for the casual reader. Nor for the thrill seeker. It is serious.</p><p> You may be able to find this in your local library or bookstore. It runs around $28.99 in hard cover. The publisher is Celadon Books, a Division of Macmillan Publishers.</p><p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIFIhvuqjpIWbe40lBaZDvuv_WFujjr3a1b3u5TZJiV61cSKJF4EYIALDQuC0pX_GGWXLqogC2Mgaml_kGBAGSS4_Bqj9zp0ouUbNJvyfR2cwNBjNJxB9DnQaMHQGy8W2jshHm8BNx_dm-dfWQtYvU7lOi4VX7-MDCT3RWf2ALjvUgQF3IEDBDiKG8_g/s120/unmasked.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="120" data-original-width="79" height="120" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIFIhvuqjpIWbe40lBaZDvuv_WFujjr3a1b3u5TZJiV61cSKJF4EYIALDQuC0pX_GGWXLqogC2Mgaml_kGBAGSS4_Bqj9zp0ouUbNJvyfR2cwNBjNJxB9DnQaMHQGy8W2jshHm8BNx_dm-dfWQtYvU7lOi4VX7-MDCT3RWf2ALjvUgQF3IEDBDiKG8_g/s1600/unmasked.jpg" width="79" /></a></div><br /><p></p>Dane Swansonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03374340099795666042noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7311232281777468543.post-3882620081020788722022-09-08T11:39:00.000-07:002022-09-08T11:39:35.581-07:00Quiet by Susan Cain<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP_MDBfKTi0jUVXEAsINKZup-jMEMmsX8sfGLA43jRhOOJ-0MZRp6kyKWfhJqO19i4VpDpc-J3e_Bb6OTRVF-lZXSnA_KMXvC__NhNQgU3tUyrpjjRksXpf2z9ZlnNtKYRiD5KbKKVyTt0-0Fywg5nrQy5pawuzstVL9q-1Hz_hORVh1sLFAZ9fJ0Xiw/s263/books2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="192" data-original-width="263" height="146" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP_MDBfKTi0jUVXEAsINKZup-jMEMmsX8sfGLA43jRhOOJ-0MZRp6kyKWfhJqO19i4VpDpc-J3e_Bb6OTRVF-lZXSnA_KMXvC__NhNQgU3tUyrpjjRksXpf2z9ZlnNtKYRiD5KbKKVyTt0-0Fywg5nrQy5pawuzstVL9q-1Hz_hORVh1sLFAZ9fJ0Xiw/w200-h146/books2.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br /> The world is made up of two types of people. They are introverts and extroverts. About one third of the population is an introvert. There is nothing wrong with that. It is the introvert who thinks through the problem and gets it fixed. The extrovert is in motion and may not, unless he is a mix, slow down enough to realize the pleasure of slowing down and smelling the roses.<p></p><p> This book has the subtitle of -- <i>The Power of Introverts in a World That Can't Stop Talking</i>. It has been in print now for a decade. I mention it because it is a good study and well written.. It is not a text book so the general reader will not get lost in the reading.</p><p> Cain opens with an introduction concerning the layout of introversion and extroversion. I recommend you don't skip it. She sections it into four parts. In the first she covers the myth of charismatic leadership. In the second she looks at the biology asking if the temperament is destiny.</p><p> A short third section, which is only one chapter in length, wants to know if all cultures have an idea of extroversion. And we end up in the fourth section looking at extroversion and introversion in love and work situations. </p><p> Cain is an introvert and contends that the introvert is vastly underrated. Personality traits exist and they are shaping our lives in profound ways.</p><p> This 352 page book has a study guide at the end for those who wish to use this in a discussion group.</p><p> The book is published by Crown Publishers (Random House) and can be found at Barnes & Noble, Amazon (Kindle) , and Audio Books. Your local library should have a copy for you to check out. </p><p> </p>Dane Swansonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03374340099795666042noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7311232281777468543.post-27133607857975665562022-07-31T16:50:00.000-07:002022-07-31T16:50:10.364-07:00The Splendid And The Vile by Eric Larson<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw0q7YCEeV7wprzyoMBrOePxdo7ZNxmnjcE1ZL_Vzayq0cghgr0kJ9keA8iUl8tqouWDi7J49MspEY6O9s_VA-Q-sMeEmFjifVDFFuHAS1DjMI_yreFS1_2aSbXKPxQP9FBwxUyS-Xqn2SWtIT8CMTloQ1g4qmREq1zb23D2BErT0w2ZdOVTcnLy4yfg/s263/books2.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="192" data-original-width="263" height="146" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw0q7YCEeV7wprzyoMBrOePxdo7ZNxmnjcE1ZL_Vzayq0cghgr0kJ9keA8iUl8tqouWDi7J49MspEY6O9s_VA-Q-sMeEmFjifVDFFuHAS1DjMI_yreFS1_2aSbXKPxQP9FBwxUyS-Xqn2SWtIT8CMTloQ1g4qmREq1zb23D2BErT0w2ZdOVTcnLy4yfg/w200-h146/books2.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p> Any book which helps us understand history better is always welcome. Also this period of history needed to be explained. If anyone really asked how did the elevation of Churchill to the office of Prime Minister of England at the age of sixty-five contribute to the outcome of the war, this is the book to read.</p><p>Churchill rose to power at a time of history that was suited for him. He was not a man to give up or aback down. He seemed to hold a philosophy of if a person attacks you you attack back. Hitler seems to feel if he could destroy Britain, Churchill and the British people would give in. With the previous PM, Chamberlain, that would have been possible, but they picked on the wrong PM. This book covers the first year of Churchill's term as the Prime Minister .It also involves the people around Churchill such as his wife, his son, his daughter, his counselors. And the enemy, Hitler, Goebbels, Rudolf Hess and others. Churchill's objective was to get America to join him in the fight but it seems Roosevelt was afraid of the congress that kept him neutral. It wasn't until Pearl Harbor that he got the message. This book is well research and I recommend it to history buffs , not that the general public wouldn't also enjoy it. It is an easy read and delightful. </p><p>It is published by Crown and runs for about $32.00 in hardcover. You can find it in softcover. Your local bookstore should have it or you can find it in the library.</p>Dane Swansonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03374340099795666042noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7311232281777468543.post-49385729886199560722022-07-13T16:32:00.000-07:002022-07-13T16:32:01.098-07:00I, Saul by Jerry B. Jenkins<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEZd_0r1rdKR8IAOvezMUIVCKexvg8hAY9nl5pxc-gxMDhd27ZmBZLP4cxd-M9E3fnsnKhKBQbnBENmPuuHxEqQQmRKUUDA1MiueTVfs2FaxPSXSp7TK4yvvZoJtMzhTGnu_rdmr9obZ8twXnRdHp3dA5tyObWyJRS7nUN7d8sbPRsWKE9rSIHBJazag/s429/books3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="241" data-original-width="429" height="113" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEZd_0r1rdKR8IAOvezMUIVCKexvg8hAY9nl5pxc-gxMDhd27ZmBZLP4cxd-M9E3fnsnKhKBQbnBENmPuuHxEqQQmRKUUDA1MiueTVfs2FaxPSXSp7TK4yvvZoJtMzhTGnu_rdmr9obZ8twXnRdHp3dA5tyObWyJRS7nUN7d8sbPRsWKE9rSIHBJazag/w200-h113/books3.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br /> <p></p><p>Sure, this one is a book that has been out for a while. The copyright is 2013. Yet I still think it is a book that bears reading. Especially if you like stories of Biblical characters.</p><p> Done in two voices which alternate, moving from today, well, the present, you can read the twenty first century or twentieth-- it really doesn't slow down the story-- and in the second voice of the prisoner Paul in the city of Rome awaiting execution back in the days of Nero.</p><p> In the present day we have a seminary professor in the state of Texas, in a seminary just down the way from Dallas Seminary, trying to establish himself, getting a call from a fellow travel guide in Israel asking for help. Seems he has discovered a memoir by the Apostle Paul written concerning his early education as a Pharisee and his life as a strict protector of the law. </p><p> The other viewpoint is the first century. Paul in the pit at Rome. awaiting execution. Doctor Luke is helping him write his memoirs. They must hide it from the Roman guards or it will be destroyed.</p><p> Back to the present. It is discovered and some people don't want it published.</p><p> This is Jenkin's attempt at a thriller. It is a good read but not much of a thriller. It did bold my interest and I was not bored. The idea of a memoir of Paul is somewhat possible but as to Paul having done so, well, I don't really think he was that much of a person who worried about rehashing what was already recorded. </p><p> As I read the Scripture, he doesn't come across as that type of personality. He would have just been restating what had already been said. In Acts, he doesn't seem to be that way.</p><p> This book may still be on the shelve some where, But if you can't find it there in your local bookstore you can always try<a href="https://shrsl.com/3m0sx" target="_blank"> biblio.com.</a> </p><p> This book is published by Worthy Publishing and my copy was about $16.99. You may find it for less online.</p>Dane Swansonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03374340099795666042noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7311232281777468543.post-64492537180974829072022-07-07T10:48:00.000-07:002022-07-07T10:48:17.579-07:00Where I Was From<p></p><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="text-align: center;"> </span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjGjhyvOyHRSjAlm5LHEUdg14zCz1LJbVI7Rxj0V9LIZvA-ZVbsI01VNhqQx75XTQWBXkptWjgpKi6Nha1QbnrhI-1QrR7-D9qc7ftPJKKT61FJqF7c4AZNg38hC3yemfHPYUEYtoXWImzYRp81KbM2q3g_JnHzcf0ehc2QnFwirtJSpYZheGmt9aP2-g" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img alt="" data-original-height="112" data-original-width="147" height="221" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjGjhyvOyHRSjAlm5LHEUdg14zCz1LJbVI7Rxj0V9LIZvA-ZVbsI01VNhqQx75XTQWBXkptWjgpKi6Nha1QbnrhI-1QrR7-D9qc7ftPJKKT61FJqF7c4AZNg38hC3yemfHPYUEYtoXWImzYRp81KbM2q3g_JnHzcf0ehc2QnFwirtJSpYZheGmt9aP2-g=w315-h221" width="315" /></a></div><span><br /></span><p></p><p><span><span> </span> </span>Here we have a collection of essays by Joan Didion concerning early California history. As a writer She wrote lots of books. Her writing can be looked at as in the style of new journalism.</p><p> A good place to start with her writing is with <i> Slouching Toward Bethlehem </i> or <i>The White Album. </i>Maybe even at her 1070 book <i>Play it As It Lays.</i></p><p><span> </span>This book of her essays is not a good place to start. It is a bit disjointed with lack of transitions.</p><p><span> </span> Maybe that is the form of this movement of new journalism, but it still makes for a style that is, in my opinon, not easily readable. She uses inclusive pictures of social unrest and psychological fragmentation. This seems to be her style. It may not be for everyone.</p><p><span> I was handed this book as the 2022 Santa Monica Reads choice for discussion. It should be a good</span> discussion generator</p><p><br /></p><p><span><span> </span><br /></span></p>Dane Swansonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03374340099795666042noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7311232281777468543.post-52395557006144133842022-01-08T14:20:00.000-08:002022-01-08T14:20:08.175-08:00I'm Not Single, I Have a Dog by Susan Hartzler<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg38ziUo9iSbwQKxle3Zbq2y9atvvw5ipcwENNWbZ30NTiW6SolgS5wybec7MtSFr0ftHcBIPLPnh29eatyMLkxyf3bmvdVyhlnALKWqiv7Lja2qF_0vCHqrEFwnz_YuKu2EfqmFat3CNKIvgXAVZnLvRTxfJDtNPoBJgSTl29_0KgvKhBghZ5zXDnX2w=s120" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="120" data-original-width="80" height="120" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg38ziUo9iSbwQKxle3Zbq2y9atvvw5ipcwENNWbZ30NTiW6SolgS5wybec7MtSFr0ftHcBIPLPnh29eatyMLkxyf3bmvdVyhlnALKWqiv7Lja2qF_0vCHqrEFwnz_YuKu2EfqmFat3CNKIvgXAVZnLvRTxfJDtNPoBJgSTl29_0KgvKhBghZ5zXDnX2w" width="80" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p> It is not easy being single in a married environment. And the choices we make in our dating life sometimes are not the best. If you are willing to settle for anything in pants because you have a poor self image then you deserve what you get.</p><p>Susan Hartzler thought herself a good judge of character. But she didn't seem to be too good when it came to men. Put friends or dogs in front of her and she does fine. Yet when it came to mates, here she lacked.</p><p>Her first attempt was an abuser. Her second lasted a bit longer, but he didn't like dogs. He lasted longer because he met a need in her life to care for someone else. But he was not a provider.</p><p>This is the story of a woman seeking love. It has the subtitle <i>Dating Tales from the Bark Side.. </i></p><p>She had a childhood of abuse so she carried that in to her choice of men. But the story ends happily. It seems the dogs she had in the journey to discover herself and find acceptance as a single woman paid off.</p><p>Hartzler is open about herself and her story. It wasn't an easy life, but she made it.</p><p>This is a delightful book. The point is that we may disappoint one another, but dogs never do that to us.</p><p>This book is published by McFarland & Company. I am sure you can find it in your local bookstore, Amazon carries everything, so I would think you can find it there. Or you can easily find it by searching for it online. Or maybe your local library will have a copy. </p><p>Happy reading..</p><p><br /></p>Dane Swansonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03374340099795666042noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7311232281777468543.post-5670299009447368402022-01-04T16:37:00.001-08:002022-01-04T16:37:55.762-08:00Hungry For More by Adrienne Youdim M.D.<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7Cj7PABGkRWgyN7xltTQvrodM6795swnqBR9Nusujgy-jvwRutK1RVYK_qa3X4RpBW2JvhcJrxZE_VSFOnZ6iOwrOOeLxfJnAhaX3hu9Jl9uz_gQRZdmRKkdXyBntQX6F90F4CWpQoLij/" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="275" data-original-width="183" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7Cj7PABGkRWgyN7xltTQvrodM6795swnqBR9Nusujgy-jvwRutK1RVYK_qa3X4RpBW2JvhcJrxZE_VSFOnZ6iOwrOOeLxfJnAhaX3hu9Jl9uz_gQRZdmRKkdXyBntQX6F90F4CWpQoLij/" width="160" /></a></div><br /><br /><p></p><p> The New Year is here now, and I can bet one of your resolutions is to lose weight. We may start out with good intentions, but soon we need more than just the good intentions. We need a change of behavior. Something Doctor Youdim refers to as a hunger.</p><p>"Food security gets ingrained not only in our thoughts but also in our genes," she says. </p><p>We all hunger for more out of life that manifests in our actions which influence how we sleep. eat, work--all cone down to choice.</p><p>Dr. Youdim offers stories of patients she deals with as a nutrition specialist and puts each case under a category she refers to as a hunger. This book is not a diet book with meal plans. Oh, no. There is some psychology behind her tales, all true. She shares her journey as well as the journey of those who come consult with her. </p><p>The writing is a bit disjointed, but since I am not seeking a diet plan at the moment, I may have not completely understood the thesis. But don't let that stop you from reading it. For those who wish to know they aren't alone in the area of weight gain, and perhaps wish to consider why they need to reconsider it is possibly a unrealized need or hunger that keeps them from attaining their vision, perhaps this is tghe book for you.</p><p>The author states "The current weight loss culture is based on fear, false promises and judgement serving up what is simply untrue--that weight is matter, trick and quick fixes."</p><p>She also has said "In the many years of doing this work, rarely have I encountered a human whose emotions did not inform their eating."</p><p>This book can be ordered from Amazon should you wish to secure it.</p>Dane Swansonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03374340099795666042noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7311232281777468543.post-64144936829305904972021-07-08T11:20:00.000-07:002021-07-08T11:20:35.363-07:00The Midnight Library by Matt Haig<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBAMxxDOYUmXdGlavFMkmuKZ5P6KqvUU8SgJKA60jQ_Luy8cWskApcpFbmfPb-aKsK2LsCb7b3el6SXsDSwRAbDxEknNKOBrFBgwe8i4EVPbyPfRyc5O10_7r2KvXdsUKf7_SynJ1XcM9H/s269/library..jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="187" data-original-width="269" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBAMxxDOYUmXdGlavFMkmuKZ5P6KqvUU8SgJKA60jQ_Luy8cWskApcpFbmfPb-aKsK2LsCb7b3el6SXsDSwRAbDxEknNKOBrFBgwe8i4EVPbyPfRyc5O10_7r2KvXdsUKf7_SynJ1XcM9H/s0/library..jpg" /></a></div><br /> This book is on the best read list of the New York Books list. That sentence is redundant I know. But as I see it, it has a reason to be. It is a good tale.<p></p><p>What is there were a library that contained all the books concerning life choices you could have made during your life time. Call this library The Midnight Library and it is located between life and death Each book there concerns a life you would have experienced had you chosen a certain way. </p><p>For example, had you stayed in that band you were in at some point in your life, or you had chosen that profession over another? Would it be a satisfying decision?</p><p>in this book we are presented with Nora Seed. She wants to die. Her life has been one full of regret and misery. She feels has has let everyone down, including herself. </p><p>She finds herself between life and death in The Midnight Library. Time has stopped. She finds a librarian there and books. And a book of regrets. The librarian tells her she has a choice now. Each book in the library contains a different life if she had done things differently. She is allowed to sample books and experience a new choice. But time is running out. She can go a number of infinite ways. But time is short. She can undo her regrets. But by doing so she puts the library in extreme danger.</p><p>The book reminds me a bit, not entirely , of the books of Charles Williams who wrote in his novels of the two universes, spiritual and mundane, going on at the same time. But not completely. Or of C.S. Lewis <i>The Great Divorce.</i> But not quite that either. It is familiar to those two.</p><p>Nora grows through her choices. She finds the peace she was looking for..</p><p>I recommend this book. It presents a story about the choices that go into a life well lived. It is worth your time to read with a cup of coffee. it is published by Viking and runs about $26.00. Try to find it in your library (not the Midnight Library) and enjoy. Or locate it, if you want to pay for it, at your local bookstore.</p>Dane Swansonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03374340099795666042noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7311232281777468543.post-84203424919729395072021-05-11T13:54:00.000-07:002021-05-11T13:54:24.115-07:00A Beginner's Guide To America by Roya Hakakian<p> "Think of America as a bus" the author concludes. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm1vH01lKdaZbjXbMDDM-e-raJOq8l6EWByW6f0TTHGrgO8Ku4sPGQ93__mGLLGhiVNXFxmBa0qdAbgcHxnf_DUo79P81oNxFCoCxmevpX3akr8qG5nMkomhMTZlY0_a3eSFnTaf9CKRmo/" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="174" data-original-width="289" height="121" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm1vH01lKdaZbjXbMDDM-e-raJOq8l6EWByW6f0TTHGrgO8Ku4sPGQ93__mGLLGhiVNXFxmBa0qdAbgcHxnf_DUo79P81oNxFCoCxmevpX3akr8qG5nMkomhMTZlY0_a3eSFnTaf9CKRmo/w200-h121/image.png" width="200" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>This book is written by an Immigrant from Iran, so the insights are real. The struggle to learn the new language, to adapt to the form of commerce, this is real. Adjustment is a journey .That may be what the author was getting at when she likened America to a bus. It can take you anyplace you want to go. But only if you wish to travel. There is no free lunch. "No one will inject you into the American story. You must do it yourself"</p><p>This is a book people, not just the immigrants, should read. Since America is a melting pot in that we are not mono-ethnic, it will help the nonimmigrant to understand why the immigrant is having trouble with sentence structure and social habits., </p><p>It is not that they don't want to be normal, but that they are filtering events through a filter of their past.</p><p>I personally found the chapter, <i>The Diaspora., </i>to be instructive. Hakakian, having settled in the United States in 1989 walks us through the texture of life in a new place with its' complexity, She doesn't just talk about the impact of the immigrant but the Asian, the Black, the alien,</p><p>She states that "beautiful landscape does not always make for happy nations. The people who envision just societies and those who work to build them do."</p><p>The book is easy to read. It is 216 + pages. It may not be a classic. Not all books have to be. But you can sense she loves her adopted country and would not change it. Well, she wouldn't stay silent either. She seems to believe the answer to our problems we see is a simple devotion to America's founding father's principles. And for her that would include speaking up and letting your voice be heard. Something she couldn't do back in Iran.</p><p>This book can be found in a local bookstore and is priced at $27.00. Or maybe your local library will have a copy you can borrow.</p>Dane Swansonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03374340099795666042noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7311232281777468543.post-87362940401947904892020-12-19T15:41:00.000-08:002020-12-19T15:41:01.102-08:00A Good Time to be Born by Perri Klass<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjamAH03wQop4aYvxiyt4L3Odk5jqmU2Lbcc0tfev0GqS4W1vFFIpFAjbH5LmFPp2-4ZvDw7j0Fkdpz76VNCeniqRpeQU6gwhWxd_Asxl_B6m3vUwZf5yLNF0IeN0rCL5lOFl0j6BT0JqTt/s310/good+time.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="163" data-original-width="310" height="168" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjamAH03wQop4aYvxiyt4L3Odk5jqmU2Lbcc0tfev0GqS4W1vFFIpFAjbH5LmFPp2-4ZvDw7j0Fkdpz76VNCeniqRpeQU6gwhWxd_Asxl_B6m3vUwZf5yLNF0IeN0rCL5lOFl0j6BT0JqTt/w320-h168/good+time.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p></p><h3 style="line-height: 200%; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Infant Mortality is an issue we
should be concerned about. Our author is a professor of Journalism and Pediatrics
at New York University, co-director of NYU Florence, and national director of
Reach out and read. She writes a daily column, <i>The Checkout </i>for the New
York Times. She has chosen to write this book on infant mortality and the struggle to bring down the occurrence
thorough proper methods brought about through struggle and learning.<br />It used to be accepted that each
family had a few deaths of young ones. For example, if the child had a case of
diarrhea the thought was to get the problem handled by dehydrating the kid. We
now know diarrhea causes loss of hydration and we should stabilize the
hydration level loss caused by the rapid release of moisture. It took some time
before the doctor’s understood what was happening.<br />Or the diseases the child got from
drinking milk which had been sitting around collecting bacteria. Until someone
discovered if you pasteurized the milk it got rid of the harmful elements and
was okay. Before that some mothers breast fed and alternated with the
unpasteurized milk product. Or the summer diarrhea because of the microbes in
the water supply, water which had been mixed with sewer water – this was before
proper sanitation practices came about.<br /> There was a lot to learn and be
transmitted before we saw a decrease of infant mortality.<br />Klass only handles mortality in children
since she is trained in pediatrics. But that is enough to let us see we have
come a far way since the days of acceptance of mortality of at least one member
in the family unit, normally the infant, because of uncontrollable diseases of
that time.<br />Today we have vaccines to help us.<br /> The subtitle is <i>How Science and
Public Health Gave Children a Future</i>. It is very professionally written and
researched. It has photos and drawings used as illustrations which are a great
addition.<br />I recommend this book. It will help
a person to understand the history of infant mortality, the steps taken up to
the present day 2020 and the pandemic we are in.<br /> I would suggest even if you don’t
buy this book you should see if your local library has a copy and can get it for
you to read and return so another can benefit from reading it. </span></h3><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><o:p></o:p></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><o:p></o:p></p>Dane Swansonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03374340099795666042noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7311232281777468543.post-18622696196716781722020-10-01T14:36:00.000-07:002020-10-01T14:36:09.676-07:00"What The Hell Do You Have to Lose?" by Juan Williams<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1zLN5Qry5ipHq-mUKYSUQTDzjirZ1Lh4CjJFfiM7Z8uu8ChudrhiC-CaZgixGmpi7XKinqn73hKbQuG7CWH3QAwZzzJHuReTJFb7fNivemRS3YT8W6PdrVKQltG_eNWU7Az4akgkkd5_s/s225/trump.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="225" data-original-width="225" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1zLN5Qry5ipHq-mUKYSUQTDzjirZ1Lh4CjJFfiM7Z8uu8ChudrhiC-CaZgixGmpi7XKinqn73hKbQuG7CWH3QAwZzzJHuReTJFb7fNivemRS3YT8W6PdrVKQltG_eNWU7Az4akgkkd5_s/w200-h200/trump.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p> I am going to start this review by telling you this is a book you should read. It is a book that educated me as to what is going on concerning rights of blacks in the United States. </p><p>Don't turn me off. It is not just that. It also concerns the political handling of civil rights.</p><p>Recall the statement made by our President Trump when he told the black voters who were supporting democrats that they were opening themselves up to bad schools, high crime and higher unemployment that they should join his campaign for "What the hell do you have to lose?"</p><p> This book attempts to answer that. And I feel it does a good job. It is not an easy book to read and Williams does not sugar coat his analysis .</p><p>He starts by tracing the Civil Rights problem way back to the start which would be during the civil war when the black was not allowed to read or learn things, being thought being intellectually incapable. And then the treatment after the freeing.</p><p>I feel the white population fort eh most part don't know the history of the black person whose history intersects and strives to melt with European History.</p><p>What we have is a story of alternate universes. There are radicals in both groups who deny it or are ignorant at best. I feel the movement known as Black Lives Matter could have been avoided if the Europeans in American government had paid attention to the history steam of other nationalities, but not to the extent they blend and disappear.</p><p>By ignoring the other histories, we have enabled the so called supremacy of both groups to emerge.</p><p>Williams looks at the issue in six areas. Voting rights, Education, Public Accommodations, Black Voices, Employment, and lastly, Housing. He doesn't shout or blamer. He just states the facts.</p><p>I may have already said it. This is not an easy read if you are looking for something that will calm you.</p><p>It has the subtitle "Trump's War on Civil Rights". When we are asked what is Trump doing for the blacks in America? we must answer with Williams, he is ignoring it. His banner for the 2016 election was to Make America Great. And now it seems to be Make America Great Again. Does that mean, turn the system back to before the civil rights movement or even to the civil rights of the days of the civil war?</p><p>I will allow you to come to your own conclusion after you read the book. </p><p>It is published by the Hachette Book Group. The copyright is 2018. And it retails for $27.00.</p>Dane Swansonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03374340099795666042noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7311232281777468543.post-55331640903455855922020-09-30T15:54:00.000-07:002020-09-30T15:54:19.255-07:00Another Way To Relax<p> So far I have populated this blog posting with book recommendations. Some books, I hope, are the ones you are looking to read. And then-- maybe not so eager to spend time reading. </p><p>Most of the entries have been political. That is just the way it was for a while as the season for elections of government offices came up. And in the future I may do more.</p><p>My interests have also lately been drawn to good movies. And rather than start a whole new discussion blog on it, I decided to layer it in to my book blog.</p><p>So here you have it. A slight turn in direction, but I hope a worthwhile one.</p><p>Because of the virus running around and people having to bundle up at home and not go out as much, and this means to theaters, I would like to direct you to streaming movies. And not just the Hollywood action films and the slice and dice films. No, I decided I would offer streaming movies from a place called <a href="https://shrsl.com/2j6pe" target="_blank">Crossflix</a> which offers wholesome Christian themes. </p><p><a href="https://shareasale.com/r.cfm?b=1472916&u=2296457&m=83904&urllink=&afftrack=" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://static.shareasale.com/image/83904/240-400.gif" width="120" /></a>Something the whole family can watch together. </p><p>Violence-- sex-- blood- gore-- don't belong in your mind nor that of your children. Click the link today or the banner and start streaming good material in your home.</p><p>This is an affiliate deal which means when you use my link and go in a buy I will get a commission for sending you there.</p><p>So go in and get good movies and documentaries streamed to you.</p><p><br /></p>
Dane Swansonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03374340099795666042noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7311232281777468543.post-66928181107644997682020-09-23T11:31:00.004-07:002020-09-23T11:41:42.112-07:00Where Are The Books I Am Searching For?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEQ0RUlGlmSir7Xcym4L5Vv3dVX0SAaswyodYMXyorQshN7LCmnQxAL6yE-5WImuWPKsUlbs-YL9y53EQOr8PEEsSGuiwjBV-WQKZPaeRmOvmWzRa81UBMQ8ZWo_YEKUixiO0eqWCZRayo/s263/books2.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="192" data-original-width="263" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEQ0RUlGlmSir7Xcym4L5Vv3dVX0SAaswyodYMXyorQshN7LCmnQxAL6yE-5WImuWPKsUlbs-YL9y53EQOr8PEEsSGuiwjBV-WQKZPaeRmOvmWzRa81UBMQ8ZWo_YEKUixiO0eqWCZRayo/s0/books2.jpg" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p> Let me take a breather here and inform you of where you can possibly locate those hard to find volumes. Or those out of print tomes . Or maybe you just want a good book to read and the local bookstore ( if one still exists in your area) doesn't have what you are looking for.</p><p><a href="https://shrsl.com/2iq7i" target="_blank">Click on this link and you will go there. </a></p><p>What you have there is a link to an affiliate site which will pay me a commission when you use my link and locate and buy a book.</p><p>Books come and go from book shelves in stores depending on what is currently selling. But there are places to locate a copy if it is still in print somewhere. This is what this business the link links to called <a href="https://shrsl.com/2iq7i" rel="nofollow">Biblio</a> is set up to do. You go in and put in the title you are searching for and they locate it for you and let you know.</p><p>So happy reading. And keep on watching this space for reviews and now recommendations.</p>Dane Swansonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03374340099795666042noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7311232281777468543.post-21706853829971188562020-05-23T16:06:00.000-07:002020-05-23T16:06:10.659-07:00Emma Lazarus by Esther Schor<br />
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In her day, she was a strong advocate for Zionism. She was a poet and a critic. She was not one to use 'big words' when she wrote.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaXzuKK8_oKasxBHCYGK_uq3i7vcNb-5cGbD3OVsCsnyRrUb4_v_bmCwjNx_ELunws9OhkC05VMrikbJ8GmuD1WoyB-5aIi1qF89_hpkbeLacr17BYUVBrucrERGT3w_1VnUHTdg23ymx4/s1600/books2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="192" data-original-width="263" height="146" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaXzuKK8_oKasxBHCYGK_uq3i7vcNb-5cGbD3OVsCsnyRrUb4_v_bmCwjNx_ELunws9OhkC05VMrikbJ8GmuD1WoyB-5aIi1qF89_hpkbeLacr17BYUVBrucrERGT3w_1VnUHTdg23ymx4/s200/books2.jpg" width="200" /></a>She was a prolific writer yet none of her works exist today. She wrote mostly poetry but was also a critic and magazine writer. What remains of her literary output can be seen on the Statue of Liberty in a poem of hers' inscribed there "The New Colossus" a portion of which we used to be able to quote--"Give me your tired, Your poor, Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free.."<br />
But she was more than that.<br />
She was very much looking for the state of Israel to be established. She wanted a separate Jewish homeland. But I am not sure you thought America was ready for that when she said-"I do not think the Jews of America are sufficiently impressed with the necessity of solidarity and concord among themselves"<br />
She never married. The reason seems to be that she was a lesbian and the nineteenth century was not the time for them to come out.<br />
She only lived 38 years- 1849 to 1887. Hodgkin's disease was what she died of. But in those 38 years she made an impression that we should take time to recognize.<br />
A collection of her poetry is included at the end of the book.<br />
This may not be a major biography but it is the story of a trend setter.<br />
Will be useful for those who want to read about those unknown Jewish American pace setters. <br />
<a href="https://shareasale.com/r.cfm?b=474264&u=2296457&m=40674&urllink=&afftrack=">Name your price on rare, used, and out-of-print book. Visit the Make-an-Offer section on Biblio.com today!</a>
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This post has a link to an affiliate store. When you use my link to visit the store and you buy using my link, I get a commission for the sale.Dane Swansonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03374340099795666042noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7311232281777468543.post-62367286886219066102020-04-02T13:59:00.001-07:002020-04-27T17:51:21.845-07:00If You Are Searching For A Book<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUByWge0QxZA_jMvmzaEVp8w1uWD82sEZyjuG87DCsEECAH41f2j7j306f1hsWSeHSBEKHRUYopa-QbzVe4D5aXbTOllAKQBQWEm1wjZ1ahXHlrHzflYCsQ4IGnbnq-kOJU3Kig2G3yXyF/s1600/books.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="168" data-original-width="300" height="112" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUByWge0QxZA_jMvmzaEVp8w1uWD82sEZyjuG87DCsEECAH41f2j7j306f1hsWSeHSBEKHRUYopa-QbzVe4D5aXbTOllAKQBQWEm1wjZ1ahXHlrHzflYCsQ4IGnbnq-kOJU3Kig2G3yXyF/s200/books.png" width="200" /></a></div>
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I will step back in this posting and inform you I have found a place to go to search for books that are not the best selling book of the week or on the New York Book review. But they are books that you have been searching for and can't seem to find.<br />
Barnes and Noble doesn't carry it. The local library doesn't have it on the shelf nor are they able to locate it in their data base.<br />
But if it is around you may find it here,<span style="color: #000032;"> <a href="https://shareasale.com/r.cfm?b=474264&u=2296457&m=40674&urllink=&afftrack="> It is a place called Biblio.</a></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://shareasale.com/r.cfm?b=390463&u=2296457&m=40674&urllink=&afftrack=" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt="Free Shipping on Books at Biblio" border="0" src="https://static.shareasale.com/image/40674/Free-Shipping_180_150.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Click For Access</td></tr>
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<u></u><span style="color: #000120;"></span><u></u><span style="color: #000032;"></span> Biblio was able to locate copies of Irving Wallace books for me. Wallace is the writer of<i> The Man, The Plot, The prize, The Word,</i> among others. I am quite a fan of his. Most of if not all of his books are out of print, I think, but Biblio was able to locate and ship to me. I am sure that they will be able to locate that book for you.
Dane Swansonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03374340099795666042noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7311232281777468543.post-78171234395984537532020-03-24T10:09:00.000-07:002020-03-24T10:09:55.019-07:00The 4 Wills of God by Dr. Emerson Eggerishs<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjJj8OKeBlcigWWMoUOfjWodh2IyiyFPWqtVLJ4qV1WpwGunR50V8XFcUeNLPUHqFBSaGqTZ4wu24TeboAk7ANZOpetMdMZQZu2nTCufVvIjyVN0g3UcYKEahXyHjMHSywtwfOv6TKQVkh/s1600/wills+of+God.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="150" data-original-width="336" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjJj8OKeBlcigWWMoUOfjWodh2IyiyFPWqtVLJ4qV1WpwGunR50V8XFcUeNLPUHqFBSaGqTZ4wu24TeboAk7ANZOpetMdMZQZu2nTCufVvIjyVN0g3UcYKEahXyHjMHSywtwfOv6TKQVkh/s1600/wills+of+God.jpg" /></a></div>
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When we think about God, we have to realize there are things that are He must expect of us. We like to think we are independent creatures and are self directed.<br />
But God does have some expectations of all His creation. And especially of those He has created to be related to Him. But through an act of disobedience, we are no longer capable of relating truthfully6.<br />
Dr. Eggerichs postulates, using scripture, that God's will for His creation<br />
You can look it up for yourself. Check it out. Search to see if what is being said is actually truthful. Be like a Berean. Check it out. The four passages are found in John 6:40, I Thessalonians 4:3, 1 Thessalonians 5:18, and lastly , 1 Peter 2:13-15.<br />
They are Believe in Jesus Christ, Abstain from Sexual Sin, Give Thanks in Everything, and Submit in Doing Right. <br />
Simple. But hard to do without God's help. And that is why the first one is the start of the adventure.<br />
The style of writing is easy to understand. A person can spend time reading and reviewing many times over a life time and each time find new insight.<br />
I am sure God has more wills for mankind, but these form a start.<br />
The development of each will is a staring point for every follower of God no matter what denomination they identify with.<br />
I highly recommend this book.<br />
I was given a copy by my pastor and it was a good gift.<br />
It has the subtitle :The Way He Directs Our Steps and Frees Us to Direct Our Own. That about sums up the purpose of the book.<br />
It is published by the B&H Publishing group in Nashville, Tennessee, copyright 2018 and retails for $19.99.Dane Swansonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03374340099795666042noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7311232281777468543.post-30496903842640242342020-02-26T14:07:00.002-08:002020-02-26T14:07:53.686-08:00Constance Baker Motley by Gary L. Ford Jr.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoQQoftvfBjd-WDR82SZ26_TdEtRSyirGE2nVVB2OrLDRpHx8kwfncaKGG5bqZ1O1RUjBvrUkw1JZ6d3O0DNkJ5-80mpbabmB-3FMUdfx01-DDiPKqq-Ut6n8ne2JZhAJ5UqAJEKm5qdG9/s1600/constance.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="275" data-original-width="183" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoQQoftvfBjd-WDR82SZ26_TdEtRSyirGE2nVVB2OrLDRpHx8kwfncaKGG5bqZ1O1RUjBvrUkw1JZ6d3O0DNkJ5-80mpbabmB-3FMUdfx01-DDiPKqq-Ut6n8ne2JZhAJ5UqAJEKm5qdG9/s200/constance.png" width="133" /></a></div>
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When we look back on that period in history when the civil rights movement was in the head lines. we think of Martin Luther King Jr, Adam Clayton Powel, Ralph Abernathy, Rosa Parks, and others. But there was also a very important person whom we never hear mentioned.<br />
Someone had to be behind the scenes writing the laws and making the judgements.<br />
There was Constance Baker Motley also.<br />
Never heard of her? I know chances are you haven't. It was she who defended King in his court appearances.<br />
There is a section of black history that still needs to be written. There are still unsung heroes we don't know about who came through the civil rights period.\<br />
Motley is one of them. She was unique in many ways. First of all, women in her day were not lawyers. And they did not argue cases in front of white men. She helped in the desegregation of schools. She argues cases in court. She was an agent of change. She help get blacks into all white schools.<br />
And she is not mentioned because she was first a black and second a woman.<br />
This book is definitely a good addition to the record of history during the period of time that included 1946 through 1964. <br />
She was a unifying force.<br />
Born of parents who came from Nevis, British West Indies , Constance didn't let her limitations hold her back. She pursued law and became an influence, even if it was not noticed by us now. We need this book to remind us of a period of history and a light that dimly shone.<br />
This is published by The University Of Alabama Press and copyrighted 2017. It is subtitled One Woman's Fight for Civil Rights and Equal Justice under Law. I highly recommend it. Dane Swansonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03374340099795666042noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7311232281777468543.post-77531038728852968572020-01-17T13:06:00.000-08:002020-01-17T13:06:01.233-08:00Finding Chika by Mitch Albom<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjicGwNmtI4QADv9vk2h1MXgCyTrt5MajbiThx-tK_MgezHAqFdqJOhHK5iww9BO8gw1p4KIbUD9NGLl8b-Seh-Zw0prxLSVhY13xO4vbfr7mLlCwc7_JFKppcoD-aG5ECItVHrdw3S1Ssu/s1600/chika.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="210" data-original-width="375" height="111" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjicGwNmtI4QADv9vk2h1MXgCyTrt5MajbiThx-tK_MgezHAqFdqJOhHK5iww9BO8gw1p4KIbUD9NGLl8b-Seh-Zw0prxLSVhY13xO4vbfr7mLlCwc7_JFKppcoD-aG5ECItVHrdw3S1Ssu/s200/chika.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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He has written another book. He seems so prolific . Albom tells the true story of his few years with an orphan named Chika.<br />
Chika was born three days before the 2010 earthquake in Haiti. When her mother dies, Chika is sent to the Have Faith Haiti Orphanage in Port-Au-Prince. This happens to be where Albom and his wife visit and support. Have Faith Haiti Orphanage happens to be a Christian run orphanage.<br />
When Chika becomes five she is suddenly diagnosed with a life-threatening disease<br />
"There is no one in Haiti who can help her,". a doctor tells Mitch.<br />
So Mitch takes Chika to the United States to get treatment. She soon becomes a part of the Albom family . It is discovered she needs intensive treatment which would keep her in America.<br />
Her story is told in the style of Albom. He tends to use a style that you either like or dislike. In order to tell the story he must use the technique of Chika's lingering spirit popping in and out to motivate him to remember the facts and recount them.<br />
It is a tear jerker of a true story.<br />
It is recommended for those who want to know what Christians are doing to influence the world they live in.<br />
It is a book that Dr. Phil featured on his show.<br />
It is published by Harper Collins. The cost is $24.99.Dane Swansonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03374340099795666042noreply@blogger.com0