David Mamet Recessional

Review of David Mamet's book Recessional - to be published on or around April 22, 2022. 

 I will be promoting this book as much as possible. Author Mamet uses his passion for words, ideas, combined with (most importantly) experience. 

I'm a "Basic Betty." - yet love Mamet (I have to use the dictionary function a few times on my Kindle while reading his work) because he UNDERSTANDS AMERICANS - having been in the elite inner circle, when he discovered this inner circle paid mostly lip service to compassion and certainly did not walk the walk, he wrote The Secret Knowledge and was Cancelled before Cancel Culture reached it's golden age (2020/2021). 

This is a book of essays is a beautiful reflection of history of the Individual, of Golden Days, of questionable incidents now perhaps more obvious;. 

I once read Andrew Breitbart was inspired by The Secret Knowledge, which led me to David Mamet's book, and led me to a whole new understanding of human nature. 

This is a book I'll treasure. And refer often to the spots I've highlighted. 

This doesn't matter what side of the political spectrum you're on, it only matters if you care about the principals and people of America. 

It's beautifully written and a book to be savored. 

10/10 

All American Christmas by Rachel Campos-Duffy; Sean Duffy Pub Date: 16 Nov 2021

 All American Christmas by Rachel Campos-Duffy; Sean Duffy Pub Date: 16 Nov 2021 

 Wonderful book that takes a look at Christmas Traditions of the diverse staff on Fox News. I wish it had been long enough to include everyone! But it's a warm, often funny (Brian Kilmeade's memory of locking out Santa made me laugh out loud). Light hearted, all the feels, recipes. A great read (or gift) for anyone that loves Christmas. You don't have to be a Fox News watcher to appreciate this sweet gem. 

  

Golden Girl by Elin Hilderbrand

 Golden Girl by Elin Hilderbrand sucks you into Nantucket (like all of Hilderbrands books). There is a touch of magical realism in this book, which is delightful. Who wouldn't hope that it's possible to help your family in the afterlife? I don't want to give anything away, so I'll just say the characters were all vivid, rich, well done. There were many switches of view points, but it flowed nicely and simply had this reader eager for more. 

There was a touch of political polarization, but just a brief mention. This reader (and many others I know) wish that  sports, books, movies, etc, would stick to entertainment and leave political ideas to the news. Also, for me, the political point was lost as the setting of the novel depicted an honest police chief, mostly open minded and accepting citizens in Nantucket. 

It felt more like Hilderbrand was inserting it to perhaps to show she is "aware" - it was a subtle bounce out of the story and took a few pages to find my way back into the heart and soul of the story. 

I truly cared about all these characters. The mystery was a nice touch, but easy enough to figure out. 

I will be putting this book into as many hands as possible. 

Another Golden Book by Hilderbrand!

Available June 1st, 2021 

See Jane Snap by Bethany Crandell

See Jane Snap by Bethany Crandell gets an easy 4 stars, leaning a bit towards five. 

 Author Crandell has a wonderful gift for dialogue.  When characters have conversations, they flow easily. 

Jane is a very likeable character (for the most part) and it's somewhat easy to predict the outcome, however, the story is well written. You become a cheer leader for Jane, the main character. She is pushed out of her element and like any good story, learning and growth come out of it. A fun read. 

Available Sept 7, 2021 

Synopsis: 

Handsome, successful husband. Adorable daughter. Chairwoman of the PTA. Security for her ailing mom. Jane’s got everything life has to offer. Including the lie that could destroy it all.

See Jane smile. Thirty-nine-year-old Jane Osborne appears to the world like she has a charmed life. Her daughter attends private school. Jane chairs the PTA. Even her marriage to Dan, the handsome, prominent surgeon, is blissfully happy. Her universe is stable, and her future is fixed…just like that smile. Because it’s all a ruse. Unbeknownst to anyone, after eighteen years of marriage, Dan’s revealed that he’s been living a double life and is in love with a man. But for the sake of his career, Jane must keep that secret, secret.

See Jane lie. With their livelihood on the line, Jane agrees to maintain appearances. But soon the weight of Dan’s deception and the pain of his betrayal get the better of her. Something’s got to give.

See Jane snap. Quite publicly. And a bit unlawfully. With brutal honesty, Jane must confront her choices head-on and determine—for herself—if the facade of stability she’s been protecting is worth the price of her own sanity and happiness.

Everything Will Be Okay - Dana Perino

 

Dana Pernio "Everything Will Be Okay." 

Though I'm well past the age for most of the advice in this book, it was still a great read and a book that I'll happily purchase for young people working their way through the world. 

What surprised me the most about this book was Dana's humor. She mentioned she should write a book, "Things I wanted to Tweet but didn't" - ATTENTION PUBLISHER - PLEASE do this.!

I appreciated the stories Dana talked about regarding her life, her ups and downs, and how she handled things. 

You do not have to be a Conservative to be grateful for this amazing women who has the grace and talent, work ethic, and wit, to not only enjoy this book but use it as a motivational tool, guide to getting through the challenges.  

Available in bookstores and online. 

The Orphan Witch by Paige Crutcher

 The Orphan Witch by Paige Crutcher is a novel to be savored. Very much in the vein of Alice Hoffman. In some ways authors way with description reminded me of Ray Bradbury. 

This is writing at it's finest. Well paced, lyrical, characters that you root for. 

And the best part is, the magic is believable. 

Kind of like Field Of Dreams. It seemed possible. 

Paige Crutcher will be an author to watch for anyone that loves magical realism and/or appreciates writing as an art. Thank you to the Publisher and Net Galley for the opportunity to spend time with The Orphan Witch. 

Look for it September of 2021. 

American Happiness and Discontents - George F Will.

 American Happiness and Discontents - George F Will. 

Available on or around September 14, 2021 

So timely. Amazing. 

I'm a culture junkie. Yes, I watch Bravo TV. I also listen to Country Music. And I'm fascinated by politics. 

Though I'm accustomed to liking more emotional reads (Dana Perino/ Andrew Breitbart for reference), Mr. Will wrote a book I will highly recommend to anyone wondering how we've become so divided. Or anyone curious about the nature of politics. 

 

Mr. Will  examines the last thirteen years; from 2008 to 2020 and reflections on our culture, examining the many ways in which expertise, reason, and manners are continually under attack in our institutions, courts, political arenas, and social venues. His writing is a bit more dry than what I usually read, still, it's a wonderful read that flows well and has a sense of humor. 

 

Other topics addressed include the American Revolutionary War, historical figures from Frederick Douglass to JFK, as well as a scathing assessment of how State of the Union Addresses are delivered in the modern day. Mr. Will also offers his perspective on American socialists, anti-capitalist conservatives, drug policy, the criminal justice system, climatology, the Coronavirus, the First Amendment, parenting, meritocracy and education, China, fascism, authoritarianism, Frank Sinatra, Bob Dylan, The Beach Boys, and the morality of enjoying football. 

Living Your Dreams by Mark Victor Hansen

Living Your Dreams by Mark Victor Hansen (audiobook)

For me, this audio book was a miss. Starting with the opening and the repetitive "Dreams of...finding the perfect mate, dreams of innovations, dreams of a better sex life," etc...this went on and on. I wanted to quit listening as it quickly became silly. 

I've been reading self help books for many years, and am very familiar with Mark Victor Hansen. For me, this book was nothing new. That doesn't mean there aren't other readers out there that won't enjoy or value this book: they'd just have to be new to the self help industry. 

I'm really picky with narrators, and didn't enjoy this narrator of Living Your Dreams. 

For a newbie seeking a self help motivational book, I'd say this book is 4 stars. For me? Sadly, a hard pass (though in my young years I would have loved it). It doesn't say anything new that hasn't been said before.

Embassy Wife by Katie Crouch

 Abroad by Katie Crouch was one of my favorite books. I devoured it and pimped it out to everyone as if she was a family member I was proud of. 

I also loved Girls In Trucks. 

To say I'm disappointed in Embassy Wife would be an understatement. 

It started off well, I was hooked and invested in these characters, though they were all shallow and unlikeable, and one was an outright idiot (who unbelievably is offered something at the end of the book that was ludicrous). 

Towards the last half of the book, there became far too many coincidences. For most readers, coincidences in fiction are a killer. And then it just becomes a total farce. 

Putting politics into this book might make it appealing to some readers, but most readers I speak to, are tired of politics. Politics has seeped into everything: from Peloton to Sports to Corporations. Readers desire escape, not the authors political agenda. I feel none of these characters actually grew by the end of the book. One other sticking point, Crouch will throw in many Namibia references (animals, food, sayings) but won't give a brief explanation. At least describe the food! I'm giving this two stars, probably because Abroad was SUCH A GREAT BOOK and I expected better.  

Embassy Wife is scheduled to be released in July of 2021

Who Owns You?

 Something to think about from the great, smart, wise, Walter Williams. 

Who owns you? If one owns himself, then it is he who decides how much risk he takes. If government owns you, then you don't have the right to unilaterally decide how much risk you'll take.

http://jewishworldreview.com/cols/williamns061114.php3

Walter Williams - http://walterewilliams.com/

Walter E. Williams, was a prominent conservative economist, author and political commentator who expressed profoundly skeptical views of government efforts to aid his fellow African-Americans and other minority groups. 

You Let Me Go Kindle by Eliza Graham

You Let Me Go by Eliza Graham  

 Spellbinding. The book centers on Morane, the grand-daughter of Rozenn. Though close to her Grandmother, Rozenn leaves the family home to Morane's sister and leaves an old silver compass with initials on it to Morane.   Morane has lost her boyfriend, her business is struggling, and she focuses on what could have made Rozenn turn her back on her?

Morane finds clues that lead her to Brittany which was under German occupation in 1941.  The story seamlessly move from Rozenn's point of view starting when she was a teenager and living in Paris - taking us up to how she and her family fled to Brittany and what happened to her and her family. Her part of the story is fascinating and I was a bit sad to leave her behind when it switched to Morane's point of view. Morane's story, at times, was not as page turning, but still interesting. as she wound her way through clues. The ending was a bit too tidy but perfectly satisfying. I could see this movie on the big screen! 

To Be Released On or Around: March 25, 2021 

The Sinful Lives of Trophy Wives by Kristin Miller Pub Date: 20 Jul 2021

 The Sinful Lives of Trophy Wives

by Kristin Miller

Pub Date: 20 Jul 2021

A good book, interesting story. 3 "Trophy" Wives are friends in an exclusive neighborhood. One of the wives is getting married for the third time, after her first two husbands died mysteriously. 

There were some pauses for me. Most of the characters were not likeable. And by the end, they hadn't really changed. There was no one to "root" for. That being said, the characters were built enough that it was easy to fall into their stories. Plenty of twists and turns to keep me reading for two days (and during football playoffs which annoyed my husband - haha). 

All in all, I'd easily recommend this to readers. Thanks to NetGalley and the Publisher for this opportunity.