Saturday, July 15, 2017

Moving....




So unhappy about my book blog...My book blog is over 11 years old. It has been a hobby. In the scheme of things to most of you. Think it is not a big deal. Not, when I had this gorgeous custom book blog designed specifically for my book blog.  I won't tell you the work and sweat and tears to save the money to re-design my blog.

I now, have to migrate, and consolidate all  my posts from Susan's Literary Cafe from 11 years ago. The sad thing is most of my book blog followers don't know I have moved to Bagels, Book, and Schmooze.  I will need to re-build my following again. That will take a long time.


 My graphics are being held for ransom at the Photo bucket for $400. The web designer, Lea Christine refuses to help me. She never made it known to me that she was hosting all the graphics at photobucket. Unfortunately I have no recourse with the web designer. Because the web designers are not regulated. There are not any laws to protect us. Luckily, my other blog had only one problem.The other designer for my other blog, Lori, has helped me.

I am hoping my target date for my book blog to be back in action in about a month. Please have patience. My new location is http://bagelsbooksandschmooze.blogspot.com. Please have patience.






Update: Since I wrote this blog post. Which as been a few months. I am almost finished re-designing my book blog. I found someone that did a great job. Not, as custom as my other book blog. But, still has a personality. I hope you like it. With some patience in the next two weeks it will be finished. I hope you will come back and visit me soon.



Saturday, June 17, 2017

A Tale For The Time Being



                                                                             



A Tale For The Time Being
By Ruth Ozeki



Our book club met yesterday. We discussed, A Tale for the Time Being.  We didn't have a large meeting. It actually a informal book club. Some of us read, A Tale For The Time Being. Others who didn't want to read the book. I gave them a choice to either read, A Tale For The Time Being.  Or read anything you want and share with our group.

I enjoyed reading the book at first. Finally, I just couldn't take reading anymore. I connected at first. But toward the end it lost me. Perhaps it was the culture issue in the novel. I am not quite sure. I am still glad I read the novel. It was very different, and quirky. It was about a young Chinese girl, Nao. Who wants to commit suicide. But before she ends her life she decides to write about her 101 year old Buddhist grandmother.  The other characters in the book is Ruth. Ruth finds Nao's diary in her Hello Kitty lunch box. Ruth journeys with Nao, and her family problems,warts and all.

Everyone seems to be unhappy with their life. The book talks about her uncle. He fights in WW2 as a pilot. A Kamikaze fighter. What the culture was like in China. He was disgusted and he ends his life during the war. So everyone thinks he is a hero. Than there is Nao who is bullied in school and keeps being bullied. She doesn't tell anyone. We find out the real truth what happens to Nao.

The Time Being is the main theme of the novel. Time being is the connection between Nao, and Ruth. Ruth finds the diary, and Nao is the girl who wrote the diary. The time connection between the two is the theme of the novel.

Other people liked the book. For me I didn't connect with the book. I am looking forward to a happy read. A book club everyone has different tastes. You don't necessarily have to like the book. It is still discussable.

Next month we are discussing Jodi Picoult's novel, Small Great Things. It is coming out in paperback next month. Her books are usually good. With great discussion. It is perfect what is going on in our country right now.
















Two Paths: Book Review









Two Paths
By John Kasich
Giving as review by:
St. Martin Publishing









I was given the book by St. Martin's Publishing. I didn't vote for John Kasich. I was never interested in politics. I voted how I was influenced since I was a young girl, republican. This year changed everything with such a divisive election. I voted democrat.

I'm not going to sound off my feelings on the election. I am only telling my thoughts on Mr. Kasich, and his book. I don't live in Ohio. That said, I don't know about his governing. So, I can't comment.

I was very upset with the results of the November elections. Like everyone else, after the election. Most of us were emotional, scared, fearful, apprehensive, anxiety, depression. Never has this affected us as much as this election.

Mr. Kasich is part memoir, part to improve our our government. His book, Two Paths gives us hope. Something we need after the election.  He actually cares about people. Instead of dividing us he would like to be more inclusive to all. He would rather listen across the aisle, rather than argue. He is a breath of fresh air.  He believes we all should listen to each other. There is too much of shutting down instead of working together. For once this is a politician that makes sense. He is real, and doesn't make excuses. He is very positive and upbeat about our country. It is the other politicians who create the negativity.

Politicians don't want to reach out and work together, he states. They are afraid to speak up because they are afraid what their party will think. Mr. Kasich isn't loyal to his party. He seems to care about the people, and what is right. He doesn't believe that the wealthy should be influencing our government by dangling money to the politicians.

I have read other reviews of the book. Some people thought he wrote this for his re-entry for the presidential race in 2020. So what! I think this is a good introduction. Including myself who don't know much about him. I wish I had paid attention to Mr. Kasich!!! He is a better choice than Donald Trump, Cruz, Rubio, Carson. Because they sold out to the people. Where I feel, Mr. Kasich didn't sell out to anyone. I even feel that Bernie Sanders sold out. That is why many people went to Trump who were Sanders supporters.

Mr. Kasich stands up for family values, and what is right for the American People. He hasn't sold out. Where Donald Trump tapped into the anger of many Americans. Which he knew how to divide our country. Mr. Kasich during the entire campaign sent a positive message at every speech, town hall, debate, etc. I felt a warmth when he gave his messages. It gave me warm chills up and down my spine. 



Religion is hope, connective, love their neighbor, and grace. Big government can't run without a sense of transcendence and without a sense of responsibility.  You should lead a life bigger than yourselves. We are  running over people. We must treat people with respect.And conduct our lives this way. We need hope in all of this. We can't be treating people like widgets. We must LISTEN!! 

He seems to be from the old republicans( moderate). Not the right extremists. Which gave me a good feeling. Some people that reviewed the book felt it was rhetoric. I didn't feel that way. I did feel though at the end it was getting redundant. I still loved the book. I am glad I read it. Very easy read. It gave me hope for our country. Soon though Trump will be back in the USA from Europe and it will start again. Hopefully, I can remember there are other people out there. Who care about us. Not just their own agenda.


Below is a conversation of Mr. Kasich.

the book's title comes from his speech two paths that was written during the presidential race. 

I recommend this book highly:











Sunday, May 21, 2017

Book Club: Marlene





Marlene
By C. W. Gortner


I did not know anything about Marlene Dietrich. Only that I knew she was an actress. She was born in Germany in 1901.  She lived through World War 1 in genteel poverty, then into middle class. She was a rebel rouser as a teenager. Her mother sent her off to school. Where she slept around.

She is a violinist, but changes her career as a singer, then to a cabaret singer. Then off to Hollywood. Where she becomes a leading lady in many feature films. Most of the films she made centered on her looks, rather than her smarts. Later on in her career, she did make a few serious films.
                                                           
She is known for her drop dead body, her smoky voice, her gorgeous gowns, her non traditional men's clothing at the cabaret. She was a rebel. She had several scandalous love affairs.  Which she had many leading men which included, John Wayne, Gary Cooper, Cary Grant, and many more.

In the United States when World War 2 was happening. People didn't think kindly of her. They felt she was a sympathizer to the Germans. Which was not true at all. It was totally the opposite. She hated the Nazi's. Hitler tried to coax her to come back to make pictures in Germany. She refused which infuriated Hitler. Instead she became a U. S. citizen.

What I found was interesting she did advocate against the Germans. When she returned to Germany she was heartbroken and devastated how her country was left in shatters. Her sister was caught running a camp in Germany. The United States wanted to know if Marlene knew if her sister was involved.  Instead her sister let it be known she had no idea who she was.

She volunteers with the USO and toured in Europe and Africa. She found her calling she loved entertaining the troops. The men loved her. Especially General Patton. Whom she had an affair as well.

While reading the novel. Something was bugging me. I couldn't put my finger on it . It was never said she was unhappy. But, I got to thinking about it. I realize what got her anywhere was her body, and her looks.  Is that all there is? Or is that just me. I wouldn't want to further my career just on looks alone.

Our book club members loved the book. Some of them reminisced about the movies that Marlene Dietrich was involved in. The many movie stars, and politics in the movies in Hollywood.  The competition of Greta Garbo, and Marlene Dietrich. How different movie studios are different now than they were in the 30's, and 40's. Where the production companies owned your contract and could ruin you.

The author, C. W. Gortner wrote Marlene by accident. He was involved in writing the novel, Chanel. In the novel, Chanel was a scene with Marlene Dietrich. Which his editor decided was better on the floor rather than in the book. His publicist gave him the idea of writing Marlene after Chanel was written.

We gave the book 5 tea cups.  We just loved the book. We needed to get away from the seriousness. It was a fun read!
                                                         
We are doing something different next month. Instead of reading the same book. We will each reading a different book and giving a review. We have never done this before. One of our members gave us the idea. I will let you know how it goes.
























Tuesday, May 9, 2017

I can't believe this is going on. Trump meets Hunger Games. I can't believe our country is coming to this. If you believe in your civil rights. Then you need to pay attention to what #45, Bannon, and FCC wants to do. What this means to you. This is scary, he wants to control, "Net Neutrality", or internet freedom. If this passes we are becoming like communist USSR. What else is worse. I just learned that the Sinclair Co. Wants to buy up other TV stations and consolidate. What that would mean to us. I don't know if you are thinking in the future. Is a National TV station. Which means that these stations can influence us. By not giving us the true facts. Instead it would be slanted to their beliefs. What is not objective. We, the people need to pay attention now. Stop the FCC and the Trump Administration.

Saturday, May 6, 2017







The Year of Voting Dangerously
By Maureen Dowd


This year has been the ugliest,  strangest presidential election since I have been alive! no kidding, y'all say.What gave you that idea?! I never was involved or cared about politics till this year.

I voted as a Republican because that was what we did in my house.  I listened to my father. Not this year. I knew of Donald Trump when I was younger when I lived in NJ. What a womanizer, a slum lord, and was in bed with mafia, and criminals. Many investigations involving him and the NJ Casinos in Atlantic City, shady deals with real estate. Of course the list can go on, and on.

The sad part this year. It is hard to figure out who you can talk to without it  becoming a fight with someone at the Thanksgiving table. I never brought up politics with my father, or my brothers for fear of repercussions. Pretty sad as this is what has been going on in many friendships, and families. People now don't talk to one another.

 I felt that Donald Trump was a joke. I couldn't believe anyone would vote for him. But the craziness began. Who in their right mind would vote for him? Well, unfortunately there are many out there. There are so many theories of why he won. Why Clinton didn't win.

FYI- I didn't want either one of them. I voted for Bernie Sanders. Because in my mind he was a better choice. I didn't want Clinton. Because she doesn't tell the truth. Because of her husband. I didn't want to see him in the White House again. I didn't want Trump because he was reckless, incompetent, thin skinned, doesn't shut his mouth, is very open how he feels, doesn't act like a government official, very crude, rude, anti establishment, nationalist, acts like a tyrant, isn't for the American people, is against everyone's civil liberties, if you are LGBT, Jewish, Muslim, Afro-American you better run to Canada........ The list can go on, and on.

I picked up the book, The Year of Voting Dangerously because of the craziness of the election. I was looking for something to pick up to explain the craziness of the election. To make me feel better. For the author and I to connect and commiserate together.  Also I saw a talk on Book TV and was impressed with what she had to say.

I found the book not about the year. But, the contemporary political history of the United States. I wasn't expecting to read about the previous political climate. Which I can see why because it adds to the reason of the craziness of 2016.

 Her essays are taken from her posts from the NYT from when she started to the most recent. I did enjoy reading until it started getting repetitive. In the beginning each chapter is about Trump. Then she writes about Hilary. She then goes a different direction. She writes about the previous political years.

She wrote in length about the Bush's while in office. Bush 1, Bush 2, and Jeb. I don't totally agree with her about them or about Hilary. The one part we both agree on is Donald J. Trump. I enjoyed the book about 1/4 of the way. But,  the book became tedious. Her writing was a bit slanted as well.  But, I would not recommend buying the book. I would have rather read bits and pieces of the book. It's not worth reading the entire book.

I wasn't planning on talking about my feelings and fears about this year's election. I was planning to write a review only.  But, unfortunately, I couldn't help myself. It was a bouncing board to let out my own thoughts and feelings. I would like to apologize to my blog readers if I offended anyone.  But, this is a place I can finally say what I feel. One of the other reasons I purchased the book was because of the panel on Book TV. It did sound interesting what Maureen Dowd had to say. It perked my interest. I should have stayed with that. Below is the Book TV show.


   


                                                               






Friday, May 5, 2017

Hillbilly Elegy: Book Review






Hillbilly Elegy
By JD Vance


I purchased Hillbilly Elegy because of the election this year. The book was talked about on the TV news networks.  The book is not just about the life of living in the mountains. It is also about the culture, sociology, behavior, and history of living in the mountains. Or what we know as "hillbillies".

The book was not an easy read. It is a memoir of growing up in one culture, Kentucky mountains,  (Appalachian Mountains) and then migrating to another( Ohio).  The book was written by the prospective of their grandson, JD.

He's Grandparents, and his mother, and himself, and his siblings had a difficult life.  His Grandparents married they moved to Ohio. They moved to the steel factory. Which was great for a time economically.  Unfortunately, many of the people that worked in the steel factory lost their jobs. No more jobs were to be had in the area. J. D. and his family economically, and culturally had a difficult time of it.

You would think this is what the book is about. But, it was more than that. It was about the culture clash between the south, and the north. Most families were not able to adapt from the Kentucky mountains migrating to suburbia. Coming from the Appalachian mountains to Middleton, Ohio. Which was very difficult for them and the others that came from Kentucky. J.D.'s Mawaw, and Grandfather were dirt poor in the Kentucky mountains. When the moved to Ohio things changed for the better economically. But, the culture differences were still there. Think of the Beverly Hillbillies.

                                                             

JD grew up knowing violence, domestic abuse, drug, and alcohol abuse. His Mawaw( grandmother), was a strong force holding the family together. She was a tough cookie.
Continually, J. D. was bounced around from house to house each time he's mother divorced. Finally by the time J. D. was fourteen years old. He's Mawaw wasn't going to tolerate it any longer. She wanted to give him a stable home with lots of encouragement to J. D. Mawaw felt education was a very important.

 Many children were surrounded by trauma inside and outside the school and home.  His Grandmother didn't want this to be an excuse for her grandson.  Which can include sexual abuse, domestic abuse, drug, and alcohol abuse, violence. The list can go on, and on.

J.D. become successful. He graduated high school, went into the Marines, eventually went to Yale, into law school. The hardest part was adapting from the "holler" to suburbia. Try this, while in law school he was going out to dinner with other college students, and instructors, asked what kind of wine he would like. He has never had wine in his life. Couldn't even pronounce the name. He was embarrassed as I am sure we would be too. I hate to tell him. This is not a "Hillbilly thing". Because I didn't know at that age either. But, I am sure that is not the point he is getting at.

My Review: Hillbilly Eulogy was a fast read. I read the book because of Trump's win. But, I don't think the book explain it. It is about the "Hillbilly Culture", I always wondered what it was like living in a rural, poor, area. I have traveled years ago through the Kentucky, and Tennessee mountains.  The book does give a glimpse of the culture. It was a very fast, but difficult read. If you ever wondered about the culture. I recommend the book.

 Below you will find J. D. on Ted Talks below. You will get a better understanding. I am very glad I read it. The only problem I had. I expected it to be about the people of the rural area and Trump and why he won. You can think what you want about why Trump won. I think there are many different reasons. This may be a theory. But, I don't think it is because of them.





Friday, April 21, 2017

My Rant-Our Government


I wasn't sure what to do about my blog. Because since the presidential election. I have been very upset, angry, etc. I wanted to add one other passion on my book blog, under rants. My rants about social justice, civil liberties, democracy, and the election. I never thought to put this on my blog until the other day. Thank goodness I had the blog designer add rant to my book blog. 

I am not going to go on and on about Trump and the election as the list can go pretty long. Instead I am not going backward, but forward to be optimistic that our situation will get better in government. 

Here I will be posting about social justice, feminism, our diversity in our country which makes our country special.

Thank you for stopping by.






Thursday, April 20, 2017

Bernie Sanders: Our Revolution





Our Revolution

By Bernie Sanders
My copy


”A great nation is judged not by how many millionaires and billionaires it has, or by the size of its military budget. It is not judged by the greed of its largest corporations. It is judged by how well it treats its weakest and most vulnerable citizens. A truly great nation is one that is filled with compassion and solidarity.”

I was impressed by the man before he was running as the democrat in the presidential race. I am more impressed by the man after I read his book. This man is who he says he is, for the" average Joe". He is how he appears. Humble, and talks to us, the people, not at us.
                                                           

Bernie Sander's book, Our Revolution is what he started during the presidential race. He hopes that the book will empower young adults to become more involved and aware what is going on in the political process in government. 

The book is in two parts. He's biography, and his ideas and policy. One thing I did get was how wealth is influencing our constitution, and the political process. The wealthy buy our government officials.How much wealth is dividing our corporation to bigger, and bigger. Eating up the middle class. What's interesting is our media decides what is talked about and shown on TV. They are the big conglomerates. That is what makes the companies bigger. Owning 12 different television station influences what is exposed or not on CNN, CBS. 

The one thing Republicans don't like big government. Well if the government and companies did the right thing. The government wouldn't have to regulate companies for clean air, clean water, etc. 

The book is very easy to read. The author, Bernie Sanders is humble and down to earth. While you are reading you feel like you are having a conversation across the kitchen table drinking coffee. Each chapter discusses the change he wants to make in America. 

Defeating Oligarchy, Decline of the Middle Class, Ending a Rigged Economy, Heath Care for All, Higher Education Affordable, Climate Change, Criminal Justice Reform, Immigration Reform, Corporate Media.

I don't agree with everything he said. Some of the issues that Bernie brought up I would like to see change. I doubt change overnight. I am hopefully that some changes will be made.  You can't sit back and let the government take over. With out our say. Finally, one man reached out to us, the American people. 
He believes that it can happen at our local districts first- at the grassroots. This is where change will happen.

Have you noticed the old guard in Congress or the House of Representatives. Most of them are the old established order. It is time for change! That does include Senator Sanders. We need new blood in our government. Our constitution is in jeopardy. We need new blood to continue on our revolution.

President Trump running in the race opened my eyes. I didn't care about politics, or our government. I took it for granted that issues will stay constant. I always listened to others rather than opening my eyes.  Something does have to happen to change corporate America and the wealthy. We just have to look at 2020. 

Our Revolution is very easy to read. But, the book was getting a bit winded after awhile. I don't think he needed to be too descriptive. Over all I was glad I read, Our Revolution.


The Cigar Factory: Book Club






The Cigar Factory
Michele Moore






When I first read the back cover of the book. It reminded me of the Triangle Factory Fire. It does have similarities. But, it does have much more. It is worth the read and won't disappoint.

If you like to read stories about social justice, black issues, and are a feminist. I think you would like this book.  With what going on in our country. It is worth the read. It reminds us how much has changed. Hopefully our country will go back to "normalcy".

White against Black. Working conditions of both classes in the Cigar Factory in Charleston,SC. When White and Black come together for the  common good. Equal pay for everyone. Better working conditions. Non-segregated bathrooms. Sexual harrassement by the upper management.  I can't say, I enjoyed. But my eyes opened by the oppression of black workers vs. white. What it was like working and living in the south. Working conditions in the south for  Black, vs. White workers.Living and working during the war, unions. Etc, etc, etc.

If you like books on social justice, historical fiction. I would recommend highly.
 














Saturday, March 25, 2017

The Rogue Lawyer






The Rogue Lawyer
By John Grisham

Doubleday Books
Review copy from Todd Dogherty



The Rogue Lawyer is not your typical John Grisham novel. The novel does grab you like all of his novels. But, doesn't grab you the same way he's other novels do. The novel opens up with the main character, Sebastian Rudd.  

He represents the worst of the worst in his cases. The book is like short stories about each of the client's he represents. They only connect because they are Rudd's clients. Other than that the stories are not interconnected. They are interesting stories on how he deals with his clients. In the center of it all is how he tries to get along with his ex-wife, and his daughter in the custody fight.

 He works out of a customized bulletproof van, complete with Wi-Fi, a bar, a small fridge, fine leather chairs, a hidden gun compartment, and a heavily armed driver. He has no firm, no partners, no associates, and only one employee, his driver, who’s also his bodyguard, law clerk, confidant, and golf caddy. He lives alone in a small but extremely safe penthouse apartment, and his primary piece of furniture is a vintage pool table. He drinks small-batch bourbon and carries a gun.

It wasn't a great read. It was a distraction with what life was dealing me during the week. 









Friday, March 3, 2017

Marjorie Morningstar


           
     





Marjorie Morningstar
By Herman Wouk



Our book club, chose to read Marjorie Morningstar for our February meeting. I was hesitant to read the book. Because it was such a long novel. We discussed how we were going to discuss a long book. But, we chose to read it in one month.

Some of the book club members have read the novel before, but years ago. Most of them read it in their teens in the 1950's.. So at that time most of the members thought the novel was relatable. But, now they have a different perspective.

Some of the members thought that Noel was a terrible perspective for a boyfriend for Marjorie. That Marjorie was a spoiled little rich girl. She was so rebellious. Did everything opposite what her parents expected.

The book takes place in the 1930's before the war. I couldn't believe the author was the same author that wrote the novel, War and Peace and other books. I never understood how he could write a romance novel. I couldn't relate to the book at all. I could not see this as timeless. Because I couldn't relate to the novel at all. Perhaps if I was a teen I could relate to it. Because a teenager I could see her being rebellious. Like any teenager. But, reading as an adult in mid life I couldn't relate. I thought she was reckless, and radical, having, and talking sex openly.

The writing is straight narrative. Now, many authors have different and varied writing styles, and have different types of skills to write a novel. For example, some authors, write using flashbacks, other write subjective, and objective writing. The modern writing styles grab you most of the time. They don't use long sentences like Mr. Wouk did.  The writing with Wouk were long and descriptive.

Also, I noticed the author using, " The Father", The Mother", as a authoritarian. Instead of using, mother, and father. I didn't like any of the characters, I think the only character I liked was the Uncle.
The only part of the novel I liked was the early part of the book. When they were at the Bar-Mitzvah, and at the camp. It reminded me of the stories of my Mom and Dad growing up. Also reminded me of Dirty Dancing.

I am glad we read the book because reading a book that was written year ago. To hear the perspective of the ladies that read it when they were younger. Was wonderful hearing their perspective of the novel. I struggled through it because it was a book club book. If I was reading it for my pleasure. I think I would have put it down.                                                                

Book Review: The Making of Donald Trump







The Making of Donald Trump
By David Cay Johnston



I was never interested in Donald Trump. Living in the metro area of New York. I used to hear the gossip and troubles, and womanizing in the 80's in the news, and on TV, and newspapers. He's wife, and lovers. I thought he was disgusting. I didn't know the half of it. There is even more in the concise biography of Donald Trump.
I was disconnected because I didn't know anything about Trump being on TV, on the Apprentice.

 I never followed politic until this year. I was a republican until this year. When I turned to the democratic party. I didn't want Hilary Clinton, but I definately didn't want to see Donald Trump. I could see right through him. Where most of my other friends, and family didn't.

 I saw him as reckless, and a dangerous man. he has no conscience, no heart, conflict of interest, what does a wealthy business man have to gain to become president? ,How does he understand the average person's problems? . He is up in Trump Tower. He is unaware of most of our daily financial problems. He has so many business interests all over the world. You are going to tell me he isn't looking out for himself? He definately is. He is going to benefit becoming president. Passing laws that benefit him and he's family. You tell me he is going to disassociate himself from his business. I can see him  at Thanksgiving dinner. He isn't going to ask his son," What's going on". He reacts before he thinks, He is so thin skin. He attacks people, etc, etc, and it keeps continuing each day. Our heads get dizzy with news or distractions It is so mind blowing.

So finally, I decided to give the benefit of the doubt to read this concise short book on Trump. I thought maybe it will give me a different aspect, WRONG!!
He's grandfather, father were pretty terrible people. Trump, and his siblings decided to sue one of his brothers. The family was contesting the suit. Saying one of the brother's didn't deserve being part of the will. So instead the family decided to stop their health insurance. Which involved the brother's baby son who was gravely ill. I told you Trump had no heart.

Donald Trump has unscrupulous business practices, reckless when dealing in business, He has no regard for others only what benefits himself. He has a lack of business ethics, and judgments in business.

Each of the chapters are made up of controversial items in his life. Whether it is unethical or criminal. The only problem is Trump seems to get away with it. He is able to find a loophole or pay someone off. It starts with him being a slum lord in the New York City projects, or taking from the government monies that he uses cheaper materials and then pockets the money. He doesn't pay people he owes for work that is done. He boasts that he just bought a million dollar project. Then reneges it, and then says the property is less. He then pays less in taxes, Trump University fiasco. Students paying large amount of money. He promises he is going to hand pick he's faculty. Which he doesn't. He then brands his property. He has someone else do the work. He proclaims he is a billionaire. But, reading it appears he doesn't. It is important to hide his so called wealth. Because banks will not simultaneously loan money to him if they realize he is not.

I realize this because, why would he not pay contractors and employees he owed money too. He also was bankrupt several times. Banks and lawyers saved his butt only because of the self interest of themselves. Realizing it was better that they give him more time to pay them back. He was involved with football leagues and tried to pull a fast one with them. He has never given to charities. If he has it is money he has given from the Trump Foundation to give back to the Trump Foundation. He knows the loopholes to get away from paying taxes for years, and the same with the Casino Commission. Ridiculous. He is basically cheating us, We the People. He is fine with cheating the government for years. Paying $0 in taxes. Piggybacking on others. How he can sleep at night. I wonder what he's children are like. I would think they would be embarrassed to know he's father did this. Or they are just like him.

 He also was involved with the mafia, gangsters,etc. He also was involved with using concrete instead steel regulations. Sounds to me like a Hoffa cover-up??! The whole book turned my stomach.And this is years ago before he was ever thinking about becoming president.  The book should have been required reading for any Trump supporter. Now, look what we got ourselves into America!

There is so much more than I discussed. The list goes on, and on... If you want to learn more, I suggest you pick up the book by Pulitzer prize winner, David Cay Johnston.

The Making of Donald Trump reads like a gotcha book. It grabs you from the first page. The book reads like a newspaper article. It is fast reading. Each chapter takes a piece of Donald Trump's controversial life. I don't know how this man can sleep at night. He evades paying taxes for years. He is proud of it. He even said at the debates, I'm smart.I got away not to have to pay taxes.

I am sharing my thoughts... The book doesn't cover anything about the presidential race, and when he becomes president. The one thing that bothered me is that he never apologized for his strategy for being divisive and dividing the country. I never heard him defend any of the minority groups. He finally says something a week ago. It's a bit too late. Then he's excuse when Israeli Prime Minister comes to Washington. A question is posed to him. He answers with the voting numbers again. Then brings up his daughter is Jewish. He's daughter is a convert. That doesn't mean he sees his daughter as Jewish. He used her marriage and her husband as a political ploy. Also when other presidents see a crisis the president steps up to the plate to decrease anxiety of the United States citizens. He doesn't.

Thursday, January 12, 2017

Book Club: A Man Called Ove





A Man Called Ove
Fredrik Backman


I am posting A Man Called Ove a bit late. I read it about three weeks ago. So pardon if it is a bit sketchy. I will try my best to give you the highlights shared by my book club as well as my thoughts.

When you first pick up the novel. You fear the novel is going in one direction. Surprised to say it goes differently. Each chapter is named with a cute picture of a tool.  The novel is a wonderful read. It is a breath of fresh air. Each chapters are short. The direction the novel takes when he is an "old man", to when he was young.  The way the author does flashback is very different than other books I have read. Perhaps because the author is Swedish, rather than from the U.S.

I loved reading, A Man Called Ove. The novel opens when he is much older. Then goes back to when he was growing up.  As I was reading the book I thought he was much older than 59. I expected him to be much older perhaps in his 70's.

Ove wants to end his life. He thinks there is nothing to look forward to in life after his wife died.  Each time he tries something, or someone interferes with him committing suicide.  In comes his foreign neighbors that rams his mailbox. Once this happens nothing is the same again.  Situation after situation prevent him from ending his life. Ove is rigid. He can't think anything outside of the box. He follows the rules. He can get very angry when other people don't think like he does. He face looks mad.

He has lived in the small community for years in Sweden. He seems not to like his community, or the people in it. Always fighting with someone. But, then it seems after awhile the community comes to love, and adore him. But, also Ove comes to mellow with his neighbors, and love them. The community seems to embrace Ove, and watch out for him.

After his wife passes away. For years he lives alone, and lonely. Then a cat appears at his door step. He hates that cat. Til he finally takes the cat in and falls for the cat. This is just one of the situations. There is more to the story about the cat. But, I don't want to spoil it.

Ove, is so rigid, the story is so funny. He lost his friendship with a friend over  a car! Ove only likes the Saab. Then his friend buys a Toyota. Their friendship is lost because of a car!! There is some serious parts. Especially when he's friend becomes ill. In Sweden, the country can take a citizen and put him away in a nursing home. Ove tries to help him avoid this happening.

This is definately a feel-good, uplifting book that you can't forget about Ove.  I don't want to go in the specifics that will make you laugh, cry, smile, etc. Rather, just letting you know( my readers), that it is worth the read.