The Host, by Stephenie Meyer - Book Review

What if an alien invasion is the reason for the political and social unrest? Author Stephenie Meyer provides a scenario of possibilities that may reveal the current media trend of disinformation.

The story, written by the best-selling author of the Twilight series, begins with the transformation of a female professor who begins to question her existence and her occupational choice.

She's inexplicably drawn to the desert in search of something she can't quite explain. Against the rules of the new societal norms, she takes off on a quest to explain the strange images that flood  into her dreams. When the images invade her mind during her wakened state, she can't resist the urge to explore their roots.

In the new norm, television has changed dramatically, along with sports, the news, and human interactions. Cooperation is the norm, with helping others being the primary objective. Football has lost its competitive edge with players finishing the game with hugs and handshakes for their opponents. Both teams receive a trophy. Violence is replaced with kindness and complacency. The news contains only feel-good stories of people, world leaders, and celebrities acting charitably. Murder and crime is at an all-time low.

These changes would seem ideal if it weren't the results of an alien invasion.

Everything You Do - Bryan Adams

Look into their eyes, and it's easy to tell. One quick beam of a flashlight will reveal them. The transformation of humans from their natural state of combat readiness—fight or flight responsiveness—has morphed into dormant, non-violent, docile and helpful citizens ready to assist their brothers and sisters with any need.

What's wrong with this picture? The reason for the abrupt changes in the way things have always been can be explained by an alien invasion. These tiny creatures who take over the mind of their host are a peaceful lot.

In this case, the alien beings are tiny enough to live within their victim's body undetected. There is one easy giveaway to their existence: Around the inner iris of their captive's eyes, a shining iridescent presence can be detected, along with a scar at the point of insertion at the back of the neck. The invaders use skilled surgeons who operate under the influence of implanted beings to conduct the procedure, placing the worm-like alien creature along the spine. Once there, it extends thousands of microscopic tentacles into the bodies of their host to control all aspects of their subject.

Attempts to remove the beings result in the unfortunate death of its captive host, although experiments to remove the invaders are ongoing. One such surgeon, a member of the resistance, suffers the emotional consequences of these questionable operations which challenge his Hippocratic oath and his own conscience. He struggles with the pressure to rid the population of this invader, yet, is torn by the results he experiences by doing so.

The main character, an alien known as Wanda, short for wanderer, is a complex being who has hosted on at least nine planets during her lengthy lifetime. Living out the lives of the species who reside in each of these worlds, she has taken their memories along for the long journey to Earth. Traveling in a cyber freezer while en route to the next ill-fated planet, her kind will occupy the homes and the minds of their inhabitants. She is among those destined to set up the new world for total invasion.

The trouble starts when the lingering memories of the human in which she is implanted begins to invade her own consciousness. The love her host body, formerly known as Melanie, continues to feel for not only her brother but also for her former mate and lover, Jared, drives Wanda into the desert on a journey from which she will not return.

Out in the middle of nowhere, a colony of humans has escaped detection and have begun a commune of cooperative efforts within a series of caves. With incredible ingenuity, they have created underground gardens, a kitchen with ovens heated by the natural elements, sleeping quarters and even hot baths for their residents.

Wanda is forced to join their community, first as a prisoner, and later as a contributing member who teaches classes about her species, captivating the youthful audience with her stories of life on other planets. As her inner voice grows louder, she is convinced that her human occupant of the body where she now resides, is still actively hanging on to her former life.

The character, Wanda, is befriended by some of the cave-dwellers and suffers abuse at the hand of others. Her persistence and optimism under pressure is as admirable as her submissive and passive behavior at the hands of her captors is degrading and offensive.

Those who are not fond of Wanda resent her acceptance by the founder of the safe place where they live. One heavy-handed abuser catches the woman alone in the hot springs and tries to drown her in the pool. Her response to his attack draws varied reactions from the collective who hold a trial to determine the outcome of the incident.

A complicated psychological thriller, this story evokes emotions of the reader who can compare the alien invasion situation to present-day prejudice, oppression, and fear of those who are unlike us. It draws the reader into a web of entanglement between both humans and aliens, demonstrating a familiar pattern of violence and resistance to change.

Along with the introspective, the story presents a realm of medical issues concerning right to life and modern medicine practices. The innovative nature of the alien race brings with it a variety of cures, medicines, and practices that, on the surface, pulls one in favor of their presence. Their restrictive and lackluster lives, on the other hand, makes one pull for the tenacity and resilience of their conquered hosts.

A captivating read, Ms. Meyer's book takes us into a world of what-ifs. It explores the depth of human interaction and the residual effects of love for others, whether borne of passion or familial ties. It demonstrates the differences in families and siblings, husbands, wives, lovers, and the ever-present curiosity of children whose acceptance of the unexplained is inspiring.

Love, hate, passion, survival, revolution, innovation, and a story that draws the reader in from the beginning is the basis for the success of this book, which has since been made into a movie. This book is one I've read more than once and turn to for tawdry escapism and entertainment.

Though she's the author of the Twilight series, a blockbuster story about vampires, this venture into the science fiction realm is by far Stephenie Meyer's best work.

The Carriage Driver 3 - Book Review

A collection of uplifting stories where the recently departed spend eternity in the destination of their choice. The Carriage Driver guides the deceased to an ideal future where artists get to paint, compose, sing with the greats. Dancers find new steady legs and music. It's Heaven that we would hope to find.

Have you ever wondered what Heaven would be like? This collection offers glimpses into the realm of possibilities. If presented with an eternal hereafter, the reader must only choose their destination in which to live out their dreams.

These stories are about people who've demonstrated a spirit of love and caring during their lives. For these folks who've crossed over, a better place awaits that matches their talents, interests and desires. For those that promote evil and nefarious deeds, there also awaits a destiny. That is, if you believe The Promise.

This book is the third in a series of short stories about the afterlife by Fiction Award-winning author Michael Friedman. In the Carriage Driver³, the author continues to share glimpses into what might await us in our next life among the stars.

These stories tend to reassure readers about the fate of loved ones who've journeyed to the other side. This collection of stories is delightful and poignant, told by a master at telling tales.

What Happens to Our Pets?

The book opens with a story about a man and his six-year-old Labrador Retriever, who, after losing her master, makes a new acquaintance and finds a new life here on Earth. For pet lovers that wonder what will happen to our pets should we depart first, it gives a sense of peace that all will be well with the beloved creatures we leave behind.

Those guided by the carriage driver and his noble stead will make the journey safely and in good company.

Through these stories we meet Nichole, Ann, Magruder, Betty Lou, John, Annie, Paula; professors, farmers, hippies, pilots and soldiers, children, mothers, brothers and blue-bellied warriors. Some have seen nearly a century of life, balancing their toils with joys, dancing their way across the years while others are plucked early from life by the ruthless, murderous spawn of Satan.

The characters are from Texas, Florida, New Concord, Pakistan, north, south, east and west. They've explored the Euphrates and the deserts. They represent people from every walk of life. Each story has a character with which we can feel a bond, a familiarity and presence of someone we knew or held close.

In one story, the reader meets a character quick with a practiced smile and devilish blue eyes whose penchant and passion included illegitimate schemes for making money. It seems every family has one of these characters that operate the "small cons, even on members of his family."

This particular stocky man, fond of wearing black and tons of gold jewelry, thinks he is in charge of the destiny of others even in the afterlife.

"There would be hell to pay," and his self-assured promises were put to the test when Dottie’s name appeared in “the book.”

A Woman Like Me

Anyone familiar with Goth or Emo will recognize Lisa whose wardrobe consists of a black leather jacket with silver studs, heavy black boots and layers of mask applied over many years. She wears layers of darkness to distance herself and to pull “the cloak of fear” about her.

After she manages to escape on Nuelle the horse, she's comforted by the oracles that take her under their wings. Later, at Elysian fields, they render aid along with a heavy dose of much-needed healing.

Louise

The story of Louise tugs hard on my heart strings as it reminds me of my mother's sister, my maiden aunt whose life was one of gentle simplicity, kindness and charitable actions. In the story, Louise transcends a life where her mobility has been restricted by age. After a life of active sports, dancing and grace, she's confined to a wheelchair. Her vision's been taken away by age-related Macular Degeneration, and at the age of ninety-seven, she's removed from even the simple pleasures of reading, playing bingo or watching her favorite game shows on TV.

Her transition to the afterlife includes a brand new pair of emerald green dancing shoes fit for a ballroom. Like Cinderella, she's transformed from her former diminished self into a new and enchanting world of music and song awaking in a great hall filled with handsome and willing dance partners where they twirl merrily under a galaxy of glittering stars.

The Legend

This story highlights a young musical singer and performer, Chuck Berry, who drew hordes of youth out on the dance floor bopping to his tunes. He brought generations of teenagers together.

Every day in the news we hear of the death of one of our childhood stars or musical heroes. From Elvis, his daughter Priscilla, Whitney Houston, Michael Jackson, and Tom Petty, the stars are falling from the sky like raindrops.

In this fictional story, when Chuck Berry's time came to take the ride to the stage in the sky he reminisced with the driver about meeting Elvis, and how the influence of the Beatles, Marvin Gaye and Otis changed the world.

Captain Griffin Chaffey and his trusty steed, Nuelle, travel the skies, transporting dearly departed souls to the destination of their wishes, sharing an apple and small talk while we eavesdrop into their journeys, gleaning a fragment of hope and solace in our hours of need.

For me, this book was a great comfort when loved ones passed away, something that as we grow older, seems to happen with regularity. With this sobering realization comes the importance of making the most out of life and poses the question, "Who goes to Heaven and why?"

It's a book that offers comfort and hope, a book to be shared and treasured. It's a book that explores “our deepest desires for an afterlife free from the stress and the constraints of our earthly bonds.”

I highly recommend keeping a copy of this book on the nightstand to read during sleepless nights.

Don't Know Jack - by Diane Capri - A Book Review

Don't Know Jack is the first book in the Hunt For Jack Reacher Series by Diane Capri. Its corollary book by Lee Child, Killing Floor, was made into a TV Series starring Alan Ritchson.

This fun read is a find for Reacher's die-hard fans who yearn to keep the Reacher story going. Diane Capri's novels give fans exactly they're hoping for, reuniting the reader with familiar characters and introducing new, memorable ones.

In this story, Kim Otto, Special Agent with the FBI, is assigned is to track down a trained killer, Retired Army Major Jack Reacher who's suspected in the murder of multiple people in Georgia.

Otto is a tightly-wound, overachiever. The daughter of a Vietnam veteran and a Vietnamese woman, Kim Otto is ninety-eight pounds of dynamite in a ten-pound package.

As the senior agent on the Special Personnel Task Force, she's paired up with Agent Carlos Gaspar, a 44-year-old with four kids. He's recovering from an on-the-job injury that keeps him in constant pain. Otto at times questions his suitability when she catches him limping and popping pain killers.

Gaspar hopes to put in his remaining twenty years and retire to Florida with the family. His calm demeanor both agitates and calms his new partner as he eats and sleeps his way along passing out deadpan remarks like candy.

The pairing of this odd couple adds a light-hearted element as they weave in and out of tricky situations and grow more efficient at guessing one another’s strategies.

Kim Otto finds no track record of Reacher in any of the alphabet agencies. No one seems to know where Reacher is and, more than likely, he doesn't want to be found. He has no footprint on social media, no known address, no phone, and no financial ties. He was last seen 15 years earlier in Margrave, Georgia after a crime syndicate was busted and a bunch of criminals were left dead, likely Reacher’s doing.

“Reacher had investigated, arrested, subdued, and otherwise dealt with some of the most highly trained soldiers on earth, all of them capable of extreme violence. He had done it by matching their violence with his own. He was a killer.”

Flying white-knuckled aboard a pre-dawn flight from Detroit to Atlanta, Agent Otto uses the time to review the case files sent encrypted by her boss. She's been instructed to keep the assignment completely off-the-books and under the radar. There will be no official acknowledgement of her duties which makes her job more difficult. 

The more she studies the scant files the less comfortable she becomes with the case. She knows if she messes up her career is in jeopardy.

Before she left home, street-smart and business-savvy Kim Otto had copied the documents into a separate file on a non-shared device. Too many people had access to the general FBI files and too many careers had been destroyed by loose lips.

She’d learned to CYA when it came to assignments.

Otto and Gaspar begin their search by conducting interviews of Reacher’s last known associates starting with Chief Roscoe of the Margrave Police, one of the few remaining officers that were on staff at the time.

To cover their real mission, Otto explains that the FBI Specialized Personnel Task Force is conducting a thorough background investigation of retired major, Jack Reacher. Having been in direct contact with Reacher in the past, Roscoe's was one of the case files sent from the boss.

The secrecy and urgency of the assignment worries Otto as too much information is missing. Having reviewed Reacher’s military file, she knew her task would not be easy. He would be like no candidate she’d investigated before.

“Reacher had investigated, arrested, subdued, and otherwise dealt with some of the most highly trained soldiers on earth, all of them capable of extreme violence. He had done it by matching their violence with his own. He was a killer.”

There had been one strongly-emphasized point in the 3-minute pre-dawn telephone call from Otto’s boss. They were to arrive at the interview location of the first subject no later than 11:30 am. Gaspar and Otto arrived at the Margrave police station by 11:15 am, giving them fifteen minutes to chat up the local Chief of Police before the deadline.

The timing of their arrival proved to be a key factor of the entire operation, putting them in position to investigate a local murder alongside of local law enforcement.

At precisely eleven-thirty a call came into the Chief of Police’s office. Someone’s been murdered and Otto and Gaspar’s interview is interrupted. They convince the Chief to let them tag along to the crime scene. While still in pursuit of their main target, clues took them down a  new path that revealed a stash of hidden cash, a treacherous wife and the murder of another police officer.

After taking some photos and making their own private observations, they drive back toward Atlanta to rest and regroup. As they’re checking into their hotel, Otto’s phone rings. It’s her boss. She feels certain he’s planted a GPS tracking device since he always seems to know where she is. Sleep deprived, rain soaked, and hungry, she’s ordered to submit a complete report by ten pm. By ten-thirty, they’re to be on a plane headed for Kennedy Airport in NY.

Their second target interview also has precise timing built into their two am arrival. As time ticks away and their plans falter. Elegant, immaculately dressed, politically well-connected, Finlay shows up late with cryptic bits of knowledge that he keeps close at hand. In a short twenty minutes, the agents realize this assignment goes far deeper than expected and their hopes for a swift conclusion to the assignment are dashed.

Weaving in and out of tricky situations, twists and turns keep the reader turning pages as the agents grow closer to their ultimate target, Jack Reacher.

This fun read meets the needs of Reacher's die-hard fans who want to keep the Reacher story going. A fast-paced crime thriller Diane Capri's novels give fans exactly they're hoping to find when searching for Jack Reacher.

An Ax To Grind by Frank Atanacio, A Book Review

In this fantasy fiction Novel by Frank Atanacio, Nick P.T. Barnum, a crime solving private detective works his magic to solve a case about murder, revenge and copy-cat killers.

This story features courtroom drama and reveals loopholes that criminals use to exploit the system with the aid of legal counsel.

No one likes it when a crook is set free because of a legal technicality, except for the criminal. 

"Even the best, most respected lawyers will defend someone as sick and twisted as Willie the Greek for the right price."

The author expertly sets a scene where drug dealers are waiting to secure their supply source when a dispute breaks out and a stray bullet hits an unintended victim. The aftermath of that unintentional murder is the basis for this murder mystery featuring the quirky and likable detective, Nick P.T. Barnum.

For those unfamiliar with the idiom, "An Ax to Grind," the UK definition suggests that it refers to a person that holds a grudge or a beef against someone with a private end to serve. The phrase likely comes from the act of sharpening an ax with the intention of using it to take revenge. Quora defines it as "To have a grievance with someone, especially where one feels the need to seek damaging retribution."

Revenge is the motive for a string of murders perpetrated by the primary suspect, Gary Manda, in the case after his young child is slain. Gary is the son of virtuous, well-respected, and God fearing matriarch, Mable Manda, who is torn between her desire for retribution of her grandchild's murder and her strong Biblical beliefs.

Private detective, Nick Barnum, walks a thin line between sympathy for his friend, Mable's loss, and the compelling desire to hunt down and find a serial murderer.

Atanacio is well equipped to serve up portions of suspense, humor, camaraderie, justice and reality in this fast-paced fiction story where many of the characters are familiar from his previous novels. Between Willie the Greek and his Bridgeport Police Department companions, the author spins a web of intrigue and mystery that puts P.T. Barnum to task in solving the case. The detective's sense of humor and self deprecatory nature is endearing often revealed in his "boy bashing" meals shared with other agents of the law.

The author mixes playful, flirtatious banter into the interactions between police officers, office staff, and restaurant servers inviting the reader into the scene with the natural flow of colorful characters.

Set in Bridgeport, Connecticut, the story takes the reader on an adventure that incorporates elements of the legal system, the criminal mind, a hint of romance for a not-so-perfect aging detective and realistic portrayals of characters in their station of life.

Barnum's office assistant is a sassy, young, adept and impressionable character whose full story is not revealed, leaving the reader to form certain conclusions as to her true nature and desires. She holds her own against the detective who can dish it out as well as take it on the chin. Their playful banter and casual working relationship is an enjoyable sideline to the story.

Frank's use of the common vernacular of the different characters is authentic and believable, leading the reader to assume the author knows these characters in person. He doesn't shy away from uncomfortable or politically incorrect slang that makes the dialogue flow smoothly as if spoken on the street.

He can effectively capture the stirrings of young love and the angst of a young man who has feelings for his first crush. The author's mastery of the characters brings them to life allowing the reader to empathize or despise as necessary based on their actions.

As the pivotal scene occurs in the playground, the narrative inches the story into the next dimension between life and death.

"He knew something was happening, but he could not tell what it was. The commotion was simply not registering in his head. . .Suddenly, he saw a bright light pass before him. It was almost blinding as he tried to adjust his eyes to it."

From that moment, everything in the story takes a new turn.

For readers hooked on murder mysteries like Lee Child's Jack Reacher series, Live PD, Snapped, The Homicide Hunter, Dateline, First 48, I Almost Got Away With It, and other reality TV drama, this story was a compelling and enjoyable read written by one of the best.

The Carriage Driver 2 - Book Review

This imaginative collection of short stories offers the reader a hopeful glimpse into the transition after death. Mike Friedman, creator of the Emerald Wells Café series, The Quinn Moosebroker Mysteries and Braids - Angel’s Field is an award-winning fiction writer and artist.

The Carriage Driver² is the second release in a collection of stories about the afterlife. Rich in detail and empathy, the characters include a variety of people, some who’ve experienced a continuous struggle for survival and others who seem to have had it all.

Their next journey after they meet their inevitable fate begins with a ride in a beautiful horse-drawn carriage pulled by a white steed. Once their name appears in the book, the dearly departed are asked to decide on a destination where they wish to go. During the ride, questions are asked and answered, options are offered and life begins anew with an infinite number of possibilities based on their tastes, talents and deepest desires.

Knocking on Heaven's Door

The Weathervane is a favorite from this collection in which an elderly woman is living in a rest home when she begins her journey after a few brief moments to decide where she wants to begin spending eternity.

As she steps out of the carriage, she’s transformed into the younger self that has resided for years only within her memories. She finds herself wearing a favorite floral print summer dress, standing on a beach with swaying palms, warm tropical breezes and the familiar cries of drifting sea gulls. There she reunites with and is wrapped in the loving arms of her long since dearly departed husband where, once again, they share a world of their former happiness. It’s a story that gives the surviving family hope that their loved one spends future days in true care-free bliss.

The Gutter Boy's main character, Dylan finds that life isn’t always filled with abuse and disrespect after he meets two kind doctors, a husband and wife team. He discovers that his time to move into the next world has not yet arrived, experiencing only a change in his circumstance through which he’s destined to lead a richer way of life and repay his debt with future acts of kindness.

Many other stories are included in the collection with each story offering subtle clues about life lessons. Each character has a chance to interact with Captain Griffin Chaffey, a veteran of the War Between the States who, after losing his own life, remained in the battlefield to help others find their way onward. He accepts his assignments cheerfully accompanied by Nuelle, a white horse whose intuition and spirit shines throughout as she munches on shared apples and trots to their destinations. Sometimes, she enjoys a romp in the surf as part of her reward for a job well done. Other times, she must face the uncertainties of strange and frightening places where darkness and despair lurk.

The Man Unseen introduces a young man whose difficulties began early in life. The victim of school chums who taunted and took advantage of the special needs child, his troubles are multiplied when his mother passes away and he's cheated out of his rightful home. He lives out his remaining days on the street in constant peril, yet his wisdom shines when he shares his observations with Captain Chaney.

"There ought to be rules for men to live by," he remarks. It comes as no surprise that he chooses an afterlife of spreading generosity toward others who suffer as he once did.

In Sister Sarah's Miracle we meet Sister Sarah, an empathetic and generous worker of miracles whose hands-on ministry is directed toward the less fortunate. In the story, she visits a young girl, a cancer victim who resides in Mass General Hospital.

Sister Sarah gives of herself to the point of depleting her supply of healing power. When she meets Captain Griffin, her strength returns and she is able to continue her valuable work on this earth. Fortunately, The Carriage Driver and Nuelle know how to keep a secret.

Nuelle and the captain operate their carriage out of Boston, but the reader is assured that across all cities, towns, boroughs and villages, others carry on the same legacy driving the recently deceased to their choice destination where they begin the next life. Or, if they choose to wait for a spouse, a child or a loved one, “there is a castle in the sky whose spires puncture Heaven to accommodate them.”

These heartwarming tales lend to second and third readings with revisits inspired by the depth of the subtleties of deeper meaning within. Great for late-night reading when the troubles of the world interrupt the peace and quiet of sleep, these stories restore a sense of calm in a world of turmoil.

As a bonus, the book contains a short stand-alone story titled, “Walking to Goleta,” a tale of companionship, compassion, generosity, ingenuity, and a heartwarming miracle in a Christmas setting.

The Carriage Driver is your liaison to the heaven of your own choosing.” Don’t be fooled by the free ride. Those who climb on board have paid in advance.”

The Carriage Driver by Michael Friedman - Book Review

The Carriage Driver

Versatile author, Michael Friedman, writes from the heart about things that matter. In his book, The Carriage Driver, a collection of stories about the afterlife, he captures the hearts those who believe as well as those who only hope there is life after death.

His tales identify possible choices for each of us as we pass through the veil of darkness and our bodies outlive their usefulness. He presents options where we pick our new lives as we move out of this physical realm and into the after world. His tales provide possible answers to the eternal question: What if?

This gathering of stories incorporates individuals from all walks of life carrying on their hopes and dreams and moving them to the next level. Some arrive at The Castle for a sumptuous dinner; others conduct a symphony, perform an original musical masterpiece, paint a work of art or ride off into the sunset of our dreams. 

As the author explains in his Preface, “This work presents the instances where a person's life has led to a promised land.”

This book is one that the reader will turn to time and again with the passing of time as we long for the comfort of a future for ourselves and our loved ones. The closer one gets to our ultimate demise, we ache for a place, as promised in the Christian ministry and other religions, of "many mansions" where we might choose a resting place on our continuous journey. 

These beautifully written and uplifting stories provide insight into what might await us as we cross over into the unknown and pass through eternity. Peppered with wisps of poetry and driven by our favorite steed, Nuelle, we ride together into the storm as we face the future.

Harry Truman, Plain Speaking - by Merle Miller

President Harry Truman

The book, Plain Speaking, An Oral Biography, is a collection of observations by Merle Miller who invested hundreds of hours in one-on-one interviews not only with the former President, but with his staff, family members, former teachers, and a variety of every-day people who knew him before 1935 when he first went off to Washington. They spoke of his honesty, integrity, ethics and the kind of man who was held in high esteem.

Former President Harry S. Truman was a voracious reader. “I always had my nose stuck in a book,” he said, “a history book mostly. Of course, the main reason you read a book is to get a better insight into the people you're talking to. There were about three thousand books in the library downtown, and I guess I read them all, including the encyclopedias. I'm embarrassed to say that I remembered what I read, too.”

He was a student of history, a man with an intense desire to preserve the records of history. Mr. Truman said, in talking about libraries, “The worst thing in the world is when records are destroyed. The destruction of the Alexandrian Library and also the destruction of the great libraries in Rome…Those were terrible things, and one was done by the Moslems and the other by the Christians, but there’s no difference between them when they’re working for propaganda purposes.” He believed “The only thing new in the world is the history you don’t know.”

He also was concerned about the influence of money and donors. “I was always very particular about where my money came from. Very few people are going to give you large sums of money if they don’t expect to get something from it, and you’ve got to keep that in mind.” He was aware of the power and corruption money brings when he said, “No man can get rich in politics unless he's a crook.”

The 33^rd President of the United States, Harry S. Truman was born on May 8, 1884, and served from April 12, 1945 to January 20, 1953. He was the son of a rural farmer and mule trader in Lamar, Missouri. He served as Vice President for 82 days before the sudden death of Franklin Delano Roosevelt catapulted him into the Oval Office at the culmination of the Second World War.

He was outspoken and downright humorous in his memoirs of those with whom he came into contact. His forthright nature was apparent in summary of many in the political limelight, including Adlai Stevenson of whom he said, “a man who could never make up his mind whether he had to go to the bathroom or not.” Speaking of Henry Wallace, an opponent when Truman ran for reelection, Truman said, “What he said he wasn’t going to do was exactly what I knew he was going to do. I don’t know in Henry’s case if you’d say he was a liar as much as that he didn’t know the difference between the truth and a lie.” He says that Wallace accused him of trying to get this country into war with Russia, which he says, “was the opposite of what I was doing.” Sound familiar?

Despite his share of “frustration, of failure, of disappointment, of poverty, of mortgage foreclosures, of heartbreak” and bankruptcy in his haberdashery business, he remained cheerfully optimistic and “never wore his heart on his sleeve.”

About heritage, he would add, “I wouldn’t think much of a man that tried to deny the people and the town where he grew up. I’ve told you. You must always keep in mind who you are and where you came from. A man who can’t do that at all times is in trouble where I’m concerned. I wouldn’t have anything to do with him.”

His early life reflected the challenges of a studious and somewhat frail child, who preferred reading and learning to the outdoor games and activities of his peers.

The book captures the essence of his personality, philosophy and ethics in his own words. He makes viable recommendations on books that every citizen should read, he speaks on how to regard those seeking office and cautions the same. “You see the thing you have to remember. When you get to be President, there are all those things, the honors, the twenty-one gun salutes, all those things, you have to remember it isn’t for you. It’s for the Presidency and you’ve got to keep yourself separate from that in your mind.”

He believed that you have to appeal to people’s best instincts rather than their worst which might win you the election, but will do a lot of harm to the country.

Mr. Truman’s home-spun and self-enlightened wisdom rings true in today’s world, just as he described the plots and campaigns of the Roman Empire as no different than the modern strategies. Through his forthright appeal to the masses telling the truth about what was going on, he won the bid for reelection, in his own words, “by a statement of fact of what had happened in the past and what would happen in the future if the fella that was running against me was elected.”

Other quotes from the former President of the United States:

On the differences between mules and machines – “There’s some danger that you may get kicked in the head by a mule and end up believing everything you read in the papers.”

“Sometimes I was advised to hold my fire on this and that because they said telling the truth would offend people. But whenever I took such advice I never thought much of myself. If you keep your mouth shut about things you think are important, hell, I don’t see how you can expect the democratic system to work at all.”

Entertaining, funny, witty, and filled with insight about the nature of men and politics, this book is highly recommended as demonstrating that history repeats itself whether it’s dirty campaign tactics or political game playing in Congress.

Braids - Angel's Field, by Mike Friedman

The unlikely three companions who set out on a journey down the mountain have no idea of the dangers which await them on the road. Cyrus, a wizened woodsman and elder who tends the orchard, and Angel, who gathers and sows her colorful seeds, start off together on their quest in pursuit of the thief who has removed a tree from the orchard. Loss of the tree prevents a young girl from crossing over from this side of the realm to the next life. Her future remains in jeopardy without the guardian who resides within the tree. When they stop for rest and refreshment at a way station for boys, Carpenter, a young man captivated by Angel’s violet eyes, joins them from The Swing Zone where a lively game of baseball is in play.

Along their journey down the mountain, the trio encounters strange and deadly beasts, language barriers, an old world silk production enterprise, strong river currents, hunger, fatigue and determination. Spreading their talents and treasures with those along the trail, the trip requires ingenuity and perseverance on the part of all three who seek this missing tree.

The thief, a wily peddler named Seede, is ruthless in his treatment of those along his path, leaving behind, a trail of anguish, deception and loss. His eventual destination, to the Castel Mansion, is littered with remorseless acts for which he is well-known. His solicitor, Captain Castel, is willing to go to any means to cure his terminally ill daughter, including that of employing a hardened criminal to bring him what is required.

The story, an allegory of life, with its perils and pitfalls, moves along with a descriptive charm likened to fairy tales of old. There are strange inventions, tree houses, antique carvings, and games for children who await their final destination across the river on the other side.

Mike Friedman, beloved author of The Carriage Driver and the Emerald Wells Café series, along with a vast collection of short stories, weaves a web of intrigue, suspense and satisfaction within these too few pages of Braids – Angel’s Field.  His charming illustrations and imagination made me wish for more tales of adventure by this trio and other memorable characters peppered throughout the story.

Braniff Airways Flying Colors by Richard Benjamin Cass - Book Review

Braniff Airways - Flying Colors Images of Modern America takes the reader through a photographic tour of the life and times of Braniff Airways. Beginning in 1928, Tom Braniff and his brother Paul Revere Braniff dedicated their efforts toward bringing affordable air travel to the public.

Inspired by the cross Atlantic flight of Charles Lindberg, these brothers, pioneers in a fledgling aviation industry, took the purchase of one fabric covered, five passenger Stinson airplane and transformed their dream into an empire.

Struggling through the troubled times of the Great Depression, they pulled out of a near bankruptcy by adapting their services to carrying mail for the government before expanding into commuter routes between Dallas and Oklahoma. The fascinating story of how they grew their dream is captured alongside the colorful, ninety-five page photo filled documentary detailing the evolution of the airline.

Inside you'll discover facts about its leaders, employees, series of planes and jets, training facilities, executive offices, designer uniforms, flight hostesses and flight attendants, its amazing in-flight meals, designer fabrics and paint schemes of their fleet, along with the ever evolving changes in passenger transport equipment.

The book takes the reader from the airline's humble beginnings to its eventual demise as an multi-billion dollar entity.

The book is illustrated with a vast collection of Dallas History of Aviation's historic photographs housed at McDermott Library UTD as well as the author's lifelong collection of Braniff Flying Colors photos and memorabilia.

Author Richard Benjamin Cass dedicates this book to the memory of Harding Luther Lawrence, whose leadership role at Braniff spanned the years from 1965 to 1981. He guided the airline through the deregulation of the airline industry in 1978, to expansion internationally, through its years plagued with exponential fuel increases, dynamic drops in passenger air travel, and expanding interest charges on unpaid debt. He speaks about route awards by then President Carter, of revenue increases and route expansions without delving into the whys and intricate details of how these issues were overcome.

Well worth the price, the book will delight any reader who has an interest in aviation history along with those who strive to keep the memory of Braniff alive.

How to Win Friends and Influence People, Dale Carnegie 1936 - A Book Review

What ranks at the top of our problems? Some say it's the issue of getting along with people in our everyday business and social life. How do we win an argument? Is this ever possible?

One of the top selling books of all time, translated into virtually every language was written by Dale Carnegie in 1936. Since that time, his homespun philosophy has helped millions in their day to day interactions.

For years, it was the title that put me off reading the book. I thought this was another collection of gimmicks like many other self help books. When I finally did read it my only regret was not having read it much sooner. How many of my past relationships might have been saved? How much further might I have gotten if I had known some of the things written in this classic best seller, How To Win Friends and Influence People? For example, these Five Things to Consider in an Argument:

• You can't win an argument. There is no winner in an argument. Mr. Carnegie explains this in his quote, "You can't because if you lose it, you lose it; and if you win it, you lose it. Why?...If you triumph over the other (hu)man and shoot their argument full of holes and prove that they are non compos mentis₁ then what? You will feel fine. But what about him/her? You have made him/her feel inferior. You have hurt their pride. They will resent your triumph."
• "There is only one way to get the best of an argument - that is to avoid it. Avoid it as you would avoid rattlesnakes and earthquakes. Nine times of ten, an argument ends with each of the contestants more firmly convinced than ever that he/she is absolutely right."
• "Will my reaction drive my opponents further away or draw them closer to me? Will my reaction elevate the estimation good people have of me?...What price will I have to pay if I win?"
• "You will never get into trouble by admitting that you may be wrong. That will stop all argument and inspire your opponent to be just as fair and open and broadminded as you are."
• Begin and end in a friendly way. "Scolding parents and domineering bosses and husbands and nagging wives ought to realize that people don't want to change their minds. They can't be forced or driven to agree with you or me. But they may possibly be led to, if we are gentle and friendly, ever so gentle and ever so friendly."

I'll never forget the conversation I had with my best friend on the elevator heading out for lunch one day. We were engaged in a heated discussion during most of the morning and she, a fiery redhead with a generous sprinkling of freckles, finally had enough and said, "You just can't disagree without being disagreeable." At that moment I was thankful that most of the people on that elevator didn't speak English or I would have been mortified. The fact was, not only was her statement true, she had nailed the root cause of many arguments that plagued my early life. I wish I could say that I changed my ways that moment faced with the truth, but it isn't so. I went about for years believing that confrontation and trying to prove myself right was the way to go.

Carl Rogers, a psychologist, wrote in his book On Becoming a Person, "When someone expresses some feeling, attitude or belief, our tendency is almost immediately to feel 'that's right,' or 'that's stupid,' or 'that's abnormal,' or 'that's incorrect..." He further says it is of "enormous value to permit ourselves to understand the other person" rather than give in to our first reaction which is to evaluate or judge."

Though this may be something that everyone else already knew, it had never occurred to me. The idea of giving in on smaller stuff was a foreign concept to me.To that point, I had traveled through life believing that I must correct wrongs and prove myself right in every instance. The words should and ought to came into my thoughts so often that I lost sight of the forest for the trees.

Sheryl Crow says it well in this song, "The Difficult Kind."

"One thing only I know, and that is that I know nothing." Socrates to his followers in Athens

In his youth, Ben Franklin was known for his habit of constant argument. He was once told by a friend, "Your opinions have a slap in them for everyone who differs with you...You know so much that no one can tell you anything".

After hearing this, Ben learned to deny himself the pleasure of contradicting everyone he thought to be in error. He said, "I made it a rule to forbear all direct contradiction to the sentiment of others and all positive assertion of my own." He changed to become one of the most diplomatic men in American history.

"If you will only change, everything will change for you." Jim Rohn

This book provides the guidelines for change that will lead to a happier and more productive life with a whole less conflict; a valuable read.

1 Non compos mentis - when one is in a confused state, intoxicated, or not of sound mind

The Whole Truth, David Baldacci - A Book Review

Can a corporation spin a lie so believable that the public  would be staggered by its implications? In David Baldacci's book, he details a scenario where the entire world believes one thing but the real truth is another matter.

In David Baldacci’s fourteenth bestselling novel, The Whole Truth, perception becomes reality when, motivated by profit in the trillions of dollars, the Ares Corporation, the world’s largest defense contractor, sets the stage for an arms escalation that threatens to return the world to a state of Cold War.

Nicolas Creel, President of Ares, hires public relations firm Pender and Associates to spin a lie so believable that the public consciousness is staggered by its macabre implications. The twisted outcome of this devious lie pits Russia against China engaging each other in open warfare for Creel’s purpose of raising demand for his military products. In doing so, Creel can return his company to profitability and continue living the life to which he is accustomed; sailing around Italy on his enormous yacht and traveling aboard his private jet which has been converted into an airborne block of boardrooms, a movie theater and private suites.

Richard Pender, founder of Pender and Associates, employs perception management in his creation of “facts” sold to the world as truth; a term even the Department of Defense takes seriously enough to be included in one of their manuals. Its usefulness in developing a scenario of untruth is played out in this novel that pits the main character, a secret agent trapped in a job he can’t leave, against the unrelenting resources of the nefarious Mr. Creel. Along the way the protagonist, known only as A. Shaw, joins forces with his employer, Frank, to battle the tide of public fervor and expose the real truth. 

Nestled into the action, Shaw tries to find a way to escape his coerced employment and find a way to marry the love of his life, Anna Fischer. Their love is an arduous affair, plagued by the relentless tactics of Shaw’s employer, Frank, who uses his own form of perception management to separate Anna from her commitment to Shaw. Frank, who will stop at nothing, elicits the hatred of Anna’s parents in Wisbach to taint Anna’s belief in Shaw.

Katie James, the award winning journalist, rises from the pit into which she’s fallen after a lull in her career, to join those few who are trying to expose the real truth. An unlikely pairing, she and Shaw uncover Creel’s corrupt empire, upending the status quo and battling the forces of evil.

Full of twists and turns and unexpected outcomes, the book takes the reader on a journey of outrage and disbelief, stunned by the depths to which certain people can operate with a clear conscience. This novel will keep you awake into the wee hours of the night, turning page after page to get to The Whole Truth.

Quinn Moosebroker Mysteries | A Book Review

Five mysteries fill this volume with twists, turns, danger and a splash of romance. The main character's appeal grows with each story until he becomes like one of the family as he shares adventures and good times. 

Beloved author Michael Friedman, Fiction Award Winner and poet, shares some of his best work in this collection of stories. Ride along with his characters as they uncover clues and solve mysteries. 

Quinn Moosebroker is a faithful, observant, former cop who delves into the mystery of murder and intrigue while venturing into the murky depths of understanding women. In Quinn's case, it's one particular woman, a widow, Betty Atwood, who through the encouragement of his daughter, Quinn finds himself courting. His career as a police officer is in the past, but the call to unravel long-unsolved mysteries remains. Together, he and his new-found companion travel internationally, getting to know one another while chasing down clues.

2nd Street Playhouse Theater

Betty, Quinn's sidekick, is a widow who finds a way to overcome the loss of her mate by falling in love and solving mysteries of blackmail, stolen artwork, precious gems and murder. The unlikely couple turns a friendship into a relationship that grows with adventures of shared danger and good times.

Each story is rich with twists, turns, danger and a splash of romance along with original poetry, artwork, and good old- fashioned values from their creator. His faithful readers that follow his work on the Emerald Wells Café series will discover a new source of entertainment in this book.

Quinn and Betty's first date takes them to the coffee shop near the 2nd Street Playhouse where Quinn sees a man accost a woman, slapping her across the face. His detective brain takes note of the scene before they cross the street to watch the play written by a local bookshop owner and playwright friend of Quinn's. The coffee shop is owned by Millie, who, together with Brad, a photographer, sources the props for the theater at thrift stores in the city. Both Brad and Millie, active in the community, were the featured Key players in tonight's "Thin, Red and Deadly."

Next, the reader meets Mary Helen, who plays Morgan, the art gallery owner and Gladys, the set's hairdresser. The mystery begins with the quiet clicking of a hidden camera as Mary dons her costume and puts on makeup in the dressing room.

There's also Jasmine, the tech, watching from the rafters in the control panel booth above the stage, and Pepper Bishop, Master of Ceremonies of the production.

Soon, a mysterious figure dressed in black, breaks into the business of Brad Jensen, photographer, removing certain files before taking off in a VW bug. The mystery deepens as the reader learns of a blackmail extortion that is being foiled by the intruder.

We see signs of Betty's pluckiness as stirrings of trouble come from backstage. The rest of the audience scrambles toward the exit as sirens begin to wail. Betty refuses to leave the scene.

Blake Knightly is taken aback when he discovers images of scantily clad women he recognizes in copies of "Detective Confidential" magazine. Clear that he could not sell these items in his bookstore, he sets out to find out the source of the photos.

A host of new characters enter the story as a tangled web of intrigue, blackmail and murder come into play. Through the sleuthing efforts of Quinn and Betty, the mystery is unraveled, cementing their new bond of friendship with accomplishment.

Night of the Falling

When Big Jim Brady turns up dead, book collectors are scrambling to grab his collection of one-of-a-kind first editions. One particular piece, "The Night of the Falling," is missing, a desirable manuscript in high demand, likely to bring a price of nearly $30,000 at auction.

Detective DeLaMonte of the Clearview Police Department is stunned at the "crime wave" with two murders occurring in as many weeks in the small town. When he arrives at the scene, he discovers Eleanor Pennyworth, Big Jim Brady's significant other, already there. While packing her things in a rush to beat the arrival of Brady's greedy sons, she finds the contact information for Quinn Moosebroker, with a note "trusted" beside the info. She contacts the Private Detective for his help knowing that DeLaMonte likely would pursue the theft with little enthusiasm.

The siege for the rare books begins with prospective buyers coming out of nowhere like buzzards while the homicide investigation smolders.

He Dreamt of Murder

Quinn and Betty become entangled in a mystery inspired from a ghostly dream that is overheard from a stranger at the barber shop. Later, Betty is haunted by a similar dream that inspires the duo to investigate the origins of the shared murderous images.

As they make the road trip returning from North Carolina, in the "Radio Players Club Mystery" story, an unexpected radio broadcast gives the reader details about the night Quinn was shot and his former partner, Clark, was killed.

"The Case of the Chocolate Girl" takes off following the discovery of an oil painting at a second-hand store. Betty and Quinn seek out the origins of the painting and its value is shared by those who wish to steal it. Their quest to determine the authenticity of the ancient painting leads them into associations with nefarious characters like Major Garrity who shares insight along with a desire to own the treasure. As they track out the painting's origins, they discover that the Major isn't the only one who wants it.

Uncovering clues in the age-old heist sends Betty and Quinn into foreign countries where they mingle with castle dwellers, Lords and Ladies. While attending a costume party, the couple narrowly escapes the nefarious motives of guests at the castle. Their journey takes them down scenic country roads and into the hands of gangsters who attempt to thwart the investigation with kidnapping and thievery. An encounter with the owner of a country school and her dedicated students provides a glimpse into European culture and the ideal venue for a wedding.

• 2nd Street Playhouse Mystery
• The Night of the Falling
• He Dreamt of Murder
• Radio Players Club Mystery
• The Case of the Chocolate Girl

Clowns, vagrants, gangsters, artists, thieves, murderers, actors, playwrights and book store owners number among the memorable characters who bring these stories to life. Peppered with engaging plots and quirky characters, they incorporate life lessons woven between the lines as the protagonist and his woman delve into crime solving while their relationship evolves. As a bonus, there’s even a stray dog rescue.

A mixture of reality and fantasy, the reader will be captivated by the down-to-earth nature of characters who make this book enjoyable and memorable.