Falls, Fails, Fears, and Favors

FALLS:

Tuesday, May 17th, was an unfortunate day. My father was taking my mother for a walk in her wheelchair when he hit a rut in the road. In attempting to keep my mother from spilling to the ground, he held firm to the handles and flipped over landing on his side, shattering his Apple watch, and bruising his ribs. They wondered if my mom had broken her shoulder in the fall, but x-rays revealed no break. 

They were both quite sore for a while, yet still managed to drive over to Orlando to visit with my sister and her family and my older brother, Mark, and his family, all vacationing there at the time. I was green with envy seeing their little reunion over our favorite pizza, Giordano's:

(My parents, brother, and sister are all at the far end of the table. Look at that pizza! Yum!)

FAILS

Also on Tuesday, May 17th, Trevor had an accident while in his weightlifting class at school. Both Trevor and Sean have been intensely committed to the weightlifting program. Trevor is in the "1000 club" and Sean in the "900 club." Trevor is one of the best lifters at his school and they hound him constantly, wanting him back on the football team. But with a job at Culver's and a girlfriend, he feels he doesn't have time for football.

Trevor was maxing that day, lifting 495 pounds, when he failed. The safety bars were set too low, so he landed on his rear and, in going down, heard his knee pop. He arrived home limping, convinced that it was merely a torn meniscus and nothing to worry about. But, we were concerned enough to take him to the doctor on Wednesday, where he had x-rays.

FEARS

Although the x-rays revealed no bone breakage, the doctor was pretty sure it was a torn ACL or PCL ligament and would require surgery. We were so disheartened, having been through that whole ordeal with his broken leg back in 2018. The prospect of more pain medication terrified us. We immediately began praying over the situation. On Thursday, he had an MRI. On Friday, they called to inform us that the MRI showed no harm to the meniscus or the ACL/PCL ligaments. Apparently, just like in his broken leg, he had a cyst in that spot. The cyst popped and the fluid caused the swelling, pain, and inability to fully straighten his leg. What a praise! No surgery! No 6-12 month recovery time! No lengthy restrictions on lifting. We were so relieved.

FAVORS

My poetry book, Watching the Wayward: Psalms for Parents of Prodigals, has been out in e-book format for almost two months. In the initial publicity, for a week in April, it garnered the #1 new release in Religious and Inspirational poetry. 

Then it dipped, but later rose again to #33 in Religious and Inspirational Poetry. 

Slowly, I've been accumulating a few reviews and on May 26th the book ranking jumped back up to #25. I so appreciate the individuals who took the time to leave a review.

Now, the paperback is set to release on June 7th. The week prior to this release is of utmost importance. Amazon will schedule the book's availability through their site based on the number of clicks and purchases made prior to that release date.

So, the favor I am asking: please take a moment and FOLLOW THIS LINK to the book's listing, to drive up the interest markers and aid in the availability of my book to those who wish to purchase it and have it readily available. Of course, if you are interested, I would love an actual purchase, either from Amazon or directly from my publisher. 

Just a reminder, you can easily access sample pages from the Amazon page or seven sample poems in pdf form from my author website. And, if you know a parent of a prodigal, please pass the word along about this resource. It is an extremely isolating road to walk and just knowing someone feels your pain speaks volumes to distraught parents. If you bought the book and are willing, please leave an honest review on the Amazon page. Thanks in advance for any action you take to improve the prospects of my book launch.

Book Review: With Love from London

The name Sarah Jio jumped out at me in my library's recent acquisition list, but I couldn't remember what book of hers I had read. The title provided an even stronger draw, With Love from London. Add in an inherited bookstore and I felt compelled to read. At the start, the tale seemed too contrived and strained credulity. But halfway into the novel, I suspended my disbelief and lapped up this story.

Abandoned as a pre-teen when her mother returned to her native England, Valentina Baker harbors resentment and confusion to this day. News of her mother's death forces Valentina to travel across the ocean to decide what to do with the London bookstore she has inherited. On the heels of divorce, she is more than willing to flee the States, but the bookstore's debts threaten any plans she might have for forming a new life in London.

The revelation of the truth behind Eloise's disappearance from her daughter's life seemed too slow. This caused my half-hearted interest in the beginning. I kept thinking to myself, "Who would do something like that?" It was too much of a stretch. However, as the story progressed, I liked Valentina more, understood Eloise's dilemma, and even embraced the love stories portrayed. I'm not a great fan of romance books, but it is nice to dip into one now and then for a light-hearted read. Moreover, I'm always game for a book that incorporates London and books.

Book Review: Notes from a Small Island

Once again, it was delightful to return to another hilarious Bill Bryson book. The audio version I listened to was abridged and part of the set I snagged for a dollar at the thrift store. I recommend the full version in print or audio form. Each essay offers equal parts explanation and entertainment. Part travelogue, part commentary, Bryson leaves the reader rolling on the floor without detracting from his love for England in the slightest.

Notes from a Small Island is Bryson's tender goodbye to England just prior to his move back to the United States (he chronicles that move in I'm a Stranger Here Myself). Despite living there for twenty years, Bryson felt compelled to take one last jaunt throughout England, Wales, and Scotland before his departure. Plus, rather than touring the country by car, he chose to travel using public transport. The book begins as he steps off the ferry in the shadow of the white cliffs of Dover and ends when he returns home by train after viewing the Lake District. In between, you meet cantankerous caretakers, inexplicable travel inconveniences, and a host of notoriously British quirks. His descriptions leave you laughing out loud. At one point, in describing his descent down a treacherous hill, he writes, "I rode an ooze of flowing mud down the hill to the bay, pausing only long enough to belly into boulders and carry out a few tree-resiliency tests." Ha!

I love Bill Bryson's travel writing (any of his writing, to be honest). Of course, it is extra special when you've visited the same sites he explores. I recognized quite a few places I have had the pleasure of experiencing and quite a few British words I understood (although there is a fine glossary at the back of my paperback copy of the book). But, even if you've never stepped foot on this interesting island, Bryson's humor makes his journey one you will not regret taking vicariously. As the New York Times Book Review declares it, "Astute and funny... an amusing guide to the U.K.'s foibles, as well as a tribute to its enchantment." 

Book Review: The Quilter's Homecoming

The Quilter's Homecoming is book ten in the Elm Creek Quilts series by Jennifer Chiaverini. I think the title, though understood at the end of the book, is misleading. The reader follows Elizabeth Bergstrom Nelson in her transplantation to California. Yet, a sense of anticipation lingers for her return to Pennsylvania. Thankfully, the journey was worthwhile and interesting enough to hold the reader's attention.

Elizabeth and Henry Nelson move to a ranch in southern California. While the train ride is exhilarating, the arrival at Triumph Ranch brings multiple challenges to the newlyweds. The story jumps around in time, following a Hispanic family (the original landowners who gave up the property in a spell of drought and live with resentment toward the purchasing family). Multiple conflicts drive the plot, but I longed for a bit of Elm Creek Manor to peek into the pages. The best we get is a reference to Bergstrom thoroughbreds. Of course, Elizabeth unearths mysterious quilts, and quilting brings disparate individuals together in true Elm Creek Quilts fashion.

Book Review: The Limpopo Academy of Private Detection

I enjoy this series about a female detective in Botswana. Every new book returns to the interesting land and the intriguing characters. Mma Precious Ramotswe is endearing. Indeed, each character is unique and charming. I will never tire of Mr. J.L.B. Matekoni, expert mechanic, nor of his two apprentices: the mischievous, abrasive Charlie and the hard-working, responsible Fanwell. Who wouldn't love the opinionated and proud Mma Makutsi, with her 97 percent secretarial college score? Besides the setting and characters, rising conflicts and difficulties carry the reader along, book by book.

In this 13th installment of the No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency books, the unexpected appearance of a singular guest startles Mma Ramotswe and Mma Makutsi. Phuti Rhudiphuti commissions the building of a fine home for his bride, Mma Makutsi, but something suspicious lingers. Changes are afoot with the orphan farm and Mma Potokwani. Plus, there is trouble for the mild-mannered Fanwell. Despite all these mysteries and difficulties, good continues to triumph over evil. Deception enters the light. Health and happiness persists among these appealing characters. I continue to delight in the humor and humanity of this series.

Book Review: I'm a Stranger Here Myself

What fun to return to an old favorite! These insightful essays about America are hilarious. Living in another country, for even a short time, causes you to re-evaluate life in the United States. After three months in the Philippines, where many struggle to get water, my heart seized when my dad asked me to dump the water remaining in our cooler following a brief picnic. Seven months in Britain caused wonder at our vast array of choices, the size and individuality of our homes, and the equality we expect (yes, we allowed women in our bands). This recent audio thrift-store-find had me rolling off the treadmill with laughter.

During Bill Bryson's two decades in Britain, he married and had four children. After moving back to the United States, he was offered a column assignment. This book, I'm a Stranger Here Myself, is a compilation (my audio version is abridged) of some of those column offerings. He highlights all that is ironic, sarcastic, and ludicrous about life in the United States. 

Bryson pokes fun at ineffective conveniences, like drive-in movie theaters, self-closing curtains, and spell checkers. He chuffs at the stand-still caused by innumerable selections when attempting to purchase a basic coffee. Bryson turns a visit to the barbershop, or the grocery store, into a laugh-out-loud adventure. Who can't relate to his wonder at the ridiculous hoops of bureaucratic paperwork? I loved his cranky rules for life and his funny graduation speech. 

I think the longer paperback version is well-worth the time investment. But perhaps you only have six hours at your disposal and want or need a good belly laugh. Bryson delivers. Or you can find the unabridged audio version through Audible (9 hours and 16 minutes). I recommend it! As the Chicago Sun-Times observes, "Bryson could write an essay about dryer lint or fever reducers and still make us laugh out loud."

Book Review: Out of the Rain

The first book in this series, The Umbrella Lady, enticed me.  They attribute these books to V. C. Andrews. In reality, her estate's writer, Andrew Neiderman, ghostwrote them (following story lines left behind after Andrews died). I expected a clean read. However, some compromising content appeared when I was too engaged to cast it aside without regret.

When Saffron Faith Anders was eight-years-old, her father abandoned her at a train station. The benevolent but sinister Umbrella Lady took her in. Now, at thirteen, Saffron departs from that train station intent upon finding her father. What she uncovers is a whole new kettle of worms. Her father, hesitant to disrupt his new family, forces Saffron to pose as his orphaned niece. Of course, the lies are based on shades of truth. Her mother died. She fled after the death of someone she loved. Her father had abandoned her. Is Saffron up for the starring role? Can she keep up the pretense to please her father?

I liked the first book, The Umbrella Lady, far more. This sequel continues with Saffron's tender voice. Wise beyond her years, spunky and determined, she filters every detail through her teenage eyes. She must win over a half-sister, who views her as competition, and deceive her daddy's second wife. I enjoyed Saffron in the first book. In the second book, I liked her less. The writing was adequate, but not outstanding enough to overlook the questionable content (unnecessary). I don't regret reading this sequel, but I'm not recommending it, either.

Content caution: 📒 - teens discussing intimate topics

Discount Days - Just in Time for Mother's Day

 My poetry book: 

Available at DISCOUNTED PRICES on Amazon on Saturday, May 7th and Sunday, May 8th:

May 7th - $  .99

May 8th - $1.99

On May 9th, the normal e-book price resumes at $2.99. Why not take advantage of these sale dates and gift a mother you know who may be parenting a wayward child? Amazon makes it easy to gift others with the book - all you need is their email address. 

Perhaps you don't fit the target audience, but are curious. What better time to catch this deal!

Or support me directly by buying the $10 paperback from my publisher, Book Baby.

Book Review: Lifeboat 12

My library set specific categories for the winter reading challenge. Normally, I despise such dictates, but when prizes are involved, I'm more willing to play at their game (didn't win though, 😢). Thus, in searching for "a book based upon a true story," I discovered this children's book available in audio form (yay - I'm always looking for clean audio reads).

In Lifeboat 12, we meet thirteen-year-old Ken, a boy from Wembley who learns he is being shipped off to Canada to avoid the London bombing of WWII. He doesn't want to leave his dad, but figures his step-mother considers it a way to get rid of him. He boards the SS City of Benares, bound for Canada. His opinion of the banishment changes when he makes friends onboard, eats glorious meals, and flees war dangers. The crew claims they have made it to safe waters. Then the enemy torpedoes the ship. As the boat sinks, Ken feels he must go back for the expensive wool coat his step-mother warned him not to lose.

The cover illustration and back cover copy seem misleading. They imply Ken is alone with five other boys. The story explains there are other crewmen, a Catholic Father, and a female chaperone. During the perilous days drifting at sea, Auntie Mary keeps their spirits and anticipation high by regaling them with a story. Leaving them each day with a cliff-hanger, Mary strengthens their will to survive. This recounting of a true tale is worth sharing with children (suggested ages 8-13) who may one day struggle to survive.