Get Caught!

Caught, Harlan Coben, is a quick read. It’s a mystery dealing with a missing high school senior and a recently identified pedophile. But it goes way beyond that when a local TV reporter tries to connect all the dots and ends up looking into several lives of a group of friends from Princeton University.

I particularly enjoyed this book because it’s centered mainly in North Jersey near where I grew up. So I recognized many of the places mentioned and that’s always a bit of a kick. Beyond that, the story itself is full of twists and turns and confuses, not only the local TV reporter and a few persistent police investigators, but also the reader. Each time I thought we were close to solving the mystery another twist would develop. This book certainly keeps you on your toes.

My only criticism of the book is that Coben needs to get all his facts straight if he bases a story on a real-life place. Princeton does not have a medical school. That’s such a small part of the story it didn’t even need to be mentioned in the book, but it is, in fact, inaccurate.

If you like mysteries, you’ll love this book. You won’t be able to put it down until you reach the end. And then you’ll wish for more. Enjoy getting Caught!

Surviving Rejection

Left at the Altar, by Kimberley Kennedy is a short book and quick read. It tells the author’s true story of literally being left at the altar and how she got through the days, weeks, and years after her humiliating rejection. It’s also full of stories of others who had similar tales of their own. One thing I noticed is that the man is always the bad guy – seldom is it the other way around. It also is deeply religious. I have no problem with that but one must, of course, get through this with the love and support of friends and family, along with God. Beyond that, this book will surely touch those who have been through similar situations, whether they rely on God’s help or not. If you’ve been through this type of situation or if you know someone who has, this is a good book to read.

Entertaining but Predictable Storyline

Love on Assignment by Cara Lynn James is a quick read. It’s interesting but predictable. It’s about a young woman, Charlotte Hale, a secretary at a newspaper in the early 20th century. She’s one step closer to her goal to be a reporter when her boss asks her to take a position as a governess in order to “spy” on a local professor and devout Christian. She is torn between ethics and ambition. However, as the story unfolds it’s rather obvious what is going to happen. The storyline is typical where she feels guilty but also needs to finish the job in order to advance in journalism. As hard as she tries, she cannot find anything to pin on the professor and, of course, falls in love. If you’re looking for a light read, this book is for you. I found it easy to read but with little substance.

Happy New Year

Have a healthy and happy 2011!

Happy Holidays

I'd like to wish you and your families a very safe and happy holiday.

Lies the Government Told You - A Real Eye Opener

Lies the Government Told You: Myth, Power, and Deception in American History, by Andrew P. Napolitano, is definitely a book worth reading. I’m not a fan of big government. I know the government doesn’t tell the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth in all situations. But when I read about all the circumstances in this one book, I realized how untruthful the government can be. Of course, some issues need to be covered up (for awhile) for the sake of security. And we all know that history has revealed some pretty inhumane events that have occurred right here in the good ol’ USA. But after reading this book, even I’m shocked!

Napolitano is a student of the Constitution and history and tells it as it is. I thought the book would favor one party over the other, but Napolitano is fair and unbiased as to what the facts are. He covers seventeen lies from "All Men Are Created Equal” to "Everyone Is Innocent Until Proven Guilty" to "We Don't Torture" to "America Has a Free Market. He shows excellent examples of how the government lied or just didn’t tell the truth in each case. I’ve read many political books and most are biased and tend to bash one party or the other. This book is fair and full of facts – lot just opinions.

Everyone should read this book so that we can all listen to what the government is telling us and “translate” if necessary. How can this all be changed? I don’t really know if it can. And that’s the scary part.

Read Napolitano’s Lies the Government Told You with an open mind. If you get nothing else out of this book, you’ll understand the Constitution better and get some terrific history lessons. But I think you’ll also wake up and want to help change our government. I just hope there’s a way before it’s too late.

Special Guest at CityMommy Holiday Shopping Expo

I'll be reading and signing A Surprise for Grandmother Rabbit at the CityMommy Holiday Shopping Expo. CityMommy of NEPA is a nationally-recognized social networking site operating in over 45 cities. It's also been featured in Oprah Magazine Online.

I'll participate in their "Countdown to Christmas Expo" on Saturday, December 4, 2010 at Scranton High School.

Free admission. And a portion of their proceeds will benefit the March of Dimes.

Vendors include Stella & Dot, Thirty-One Gifts, Livie D. Funwear, J. Madison Wellness Spa, Jewelry & Accessories by Sandra, Exo Skincare, Sugarloaf Herb Farm, 2GirlsGifts, Chocolate Creations, Lia Sophia, Mommy Made It, Miche Bag of NEPA and Scentsy!

Live performances by Arabesque Academy of Dance, AMR Gymnastics, and Scranton Dance Center!

Children's Activities - a children's obstacle course, interactive dance, craft station, and Just Plain Crazy Face Art providing holiday face art designs!

Special Guest appearance by children's author/editor, Barbara J. Smith, A Surprise for Grandmother Rabbit, that includes a book reading and signing!

Photos with Santa & Mrs. Claus from BeCaptured Photography.

And many door prizes and giveaways.

Come join the fun!

Time - 12:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Date - December 4, 2010
Scranton High School
63 Munchak Way
Scranton, PA