Tamar, Judah's daughter in law: a story of desperation, double standards and God's work through it all

This month I studied the story of Tamar, Judah’s daughter-in-law. Tamar is one of five women mentioned in the Genealogy of Jesus in Matthew 1:1-16. Driven by one overwhelming need, she sacrificed her reputation and nearly her life to achieve her goals. Her life was filled with sorrow as the men in her life failed to fulfill their responsibility and leaves her a childless widow. It is only by her daring behavior resulted in the fulfilment of her hopes to bear children. Her story is told in Genesis 38. While prostitution was common in their day, it presents a sexual double standard which still exists today. Tamar’s story is another example of God using the imperfections of humans for his perfect plans.

Her story begins as she is married to Judah’s oldest son, Er who was a wicked man whom God killed for his sins. Then, she married Onan, Judah’s second son, as was the custom. Their children would carry Er’s line. Unfortunately, Onan did not want any son of his to be considered a son of his brother, so he slept with Tamar but spilled his semen on the ground, ensuring no child would be conceived. Onan would die for his wickedness. Judah had one more son, Shelah, but he was losing him as well. Judah sent Tamar home to her father.  When Tamar learned her father-in-law would be taking his sheep to be sheared, she took desperate action. She impersonated a temple prostitute and slept with Judah, who gave her his personal seal, cord, and staff in pledge for future payment. Three months later, Judah learns Tamar is pregnant, outraged he orders her to be burned. Tamar shows the seal, cord, and staff as evidence to the identity of the man responsible. When Judah sees the items as his, he proclaims that Tamar is more righteous than him (Genesis 38: 26). Tamar would give birth to twin boys, Perez and Zerah. Perez would later be an ancestor of Jesus.  

Prostitution was a form of worship in the ancient world. It was believed fertility gods granted blessings to those who practiced it. When Judah traveled and mistook Tamar for a shrine prostitute, he slept with her to ensure a good crop of wool. Judah’s outrage at Tamar’s pregnancy is proof of a sexual double standard as he orders her death but never thinks about the man who is also responsible. Proverbs 20:23 “The Lord detests differing weights, and dishonest scales do not please him.” God does not create double standards, man does. Double standards exist today, especially in terms of sexuality. Men are studs as they boost of their sexual exploits, but a woman would be a slut. According to Mark Ballenger (2018), there are a few reasons why they exist in today’s church. First, men idolize a woman’s sexual purity. Men see sex as the secret treasure to everlasting happiness and a perfectly pure virgin is the key to that happiness whereas woman are more concerned with a man’s ability to provide and support. Second, common dating advice gives all the power to men especially in Christian churches as well as the pressures related to Christian courtship rules especially who initiates and pursues a relationship. Lastly, men and women aren’t confronting the double standards and therefore they will always be there. Woman aren’t holding men to the same sexual purity standard and men aren’t calling out other men when they operate with double standards.

Tamar’s story often takes readers by surprised, repulses us and recoil from the sordid details. Her story is often overlooked as many may think there isn’t much about her story to inspire us. However., we see God’s work in Tamar’s story. Only God of eternal surprises to use such a sordid tale for his glory. When Judah had shown little concern regarding his descendants, God had used a woman to ensure the tribe of Judah would not only survive but thrive and one day bear the Messiah. It is another story as proof that God takes the unfit, the desperate, and the profane, and uses them to his eternal and holy purpose. It is also another story as evidence that we don’t always know when the power of God is at work, but he is at work. We may see it tomorrow or next week, or next year or we may never see it in our lifetimes. It doesn’t mean that it won’t happen. We must have faith that God is at work and it will be revealed at the proper time. 2 Corinthians 5:7 says, “For we live by faith, not by sight” and “faith is the assurance of what we hope for and the certainty of what we do not see” (Hebrews 11:1).

In conclusion, Tamar’s story is an example of human imperfections and misdeeds are molded to God’s plan and glory. Her story is also a story of double standards. God judges men and women by the same standards, whereas humans create these double standards While sexual purity is a good thing; however, maturity in Christ is much more important. Sexual purity is not an indictor as to a person’s maturity and ability to be a godly spouse. We need to keep each other to the same standards. If you expect purity in your spouse, then you, yourself, need to be pure as well. Tamar’s story is also another example of our legacy, the fulfilment of God’s promises isn’t always seen in our lifetimes.

References

Ballenger, Mark (July 30, 2018). Why Is There a Double Standard in Sexuality for Christian Males and Females? Apply God’s Word.com. https://applygodsword.com/why-is-there-a-double-standard-in-sexuality-for-christian-males-and-females/. Retrieved August 22, 2020.

White Privilege: its history, rebuttals and my thoughts

This post started out as a comment to a Facebook friend’s post. However, the more I wrote, the more I realized it cannot just be a comment. I need to do a blog post. I do not know how many will see it, let alone read it but it is my heartfelt thoughts. At the time of this writing, there are mass protests and even riots across the United States following the death of George Floyd at the hands of a police officer, Derek Chauvin. When the news broke of Mr. Floyd’s death, it brought back the memory of the death of Eric Garner, who died at the hands of a NY police officer, Daniel Pantaleo, by a chokehold on July 17, 2014. I am angry that Mr. Pantaleo was never charged with Mr. Garner’s death. I am angry that it took 4 days to charge Mr. Chauvin with Mr. Floyd’s death. My anger is not the same as the anger and frustration of the black communities. The events of the past few days have brought white privilege back to the forefront. What is white privilege? It is a concept I have been struggling with as I had only heard it used in the last year. I have seen many friends, family and even people I admire and follow on social media apologizing for their white privilege. As I researched it, I learned the term has been around a lot longer than most people think; however, it is becoming more and more prevalent as racial tensions rise and features on mainstream media and social media. Despite the loud cries against white privilege, I found examples of people who have spoken against white privilege and arguments why it does nothing to solve the issue. I will also discuss my own experiences with discrimination or even just having my skin color pointed out. I hope this post will help show my reasons for my struggle.

According an online dictionary, white privilege is a social phenomenon in which refers to the implicit or systemic advantages that white people have that people of color do not in terms of racism such as the absence of suspicion and other negative reactions. The term mostly focuses on the hidden benefits that white people possess. The term was first used by Peggy McIntosh in a 1988 essay “White Privilege: Unpacking the Invisible Knapsack,” in which she described the advantages that whites in Western societies enjoy and non-whites do not experience like “an invisible package of unearned assets” (Rothman, 2014). McIntosh states that, "as a white person, I realized I had been taught about racism as something which puts others at a disadvantage, but had been taught not to see one of its corollary aspects, white privilege which puts me at an advantage" (McIntosh, 1988). Ms. McIntosh further explains that “a pattern of assumptions which were passed on to me as a white person. There was one main piece of cultural turf; it was my own turf, and I was among those who could control the turf. My skin color was an asset for any move I was educated to want to make. I could think of myself as belonging in major ways, and of making social systems work for me. I could freely disparage, fear, neglect, or be oblivious to anything outside of the dominant cultural forms. Being of the main culture, I could also criticize it fairly freely” (McIntosh, 1988). She further explains further racial inequalities which occur to favor whites from “from renting or buying a home in a given area without suspicion of one's financial standing, to purchasing bandages in "flesh" color that closely matches a white person's skin tone” (McIntosh, 1988). I can see how her description was more prevalent in the 1980s. Is this still true today? Academics and social justice warriors would have you think it is still true. 

However, I have come across many people, particularly black people, who do not believe it is true. I recently came across Lori Lakin-Hutcherson’s article, “My white friend asked me to explain white privilege, so I decided to be honest (2016) in which she details her experience. At one point she says, “white privilege […] is being able to move into a “nice” neighborhood and be accepted not harassed, made to feel unwelcome, or prone to acts of vandalism and hostility” (2016). This article is just one example that has come out in the last few years. If the term has been around since the 80s, why is it so prevalent now? The rise of social justice, according to Larry Elder (PragerU, 2020). I have also seen more and more arguments against white privilege than for it. In a blog for ERASE Race, Carlen Charleston writes “The idea that there is such a thing as "white" privilege serves to subtly support a narrative that "whites" are "better off" than others” (Charleston, 2019). Another rebuttal of white privilege is a video by Brandon Tatum entitled “How To End White Privilege” in which he calls white privilege “all theory and all nonsense.” He claims that people who apologize for their white privilege end up feeling good. “To acknowledge your white privilege is supposed to make you feel bad. Only it does not. It makes you feel good because by acknowledging your white privilege, you are declaring yourself to be enlightened. And as a virtue-bonus, it also makes you a better person than those whites who don’t acknowledge their privilege” (Tatum, 2020). In his article, Professor John Tures of LaGrange College states that “unless the “white privilege” argument is dropped, we’ll always have racism, discrimination, and not enough allies to defeat such a scourge” (2018). He makes the further argument that the white privilege is “as odious as the assumption that someone who is non-white can only succeed due to affirmative action, taking anyone’s success as attributable only to skin color” (Tures, 2018).

When I first heard the term “white privilege,” I struggled with it. As a self-evaluating person, I had to ask myself, do I have white privilege? On one hand, I can acknowledge that there are many white people who will never understand what it is like to be treated differently simply because of their skin. I also know people who have gotten a leg up in life simply because the color of their skin. But is that true for all members of an ethnic group? I was raised to always treated everyone with respect and decency and I am teaching my daughters to do the same. Despite this, I feel a distance between me and a person of color. When I have tried to be a part of the conversation, I have been completely ignored. So I often stay quiet. However, on the other hand, I have experienced a few of the points the Ms. Lakin Hutcherson brings up in her article. I have been the only white person at a job, at a party or in a class. And it had been pointed out with various slang being used in my presence. I grew up in a family and in a neighborhood where all races lived together, hung out and had great times. I grew up with friends and classmates of all races, nationalities and never had a problem interact with them. Unfortunately, now I feel a great wedge between us. My husband, who is Latino, and I have been married for 11 years and have two beautiful daughters, we still strange looks when we are out in public as a family. People still gives us looks as if they have never seen a Latino man and a white woman together. I still see the look of shock on someone’s face when they call my name in for an appointment and a white woman stands up. Also, just because I am white does not mean I feel safe in all locations. My husband does not like it when I need to be away from home alone. A nice neighborhood does not mean it is 100% safe and secure.

In conclusion, my main issue with white privilege is that it attempts to encompass all whites into this category, which isn’t true or fair. It would be like trying to say all black men are criminals, all black women are welfare queens. Or all Latinos are here illegally. It feeds on a stereotype and while stereotypes have a grain of truth, it ignores, or doesn’t allow for, the exceptions. We all get benefits or privileges based on who we are. There are grants and scholarships that are open to people of color but not to whites. There are organizations and clubs that are only open to people who can prove ancestors who came over on the Mayflower. There are more job openings and opportunities for people who can speak two or more languages. There are people of all races who have always known financial security. There are people of all races who struggle just to pay the bills each month. But to look at what I have in life, what I have accomplished and claim that I got it because I am white is just as bad to claim a person of color got the job because of an affirmative action quota. It ignores the hard work, commitment, and perseverance to achieve a goal.  I am sorry if you feel that white privilege got you to where you are in life or kept you from achieving what you wanted. I know many people of all races who have taken life’s circumstances, worked against obstacles, and overcome challenges to make a better life for themselves and their families. I know that the actions of one member of a group does not define the other members. So, if one white person who had all the privilege in the world does not mean all whites have had the same privileges. 

References

Charleston, Carlen (March 15, 2019). The Privilege We All Have. ERASE Race. https://www.eraseraces.com/single-post/2019/03/15/The-Privilege-We-All-Have. Retrieved June 8, 2020.

Hutcherson, Lori Lakin (14 July 2016). My white friend asked me to explain white privilege, so I decided to be honest. Good Black News. https://goodblacknews.org/2016/07/14/editorial-what-i-said-when-my-white-friend-asked-for-my-black-opinion-on-white-privilege/. Retrieved 31 May 2020.

McIntosh, P. (1988). White privilege: Packing the invisible backpack. Racial Equality Tools. https://www.racialequitytools.org/resourcefiles/mcintosh.pdf. Retrieved June 8, 2020.

PragerU (June 3, 2020). Larry Elder Eviscerates the Myth of 'Systemic Racism.’ PragerU.com. https://www.prageru.com/video/larry-elder-eviscerates-the-myth-of-systemic-racism/. Retrieved August 24, 2020.

Rothman, Joshua (May 13, 2014). The Origins of "Privilege. The New Yorker. https://www.newyorker.com/books/page-turner/the-origins-of-privilege. Retrieved June 8, 2020.

Tatum, Brandon (January 20, 2020). How To End White Privilege. Prager U.org https://www.prageru.com/video/how-to-end-white-privilege/?fbclid=IwAR0OLAZ8W6mFumeIwcPpNRlg9A56Zua-sZypDtg8w6Ks4uLosucSkYNybsc. Retrieved June 8, 2020.

Tures, John A. (October 5, 2018). To defeat discrimination, drop the ‘White Privilege’ argument. Ledger-Enquirer. https://www.ledger-enquirer.com/opinion/article219554050.html. Retrieved June 8, 2020.

The American Spirit of Rebellion

Rebellion is the heart, soul, and blood of America. Today’s political and social climate of protests, riots and violence has many people questioning and even looking at these events as oddities. Rebellion, bucking the system, standing up for a cause, whether it is wrong or right, is at the very core of what makes America, America. Good, bad, ugly, Americans have always had a spirit of rebellion. Even in the early colonies, Americans have shown themselves more than willing to take up arms in defense (US History.org). I say that rebellion is at the heart of what it is to be American. At every turn of American history, people have been standing up and saying “enough’s enough!” Either it has the desired outcome or not, each rebellion is a part of the American Spirit. Other than rebellions related to the Revolutionary War, what other rebellions have been on American soil? I covered some well-known rebellions as well as some not so well known. This is a very general overview.

 SHAY’S REBELLION (AUGUST 1786-JUNE 1787)

Shay’s rebellion was an armed uprising around Springfield, Massachusetts against the state’s government increased efforts to collect taxes on individuals and their trades to pay the war debt. Daniel Shay and his followers unsuccessfully attempted to seize weapons from the Springfield Armory and overthrow the government. It is widely held that Shay’s Rebellion exposed the failures of the Articles of Confederation and opened the road to the Constitutional Convention (May-September 1787) and the new US Constitution.

    WHISKEY REBELLION (1791-1794)

The Whiskey Rebellion was a tax protest led by James McFarlane, a major who served in the Revolutionary War. The “whiskey tax” was applied to all distilled spirits but whiskey was very popular, and the name stuck. Its intention was to generate revenue for debt incurred during the war. President George Washington had responded by sending peace commissioners to negotiate with the rebels as well as urging governors to use the militia to enforce the tax. The whiskey tax would later be repealed during the Jefferson administration in 1802.

 NAT TURNER’S REBELLION (AUGUST 21-31, 1831)

Also known as the Southampton Insurrection in Southampton County Virginia, it was a rebellion of enslaved black people led by Nat Turner, who may have stated that he wanted to spread terror and alarm among whites. The insurrectionists killed between 55 and 65 people, at least 51 were white, including women and children. In the aftermath, state legislatures passed new laws prohibiting the education of slaves and freed black people, restricting rights of assembly and other civil liberties for free black people.

ANTI-RENT WAR (1839-1845)

A tenants’ revolt in upstate New York began when Anti-Renters declared their independence from the manor system run by patroons (aka landowners), resisting tax collectors and demanding land reform. After the death of Stephen Van Rensselaer III in 1839, outstanding rent was due to his heirs. When the tenants couldn’t pay the full amount, couldn’t agree to a payment agreement, or find relief in the courts, they revolted. Many of the Anti-Renters would tar and feather tax collectors and law enforcement. The main result from the Anti-Rent War was a provision was added to the New York Constitution in 1846 fir tenants’ rights, abolishing the feudal tenures and outlawing leases lasting longer than 12 years.

JOHN BROWN’S RAID ON HARPERS FERRY (OCTOBER 16-18, 1859)

Many are familiar with this event as abolitionist John Brown wanted to initiate a slave revolt by trying to take over the US arsenal at Harpers Ferry, Virginia. Brown had originally asked Harriet Tubman and Frederick Douglass to join him. Tubman declined due to illness and Douglass declined as he thought Brown would fail. Brown had expected major support from slaves as he thought they were ready to rebel, but no one showed. Many local slaves had no idea who Brown was or believed a white man wanted to arm them. Brown would be tried for treason and inciting a slave insurrection, found guilty and executed on December 2, 1859. The raid did not have the effect Brown wanted but it has been called the dress rehearsal or a bloody prelude to the Civil War (1861-1865).

NEW YORK CITY DRAFT RIOTS (JULY 13-16, 1863)

A violent riot in Lower Manhattan as the culmination of the white working class’s resentment with new laws passed by Congress in 1863 to draft men into the war as well the wealthier men who paid $300 (about $6,200 in 2019) in a commutation fee to hire a substitute and being spared from the draft. The riot eventually turned into a race riot as overwhelmingly white working class were angry at the competition for jobs with the freed blacks. After the riots, many blacks left Manhattan to settle in Brooklyn. On August 19, the draft resumed with incident.

ELECTION RIOT OF 1874 (NOVEMBER 3, 1874)

In Barbour County, Alabama, freed blacks comprised most of the population and had been electing Republican candidates to office. Members of the White League, a paramilitary group supporting the Democratic party’s drive to regain conservative political power in the county and state, had attacked black Republican voters as they arrived at the polls. Seven would be killed, 70 wounded and more than 1,000 unarmed blacks were kept from the polls. Due to the actual or perceived threats, blacks stayed away from polls in Barbour County. By 1901, a Democratic run state legislature as well as other states in the south, enact election laws to exclude blacks including poll taxes, literacy tests and grandfather clauses.

 GREENWOOD INSURRECTION (FEBRUARY 1882)

The citizens of Greenwood, New York resisted the seizure and sale of property to pay for bonds that were attained to build the Rochester, Hornelsville and Pine Creek Railroad, that was never built after the Panic of 1873. Many residents were bitter about the sale of the property and would attack tax collectors. When a sale was adjourned because of threats made against any purchasers, Governor Alonzo Cornell proclaimed an insurrection which allowed him to collect the money anyway. With the violence that occurred, many believe the Molly Maguires were involved. Molly Maguires was an Irish secret society known for their violent conflicts.

GREEN CORN REBELLION (AUGUST 2-3, 1917)

In rural Oklahoma, tenant farmers consisting of whites, Seminoles, Muscogee Creeks and African Americans began an uprising in reaction to the attempt to enforce the Selective Draft Act of 1917, which authorized the raising of a national army for service in WWI. With 76% of the farmers rented their land and 45% of them were between 25-33, those heavily impacted by the draft and economic uncertainty if they were to lose those land if drafted. The rebellion was said to begin with the ambush of a county sheriff and visiting deputy. Raiding parties would go on to cut phone lines and burn railroad bridges. Many saw the draft as an invasion of their rights and rebelled to keep the government away from their sons.

THE RED POWER MOVEMENT (1960s-PRESENT)

A social movement led by Native American youth to demand self-determination for Native Americans. Together with American Indian Movement (AIM) and National Indian Youth Council (NIYC), Native Americans sought the rights for Native Americans to make policies and programs for themselves while maintaining and controlling their own land and resources. They used confrontational and civil disobedience to incite change with events like the Occupation of Alcatraz (November 20, 1969 - June 11, 1971), Trail of Broken Treaties, a cross country protest in the autumn of 1972 and the Wounded Knee Occupation (February 27, 1973 – May 8, 1973). As a result of the Red Power Movement, laws were passed in favor of Native Americans including education funds, Indian Child Welfare Act (1978) and the American Indian Religious Freedom Act (1978) which terminated laws which outlawed certain religious practices.

THE CHICANO MOVEMENT (1960s-1970s)

The Chicano Movement, aka El Movimiento, was a civil rights movement inspired acts of resistance among people of Mexican descent, beginning with the Pachucos of the 1940s and 1950s. The movement was reclaimed in the 1960s and 1970s to express political autonomy, ethnic and cultural solidarity. With leaders likes Cesar Chavez, Reies Tijerina and Rodolfo Gonzales, the movement sought to combat structural racism, encourage revitalization and community empowerment as well as moving away from the Mexican American identity. Political demonstrations were organized including the East LA Walkouts (March 1968), which protested unequal conditions in the Los Angeles Unified School District, and the Chicano Moratorium (August 29, 1970), an Anti-Vietnam War event. The Chicano Movement helped fuel Chicano visual art, literature, and music. The historic Estrada Courts Housing Projects in Boyle Heights would become “the site of the 1970s birth of the Chicano Mural Art Movement” (Los Angeles Conservancy).

THE WOMEN’S MOVEMENT (1960s-PRESENT)

The Women’s Movement or the Feminist Movement gained momentum in 1968 as Simone de Beauvoir’s book, The Second Sex, (1949) began a resurgence in readership. It is a political movement with a series of political campaigns for reforms in terms as martial rights, reproductive rights, domestic violence, maternity leave, equal pay, women's suffrage, sexual harassment, and sexual violence. The movement is said to have gone through third waves. First wave focused on the suffrage and political equality of middle- or upper-class white women. The second wave focused on the social and cultural inequalities of women of color as well as women in developing nations. The third wave addressed continuing financial, social and cultural inequalities which called for renewed campaigns for greater influence of women in politics and media. A fourth wave is said to be in effect due to the rise of the internet and social media.

THE BLACK POWER MOVEMENT (1960s – PRESENT)

The imagery of the Black Power Movement has been seen by many from history classes to movies. The Black Power Movement started as a social movement influenced by the desire for safety and self-sufficiency of redlined African American neighborhoods. To counter the rise in violent white supremacy of the KKK, the Black Power Movement demanded immediate violent reaction. Much of the influence was influenced by Malcolm X’s criticisms of Martin Luther King Jr’s peaceful protest movement and urban uprisings surged following Malcolm X’s assassination on February 21, 1965. After increased violence faced by its members, the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee cut ties with the mainstream civil rights movement (Editors, 2020). They argued that blacks needed to build their own power, rather than seek accommodations from the existing power structure. The Black Power Movement saw an escalation in the late 1960s, a peak in the 1970s and a decline in the 1980s. There has been a resurgence of Black Power Movement in the modern Black Lives movement (Boyle, 2015).

In conclusion, these are just a few of the rebellions and insurrections that I came across in my research. America was founded on rebellion and continued to see rebellion for good or not. Even if you disagree with why someone is rebelling against the status quo or a law they disagree with, it is very false to say that such a rebellion is un-American. Whether or not the desired outcome of a rebellion occurs, the fighting spirit for fairness, justice and change is always there. Many people are shocked at the violence of today’s riots but after my research, it no longer shocks me. America has seen her share of violent uprisings and while there should be a better way to invoke change, violence always seems to come into play. Unfortunately, I have no answers or solutions.  My goal was to simply point out that a part of being an American is to be a rebel, to stand up and say, “I disagree” and I hope I achieved that.

Recommended Reading/Viewing

Lakota Woman (1990) by Mary Crow Dog. Available in paperback, eBook and audiobook

Murder at the Sleepy Lagoon: Zoot Suits, Race, and Riot in Wartime L.A (2003) by Dr. Eduardo Obregón Pagán. Available in paperback and eBook

Walkout (2006). HBO film. Available on DVD and Amazon Prime and HBO streaming services.

References

Boyle, Todd. (January 22, 2015). From Black Power to Black Lives Matter. https://wearemany.org/v/from-black-power-to-black-lives-matter.

Editors (July 23, 2020). Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee. Encyclopaedia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/topic/Student-Nonviolent-Coordinating-Committee. Retrieved August 23, 2020.

 Los Angeles Conservancy (no date). Estrada Courts. Los Angeles Conservancy.org. https://www.laconservancy.org/locations/estrada-courts#:~:text=Completed%20in%201942%2C%20Estrada%20Courts,three%20blocks%20in%20Boyle%20Heights. Retrieved August 23, 2020.

US History.org (no date). A Tradition of Rebellion. US History.org. https://www.ushistory.org/us/7e.asp. Retrieved July 3, 2020.

After Evangelicalism: a call to refocus on Jesus

After Evangelicalism: A Path to a New Christianity by David P. Gushee is an examination into evangelicalism in the US as well as the forces behind the massive exodus from evangelical churches and Christianity in general. Mr. Gushee, a Christian ethicist and a self-described progressive evangelical, offers a way forward for the disillusioned post-evangelicals by providing a detailed analysis of what went wrong with US evangelicalism in terms of identity, biblical interpretations, church life, sexuality, politics, and race. His goal is to offer clues for getting out of the maze he calls Evangelicalism and refocus on a relationship with Jesus. Arguing against the white, male Christian leaders, Gushee sets to use biblical scripture and history to a new way of Christian belief, belonging and behaving which includes all who want to believe in Jesus and seek a relationship with him as he believes that following Jesus out of Evangelical Christianity is not only possible but necessary.

After Evangelicalism is the second book I’ve read by Mr. Gushee and he offers a no-holds-bar investigation into the history of evangelicalism in the US. Many Conservative Christians will not like this book as they will see it as a direct attack on Christianity itself. And many liberal Christians will see his proposals as a way true to Christianity as it should be. As someone who left the evangelical church in my mid-20s, I found many of his arguments against evangelicalism to be relatable. While I do not agree with all his points, he makes a great argument against the rise of the prosperity theology, which he condemns the main premise of the theology that God wants us to be “wealthy, lovely and thin.” In After Evangelicalism, Gushee offers an honest look into the history of the evangelical movement since the 1940s and its failures as it pushed people away from Jesus, rather than drawing them to him. If you find yourself disillusioned with the mega, mainstream church, I recommend checking out After Evangelicalism.

After Evangelicalism:

A Path to a New Christianity

 is available in paperback and audiobook

The Art of Love: a wonderful love story

The Art of Love is the first book in The Golden City series by A.B. Michaels. The story opens in May 1896 as August “Gus” Wolff works a claim in the Klondike. His wife, Mattie, has decided that life in the Klondike is not want she wanted and decides to return to Seattle with their one-year old daughter, Annabelle. Against all odds, he does strike gold and he travels to join them in Seattle, only to find out they are no longer there. No one seems to know where they have gone and despite his best efforts, Mattie and Annabelle have vanished. Around the same time, Amelia “Lia” Bennett faces an unwanted marriage in New York City. Her only joy is painting and when her new husband forbids her to paint, she devises a plan to leave him and New York behind. Gus and Lia’s stories converge in San Francisco in 1902. Gus is now a wealthy shipping tycoon and Lia, a well sort after artist. When the two meet, sparks fly, but Gus is known as the local playboy, so Lia keeps him at arm’s length. Or so she tries.

The Art of Love was an enjoyable, fast paced historical romance. The story is exciting and thrilling until the very end. The banter and teasing between Gus and Lia is funny as well as romantic. The friends in their lives are equally interesting and I look forward to seeing them get their own stories or make appearances in the other books. I enjoyed every bit of the story and eagerly turned each page to see if the questions swirling around them would be answered. Even the aspects of the story that seemed out of place, it fit. It also shows that despite that most of the society of the day may have accepted or played by the social conventions of the time, doesn’t mean everyone did. Overall, it was a great story, a great start to a series. I look forward to continuing the series. I highly recommend The Art of Love.

The Art of Love

is available in paperback and eBook

Deleted: Jackson and Maggie a story of finding love again

Deleted: Jackson and Maggie is the second book in the Cliffside Bay series by Tess Thompson. All of Jackson Waller’s dreams have come true, well most of them. He has finished medical school and taking over his father’s practice in their small town. Despite his success, one dream will never come true. His high school sweetheart, Maggie Keene, died in a car accident shortly after high school and he has never moved on. Maggie despised her dad, unable to forgive him for the death of her mother, and after a fight with Jackson, she fled Cliffside Bay to pursue her dreams in New York City. Many years later, she learns her father is dying and has asked her home. Once she comes home, she discovers her own grave! Her father faked her death and he made her she thought the town had turned against her. Jackson and Maggie must now wade through the river of lies and betrayals to find peace and love again. As they rekindle their romance, Maggie learns there are still many more secrets to be reveal.

Deleted is a sweet, funny, and dramatic continuation to the series. It is a simple read in the sense that the story so easily flows from the page and the reader is swept away by the characters, the action, and the beautiful setting. I loved Maggie’s fire and determination to get the truth from her father and reclaim the life stolen from her. I loved Jackson’s heart and commitment to his hometown as well as his undying love for Maggie. All the characters, good, bad, and ugly helped drive the drama and humor. I look forward to reading the rest of the series. The Cliffside Bay series is billed that each book is a standalone; however, I feel the books should be read in order because references from the first book were made in Deleted and I feel the rest of the books are similar in their references that the reader wouldn’t understand if read out of order. I highly recommend Deleted.

Deleted: Jackson and Maggie

are available in paperback and eBook

Grown Ups: a millennial Bridget Jones's Diary

Grown Ups by Emma Jane Unsworth is the story of Jenny McLaine who is dealing with a break up and essentially having a breakdown. Jenny’s life is falling apart, her friendships are losing stream, and she lost her job as a columnist at a feminist online magazine. She is a woman obsessed with social media. She constantly checks the likes on her posts, during work meetings, during every possible moment even during sex. As she deals with her ex and his new girlfriend, she must deal with her mother is moving in. After leaving home at eighteen to be a self-sufficient millennial but now as a woman in her thirties, adulthood isn’t all what she thought it would be. The story is told in a series of texts, emails, and social media messages, Jenny must decide how she will pickup the pieces and learn how to grow up. Will she have the strength or willpower to take such a leap?

Grown Ups was described as Fleabag, a British comedy series which ran for two seasons, meets Conservations with Friends, a 2017 book by Sally Rooney about the relationship between four people. While I have not seen the show or read the book, I was intrigued because Fleabag has received high praise. Unfortunately, Grown Ups was not what I thought it would be. I expected a humorous, gritty story about a woman who must deal with the life she has instead of the one she thought would have. It was boring. It wasn’t humorous at all and I couldn’t connect with Jenny at all. She was completely unrelatable and by the end I felt she hadn’t changed very much, if at all. Even though social media is a large part of everyone’s life now, the social media angle in books how has been overdone, in my opinion. Grown Ups is the millennial version of Bridget Jones’s Diary (1996). While it is not something I enjoyed, audiences who enjoy Fleabag may enjoy Grown Ups.

The Heavens Before: beautiful descriptions but story lagged

The Heavens Before by Kacy Barnett-Gramckow is the first book in the Genesis Trilogy. In the days of the Great Flood, Annah is living a nightmare. Ostracized by her village and mistreated by her family, she finds herself alone and afraid until she sees a young man from across the river. Shem is captivated by Annah and when he finds out how bad her mistreatment is, he will risk everything to help her. Trusting the Most High, Annah marries Shem and joins her new family in their faith when everyone mocks the Most High. As the family prepares for the coming Flood, they are mocked, but they keep going, following their faith in the Most High to survive.

When I came across The Heavens Before, I was intrigued. Not many books have been written about the world before the Great Flood. The opening chapter was beautifully written as Ms. Barnett-Gramckow sets the scene. Unfortunately, the book dragged on and on as I waited for action. The names were exceedingly difficult to pronounce and there was a non-stop introduction of new characters that it soon became too overwhelming. I really wanted to enjoy this book, but I found myself not caring about the end. I will not be continuing the series. It was even hard to write up my synopsis of the story. I do not recommend The Heavens Before.

The Heavens Before

is available in paperback and eBook

National Relaxation Day: take the time to relax and unwind

Today is National Relaxation Day. The day was created by 9-year-old Sean Moeller of Clio, Michigan in 1985. It is celebrated annually on August 15^th. It is a day to encourage taking time to slow down and unwind. A day to focus on taking care of ourselves. To recuperate and rejuvenate our minds and bodies. It has been shown that stress can be harmful to our mental and physical health. Doctors recommend finding ways to relax to reduce stress and improve overall health. Most people may know what stress is but what are the effects on our bodies? There is a way to use our bodies to relax. There are different ways you can relax, activities for enjoyment as well as relaxation. I will share a few of my favorite ways to relax.

There are two types of stress. Acute stress is the short-term reaction to a specific event such as riding a roller coaster or avoiding a car accident. The heart rate rises but once the event passes, the body will relax and return to normal. Many people seek out this kind of stress because it gives them a thrill or excitement. However, chronic stress is the long-term reaction caused by repeated stressors which can become so routine that it is accepted as normal whether it is job stress, family situations or financial problems. Chronic stress can lead to adverse effects as headaches, stomach ulcers and increased blood pressure and can increase risk of heart disease, heart attacks and strokes. Relaxation is the most powerful psychological tool we have to battle against the effects of stress. The Relaxation Response was coined by Dr Herbert Benson, professor, author, cardiologist and founded of Harvard’s Mind/Body Medical Institute (Mitchell, 2013). The technique Dr. Benson describes reminds me of meditation, there has been evidence that any activity which relaxes the mind and body can elicit the Relaxation Response. The response is a physical state of deep rest that changes a person’s physical and emotional response to stress (Martin, 2008) and is the opposite of the fight or flight response. Practicing relaxation techniques once or twice a day for 10-20 minutes has great benefits (Mitchell, 2013) including lowering the heart rate, lowering blood pressure and alleviates symptoms of a variety of conditions including hypertension, arthritis, insomnia, and depression (Martin, 2008).

There are multiple ways to relax. The most commonly method used is often meditation. Meditation is done in relaxed position, eyes closed and repeating a calming word or phrase. Some use a chant or repeating a word, such as “love,” “peace,” or “calm,” any word that you find peaceful. Some say prayers or phrases from holy scriptures. For instances, Christians use the Lord’s Prayer or verses from the books of Psalms or Proverbs. Creativity can be relaxing. You find coloring peaceful? Have a stack of coloring books with crayons, markers, and/or colored pencils. Even doing a puzzle can be relaxing. Maybe you enjoy classical music. While any music helps us feel better, but classical music has been shown to slow the heart rate, lower blood pressures and even decrease levels of stress hormones (Mental Floss). Plants and nature in general are another great way to reduce stress and relax. Whether it is talking a walk, getting out in nature for a hike or simply doing yard work, plants are effective at increasing oxygen and clearing toxins, which help easier breathing (Mental Floss). Even having plants around the house can have positive effects. I placed plants in the window behind my kitchen sink and it has had a brightening effect. Lastly, laughter. More laughter means less stress. Laughter triggers the release of endorphins, which help create a positive state of mind and boosts optimism, self-confidence, and feelings of self-worth. Watch a funny movie, TV show or spend time with loved ones who make you laugh.

I have a few favorite ways to relax. First, reading a good book is always a nice way for me to calm down and refocus. I usually grab a book I have read before, usually a favorite romance novel, pick a random spot in its pages and start reading. It doesn’t take long to feel relaxed and calm. Second, writing is a very calming activity for me. Either it is writing a blog post, a short story, I can get lost in the words, the rhythmic clicking of the keyboard and I feel better after. Sometime the writing is worth keeping and sometimes it’s not, but it is the actually writing that matters. Third, I love watching a favorite movie to relax. Funny, simple or a guilty pleasure, a couple hours lost in the movie can help. A few of my favorite films to watch are The Princess Bride (1987), The Wedding Singer (1998) or any Disney animated film. Watching a movie usually helps bring the laughter needed for an uplifting boost. Lastly, a hot bubble bath with a cold drink. The drink can be a regular soda or an alcoholic drink, it does not matter. I like to lay back and let the hot water soothe me as I sip my drink. Essential oils can be added to the water for an extra boost. Lavender and chamomile are top picks. However, before using any essential oils, pay attention closely to directions and methods to add them to your bath water.

In conclusion, stress is a normal part of life and in some cases, it is unavoidable. However, we do not have to let that stress wreak havoc on our bodies. Having a relaxation routine to unwind at the end of the day is important to combat the adverse effects. Dr. Benson’s Relaxation Response Technique is a good way to start. It doesn’t have to be as involved as yoga or meditation; it just has to help you relax. Coloring, puzzles, music are just a few examples. I enjoy many activities including reading and watching a movie. The key is to find an activity which you find enjoyable and relaxing and take time to participate in it, daily, if possible or weekly, if it is not. In honor of National Relaxation Day, take the time to find something to encourage relaxation for today and every day.

References

Martin, Sara (2008). The power of the relaxation response. American Psychological Association. https://www.apa.org/monitor/2008/10/relaxation. Retrieved August 12, 2020.

Mental Floss (no date). 15 Scientific Ways to Relax for National Relaxation Day. Mental Floss.com. https://www.mentalfloss.com/article/58326/15-scientific-ways-relax-national-relaxation-day. Retrieved August 12, 2020.

Mitchell, Marilyn (March 29, 2013). Dr. Herbert Benson’s Relaxation Response. Psychology Today. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/heart-and-soul-healing/201303/dr-herbert-benson-s-relaxation-response. Retrieved August 15, 2020.

Love's Healing Power: a short but sweet romance about faith through troubled times

Love’s Healing Power by Margaret Daley is the first book in the New Beginnings series. Tess Morgan is a nurse on the Pediatric floor of a Denver hospital when she meets Peter “Mac” MacPherson, former football running back and local celebrity. Tess is dealing with the sudden and tragic death of her husband while Mac is raising his three-year-old daughter after the death of his wife. Mac senses Tess is hiding a deep pain and is immediately drawn to her and a desire to help her. Tess reluctantly is drawn into Mac’s world, his family and finds herself falling in love with Mac and his family. She also finds herself confronting her guilt and pain toward her husband’s death. Mac is also hiding his own sense of guilt about his wife’s death. Can Tess come to terms with her husband’s death as well as the new direction her life seems to be taking? Can she open herself up to God again? Can Mac and Tess find peace with God?

Love’s Healing Power is a short but sweet romance story as Tess and Mac, both hurting in their own ways, met and together they confront their pasts and their possible future together. The main theme of the story is faith through difficult times as well as confront problems, rather than running from them. My favorite quote of the book is from Mac to Tess, he tells her, “Running away from your problems isn’t the best solution. They’ll only follow you and take you down.” I enjoyed Mac and Tess and loved their story together. Although everything seemed to happen fast without a sense if any time has passed, the main enjoyment stays the same. If you are looking for a quiet read, I recommend Love’s Healing Power.

Love’s Healing Power

is available in eBook

Watts Riots: what happened?

Today is the 55^th anniversary of the start of the Watts Riots in Los Angeles, California. At the time, it was the largest and most destructive riot in California. By the end of the five-day riot, 31-35,000 have said to have participated with 34 deaths, 1,032 injuries, 3,438 arrests and approximately $40 million in damages. Growing up I had heard about the riots but never heard about what led to the riots. When I realized that the anniversary was coming up, I felt the need to read about it further. To understand the causes, the event as well as the aftermath. Understand that the information I present here is just an overview. As with any important event, there is so much more information that I couldn’t possibly cover it here in a simple blog post.

To understand the riots, we need to go back in history. The Great Migration (1915-1940) saw large populations of African Americans moving to Northeastern and Midwest cities, i.e. New York City, Chicago, and Detroit, to pursue jobs in manufacturing industries, better educational and social opportunities and to flee racial segregation. Jim Crow laws, violent and racial bigotry in the Southern states were at a fever pitch. Los Angeles saw little of this migration until the Second Great Migration in the 1940s. As black workers and families moved to the West Coast in great numbers, largely due to the defense industry recruitment efforts as WWII created the need for more workers. President Franklin D Roosevelt signed an Executive Order No. 8802 which prohibiting defense contractors from discrimination in hiring or promotions. However, restrictive laws prevented specific minorities from renting and owning property in certain areas, even after the courts ruled it illegal (Shelley v Kraemer, 1948) and the passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Approximately, 95% of LA was off-limits and minorities found themselves restricted to the East and South LA areas (Bernstein, 2010). Tensions ran even higher when California voters passed Proposition 14 in 1964 which overturned the Rumford Fair Housing Act. The Rumford Act was designed to remedy residential segregation. Civil Rights Activist Alvin Poussaint considered Proposition 14 as one of the root causes of the riots (Theoharis, 2006).

To say that police discrimination was prevalent in LA would be a vast understatement. On August 11, 1965, a minor roadside argument broke out and escalated into a fight with the police. That night, Marquette Frye was pulled over by CHP Officer Lee Minikus for reckless driving. After failing a series of sobriety tests, Frye was placed under arrest for drunk driving. Ronald Frye, his brother, was in the car with him and ran home to tell their mother, Rena Price. According to Minikus, it was a normal, routine traffic stop and everything was going well until Rena Price showed up to scold her son, Frye then turned surly and began resisting arrest (Dawsey, 1990). Eventually, Frye, his brother and his mother were arrested. The mounting tensions in the community finally exploded as community members reported police brutally including injuring a pregnant woman. Six days of unrest followed and resembled an all-out war zone. Nearly 14,000 members of the California National Guard were called in for suppression by LA Chief of Police William Parker. Rioting had spread throughout other areas and into other cities, including Long Beach, and even as far as San Diego, although, compared to Watts, they were very minor. According to essayist Bayard, “The whole point of the outbreak in Watts was that it marked the first major rebellion of Negroes against their own masochism and was carried on with the express purpose of asserting that they would no longer quietly submit to the deprivation of slum life” (1966).

In the aftermath, debates quickly began about the events in Watts, its origins and what do after. The California Supreme Court reinstated the Rumford Fair Housing Act in Reitman v Mulkey (1966). Governor Edmund Brown ordered an investigation into the riots, headed by John McCone. The McCone Commission released a 101-page report, Violence in the City- An End or a Beginning? on December 2, 1965. In in, the commission identified high unemployment, poor schools, and related inferior living conditions as roots to the rising tensions and eventual riots in Watts. Recommendations were made to address these issues, however, none of them implemented (Dawsey, 1990). For instance, the commission recommended job creation; however, it did nothing to suggest how jobs would be created or obtained (Rustin, 1966). The commission stated the untrained black man had a harder time holding on to jobs as industries improved machines to take over for even the skilled worker (McCone Report, 1965). Chief Parker was the focal point of grievances within the Watts community and despite statements from the community, the commission deemed that Parker was not a racist man (McCone Report, 1965). What happened to the man whose arrest was the final spark? Marquette Frye admitted he was drunk that night and had been shunned by some in his community and elevated to folk hero by others (Dawsey, 1990). Sadly, Frye died December 24, 1986 from pneumonia.

In conclusion, when I set out to learn about the Watts riots, I thought I was just going read about a historical event. However, I could not shake that the unrest of the riots is still the unrest of today. In his essay, Bayard Rustin finishes with a simple but profound statement, “And what is most impractical and incredible of all is that we may very well continue to teach impoverished, segregated, and ignored Negroes that the only way they can get the ear of America is to rise up in violence” (1966). Have the people learned that the only way to get the attention of those in charge is to be violent? Recent events with rising violence certainly make it seem so. While I have no answers or solutions to stop such a cycle, I find it interesting that the lesson learned was violence as the only answer.

References

Bernstein, Shana (2010). Bridges of Reform: Interracial Civil Rights Activism in Twentieth Century Los Angeles. Oxford University Press. Retrieved August 9, 2020.

Dawsey, Darrell (July 8, 1990). 25 Years After the Watts Riots: McCone Commission's Recommendations Have Gone Unheeded. Los Angeles Times. https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1990-07-08-me-455-story.html. Retrieved August 9, 2020.

Dawsey, Darrell (August 19, 1990). To CHP Officer Who Sparked Riots, It Was Just Another Arrest. Los Angeles Times. https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1990-08-19-me-2790-story.html. Retrieved August 9, 2020.

McCone Report (December 2, 1965). Violence in the City- An End or a Beginning? Archive.org. https://ia801602.us.archive.org/34/items/ViolenceInCity/violence%20in%20city_text.pdf. Retrieved August 10, 2020.

Rustin, Bayard (March 1966). The Watts. Commentary Magazine. https://www.commentarymagazine.com/articles/bayard-rustin-2/the-watts/. Retrieved August 10, 2020.

Theoharis, Jeanne (2006). The Black Power Movement: Rethinking the Civil Rights-Black Power Era. (New York: Routledge). Retrieved August 9, 2020.

Traded Brody and Kara: a sweet, heartwarming romance

Traded: Brody and Kara is the first book in the Cliffside Bay series by Tess Thompson. Switching perspectives between Brody and Kara, the reader is taken on a journey of secrets, new beginnings, and love. Kara is starting over in the Witness Protection Program after she testifies against her father who was involved in organized crime. Fearing for her life, she heads west to a hidden gem north of San Francisco. The residents of Cliffside Bay do not like newcomers and the pretty young woman in town is immediately noticed. She quickly finds a job as a live-in nurse for Brody Mullen, the famous football quarterback, who needs someone to care for his injured mother and ailing housekeeper/surrogate mother. As the two are now in proximity, there is no denying the sparks that fly between them, that is to everyone around them except Kara and Brody. Kara is determined to stay hidden and a relationship with Brody would out of the question. Will their defenses fall? Will Kara open up, and tell Brody her dark secret?

Traded: Brody and Kara is a sweet and heartwarming secret. I laughed. I cried. I quickly fell in in love with Brody and Kara and their circle of friends. My heart warmed at the romantic moments. I love the camaraderie and banter between Brody and his friends known as the Dogs. The women who become Kara’s friends are interesting with their own secrets of love lost, lessons learned and paths that led them to the sleepy small town. I stayed up late into the night to finish this book, something I have not done in a long, long time. I just had to find out how their story ended. I knew they would end up together, but how, when and other questions. Overall, I really enjoyed Traded: Brody and Kara and I look forward to continue the series, which has 12 books. If you love sweet, small town romances, I recommend Traded: Brody and Kara. Maybe you too will be drawn into this wonderful story.

Traded: Brody and Kara

is available in paperback, eBook and audiobook

Mary Poppins Returns: a hit and miss return for a beloved character

When the Walt Disney Company announced the sequel to the classic film Mary Poppins (1964), I thought there is no way a new film could compare. Even though there are multiple Mary Poppins books, why bother with a sequel film? Emily Blunt was casted as Mary Poppins and Lin-Manuel Miranda as Jack, the lamplighter who was an apprentice to Bert. Mary Poppins Returns (2018) opened on December 19, 2018 to positive reviews. I didn’t have the desire to watch it until recently when I saw it available on Netflix. So, I decided to give it a chance. Unfortunately, the film tried to be it’s own film while trying to pay homage to the original film.

The film opens in London during the Great Depression. Michael Banks (played by Ben Whishaw) lives in his childhood home on Cherry Tree Lane with his three children, Annabel, John and Georgie. The previous year, his wife died, leading his sister, Jane (played by Emily Mortimer) to move in. Michael had taken a loan from his employer, the Fidelity Fiduciary Bank, and is three months behind on the payments. William “Weatherall” Wilkins (played by Colin Firth) is the new corrupt chairman of the bank and Michael’s boss, sent lawyers to warm him that his house will be repossessed if the loan is not repaid in full by the end of the week. Michael and Jane frantically searched the house for the share certificates that their father left them that should be able to cover the loan. During the search, Michael finds the kite that was flown at the end of the original movie. In his frustration, he throws it out the window. Later the children visit a local park and George finds the kite and flies it when a strong wind rips it from the sky. Mary Poppins descends from the sky with the kite in her hand. She takes the children home, becomes their new nanny and their adventures begin.

What I first liked about the film are the nods to the original film. Some were obvious like the kite that brings Mary Poppins back but also the Easter Eggs featured in the background. For example, the blocks that spell out Poppins can be seen in the attic. Also, if you listen closely, you can hear the melodies from “Let’s Go Fly A Kite,” “Spoonful of Sugar”, and other songs from the original film in the background. There are a couple of cameos made by original cast members. Blink and you might miss it. Second, Emily Blunt did a wonderful job as Mary Poppins. I think she captured Mary Poppins’ personality as the firm but magical nanny. She didn’t try to duplicate Julie Andrews but made the role her own. Third, Lin-Manuel Miranda as the lamplighter Jack. Most people are familiar with Miranda as the songwriter of the hit musical Hamilton (2015) and well as the music and lyrics from Moana (2016). Miranda takes his cues from Dick Van Dyke’s Bert from the original film; however, like Ms. Blunt, takes his role and makes it his own. The big song and dance number in the film, “Trip a Little Light Fantastic," is impressive and highlights Miranda’s talents.

The main disappointment about this film is that the songs aren’t as memorable as one would expect from a Disney film. And it is difficult not to compare the songs to the original movie. Despite my best efforts, I found myself doing comparisons. For instance, “Trip a Little Light Fantastic” (which is a song I loved the most in the movie) to “Step in Time” which is an amazing feat of dancing and my favorite song from the original film. The former pales in comparison. One particular song, “A Cover Is Not The Book,” was creepy and, as one article describes it, “ode to literature and non-judgementalism with a slyly naughty list of did-they-say-that double entendres” (Cava, 2018). For example, in the song, they refer to the story of Lady Hyacinth Macaw, the last part of the lyrics say “So no one tried to rob her/'Cause she barely wore a stitch/For when you're in your birthday suit/There ain't much there to show you're rich!” By the end of this song, I felt creeped out. I’m sure the children in the audience would not have picked up on it but as a parent watching this, I was thinking, “Wait? Come again?” Did they really say that? What does even mean?

In conclusion, Mary Poppins Returns is a disjointed, nod to the original while trying hard to be its own film. While I enjoyed the performances from Emily Blunt and Lin-Manuel Miranda, the songs were not as enjoyable. Even with the nods and Easter Eggs to the original films, some were bluntly obvious and even eyerolling, “Okay we get it!” If the original 1964 Mary Poppins film is a beloved favorite of yours, I recommend you skip Mary Poppins Returns. However, if you can separate the two films, without comparisons, you may find yourself enjoying Mary Poppins Returns.

References

Cava, Dan. (December 24, 2018).’Mary Poppins Returns’ is not a jolly holiday with Mary.  https://clture.org/mary-poppins-returns/. Retrieved July 30, 2020.

Paris Never Leaves You: a story of love and the cost of survival

Paris Never Leaves You by Ellen Feldman is the story of Charlotte Foret who survived the Paris Occupation in WWII with her young daughter, Vivi to escape to New York City where she works as an editor for a publishing company. She receives a letter from someone she has no desire to speak to, wanting the past to remain the past, she ignores it. Vivi is now 14 year and has many questions about their life in Paris, the war and her father who died in battle. Charlotte is unsure how to answer her questions as she desperately wants to leave the past in the past. The alternates between Paris, 1944 and New York City, 1954, as she tries to leave the past in the past, a story she desperately wishes would be ignored. She is no stranger to hardship, as she is a survivor. Is her most challenging situation coming? What will her survival cost her? Will she be forced to tell the story she is so reluctant to reveal? The war may be over, but will the past stay in the past?

Paris Never Leaves You is a beautiful story of resilience, love, and impossible choices for survival. Alternating seamlessly between 1944 and 1954, the reader is taken on a journey of an extraordinary struggle to survive as Charlotte is faced with choices many of us hope we never have to make. The switch between timelines is very subtle that if you are not paying attention you will miss it. This book is a story that you must take your time with and take in the imagery that Ms. Feldman paints and the story she weaves, the twists and turns. It is not the story one would expect. Paris Never Leaves You is a change from the WWII stories I have read before. I enjoyed each character as they felt real with their virtues and faults. I loved the relationship between Charlotte and Vivi. At times it was like a normal mother-teenage daughter relationship and at others, it was a very unique relationship. It leaves you wondering what you would have done if you were in Charlotte’s shoes. I highly recommend Paris Never Leaves You.

Paris Never Leaves You

is available in hardcover, paperback, eBook, and audiobook

The Night Swim: are a current rape case and an suspicious death connected?

The Night Swim by Megan Goldin is the story of Rachel Krall who covers a rape trial for her podcast, Guilty or Not Guilty. After her podcast helped freed an innocent man, she has become a household name and now the current season needs to be a smash. She arrives in the small town of Neapolis, North Carolina ahead of the trial of a local young man who has been accused of rape. At the same time, she is hounded by a fan who is from the same small town about the murder of her sister 25 years ago. Hannah, who was a young girl when her sister died, begs Rachel to find her sister’s killer. At first, Rachel brushes it off as she needs to focus on the new case. As she covers the case from victim blaming to the courtroom to the verdict, Rachel finds just how polarizing the topic of rape can be. Unlike the black and white view that murder is wrong, the subject of rape shows ugly shades of gray. While she tries to stay focused on the current case, she can’t help but be pulled into another case of Jenny Stills whose death was ruled an accidental drowning. However, the details don’t sit right with Rachel as she tries to find the truth. Was the victim raped that night? Will the perpetrator be punished? What is the connection to the death of Jenny Stills? Is there a connection?

After I read this book, I read some of the reviews, as I normally do, to see if my impressions match the impressions of other readers. And just like in the book, the topic of rape polarizes the reviews. I found The Night Swim to be a thought-provoking, dramatic story as it shines a light on the complicities of a rape case. How and when does consent need to be given and expressed? Why is a promiscuous man known as a stud, but a promiscuous woman is a slut? A few reviewers demanded that the story come with trigger warnings. I think the book’s description as a podcaster covering a rape case wasn’t warning enough. Overall, I liked Rachel with her dogged curiosity for the truth and justice. I liked that she didn’t just push the Jenny Stills case aside simply because it wasn’t the case she was covering. There was also a twist that I didn’t see coming. I thought I guess it but boy, was I wrong! I recommend reading it with care as the story deals with the important issue of rape and the details of the case are graphic. Ms. Goldin doesn’t pull any punches; she writes a rape case that is as real as it gets. As I read, one case seemed so cut and dry and the other one was not so straight forward. As the cases unfold, there’s more than what meets the eye. It opens the conversation of how rape cases are handled, investigated, and prosecuted. I recommend The Night Swim. The story grips you from the very beginning and keeps you hanging on until the very end.

The Night Swim

is available in hardcover, eBook and audiobook