Dying to Live

Dying to Live, by Harmonie Reigns can also be found at my favorite local bookstore, Get Booked, owned by Raul Gutierrez.

This book was difficult to read.  I will admit that my difficulty in reading this book probably has more to do with the descriptions of physical abuse than any writing technique employed by Reigns.  My own past experience with domestic violence clouded my ability to read about it.  Through reading this book, I have learned that I am not yet ready to  move on and read about the experience of others.

If you are able to separate yourself from the abuse described, I recommend this book.  Given the accuracy of the emotions, cover-ups, and lies by "Naomi," I wonder if Reigns has prior experience in this area, or if she has interviewed those who have.

A chilling account of abuse, self-defense, and the after-math...Dying to Live should be read with care.

That's how I understand it
Laura

"Heart of a Designer"

***WARNING***
This review is not likely to elicit the same gracious response from Arlene Krieger as was seen earlier from Dr. Haley.

"Heart of a Designer" is a self-published tale by Arlene Krieger.  Billed as a romantic comedy, Ms. Krieger seems to have asked her friends for a few (operative word: few) words of support for her efforts.

"Amanda Stoddard, Media Specialist" writes, "A history of a designer fashion industry.  This is a story that will make you laugh, cry and cheer for the underdog.  The best and funniest read ever,"

Hm.  I would think that a "Media Specialist" would pen a better supportive statement.  First of all, this is not a "history of a designer fashion industry," it's not even a history of a particular designer within that industry.  It is a description of just over a year in the life of one burgeoning clothing line.  Further, it is not clear that the designer in question is the main character.  I cannot definitively say whether the main character is the designer or her daughter-in-law-salesperson.

Lastly (on this point), I neither laughed, cried, nor cheered for the underdog all throughout this book.

"Holly Harris, Food Critic" also wrote a few words for Krieger.  However, I would like to interrupt the flow of review here to ask the first question that comes to my mind, "What does a 'Food Critic' know about a book supposedly about the fashion industry?"  I have no problem with Holly Harris supporting her friend if she truly finds this book worth supporting, but to add her profession adds no credence to her words.  In fact, in my eyes at least, knowing her day job takes away from her message.

Back on track, Harris writes, "I felt like I was wathcing a great funny, romantic movie.  This book is a page turner"

Where to begin?  I can start with "wathcing" being a precursor for all the typos, spelling errors, and misuse of wording found throughout the book.  Also, how can Harris feel as if she is watching a movie?  The story is nowhere near descriptive enough.  On the count of it being a "page turner", I have to disagree.

Now on to my own thoughts concerning the book:
I will gloss over the formatting issues starting with page one.  I will only mention that it appears Krieger typed this up as a Word document, and converted it into book form without adapting the formatting.  As unfortunate as that is (because of the spacing issues, mostly) I understand the desire to see your words in print, and not worrying about the "small details".

My first grievance with the story is that it is billed as a romantic comedy.  As I mentioned earlier, I didn't find it particularly funny.  In fact, I don't remember a single line that I actually laughed about.  As for the romance part, I have a bone to pick on that front.  This story is not romantic, it is adulterous!  Practically every major character in the story is having an affair.

Roberta has an affair with Antonio whose wife Katherine is having an affair with the butcher.  Meanwhile, Roberta's husband, John is messing around with anything in a skirt, and her son Clark is having an affair, though it is never revealed with whom.

That is not my idea of romance.  Back in the day, I read my share (and then some) of romantic novels in the style of Harlequin and Signet.  I know what a romance novel looks, feels, and smells like.  This is not it.

More on the story itself: The daydreams by Louise are intrusive and do not add to the story at all.  Plus, the visions of Louise and Roberta about the "ghost of seventh avenue," (pg. 18) are just silly, and are never fully explained.

The last point I will address is Krieger's philosophy on parenthood as displayed by Louise and Jake.  On the one hand, Izzy is allowed to run wild and is bribed to behave during special occasions, and on the other hand, he is expected to expertly play a concert piano.  Keep in mind, this character is only three years old at the beginning of the story.

I have written enough against this book, I won't bring up the reprehensible attitude toward any person larger than a size six and not completely manicured at Elizabeth Arden, or Mid-Westerners, for that matter.

This kitschy account is not worth your money to buy it, or your time to read it.

That's the way I understand it,
Laura

Thank You

And a big thank you to the illustrious My Haley for the signed copy of "The Treason of Mary Louvestre" and the lovely inscription. This will go in my library next to "Roots" and "Queen".

The inscription reads, "To Laura--May God ever bless you and yours - - Real Good! Best! My"

~feeling very happy right now
Laura

The Treason of Mary Louvestre

My husband and I visit Get Booked just about every week, owned by our friend Raul Gutierrez.  Earlier this week, Raul asked me to review a new book by My Haley, The Treason of Mary Louvestre.

I very much enjoyed the story of Mary Louvestre.

Engaging, realistic, and descriptive, this story tells of the journey of one woman's struggle against the elements, society, and herself.

I have no trouble believing that the characters created by My Haley actually lived.  In fact, I wouldn't be surprised to meet any of them on the street today.  I am especially pleased to know that this tale is based on the real life of a Southern Seamstress who in no small way helped the North to win the Civil War.

Haley skillfully weaves the elements of Southern Society with Mary's experiences to create a tapestry as rich and beautiful as any Renaissance wall hanging.

If Haley decided to continue her research and enlighten us (her avid readers) concerning the rest of Mary's life and adventures, I would definitely be in line to purchase the book.

I highly recommend purchasing and devouring this book for yourself.  And then write to My Haley, encouraging her in her future ventures.

That's how I understand it,
Laura

Se mucho prepara

I have been preparing a lot for the upcoming semester at Fort Hays State University, out of Hays, Kansas.  I take my courses online.

For Fall 2013 semester, I am enrolled in five courses:

COMM 100 Fundamentals of Oral Communication (3)
IDS 350 Diversity in the United States (3)
MLNG 226 Beginning Spanish II (5)
SOC 388 Sociology of the Family in America (3)
SOC 665 Social Entrepreneurship (3)

That's a total of 17 credit hours!  Needless to say, I'm nervous about the upcoming course load.  Because of this nervousness, and the realization that I will be extremely busy in the next few months, I have been preparing as much as possible beforehand.  Part of this preparation includes intensely studying Spanish.  I believe I have learned much, but I also don't feel confident in my ability to communicate effectively in Spanish.

The rest of the semester together accounts for a normal full-time semester.  I have no qualms about any of the other courses.  I believe my other communications courses should cover the required communication course, but who am I to change standard University policy?  "Diversity" should be another course in racial, ethnic, and class inequality; I have taken at least two others of the same genre.  "Family" should be interesting, and very similar to at least two other courses I have previously taken.  I am hoping to be able to apply the information to my own family.  Lastly, Social Entrepreneurship is particularly exciting to me.  With this course, I am building on the Grant Proposal Writing course of last semester.

At the end of this semester, I expect to earn my Bachelor's degree with a concentration in Sociology.  Additionally, after I have completed these courses (specifically the communications course), I can earn my Associates degree with a concentration in Psychology (a bit out of order, eh?).  As for next semester: I will apply to graduate school toward the end of August.  I intend to start graduate studies in January, with the goal to earn a Master in Liberal Studies with a concentration in  Organizational Leadership.

Is it too early to start thinking about my Thesis? Too late ;)

That's the way I understand things
Laura

Orange Is The New Black

I like to watch Netflix when I am unable to find anything intelligent and entertaining on television (every day).  I have gone through such series as "Bones", "Doctor Who", and "Grey's Anatomy".  I recently watched the series "Orange Is The New Black", a Netflix original series.  I enjoyed the series, and found it funny in certain areas, and a bit scary in others.  I wasn't sure how accurate a portrayal of prison life it happened to be, but I enjoyed it.

I was surprised when I saw a write up about this series in "Out" and "The Advocate", both magazines dedicated to news and support of the LGBTQ community (subscribe).

I have to say, if I had seen the advertisement in "Out" first, I would not have been interested in watching it.  The description given in the ad was not compelling to me.  I would have asked myself, "What relevance does this program have for me?"

I have a different viewpoint of the article written by Diane Anderson-Minshall, and presented in "The Advocate."  In this article, Diane describes the program as "the greatest lesbian TV series ever. (Yeah, that's right, I said it, L Word fans.)"

Having watched both, I disagree.  I didn't particularly find "Orange" to be a primarily lesbian program that happens to take place in a prison; I found it to be primarily a prison program that happens to have lesbian undertones.

Yes, some of the characters perform lesbian actions, and many of the characters talk about lesbian acts, but I did not see this program as focusing on the lesbian aspects of the characters over the fact that these characters are in prison.

In contrast, "L Word" was specifically about the lesbians in the program, and their careers were secondary to the story.

Diane seems to feel that "Orange" is a primer on how lesbians think, act, and feel; but I feel that it is more a primer on how prisoners think, act, and feel.  I feel the lesbian activities displayed are secondary to the story.

I am still searching for the book in my local libraries.  Perhaps the book will lend a better look at the intent of the story.

**Spoilers?**
From what is portrayed in the first 13 episodes, I am surprised the author lived long enough to write her memoir.

"Orange" is a story about a woman who made poor decisions that landed her in prison, and then made even dumber decisions while in prison.

10 Myths

I fully encourage the dispelling of any myth, but especially stereotypes and other myths harmful to people.  Murray Lipp wrote an excellent article dispelling what he defines as, "ten of the most problematic myths and stereotypes which play a role in the mischaracterization and dehumanization of gay men in the U.S.A."

1) "Gay Men are All Feminine"

That would be as bad as believing that all heterosexual women are feminine, all heterosexual males are masculine, or that all gay women are masculine.

2) "Gay Men are Into Fashion..."

Do we really have to underline (again) that humans are diverse?  Are all women into fashion?  Are all men into football?  The answers, of course, are "no" to both questions.

3) "Gay Men are Attracted to All Men, and Can't Control Their Desires"

That would insinuate that heterosexual males are attracted to all women and cannot control their desires.  Most humans are capable of being attracted to a person and not uncontrollably jump into bed with that person. Most humans find certain humans attractive while finding others unattractive.

4) "Gay Men are Promiscuous and Obsessed With Sex"

You say that like it's a bad thing.

Ok, back to seriousness.  Many men are "promiscuous and obsessed with sex."  Then again, many women are just as promiscuous and obsessed with sex.  This promiscuity and obsession tells more about the character of the individual than it does the sexual preferences of the individual.

On that note, I would like to point the reader to another blog which captures this idea even better than I do: Bisexual News and Views pay particular attention to the blogs entitled "We Do Exist" and "My Intro".

5) "Gay Men Focus on Anal Sex and Mimic Male/Female Roles"

Some might, but one can hardly believe that all do.  Some male/female couples mimic opposite male/female roles.  If this is true (which it is), why would you believe that all male/male couples always follow the same sexual script all the time?  There is a reason stereotypes are ridiculous and should be dispelled at all costs.

6) "HIV/AIDS is Primarily a Disease Among Gay Men"

I highly suggest you research this disease a little further.  The CDC is a good place to start.

7) "Gay Men are Not Relationship Oriented"

Some men aren't; some women aren't.  Again, this has more to say about the character of the individual than the sexual orientation of the individual.

Many same-sex couples have longer lasting, more successful (i.e.: happier) relationships than many of the more publicized heterosexual couples (Brittany Spears...Kardashian...anyone?).

8) "Male Homosexuality is Caused By...."

In fairness, the text after the ellipses (above) could be any drabble and still be untrue.

9) "Gay Men Can't Be Trusted Around Male Children"

Sigh.  This is only true if the INDIVIDUAL has shown himself to be untrustworthy around children.  For that matter, the individual could be male or female, gay or heterosexual.  Here again, this has more to do with the personality of the individual than it does the fact he or she is homosexual or heterosexual.

10) "Two Gay Men as a Couple Can't Raise Healthy, Happy Children"

Actually, I have written several essays on the general subject that homosexual couples have no disadvantages when compared to heterosexual couples when raising their children.  In fact, it is often the case that for the same reasons that some homosexual couples are happier, more successful and stay together longer than some heterosexual couples, these parents make better parents than the unhappy heterosexual couple who stays together "for the children."

That's the way I understand it
Laura