Category: books

White Fragility by Robin DiAngelo

On By Rick McIn books, ethics, government, human rights, things getting betterLeave a comment

Of many movies and books I’ve recently reviewed trying to become more aware of my white privilege, White Fragility is best.

That surprised me as the author is White writing for a White audience.  Writing for me, a privileged white male who believes he’s anti-racist.

Click PLAY or watch DiAngelo on YouTube.

White Fragility: Why It’s So Hard for White People to Talk About Racism is a 2018 book written by Robin DiAngelo about race relations in the United States.

An academic with experience in diversity training, DiAngelo coined the term “white fragility” in 2011 to describe any defensive instincts or reactions that a white person experiences when questioned about race or made to consider their own race.

In White Fragility, DiAngelo views racism in the United States as systemic and often perpetuated unconsciously by individuals….

DiAngelo linked to a study pointing out that children aged 3 upwards believe it better to be White in the USA.

She points out that white, males avowing to be Christian and heterosexual are at consistent advantage.  Everyone else at a disadvantage, especially Black Americans.

That’s systemic racism.

The book is popular but has had a fair bit of criticism, as well.

Personally, I learned a lot.  On the other hand, it’s not well written: too academic, frequently repeating the same bullet points.

Also, I wouldn’t sign-up for one of DiAngelo‘s lectures nor diversity training workshops.  I find her arrogant and too defensive with those who challenge.

And here’s how comedian Ron Hart learned about his white privilege in 1994.  As the only White guy in a comedy club.

Click PLAY or watch it on YouTube.

Peter Galloway #4 by Randy McCharles

On By Rick McIn books1 Comment

My brother Randy switched genres from Fantasy to Murder Mystery.

I just finished the 4th novel in his Peter Galloway, Private Investigator, series:

Murder on the Mall (short story)

  1. Murder in Wood Buffalo
  2. The Christmas Carol Murders
  3. Murder in Mazatlan

The Bridal Veil Murders

Book 4 is set in Niagara Falls.

Peter Galloway’s search for his mother’s killer takes him to scenic Niagara Falls, where he and Angela Ford pose as an engaged couple at an international bridal fair.

Things go from bad to worse when they discover murder at the fair, along with clues suggesting a runaway teen may be next.

Galloway and Ford find themselves pitting their wits against a gang of ruthless drug traffickers, only to discover the criminals are more than meets the eye.

In a House of Lies by Ian Rankin

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In a House of Lies (2018) is the 22nd instalment in the Inspector Rebus series written by Ian Rankin.

Some boys discover a car in a deep gully in some woodland. Inside is a handcuffed corpse; the ex-lover of the dead man was the son of a serving detective inspector in what was the old Lothian & Borders Police Force of Rebus’ day before it became Police Scotland. As ever, Rebus and also ‘Big Ger’ Cafferty, are connected to the case and end up featuring prominently in the investigation, in which Detective Inspector Siobhan Clarke is also a major player.

Barry Forshaw, writing in The Guardian:

 “How has Rankin kept the series fresh for 22 novels? Deft characterisation.

Readers must keep up with a lengthy dramatis personae, but there’s nothing wrong with making us work a little.”

Trunk Music by Michael Connelly

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As always, an excellent read.

Trunk Music is the 6th novel by American crime author Michael Connelly, and the fifth featuring the Los Angeles detective Hieronymus “Harry” Bosch.

A body found in the trunk of a Rolls Royce seems to have connections with the mob and leads Bosch and his investigation to Las Vegas. …

I keep track of Bosch books by his daughter’s age.  This is the book where he marries Eleanor Wish, the mother to be of his daughter.

 

 

 

 

The Ridge by Michael Koryta

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A classic ghost story, penned by a master. I couldn’t put it down.

– Stephen King
Many of the top writers working today admire Koryta.
The Ridge is one of his best books.

In an isolated stretch of eastern Kentucky, on a hilltop known as Blade Ridge, stands a lighthouse that illuminates nothing but the surrounding woods. One day its builder is found dead at the top of the light, and his belongings reveal a troubling local history.

For deputy sheriff Kevin Kimble, the lighthouse-keeper’s death is disturbing and personal. Years ago, Kimble was shot while on duty. Somehow the death suggests a connection between the lighthouse and the most terrifying moment of his life.

Audrey Clark is in the midst of moving her large-cat sanctuary onto land adjacent to the lighthouse. Sixty-seven tigers, lions, leopards, and one legendary black panther are about to have a new home there. Her husband, the sanctuary’s founder, died scouting the new property, and Audrey is determined to see his vision through.

 

The End of Her by Shari Lapena

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“In the world of Shari Lapena, everyone has a secret”.

Lapena’s 2020 book is good.  Perhaps slower than some of the rest.

Only one thing bothered me:  WHY would a wealthy couple not hire help with the  twins while so sleep deprived?

Stephanie and Patrick are adjusting to life with their colicky twin girls. The babies are a handful, but even as Stephanie struggles with the disorientation of sleep deprivation, there’s one thing she’s sure of: she has all she ever wanted.

Then Erica, a woman from Patrick’s past, appears and makes a disturbing accusation. Patrick had always said his first wife’s death was an accident, but now Erica claims it was murder.

Click PLAY or watch it on YouTube.

Are You There, Vodka? It’s Me, Chelsea

On By Rick McIn books, TVLeave a comment

Comedienne Chelsea Handler is profane, outrageous, offensive … and very funny.

Are You There, Vodka? It’s Me, Chelsea is her 2008 best-selling book.

…  a collection of humorous and mostly autobiographical essays about her life. …

Amazon

It inspired a TV show called Are You There, Chelsea?

Laura Prepon plays Chelsea in the show.  It only lasted 12 episodes.

Click PLAY or watch it on YouTube.

 

The Soul of the Octopus by Sy Montgomery

On By Rick McIn books1 Comment

This book was recommended to me because I enjoyed The Book of Eels by Patrik Svensson.

Eels are amazing.

Turns out, Octopus are even more amazing.

Sy Montgomery is a good writer, very expert in animals and nature.

… “fascinating…touching…informative…entertaining” … explores the emotional and physical world of the octopus—a surprisingly complex, intelligent, and spirited creature—and the remarkable connections it makes with humans.

In pursuit of the wild, solitary, predatory octopus, popular naturalist Sy Montgomery has practiced true immersion journalism. From New England aquarium tanks to the reefs of French Polynesia and the Gulf of Mexico, she has befriended octopuses with strikingly different personalities—gentle Athena, assertive Octavia, curious Kali, and joyful Karma.

Each creature shows her cleverness in myriad ways: escaping enclosures like an orangutan; jetting water to bounce balls; and endlessly tricking companions with multiple “sleights of hand” to get food….

Amazon

The Henna Artist by Alka Joshi

On By Rick McIn books, ethicsLeave a comment

Quite good.  

I recommend the book, especially if you have an interest in the lives of women in India. 

Escaping from an abusive marriage, seventeen-year-old Lakshmi makes her way alone to the vibrant 1950s pink city of Jaipur.

There she becomes the most highly requested henna artist—and confidante—to the wealthy women of the upper class. But trusted with the secrets of the wealthy, she can never reveal her own…

Known for her original designs and sage advice, Lakshmi must tread carefully to avoid the jealous gossips who could ruin her reputation and her livelihood. As she pursues her dream of an independent life, she is startled one day when she is confronted by her husband, who has tracked her down these many years later with a high-spirited young girl in tow—a sister Lakshmi never knew she had.

Suddenly the caution that she has carefully cultivated as protection is threatened. Still she perseveres, applying her talents and lifting up those that surround her as she does.

Henna art can get quite complex.

Alka Joshi was born in the desert state of Rajasthan in India. In 1967, her family immigrated to America. She earned a BA from Stanford University and an MFA from California College of Arts in San Francisco.

Prior to writing The Henna Artist, Alka ran an advertising and marketing agency for 30 years. She has spent time in France and Italy and currently lives with her husband on the Northern California Coast.

Doctor Sleep by Stephen King

On By Rick McIn books, moviesLeave a comment

One film that stuck with me over all these decades is The Shining. (1980)

Whatever happened to Jack’s wife and son?

The Shining (1977) was King’s 3rd book and first best seller.

Doctor Sleep is a 2013 horror novel by Stephen King and the sequel …

Following the events of The Shining, after receiving a settlement from the owners of the Overlook Hotel, Danny Torrance remains psychologically traumatized as his mother Wendy slowly recovers from her injuries. …

In this book, Doctor Sleep is the son, age-30, of Jack Nicholson in the original movie.

We finally learn how Shining works. 

Like most King books, this one is long and detailed.  Though I don’t like horror, I enjoyed this book thoroughly.

I’ll probably watch the movie (2019), as well.