Mary Alice Monroe’s matriarchal novel Where the Rivers Merge is satisfying until the abrupt end. Apparently, there is a sequel in the works. Since the first is just recently released, I will impatiently await the end of the story. I can already picture this tale of Eliza Pinckney Rivers Chalmers DeLancey as a television miniseries with the lush lowlands of South Carolina as a backdrop for a life spanning the twentieth century.
Most of the novel reflects the life of 88 year old Eliza as she tells a granddaughter and a great-niece the history of the murals on the wall. Each chapter begins with facts about the nature of the South Carolina lowlands. This detailed description of the surrounding nature is deftly woven into the story. The author is not so subtly sounding a wake-up call to protect our environment. All through the eyes of a fictional character. Monroe is a maestro.
As Eliza shares her history with a younger generation, the reader becomes a part of the learning. The 20th Century arrived on horseback and by 1988, the current time period of Where the Rivers Merge, rocket ships and women CEOs were present, if not the norm. A lifetime of change.
Monroe’s writing touches on technological, political, racial, and gender equality progress. Yet, she is not preachy. The story unravels naturally, allowing the reader to experience history. Eliza is the vehicle to convey past, present and perhaps the future.
Flashbacks in Where the Rivers Merge occur through the stories Eliza tells Savannah and Norah. Both women are eager to hear her story, as was this reader. The author masterfully employs this technique to bring the past to life while simultaneously creating resonating characters.
At the end of the novel, Eliza is only partway through her life story. Hence the abrupt ending. Mainstream literature has yet to develop devoted followers of lengthy novels such as those readers of fantasy or sci-fi. If Where the Rivers Merge belonged in either of those genres we would have but one book. However, Monroe is mainstream and so Book Two: The Rivers’ End cannot be published soon enough for this reader.
Above average heat, below average moisture and the ever-frustrating interruption in Internet service dominated June 2025. Uncertainty continues in various countries across the globe and the U.S.A. is not watching from the sidelines. Cyber threats continue for both governments and private businesses. Definitely not a month of norms.
The cherry crop was a few days behind schedule but yielded a batch of jam and a batch of jelly in addition to enough for several pies. The Big Garden continues to produce and we enjoy the bounty daily. Fresh green salads accompany dinner most nights. The second planting of potatoes are thriving and the first planting is getting very close to harvest. Green tomatoes pepper the side garden plants while the back garden boxes and The Big Garden tomatoes are full of blooms. Planting of seeds and onion sets continues, ensuring a staggered harvest.
Economic indicators still create a mixed picture. Stocks prices are at all-time highs; the Misery Index is within normal limits at 6.55% and the new market basket prices vary. Some products dropped in price while others increased. Travel in June 2025 anecdotally shows an increase in airport traffic even though newscasts indicate fewer travelers. Maybe I’m just hitting the hot spots on my trips.
| Product | March 2025 Price | June 2025 Price |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Gal. Whole Milk | $3.69 | $5.99 |
| 1 LB. Bananas | $0.65 | $0.54 |
| 1 Can Cr. Style Corn | $1.99 | $1.99 |
| Dozen Eggs | $6.49 | $6.99 |
| 1 Dunkin' Donut | $1.79 | $1.79 |
| 1 Gal. Reg Unl. Gas | $2.89 | $2.97 |
| Doz Reg. Mouth Kerr Lids | $4.99 | $3.97 |
| Scott's Step Fertilizer | $104.00 | $97.00 |
| Hamilton Beach 4-slice Toaster | $48.95 | $54.49 |
| Samsung Galaxy Chromebook | $624.99 | $749.99 |
| GE 2 Cu.Ft. Microwave | $239.00 | $199.00 |
| Misery Index | 7 | 6.55 |
Three books were reviewed in June. Another book will have its’ review later this week. The lone non-fiction entry, The Ageless Brain, took most of a week to read. The other two, Beach House Rules and the cozy murder mystery Bridal Shower Murder are enjoyable quick summer reads.
Plenty of kid books were read to my grandsons on their visit to the High Plains. A classic from 1969, Babar’s Moon Trip by Laurent De Brunhoff was the hand’s down favorite. The pop-up book was read at least a dozen times to the oldest child. At almost three, he was allowed to gently pull on the tabs. Truly, the infant may not have absorbed much, but it is never too early to listen.
A “new to me” author, Kristy Woodson Harvey will delight summer readers with her 2025 release Beach House Rules. This original novel is full of diverse characters, has a bit of romance and lots of dilemmas for the main characters. So, if you are looking for a great summer read, find a copy!
Bill Sitterly is under arrest for embezzling vast amounts of money from clients, young and old. Everything is seized leaving his wife Charlotte and daughter Iris at the mercy of others. Both want to believe in his innocence, but naturally doubts crowd in.
After a public melt down, Charlotte is invited to stay at the local “mommune” until she gets back on her feet. As rumors spread in the small Carolina beach town, the pair find friendship among the other residents. Furthermore, all turn to clearing Bill.
Inhabitants of the home follow beach house rules which were created by the Black Widow, Alice. Current residents include her niece Julie and her three grade schoolers and Grace whose son is the star quarterback at the high school and his junior high sister. Social media plays a large part telling the stories of the four women.
Harvey’s novel is not a cozy murder mystery. Nonetheless, sleuthing, mostly done by Iris, is key to #freebill. Plus, a heaping of help from a social media blitz as well as old-fashioned reporting from Julie. The families’ bond as each face a personal crisis. Fortunately, the closeness keeps them from turning against one another as the past catches up to the Black Widow.
I thoroughly enjoyed this novel with a bit of old-fashioned mystery, much like the “whodunit” books I devoured as a child. Even though I am unfamiliar with Harvey’s previous work, Beach House Rules showcases her talent. So, I will look for more of her novels. The southern location appeals, the writing is superb, and the plotting is solid. Beach House Rules is a winner!
Bridal Shower Murder is a timely cozy mystery blending in with the many weddings and bridal showers occurring during this wedding season. Leslie Meier once again entertains with this addition to the Lucy Stone series.
Zoe, Lucy’s youngest, brings home her beau, Chad Nettleton to meet her parents. The young man is a rising star in professional baseball and his parents hail from Tinker’s Cove. However, in-law problems rear almost as soon as the engagement is announced.
True to her style, Meier uses multiple storylines in her novel. On a personal level, Lucy is managing the stresses of upcoming nuptials for her daughter. However, she is also reporting on the latest news from the fictional Maine hamlet.
The local historical society steps on the toes of area Native Americans with an unintentional exclusion of their participation as early loggers and the shuttering of an entire town by the government benefitting a logging company. Primarily, Eminent Domain unfairly benefits a few at the cost of many minority families. Lucy is in the thick of the story.
Naturally, the two stories end up dovetailing. And a murderer is on the loose.
Much of the story revolves around the differences between the two families of the bride and groom. Followers of the Lucy Stone series have the benefit of familiarity with the Stones. Lucy and Bill Stone are open-minded and could be described as hard-working progressives. But finances are always tight. On the other hand, the Nettleton’s are rolling in dough, a bit stand-offish and shy away from those with different cultural backgrounds. So, the two Moms have very different ideas on how to throw a bridal shower. And a wedding.
To complicate things, Penny Nettleton’s first son, Chris, left behind when she married Nate is accused of murder and then dies from an overdose. Penny is devastated and the bridal shower is cut short.
Bridal Shower Murder is a quick read and a good library check-out. The twists in the story come from subplots with the biggest surprise of all unrelated to the murder mystery. But the villain is easy to spot. Furthermore, the down-to-earth love between Zoe and Chad highlighted the story. However, the reader will need to overlook a few flaws that I won’t disclose since it would spoil the story. Visit your local library to pick up a copy.
The 2025 release The Ageless Brain is the fourth release by Dale E. Bredesen, MD. As in the first three works, this non-fiction tome focuses on Alzheimer’s. Those who have read the blog since 2017 know this topic is germane to the origination of Econogal.
Bredesen’s knowledge of the subject is extensive. Furthermore, he brings a positive, uplifting point of view to a subject that remains devastating for those diagnosed with the condition. However, a major point of his premise is the need for early testing and intervention. Fortunately, the interventions intertwine with healthy living.
The terms and language are technical. Yet I gained much from reading this text without specific knowledge of the jargon. Lay people can gain much from reading since the author wrote for a wide audience. Indeed, reaching the greater populace is critical to ending diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s and ALS.
Bredesen posits a healthy brain for those in their 70’s, 80’s, 90’s and beyond need not be the exception as I wrote in a Century of Life. For those of us who know (or knew) centurions with sharp minds, the premise is real and not far-fetched. Additionally, the author presents both data and actions which can reverse damage that has already occurred. His findings verified my own research, trials and observations.
Healthy living and common-sense play into protecting the brain. The author highlights things that are harmful for the brain as well as what is positive. The NFL and the pharmaceutical industry are just two of many that will not like a wide-spread adoption of the tools shared in The Ageless Brain.
Prevention plays a large part in protecting the thinking process. Some things are generalized. But Bredesen acknowledges the need for individualized plans when he states:
“Conceptually, when it comes to battling neurodegenerative diseases, our job is straightforward: Identify the needed supplies and ongoing demands for each disease (including age-related changes) and then address those needs with a personalized, precision-medicine protocol to ensure the demands are once again met by the supplies. p.26”
In other words, one size does not fit all. Medicine in general needs to adopt this attitude. The author believes each individual needs to have tests, including blood tests, from the age of 35 on. Thus, stopping the diseases long before they appear in the later stages of life.
Furthermore, there are two approaches to a healthy brain. The first involves protection from environmental toxins, unhealthy eating and lack of essential vitamins. In other words, keeping track of various inputs and how they impact outputs. This includes not only what you eat but when to eat. Bredesen suggests on page 189 that fasting should include a three-hour window before sleep. This allows for better rest, another key component for protecting the brain.
A second approach to having a healthy brain in the senior years is one of creating new paths in the brain. This is a frequent topic on Econogal. Bredesen devotes an entire chapter, The Brain’s Flex Factor, to learning new things to develop an ageless brain.
Neuroplasticity is the technical term for brain growth throughout life. Learning new things thus creating new neurons and pathways in the brain is on par with life-long learning. Bredesen takes the concept one step further. He suggests daily, monthly, and yearly challenges.
Daily challenges can be as simple as taking a new route to work, trying a new recipe, or switching from Sudoku to Logic Puzzles. The key is in changing the daily routine or pattern. Simple in thought, but possibly difficult to implement since there are 365 days in the year.
A monthly challenge could be reading all non-fiction instead of fiction or listening to the classical music station instead of country. The author states the key is to “…vary not just the activity but the type of activity from month to month. p. 207” So, a different reading material one month then followed by a month with a new outdoor activity. Thus, not just a switch of genres each month. The brain needs new experiences on a monthly basis.
Bredesen suggests the yearly challenge should be incorporated with a longer-term goal since it is so time consuming. Examples given include learning a new language. This lengthy process increases understanding which is a different part of the brain.
This review has just touched on the incredible information provided by Dr. Bredesen. This is a fantastic text that belongs in every library in the country. Furthermore, any family that is genetically predisposed to the various diseases of the brain will benefit from reading and sharing. My highest recommendation of 2025 so far goes to The Ageless Brain.
Both April and May 2025 were full of travel and events. Books were read and some were reviewed. Plenty of hours were logged in both the garden and the quilt room. The only thing lacking was regular writing.
Two new babies were born into the family twenty days apart. One of each gender, identical in length and only an ounce apart in weight. Since the cousins live but five miles apart it will be interesting to see if they are misidentified as twins. I look forward to holding them simultaneously.
I try to keep up and acknowledge the emails that come into the blog. Unfortunately, the majority want me to let them publish what they write thereby skipping the cost of a website. Others want me to write on their topic of choice. The vast majority are literary agents doing the job of promoting a client’s book.
My favorite correspondence is from writers themselves. Some write in the comments, others reference my blog on their websites and still others send private notes. This month I learned Ken Steele was recognized by the Oklahoma Department of Libraries in May 2025 with an award for The Promise of Unbroken Straw. Kudos to Ken, I am still gifting his book to various individuals in my circle. I highly recommend it.
Much time is spent in the garden at this time of year. I have a row of potatoes and a row of tomatoes in the Big Garden. Green onions are interplanted with the tomatoes and basil with the potatoes. I also have a row of leafy plants. Multiple types of lettuce and broccoli are in this row with more green onions and some rather anemic artichokes.
The final row includes hot peppers, beets, carrots and peas. My early starts of peanuts did not make it. However, I threw some peanut seeds into this fourth row as well and was quite pleased to see a couple of plants pop through this week. No doubt the inch of rain accompanied by warm, seasonal temperatures helped the garden along.
May 2025 In the Library
Two books, both set in Italy were reviewed this past month. Every Time I Go on Vacation, Someone Dies is a cozy murder mystery laced with romance. One Good Thing is superb historical fiction. In addition to the two outstanding books I reviewed this month, I reread books by Janet Evanovich and Diane Mott Davidson. I love both authors. Since I love re-reading certain series, I am thinking of having some throwback reviews in the future.
But first, I need to attend to my health. Something is not quite right with my heart. Fortunately, I have an appointment with a specialist at UC Health in Denver next week. Those of us in small rural towns scattered throughout this country travel out of town when medical issues are complex. Hopefully the diagnoses will be quick and the remedy straightforward. In the meantime, I plan to live as stress-free as possible. And I do plan to keep all of you up to date. Happy June to all.
School is out, or almost, and summer provides the perfect opportunity for encouraging entrepreneurship. Kids of all ages are creative. And contrary to popular opinion, I think most are capable of hard work and the ability to “stick with it”. So, I plan on encouraging entrepreneurship whenever I encounter it.
Summers bring knocks on the door, salespeople young and old. Often the neighborhood kids are looking for a job. The older ones might need the flexibility of setting their own schedules. And the younger ones can’t be employed by businesses yet.
Other youngsters can be found setting up stands in front of their houses. Fortunately, where I live, lemonade stands are still legal. Often kids have a table in conjunction with a yard sale or auction. I have even seen stands along parade routes.
And occasionally other items can be found for sale. Last year my daughter and I stopped at a table manned by three middle-school girls. They were selling friendship bracelets. These hand-made items were no doubt inspired by a very popular singer. Naturally, we bought several thereby encouraging entrepreneurship. Swifties support fellow Swifties.
This week a group of nine- to ten-year-olds came by. Since one was a recognized neighbor, I found some work for them. They learned quite a lot. First, they negotiated a price. Then they discovered working together involves a bit more than just hanging out. The boys stuck with the task. They completed their job in three hours. And the work was satisfactory.
I don’t think it was as easy as the group thought it would be. But encouraging entrepreneurship means allowing for various discoveries. Maybe they will return looking for more work. They certainly were happy with the earnings. But they were also tired from their effort.
Each generation will have individuals that succeed. Furthermore, success will be measured in many different ways. Monetary success is the easiest to spot. But often the entrepreneurial spirit is stoked from a desire to create new things. That satisfaction does not always equate to monetary gains. Artistic value for instance, is in the eye of the beholder. Inventors may not personally take their inventions to the market.
Encouraging the young whether in making money or creating new “things” is crucial to developing tomorrow’s discoveries. Ideas need capital for implementation if not development. We need to keep encouraging entrepreneurship from an early age. Support your local budding entrepreneurs this summer!
One Good Thing by Georgia Hunter is every bit as good as her debut novel, We Were The Lucky Ones. There are some similarities. Both time periods encompass WWII. And once again, the atrocities committed against the Jewish community is core to the story. Yet, unlike the first novel, One Good Thing is pure fiction.
Lili and Esti meet at university and become close friends. Both are Jewish, one Italian and one Greek. As Mussolini’s Racial Laws intensify, Esti and her husband become more radical, even after the birth of their son Theo. Meanwhile, Lili tends to avoid confrontations even though she feels the tension of the changing political climate too.
Once the Germans invade Italy, matters boil and the women must flee their homes with young Theo in tow. Esti remains outspoken and begins forging papers for the underground. Then disaster strikes and the two women must separate. Esti, unable to travel, begs Lili to keep heading south with four-year-old Theo in tow.
The novel follows the war-time travels of Lili and Theo. Peddling bikes, hitching rides both openly and covertly and walking mile after mile, the pair push towards Rome. Danger lurks at every turn. When Theo needs medical care, Lili is tempted to leave him behind. She doesn’t. He has become the one good thing in her life.
Hunter brings depth to the personal triumphs and tragedies of war through the introduction of a myriad of secondary characters. Good and evil characters as well as those with actions that are a bit blurry. People act differently during war. Even more so when the fighting is close by.
These personalities provide the heart of the story. Heroes and villains’ actions allow the reader to experience the atrocities of fascism, genocide and war. But also, the altruism and dedication of those fighting against the horrors of inhumanity. Most importantly, Hunter warns against a repeat of the past with her story.
We Were The Lucky Ones was on my best books list of 2018. I am sure One Good Thing will make this year’s list. Writers with the talent to evoke strong emotions are rare. Georgia Hunter can bring one to tears and yet have the reader close the book with an expectation of hope, love and certainty that today’s woes can be overcome. And tomorrow offers the promise of a better world.
Furthermore, books such as One Good Thing need to be read far and wide. History does not have to repeat. People can learn from the past, even from historical fiction.
A new series debut, Every Time I Go on Vacation Someone Dies is a good book for vacation travelers. I picked the book up in the Louisville, Kentucky airport last weekend and found it a bit different from the usual cozy murder mysteries. Catherine Mack, who also writes as Catherine McKinzie, mixes a bit of Rom-Com into the novel. Further, the protagonist uses footnotes throughout the novel.
The heroine of Every Time I Go on Vacation, Someone Dies is Eleanor Dash. A “panster” writer, quirky, neurotic, and quite likeable despite her long-windedness. She is plotting to kill off the star of her book series, Connor Smith. There is just one complication; someone is trying to kill the real Connor Smith and maybe has sights set on Eleanor too.
As a mystery writer, Eleanor barely outlines her work. But as a real-life crime solver, she needs a bit of structure. Especially after several attempts on her own life. Author Mack develops her protagonist’s character through a series of footnotes. These notes are non-ending at first, yet by the end of the novel, this reader was glancing at the bottom of the page first.
There is a plethora of secondary characters in the novel ranging from Eleanor’s younger sister Harper to Connor’s ex-wife Allison. And there is Oliver. He provides the romantic hero figure for Eleanor. Of course, the multitude of characters means plenty of suspects to sort through. As the writer of the series within the series, Eleanor encourages the reader to solve the mystery. This is quite tough with all the twists and turns regardless of the many clues given in the footnotes.
I enjoyed reading this light-hearted murder mystery by Catherine Mack. The romance is sweet and the murders not graphic. Perfect for reading while traveling.
Anne Tyler’s Three Days in June reads like a novella. Short and to the point. But there is a definite back story. So, the book has elements of a novel. The entire story takes place in about 72 hours. And the opening pages are a bit of a misdirection. Even though the daughter, Debbie, is a bride-to-be on the cusp of saying vows, her parents Gail and Max are the main characters.
The saga which makes-up Three Days in June is told by Gail Baines. Gail is almost more than middle-aged, divorced and possibly fired or maybe just quit. And she carries secret guilt. She freaks out over the possibility of her future son-in-law cheating on her daughter just before the wedding.
The first of the three days in June follows Gail’s job loss and the potential disruption of the wedding.
Debbie gets married with angst from her mother and a totally different attitude from Max. He is the forgive and forget type of person. This personality lends a lot to the back story. It is not always the male that cheats on a marriage.
Secondary characters add to the wedding scenes. Indeed, the families are the center of the plot instead of the bride and groom. Gail’s mom, Joyce, provides a good contrast in personalities. And Max is a keeper.
In the final day of Three Days in June, Max and Gail re-connect. More flashbacks from Gail bring forth the pain of infidelity from both sides. Anne Tyler expertly writes of the trials and pains of adultery. Guilt and remorse from the cheater’s side and forgiveness from the betrayed spouse.
The writing is deep. Three Days in June looks at the possibility of conciliation long after a marriage breaks apart. Anne Tyler does a good job explaining the complexity of a relationship in the aftermath of a broken marriage. She offers hope and an olive branch for those who have made the biggest mistake of their life. Once again, the author strikes gold with her writing.
Natalie Jenner’s 2024 release Every Time We Say Goodbye is outstanding on many levels. First, the story takes a compelling look at Rome in the aftermath of World War II. The city became a refuge for individuals caught up in the Hollywood blacklists of the McCarthy era.
Then the author dives deep into the human condition of the era. She focuses on the emotions of the survivors, particularly on those who lost loved ones during the war. Naturally, each character showcases the many reactions to intense loss.
Finally, Jenner’s publication date makes Every Time We Say Goodbye prescient to current events. Fascism is once again rearing its’ ugly head. How did she know how quickly the status quo would unravel? Once again, parallelism brings deeper meaning to the written words.
Vivien Lowry is a British playwright escaping to Rome after disastrous reviews. A woman with secrets in her past, she is barely living the present. Her fiancée never returned from the war. And she made several decisions in the past that still haunt her. Vivien is a compelling character. Her growth as a person is the story. Even the flashbacks to the war connect to her. Rome heals her heartbreak; Destroys it, then mends the soul again. Endurance is key.
Jenner uses a combination of fictional characters and fictionalized actions and dialogue from real life actresses and writers to create Every Time We Say Goodbye. Her story offers hope to the disenchanted. Yet, she does not overlook the evil in the world. Instead, her characters demonstrate ways to cope with those intent on disruption if not actual destruction.
The Roman Catholic Church plays a large role in the novel, like its influence on the city of Rome itself. The Church is shown without any colored lenses yet plays a pivotal role in one of the actresses finding solace in a discriminatory world. The existence of good and evil is a key theme throughout the book.
This novel is highly relatable. The characters cover the spectrum of humanity. Opening quotes from Hemmingway, Stevens and Giambattista Vico set the tone. Everyone has secrets, everyone has setbacks. And you never know when goodbye is final.
This book is suitable for many audiences. The depth of emotional growth is tremendous. I highly recommend Every Time We Say Goodbye! Natalie Jenner scores again.
Variation by Rebecca Yarros was on the new arrivals table at my local library. I grabbed it for a quick fun romance read and loved it so much that I knew a review was forthcoming before I was even halfway through. Yarros is another one of those bestselling authors that I was unaware of but now is a favorite. Her writing is that good.
The novel centers around ballerina Alesandra Rousseau. One of four sisters raised by a determined and domineering mother. All had a shot at greatness, yet tragedy struck and only the youngest two still perform. And not without jealousy intervening.
For those not familiar with ballet, variation equates to a solo dance. Yarros uses the title as a metaphor for where Allie is in life. Connections with family and the ballet troupe are strong but it may be time for her to fly solo.
A forced reunion between Allie and first love Hudson Ellis is complicated by a past tragedy as well as family secrets. Hudson’s adopted niece wants to dance even though her mother has forbidden ballet lessons. Furthermore, young Jupiter thinks Allie is her birth mother. The truth is closer than either Allie or Hudson know.
The pair are thrown together to help Jupiter find her history and pursue her dance dreams. Neither know of the possible danger. Allie is still healing from the past and Hudson is unwilling to pass on a second chance with his one true love.
The author writes in multiple genres and may be best known for her Empyrean fantasy series. Variation is a stand-alone romance novel, but perhaps the author could create love stories for the key supporting characters. She weaves such a magical tale of heartbreak, redemption and happily-ever-after.
Yarros creates wonderful characters, believable conflict and leaves the reader wanting to experience more of the same. The romance is spicy, and I would recommend the novel for adults only. Variation explores many topics including parenting techniques and family loyalty. Finally, the novel spotlights the determination and hard work needed to reach one’s goals. Absolutely loved this book! I wish I owned a copy so I could read it again.
March 2025 contained a variety of weather from balmy to frigid. Moisture was on the light side, but the last few days look promising for April showers. Travel, gardening and quilting took up quite a bit of time. Books were read and reviewed. All in all, it was a productive month.
On the economic front, tariffs are eminent, and the outcome is uncertain. Naturally this translates into an unsettled market. Young stock market participants need not panic but I am sure retirees and fixed income individuals are as jittery as the stock exchanges. I have added a New Market Basket to track how the coming tariffs will impact prices. The Misery Index fell slightly to 6.9%. This is opposite of what I expect going forward.
Politics in the United States continues to be acrimonious. Our united front after 9/11 is all but gone. There is plenty of blame to go around and none of it is helpful. Personally, I only know of a few people planning to locate outside of the country. But others may be entertaining the thought of moving abroad. The parallels to the 1930s and 1940s have the elderly population shaking their heads.
While only two books were reviewed, several more were read. Some will be reviewed in the coming weeks. Deciding what to review is easy for the most part. I try not to have too many of the same author. I also refuse to review those I did not enjoy and, in some cases, don’t even finish. Furthermore, I often read for fun. Those books tend not to get reviewed. However, the next review will be an exception. Check back in a few days.
March is a good time to start seeds. So, the cool-weather crops were started in early March 2025 while the tomatoes were planted toward the end of the month. Lettuce, kale, spinach and Swiss chard make up most of the plants. Six different tomato varieties were planted. The Genuine Heirloom Marriage Hybrid tomatoes took longer to emerge, and the germination rate was about half. But the seeds were from 2023. Viability decreases over time.
Additionally, repairs were made to the raised rows in the Big Garden. Early March brought tropical storm and even Cat. One winds to the Great Plains. Dust storms still exist in this part of the country in the early spring. Fortunately, by the end of the month the wheat stands turned green and helped mitigate the dirt-filled air. Hopefully, April will bring rain.
Work continues on the king sized bargello quilt. Once pieced, the quilting can begin, and piecing of the baby quilts can start. Quilts are a labor of love as well as an expression of art. I also find quilting a stress reliever.
I hope March 2025 was productive for you.
It is time to look at a new market basket. The inflation check challenge focused primarily on food with a few other items thrown in. The United States government excludes food and energy costs from their price index because these items are so volatile. But food and other everyday items are key in the minds of consumers. If food costs go up, more of the household budget flows to this essential. Other items take a back seat.
However, tariff driven price increases will impact a variety of items. Food does come into play. And so, we will keep food goods in the market basket. But other goods come to mind.
One of the problems in tracking goods is that many items manufactured in the United States use parts from overseas. Thus, the goods will be impacted by a trade war. We will look at some goods made in the United States primarily with imported parts.
Finally, we will include non-edible direct imports. For example, I use a Samsung laptop for my work. Other items would be tougher to track due to multiple variables. Think of gemstones or furniture or even light fixtures. For a market basket to work you need comparisons that are exact.
When I first looked at inflation, supply chain shocks due to disruption from Covid was the culprit. The items were mostly food based with a few outliers. I revisited this market basket recently and the prices jumped quite a bit in the intervening years. I have included a table for those of you who participated in the Inflation Check Challenge.
| Item | Amount | January 2021 Price Regular/Sale |
April 2021 Price Regular/Sale |
July 2021 Price Regular/Sale |
October 2021 Price Regular/Sale |
January 2022 Price Regular/Sale |
March 2025 Price Regular Sale |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Planet Oat Extra Creamy Original Oat Milk | 52 OZ. | $3.49 | $3.99 | $3.99/$2.99 | $3.99 | $3.99/$3.79 | $4.99/$3.49 |
| Small bag Signature Select Sugar | 4 LBS. | $2.99 | $2.99/$1.99 | $2.99 | $2.99/$2.49 | $3.29 | $5.49 |
| Signature Select Cream Style Corn | 14.75 OZ. | $0.69 | $0.79 | $0.79 | $0.79/$0.65 | $0.89 | $1.99/$1.50 |
| Fleischmanns Active Dry Yeast | 4 OZ. | $6.99 | $6.99 | $7.19 | $7.49 | $7.49 | $6.99 |
| Bananas | 1 LB. | $0.59 | $0.55 | $0.59 | $0.59 | $0.69 | $0.65 |
| Kraft Real Mayo | 30 OZ. | $4.99/$3.79 | $4.99/$3.99 | $4.99/$3.79 | $5.29/$3.99 | $5.29/$3.99 | $5.99 |
| Meow Mix | 6.3 LBS. | $7.78 | $7.78 | $7.78 | $8.22 | $8.22 | $13.99 |
| Morton Salt | 26 OZ. | $1.19/$0.94 | $1.19/$0.99 | $1.19/$0.99 | $1.29/$0.99 | $1.29/$0.99 | $2.99 |
| Crest Pro Health Toothpaste | 4.6 OZ. | $5.99/$4.99 | $5.49/$3.99 | $3.99/$3.49 | $3.99/$2.99 | $3.99/$1.99 | $3.99 |
| Align Probiotics | 28 Count | $26.58 | $26.58 | $26.58 | $26.58 | $26.58 | $32.99 |
| Tide Botanical Rain Detergent | 92 OZ. | $11.97 | $11.97 | $11.97 | $11.97/$11.39 | $11.97 | $15.99
Now 84 0z. |
| Kerr Regular Mouth Canning Lids | 12 Count | $3.18 | $2.88 | $2.88 | $3.38 | $2.28 | $4.99 @ Safeway $8.99 @ Walmart |
| 3M Ad. Allergy Furnace Filter | 1 Count | $15.88 | $15.88 | $15.88 | $16.38 | $17.47 | $20.50 |
| Dunkin Donut Boston Cream | 1 Count | $0.99 | $1.09 | $1.17 | $1.09 | $1.17 | $1.79 |
| Regular Unleaded Gasoline | 1 Gallon | $2.36 | $2.79 | $2.79 | $2.79 | $3.05 | $2.89 |
I am keeping quite a few items from the old market basket while adding a few new ones.
Among the additions are eggs, whole milk, Samsung laptop, Aluminum Foil, Hamilton Beach 4-slice Toaster and a G.E. Microwave. It will be interesting to see what if any impact occurs. Between the New Market Basket and the Misery Index we will get a feel for which direction the economy is headed.
| Product | Price Reg./Sale |
|---|---|
| 1Gal Whole Milk | $3.69 |
| 1 LB. Bananas | $0.65 |
| 1 Can Cream Style Corn | $1.99/$1.50 |
| Dozen Eggs | $6.49 |
| 1 Dunkin’ Donut | $1.79 |
| 1 Gal. Reg. Unl. Gas | $2.89 |
| Dozen Reg. Mouth Kerr Lids | $4.99 |
| Scott’s Step Fertilizer | $104.00 |
| Hamilton Beach 4 slice Toaster | $48.95 |
| Samsung Galaxy Chromebook | $624.99 |
| G.E. 2 Cu Ft 1200 Watt Countertop Microwave @ Lowes | $239.00 |
There are books that are hard to classify by genre and The Wolf Tree is such a novel. The riveting story by Aussie author Laura McCluskey is part supernatural, part folklore and a combination mystery and true crime. Throw in a heroine on the verge of addiction to painkillers and the resulting tale is a web of lies and half-truths. All of which makes the plot twist believable and unbelievable at the same time.
The dank, cold, windswept island of Eilean Eader, isolated in the North Atlantic Ocean, provides the perfect location for McCluskey’s multifaceted story. Remote and only accessible by sea, the sparsely populated locale lends itself to self-reliance and self-rule.
Inhabitants are leery of outsiders and those moving into the community face the same barriers to acceptance found in all rural, isolated hamlets across the globe. Transportation is limited to bicycle and foot. So, everything is at a slower pace.
Georgina “George” Lennox is the lead character in the story. Fresh off a medical leave for injuries suffered in a case, she and fellow inspector Richard “Richie” Stewart travel through stormy seas to confirm a suicide is the correct ruling in the death of a teenager. Autopsy findings are uncertain.
Opposites in age, experience and investigative approaches, the partners’ working relationship has been strained since George rushed into a scene without backup and barely survived. The tension increases on the barren island as George combats physical pain and self-doubt. Her police instincts have disappeared. And she questions the unbelievable sights and sounds of the island. Are they real or imagined?
An array of villagers complements the story. Everyone from the grieving mother to the outgoing postal clerk to the young mother- a contemporary of George. Then there is the priest. Father Ross is not only in charge of village society, but he also has a great concern for the souls of its’ inhabitants. The suicide has impacted everyone.
Laura McCluskey posits an alternative ideal of justice. Readers and book clubs will be pondering the outcome of The Wolf Tree for years to come. The novel is very entertaining, and I always enjoy stories with wicked twists at the end. The author delivers a winner in this first novel. Hopefully we will see more of George and Richie in the future.
The 2024 release in Patricia Cornwell’s Kay Scarpetta series, Identity Unknown brings the series cast together to solve two murders linked together even though different individuals are responsible. Throw in a UAP/UFO at one of the murder scenes and fiction takes on a modern twist. Drones and secret military sites also play a role. The question of beings from other planets already on Earth is not new. But Cornwell does a good job exploring the plausibility.
The series is known for the intense autopsy scenes and Identity Unknown is no different in that aspect. But the scenes that stand out in my mind were of an abandoned amusement park and two harrowing flights where a helicopter took on Mother Nature.
Cornwell’s prose brings scenes to life. Whether protagonist Kay Scarpetta is performing an autopsy in the lab or on site, the reader is a part of the action. The same holds true when she encounters dangers during her investigation. The scenes with the caves and mines of West Virginia make you feel transported to that location.
The first murder is solved in a traditional way. But catching the second murderer involves the use of AI. And secret military autopsy rooms. A stretch of the imagination leads to the possibility that these secret rooms examine beings other than humans. But in the end it is simple greed and vengeance, not “Others”, responsible for the death of Kay’s old friend and lover.
As the plot unravels, the author suggests a plausible explanation for the increase in UAP/UFO sightings. High tech secret flying machines produced by various countries, both friend and foe. To bring a touch of reality, the infamous Chinese weather balloon gets a mention in the story.
Identity unknown has multiple meanings in the novel. Both victim and villain need identification with respect to the second murder. Plus, what kind of unidentified flying machine left a circle of flower blossoms around the body? Finally, a decades long mystery kept by Kay of the mystery lover from Italy.
This last brings out a myriad of emotions during an interview by top military authorities. The attempt at discernment on Kay’s relationship with the victim stirs a wide range of emotions with respect to Kay, Benton and Marino. Thus, the examination of their feelings becomes a main thread in the story. For this reader, the approach is preferable to the suspenseful gore of earlier novels. The lack of intense violence makes the book more palatable.
The last two books of Cornwell’s have softened in tone. The graphic descriptions are there but fortunately the terror is gone. I enjoy suspense, but not violent terror. I am glad I checked this out at the library. See if your local library has a copy or find it on Libby.
Stagflation last appeared in the United States of America during the 1970s. The economic condition combines high inflation rates with high unemployment. As most students of economics know, these two functions of the economy usually are inverse to each other. When they act in unison there is strain on the economy, and we call the result stagflation.
Rapidly rising prices combined with wage freezes and layoffs created hardship for most of the 1970s. As a result, Arthur Okun devised a way to measure stagflation. The Misery Index at its’ simplest equation is easy to calculate:
Misery Index= Seasonally Adjusted Rate of Employment + Annual Inflation Rate
Much like the Inflation Rate Challenge of a few years ago, I plan to track the Misery Index throughout 2025. Currently the number reads normal. Thus, the January numbers do not indicate stagflation. However, they are just at the top end of the range. The Seasonally Adjusted Rate of Employment for January 2025 was 4% and the Annual Inflation Rate in January was reported at 3%. So, the numbers bear watching. We start with the Misery Index at 7%. Again, that number reads more like a normally functioning economy, not one experiencing stagflation. But these particular rates are lagging indicators.
We may just go through another rapid period of inflation similar to that of a few years ago. This time the supply shocks most likely will stem from a combination of tariffs and agricultural woes. Drought and disease are just two factors. Most farmers will agree there is climate change. The argument stems on the cause of the changing weather. But everyone can agree the unknowns of weather patterns have a great impact on farm production.
So, I plan to revisit the Inflation Check Challenge. I will keep some of the items from before. But I am now paying $8.00 for a dozen eggs so those will be watched as well. The first check will be after the February employment and inflation numbers are out so The Misery Index can be tracked, too.
There are a lot of ifs and maybes involved in predicting which way the economy will flow. Current variables include the impact of tariffs, the severity of governmental layoffs as well as private industry slowdowns. Personally, I don’t know of anyone laid off, just of hours cut. Furthermore, how other countries react to the tariffs is unknown.
Countries enjoying unfair competitive advantage can make more concessions than those who believe historical exchanges fall into the Fair-Trade category. Politics comes into play as well as does ongoing military conflict.
Governmental cuts, whether labor or goods, will tend toward a recessionary effect. These cuts are necessary as anyone looking at the Debt Clock can see. (For those who have not checked on the clock in a while, the powers-that-be have added a DOGE component.) The Federal Deficit is near a tipping point which, if reached, will make stagflation look pleasant.
So, while I am certain we will have inflation, I think we will also experience a recession. Thus, the country will undergo stagflation once again.
We can no longer kick the can down the road. In the short-term things will be ugly. But if we do not get the deficit under control, the dollar is in danger of default. And the strength of the U.S.A. will plummet. The country came together after 9/11. Can a unified response to the fiscal mess we are in occur? I hope so, but I do have doubts.
A 2025 release by Allen Eskens, The Quiet Librarian is historical fiction at its’ best. However, the history is fairly recent. The book rotates between present day Minnesota and the 1995 civil war in Yugoslovia. Specifically, the ethnic genocide of that summer. Eskens is excellent at conveying the horrors of war. Men, women and children all suffer. Neighbors and friends turn against each other along ethnic and religious lines. When a country is at war from within, there is no escape; “war has a way of finding everyone.”
The protagonist, Hana Babić has lived in Farmington, Minnesota for thirty years. She leads a quiet dull existence. Yet her instincts immediately kick in when a police detective appears at the library seeking information about a friend. Hana has secrets as did her friend who died under suspicious circumstances.
In her late forties, Hana appears older aided by hairstyle and drab clothing. Her past identity is hidden. Or so she thought.
Assigned to the investigation of a deadly incident, David Claypool starts with Hana, who is the person named to become the guardian of Dylan Greene. He is trying to determine just how a woman tumbled from a balcony to the street below. Signs indicate either a struggle or torture. He seeks help from the quiet librarian.
Sparks fly between the two.
Flashbacks provide the backstory of Hana Babić. The atrocities of war transformed a teenager into a warrior. The author does not mince words. People change when fighting. Self-preservation and revenge lie in each individual. Peaceful lives are shattered. Killing and death become the norm.
As a young teenager, Hana escapes death but the only meaning left in life is revenge. Thus, she is a wanted woman by present day Serbians. And her friend may have lost her life protecting Hana’s true identity.
The Quiet Librarian explores multiple types of love: love of family, of friends and of a lover. Hana’s internal struggles to keep her secrets may destroy a future romantic relationship with David Claypool. However, her secrets not only protect her life, but also that of young Dylan.
In the opening pages, Hana is shelving books in the Civil War section of the history stacks. The nuance of the foreshadowing is just one instance of the author’s ability to weave depth into the story. Casting Hana as a quiet librarian is another. War and its threats are spread across Earth as I write this. Causes vary. Hatred and fear of religious differences are on par with greed for another country’s land and resources, so justifications also deviate. The “why” of war takes a backseat to the horror.
This is the first novel from Allen Eskens that I have read. In the author’s notes, Eskens indicates it differs from his other work. I do not know what the differentiation is. However, the writing is outstanding. The romantic spark between the two leads is juxtaposed with each individual’s internal code of ethics. The conflict threatens their chance at happiness. But lives are at stake. The twist at the end was unexpected and satisfying to this reader. I highly recommend.
Not many posts were uploaded in February 2025. The frigid weather drove me inside and downstairs into the quilt room. I am still working on the same bargello quilt with it’s over 3000 squares. It will be beautiful once finished.
Early in the month before the bitter cold arrived
a few seeds were planted in the warmest, sunniest spot in the garden. In the past I have had luck planting before a light snow. So, the predicted cold front was not a concern.
However, a week after the gentle blanket protected the seeds, a second front stormed in. Thirty-mile an hour winds brought in a heavier snow and below freezing temperatures for a solid week. Furthermore, on two nights the temperature dropped below zero (Fahrenheit.) The worst of the weather was a solid week without sunshine. February 2025 proved to be colder than past February’s.
I doubt much will sprout from those early seeds. And since the end of the month is here and no crocuses have sprung through the ground, I will wait before planting any more seeds outside.
The quilt I am working on is the most difficult one I have ever attempted. Lots of sewing followed by small bits of “un-sewing.” The process is complex. Twenty strips sewn together followed by crosscut strips. Those strips are taken apart and sewn in alternating combinations. The colors range from off white to teals and finish in blues so dark they almost look black. There is enough completed that it is easy to see the finished project will be stunning.
Thus, writing took a bit of a back seat.
Occasionally I finish the day with some light reading. I have enjoyed a couple of Lorena McCourtney novels that blend cozy mysteries with Christian Fiction. I will review the latest Mac and Ivy. It was just released. The other novel dated back to the turn of the century so a search of your local library for other works by Ms. McCartney is highly recommended.
My 40th wedding anniversary was this past week, and we celebrated by going to the only restaurant in town that features steaks. Options are limited in a town of 7500. Furthermore, as long-time readers know, we live in the biggest town in a one-hundred-mile radius. Choices are a plethora of fast-food restaurants serving the highway travelers and a smattering of Mom-and-Pop places. No Big Box chains here.
We look forward to a family celebration in the near future with all of our kids. And a little warmer weather would be nice too.
After Sundown is a collaboration between Linda Howard and Linda Jones. This is yet another 2020 release that I missed. Searching for books on Libby is not nearly as rewarding as scanning book shelves and displays.
The novel is a combination of a spicy romance (adults only) and a survivalist thriller. A natural disaster strikes in the form of a coronal mass ejection (CME) and hero and isolationist Ben Jernigan somehow feels the need to warn just one person-Sela Gordon.
Sela Gordon is the main character in After Sundown. Most of the writing is from her point of view. A divorcee, she is content to interact with customers and her family. She sees no need to chase companionship. Ben is one of her customers. Interactions have been quick and quiet, typical for two introverts.
However, both are born leaders. So, they are thrust out of their comfort zones during this emergency. Sela supports and then stands in for her aunt as a De-facto leader of Wears Valley. Gradually, Ben is drawn in to help the inhabitants of the valley as well.
Naturally, life is different without electricity. Especially after sundown. The relationship between Sela and Ben becomes deeply personal. And the scenes are explicit. If you are averse to spicy romances, you can easily skip over these parts as they do not take up a majority of the book.
Furthermore, the authors include a lot of common-sense ideas for dealing with no electricity. Yet, the novel is at heart a story of love and validation. The prepping hints do not interfere with the plot.
Of course, any disaster-based story tends to have a wide range of characters. In After Sundown opportunists do appear. But the real danger comes from the drug addicts and alcoholics that no longer have a steady supply.
Fortunately, most of the characters fall into the “good guy” category.
I enjoyed the novel. While I have not read any of the books penned by the two Lindas, I have reviewed Linda Howard previously. You can find the review by clicking here. Since After Sundown was released a few years ago, you may need to order online. Or check it out of the library like I did.
I found The Next Mrs. Parrish difficult to read. It was the theme, not the writing. Even though the sister duo writing as Liv Constantine excel with their creation of characters, I find manipulation off-putting. And two of the characters are the epitome of manipulators. Plus, there was one small plot flaw that needs addressing.
Additionally, this is the third book featuring Amber Patterson Parrish. A master of evading punishment, one wonders if there will be yet a fourth novel featuring this con artist. Characters people love to hate, tend to re-appear.
In addition to Amber, Daphne Parrish (the first Mrs. Parrish), Jackson Parrish and Daisy Ann Briscoe all have pivotal roles and their own chapters/point of views. This approach connects the readers with the individual characters. Since the characters all have human flaws, misdirection by Constantine keeps the reader guessing as to how the story will unravel.
This technique could have been extended to Mason Briscoe. The one piece of the plot that did not make sense to me was the 180° turn by Mason concerning Daisy Ann’s quest to bring her father’s killer to justice. Most of the novel he was dead set against her actions. Then in the final pages he was by her side. An explanation was needed for this reader.
The novel is characterized as a psychological thriller. With a few exceptions, action scenes and physical violence are absent. Thus, focus is on the tremendous damage that can be inflicted through manipulation and lies. Perhaps this is why reading The Next Mrs. Parrish was so difficult.
Manipulators are everywhere. Most are not as evil as Amber Patterson Parrish. Many just want to have their own way. The phrase had her cake and ate it too comes to mind. Yet, everyday manipulation creates a rippling effect across lives. So, this novel seems so much more plausible and that is scary.
The Good vs. Evil struggle is a key part of this novel. Furthermore, Liv Constantine provided unique forms of justice-indeed diabolical in the case of Jackson Parrish. Sometimes death is the easy way out. So, I do recommend the novel. The book is perfect for those cold winter nights reading by the fire.
My part of the world experienced cold and snow in January 2025. But that is normal for the High Plains. The surprising weather is the snow and cold in the south which many of my family members experienced. While snow is not unheard of in places like Houston and the beaches of northern Florida, this month’s amounts rival those seen here on the plains.
Fortunately, the end of the month and the forecast for February paint a different picture. This will alter my activities. Much of January was spent indoors either quilting, reading or researching.
I bundled up on the warmer afternoons for a walk around the neighborhood, but there was no action in the garden. So, the pruning of the grape vines is still on the list of winter garden chores. New varieties of seeds were ordered after browsing seed catalogues and this was the only garden-related accomplishment.
Currently I am piecing a king size quilt with almost 3300 pieces. The pattern is from More Twist-and-Turn Bargello Quilts reviewed here. The baby quilt made in this style was quite easy. However, the size and pattern of the current one is challenging. Once the quilt top is pieced, I will share a photo. My goal is to finish the piecing by the end of February.
Two more quilts are planned for this spring. Both are baby quilts for cousins to be. Pattern books have been part of the reading with nothing picked out yet, except for one of the fabrics. Since the two cousins are expected just weeks apart and their respective parents live about five miles apart, I have picked one key fabric to use in both quilts. But the coordinating fabrics for each will reflect the different genders. I am a bit of a traditionalist in that sense.
The very cold weather in January 2025 yielded much reading. In addition to Slow Dance and The Grey Wolf, the latest Janet Evanovich-Stephanie Plum book was greatly enjoyed. Additionally, After Sundown, The Next Mrs. Parrish and Identity Unknown have been read. Look for the reviews throughout February.
In addition to reading novels, I spent time in January 2025 reading family history including original documents written by family members. Of particular interest was two months of a diary from 1922 detailing passage from Kobe, Japan to the East Coast of the United States. Stops included two of the Hawaiian Islands, San Francisco, the Panama Canal and Cuba. The diary stopped at the canal but photos show pictures of Cuba. A search for more of the diary will be made.
Much of what I read is material saved at the last moment when emptying out my father’s house after his unexpected death. My youngest made room for a box labeled with a great-uncle’s name. Since he had no offspring, the historical artifacts made their way to the historian in the family-my dad.
Among things saved from my youngest’s insistence that I go through all photos was a booklet of drawings made by the mother-in-law of the diary keeper. Her artwork is exquisite, and I have treasured her oil paintings since I was a child. The scrapbook spurred a thought about writing a biography. Hence the research.
Much was accomplished in January even though I watched more television than usual. In addition to the funeral service for Former President Carter I watched the inauguration. President Trump became the second president to hold office a non-consecutive term. The first was Grover Cleveland.
I think it is important to have a smooth transition of power between the opposing parties. This distinguishes the United State of America from countries with other forms of government. The balance of power between Congress, the Supreme Court, and the administration led by the President is key. My hope is that every leader in Washington, D.C. remembers this importance.
Wishing you a productive month in February.
Rainbow Rowell released Slow Dance in 2024. The story takes place in 2006 and “before.” At first the flashbacks were hard to follow. Then they became the heart of the book. Additionally, correspondence between the two main characters enriched the writing. Of course, the flashbacks contained letters and postcards while the 21st century used emails.
Shiloh, Cary and Mikey were fast friends in high school. Even though everyone, including Mikey, thought Shiloh and Cary were more than friends, they weren’t. At least not in high school. Since the theme of Slow Dance is one of star-crossed lovers, there was one hook-up during the “before.”
After parting as teenagers, each went their separate ways. Shiloh fell into a failed marriage and Cary dedicated himself to the Navy. The latter a barrier to the free-spirited Shiloh from a philosophical stand.
The irony of Slow Dance is the inability for the pair to communicate despite their closeness contrasted by the talent of the author to communicate with the reader. Rowell’s flashbacks and dialogue via email keep the reader hoping for a lasting connection between Shiloh and Cary. She creates compelling characters as well as a fresh storyline for a traditional theme.
Neither Shiloh nor Cary come from a traditional family. Both lived in the same lower income neighborhood. Both wanted escape, but only Cary succeeded. Shiloh never knew her father. Cary’s situation was even more complicated as his “mom” was his grandmother and his “sister” his mom. Yet family remains an important constant. Love and loyalty shine through.
This is the first book by Rowell that I have read. I found it compelling and entertaining. I am so thankful for my local library as it was on the “NEW” table that I seek out every time I enter. If your library does not have a copy, it is certainly worth finding online or in a bookstore.
Slow Dance is perfect for book clubs and young adults. Romance fans like me may read it in one sitting as I did. There are many authors, and Rainbow Rowell is a very talented one. Another winner from the heartland.
Louise Penny’s The Grey Wolf released in 2024 looks at the possibility of bioterrorism. At the same time, the many layers of the Catholic Church also play a part in the murder mystery. Long-time fans will love this book a part of the series featuring Armand Gamache. Furthermore, newcomers should not worry about missing previous stories. The Grey Wolf not only does a good job of standing alone, but it also has the reader anxiously looking for the follow-up 2025 release-The Black Wolf.
Although quite a few of the minor characters are from previous books, Penny does an excellent job of weaving enough clues and background information into the story. This allows the occasional reader of her work and even a first timer to enjoy the developing plot. For this occasional reader, not remembering one key character was actually helpful. And in The Grey Wolf, the plodding Gamache did not lose my interest as did the last book read a year or two before the pandemic.
Misdirection is still part of the author’s writing skill. Dying words kept this reader guessing as to who would be disclosed as traitors. I was wrong.
Trust is the overarching theme of the book. Penny does an excellent job of demonstrating the importance of trust on both a personal level and a community/governmental level. Multiple characters in the story experience the question of who to trust. Furthermore, the inability to trust leads to self-doubt and second guessing. Naturally, this plays into the hands of the villains.
Key scenes emphasize the dangers of distrust including the one located in Washington, D.C. The author is clearly sending a message. One that is important to heed.
Penny uses the backdrop of various cloisters to add a philosophical component to the story. Differing religious orders are also included and distinguished from one another.
Of great foreshadowing was a parable of the Grey Wolf and the Black Wolf. Penny deftly uses this parallel to hook the reader on the next release. At least this reader is anxious for the next edition in the series.
The Grey Wolf has various international settings. So, even though the beautiful Province of Quebec starts and ends the story, Penny expands her descriptive prose to the Vatican, a French fortress of a monastery, a watering hole in Washington, D.C. as well as the governmental halls of Ottawa. She also weaves in a comparison of the governments both north and south of the border.
It has been a few years since I last read a novel by Louise Penny. The Grey Wolf entertains. Furthermore, it creates impatience for the next in the series. Find a copy today. Highly entertaining!
Dignity is the first word that comes to mind when I remember former President Jimmy Carter. The long lines gathered in the cold winter outside the United States Capitol to pay respect are no surprise. Carter was respected by most.
Carter was one of the candidates in the first election I was eligible to vote in. I lived on campus in the heartland of the country. The university centered between the two large cities in the state. A majority of the population lived in these metropolitan areas and the rest of the state was rural and sparsely populated. The campus reflected these demographics.
Then First Lady Rosalyn Carter made a final campaign stop on campus just prior to election night. My roommate and I attended. Most of our fellow resident hall companions did not. Political apathy existed even then. And Carter was unpopular in 1979.
As history correctly indicates, Carter became a one-term president. Yet, his dignity allowed a country to see failure to attain a second term did not equate to failure as a person. A lesson for all of us. The presidency did not define who Jimmy Carter was.
Just a few years after leaving the White House, Carter began volunteering with Habitat for Humanity. The organization was founded in Americus, Georgia, just ten miles down the road from the Carter’s hometown of Plains. This work was in addition to founding The Carter Center. The two non-profits shared similar values.
For forty years, Carter spent untold hours helping build thousands of houses across the United States of America. He did not rest on Presidential Laurels, he grabbed a hammer and contributed to society with both physical labor and dignity.
In 2017, one of the twenty states visited was Georgia. My destination was Plains. I specifically went out of my way to see the place Jimmy Carter called home. The side trip did add a few hours to the last day of a long road trip. But it was worth it. People were friendly, helpful and willing to give insight into the former president without violating his privacy. (He had taught Sunday School the previous week.)
Peanut farms were as prolific as the wheat farms of the Great Plains. The downtown benefits from tourists. Even those just making a quick stop. I loved the peanut butter shake as well as the bag of peanuts bought along Main Street. Best of all, I appreciated the directions for a back way to the Georgia-Florida Highway so I could skip Americus and take a more direct route to the Sunshine State.
Listening to his eulogies, the one given by his grandson Jason resonated the most. It focused on the man from a personal level. Yet, conveyed the importance of a man who’s public and personal personas did not differ. The dignity of Jimmy Carter was always present. Rest in peace President Carter.