Fun Fact: I Love You Book Review

Posted on August 4, 2025August 4, 2025 by Econogal

The leading pair have been friends forever. However, their friendship took a backseat to high school. Nellie and Jensen run in the same social circle. But she is unaware of how he feels about her. Then a high school prank goes awry, quickly followed by real life tragedy, and the pair are thrown together again.

Nellie is the school valedictorian with a five-year plan. She will graduate with an associate’s degree and a high school diploma and looks forward to leaving home for UNLV. She is close to her dad and at odds with her mom. Occasionally she forgets her studies to crush on school heart throb Sterling. Until he pranks her. Also unsettling for Nellie is the prankster’s cohort in crime is her best friend, Britta.

Jensen is on a different path. No college in the immediate future. Instead, he plans to continue his current (secret) work. Unbeknownst to his classmates and teachers, Jensen Nichols is writing sci-fi/fantasy under the pen name Jen Dimes. Only a few people know of his secret life including his mom, and Nellie’s dad.

Gina Lynn Larsen is outstanding in her debut novel. Perhaps there were a few weaknesses. (How on Earth could Nellie and Britta be BFF all the way through High School?) Yet, I found Fun Fact: I Love You to resonate with realism with respect to Nellie. And Jensen? I am sure there are many teen writers out there with various levels of success. So, I found the story stirring with emotion, satisfying on a plot level and over the top with respect to the growth of the characters. I highly recommend for teens and above. I really need to start reading more YA! Closing the book yielded satisfaction from a really good story.

July 2025 Wrap-Up

Posted on July 31, 2025July 31, 2025 by Econogal

The highlight of the garden mid-summer is the peach harvest. This year the crop was moderate in number but large in size. Fresh peaches with meals are the best. But low sugar peach jam and peach pies are also delicious. We were able to share with friends and neighbors.

The lettuce finally went to seed. The loose-leaf varieties were plentiful. However, the star of the lettuce harvest was the head of Great Lakes. The iceberg variety can be challenging to grow in the heat.

Beets and turnips are still maturing, but the first of the crop were harvested at the end of the month. Both were good sized. Unfortunately, the seed potatoes from the first planting failed and so far, the second planting has yielded small spuds.

A mid-July trip to the Jersey Shore was a treat. Travelling with youngsters takes planning and patience but it is so worth it. The journey across time zones affects youngsters and adults in different ways. Babies are hungry when they are hungry. And to a certain extent so are school-aged kids.

Fortunately, we found a great seafood place a block offshore. So good, we took our larger group back there once the rest arrived. In the interim we hit the beach with gusto and wisdom. If you are ever near Monmouth, you can’t go wrong eating at Charley’s Ocean Grill.

For much of my first twenty years of life, I lived near the Atlantic Ocean. Over seven of those years I was in easy walking distance. Looking out on the endless horizon brought peace to my soul. (Living on the High Plains has a similar vibe-just vast open land instead of seas.)

Additionally, the lessons of living near the beach become ingrained. Those growing up on the shore understand the need to respect the tides and the current. Riptides are especially dangerous. As are storms.

Another known thing about growing up along the ocean is the likelihood of sharks will increase if the fishing boats are in close. Such was the case at the Jersey Shore. I explained to the granddaughters that if you could see the people on the boats clearly then you needed to keep one eye looking for sharks. We only saw one and it was out aways. Much to their dismay, no dolphins were sighted. However, the oldest loved the trip so much she informed us on the way home she was moving to New Jersey when she grew up.

Reviews of three of the five books read in July were posted and a fourth review will be released soon. The fifth was very enjoyable and recommended. Yet, it’s hard to review. Secrets of Adulthood: Simple Truths For Our Complex Lives is a non-fiction offering by Gretchin Rubin. The book of aphorisms reminds me of various wise sayings offered by my parents and grandparents as I was growing up. Short of quoting most of the aphorisms there was not enough to create a post. So, I suggest you find a copy at your local library or bookstore. It took me just over an hour to read cover to cover.

Strangers In Time Book Review

Posted on July 29, 2025July 29, 2025 by Econogal

Readers of the action-adventure genre are familiar with David Baldacci, author of Strangers In Time. However, this novel is a stand alone instead of one of his many series’. Since I am not familiar with his previous non-series novels, I can’t compare. All I can say is, Wow!

Strangers In Time reminds me of a classic story such as Tale of Two Cities (Charles Dickens), The Sound and The Fury (William Faulkner) or The Sun Always Rises (Ernest Hemingway) and yes this is high praise. The kudos are well-deserved. One caveat, historical fiction is not for everyone.

Baldacci captures the reader’s interest with the actions of young Charlie Matters trying to pilfer from those with excess in order to eat. He stumbles onto a bookstore run by Ignatius Oliver and scores a great amount of cash. Unbeknownst to the scamp, he has witnessed wartime intrigue.

The final main character in the story is Molly Wakefield. She is just returning to London from a five-year exile only to find both city and home drastically changed. Molly, Charlie and Ignatius Oliver form a bond more like family than friendship.

But can the bond survive the secrets of the three?

Historical fiction is one if my favorite genres. Additionally, David Baldacci is a favorite author. In fact, Baldacci has made an Econogal Best Books List. Since we are over half way through the year, I believe Strangers In Time will easily make the 2025 index. While there is action and intrigue, the heart of the story is the relationship between the main characters and their struggle to both stay alive and sane in the midst of war.

Baldacci’s writing is not formulaic. His storytelling stands above. I highly recommend this book for both reading and gift-giving! Find a copy today.

Summer In The City Book Review

Posted on July 23, 2025July 23, 2025 by Econogal

Elle is a very successful screenwriter with a hidden identity. She is up against a deadline to produce a script centered around New York City. But her last stay there ended on a bad note. Because her instant attraction to Parker Warren was spurned by his “I can buy anything” billionaire attitude. She hopes to never run into him again.

However, Elle returns to the city hoping to break her writer’s block with free rent in exchange for overseeing a remodeling job. As luck would have it, (or perhaps bad luck) Mr. Warren lives across the hall.

With a case of opposites attracting, Elle and Parker try to ignore the tension. Furthermore, each needs the other for business reasons. So, they agree to “see” each other just for the summer.

Parker tries to ferret out her true identity and Elle fiercely protects her anonymity. All the while slowly falling for each other. Finally, they run into someone who knows, really knows Elle and her story tumbles out. Parker falls more in love than ever. And like a true romance-blows his opportunity.

I enjoyed Alex Aster’s love story and found her characters compelling. The romance is real as is the angst when things don’t work out right away. Aster keeps the reader hoping for a happy ending and then delivers. This was a library checkout, but between the title, the map highlighting NYC on the inside cover and the blurb on the cover, it could have been an easy buy if I first spotted it in a bookstore. It is a spicy love story with explicit scenes so I would label this for adult eyes only.

Mid-Summer 2025 Look at the Garden

Posted on July 19, 2025July 19, 2025 by Econogal

The garden starts in March with the planting of lettuces and other greens, onions and potatoes. The first of the potatoes have stalled out and the harvested spuds are small in size.

Salad greens are toward the end of their spring cycle. So, several varieties are going to seed. Per usual practice, seeds will be saved in envelopes for next year. The exception, the heads of Great Lakes lettuce which are still forming.

Peas are about finished and yielded poorly. The climate of the Plains contributes to this. Not enough cloudy days to my thinking. Beans and cucumbers are climbing and flowering. Can’t wait until they are ready to taste!

Photo is one of the Great Lakes heads forming in the greens row.

The cherries and gooseberries enjoyed average yields. As discussed in the post, June 2025 Wrap-Up, both cherry jam and jelly were put up. Additionally, frozen berries and cherries are available for future enjoyment.

Peaches and apples are still ripening on the tree. Both are small crops due to blooms before the last freeze. Climate changes are impacting both. Final spring freezes are the same but are often preceded by unseasonably warm days or even weeks.

Grapes are still filling out. Green-seeded and Concord are on their usual track. Mid-summer 2025 yields the first ever crop of seedless grapes. Not sure how these will turn out.

The early tomatoes are delicious. Most of the slicers as well as the bite-sized cherries are in the side garden near the kitchen. Very handy for picking right before a meal.

The canning tomatoes have two locations this year. As in the past, the seedling transplant was slow. I may need to start the seeds a month earlier. Or bring them out to the cold frame sooner.

Most of these tomatoes are in the flowering stage. However, a few small green tomatoes are setting. The tomato plant identifications were lost prior to transplant. So, a small mystery awaits the harvest.

Where the Rivers Merge Book Review

Posted on July 6, 2025July 6, 2025 by Econogal

As Eliza shares her history with a younger generation, the reader becomes a part of the learning. The 20^th 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.

June 2025 Wrap-Up

Posted on June 30, 2025June 30, 2025 by Econogal

Using a mechanical cherry pitter speeds the process.

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.

Beach House Rules Book Review

Posted on June 28, 2025June 28, 2025 by Econogal

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.

Bridal Shower Murder Book Review

Posted on June 18, 2025June 18, 2025 by Econogal

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.

The Ageless Brain Book Review

Posted on June 13, 2025June 13, 2025 by Econogal

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.

May 2025 Wrap-Up

Posted on May 31, 2025May 31, 2025 by Econogal

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.

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.

Encouraging Entrepreneurship

Posted on May 24, 2025May 24, 2025 by Econogal

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 Book Review

Posted on May 15, 2025May 15, 2025 by Econogal

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.

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.

Every Time I Go on Vacation, Someone Dies Book Review

Posted on May 7, 2025May 7, 2025 by Econogal

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.

Three Days in June Book Review

Posted on April 21, 2025April 21, 2025 by Econogal

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.

Every Time We Say Goodbye Book Review

Posted on April 15, 2025April 15, 2025 by Econogal

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.

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.

Variation Book Review

Posted on April 6, 2025April 6, 2025 by Econogal

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.

March 2025 Wrap-Up

Posted on March 31, 2025March 31, 2025 by Econogal

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.

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.

New Market Basket

Posted on March 28, 2025March 28, 2025 by Econogal

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.


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


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

The Wolf Tree Book Review

Posted on March 24, 2025March 24, 2025 by Econogal

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?

Identity Unknown Book Review

Posted on March 19, 2025March 19, 2025 by Econogal

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.

Is Stagflation on the Horizon?

Posted on March 9, 2025March 9, 2025 by Econogal

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.

The Quiet Librarian Book Review

Posted on March 3, 2025March 3, 2025 by Econogal

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.”

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.

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.

February 2025 Wrap-Up

Posted on February 28, 2025February 28, 2025 by Econogal

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.

My 40^th 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 Book Review

Posted on February 16, 2025February 16, 2025 by Econogal

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.

YA Offering

Nellie and Jensen

Fun Fact: Real Life is Difficult

Recommendation

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A Busy Month

4th of July 2025

July 2025 In the Garden

Jersey Shore Journey

Growing Up at the Beach

July 2025 In the Library

Looking Forward to August

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Stand Alone Classic

War Torn London 1944

Characters of Strangers In Time

Recommendation for Strangers In Time

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Red-Hot Romance

Protagonist Elle

Summer In The City Plot

Summer In The City Recommendation

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Update on the Garden

Early Crops

Mid-Summer 2025 Fruit Crops

Root Vegetables

Mid-summer 2025 Tomatoes

Average is Okay

Cucumbers

Flowering Lettuce

Basil Ready to Harvest

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A Memorable Lead Character

History through the Eyes of Eliza

Where the Rivers Merge Themes

Reminiscence

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Another Month Passes

June 2025 In the Garden

Inflation, Stagflation, Disinflation or Deflation?

Windy Corner Restaurant

In the Library June 2025

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Summer Reading

Plot of Beach House Rules

The Plot Thickens

A No Murder Mystery

Recommendation for Beach House Rules

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Lucy Stone Series

Dovetailing Storylines

Bridal Shower Disaster

Recommendation for Bridal Shower Murder

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The Ageless Brain: How to Sharpen and Protect Your Mind for a Lifetime

Brain Power to 100 and Beyond

Protecting The Ageless Brain

Developing The Ageless Brain

Recommendation

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New Additions

Messages to Econogal

May 2025 In the Garden

Personal News

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Kids Showing Entrepreneurial Spirit

Support Neighborhood Kids by Encouraging Entrepreneurship

Learning Opportunities