Review: Believe Me: How Trusting Women Can Change the World

Believe Me: How Trusting Women Can Change the World by Jessica Valenti
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A good variety of personal stories and viewpoints dealing with sexual assault, harassment,  racism, etc.  Pretty heavy topics, but ones that effect many people.  At the end of the day, believe women.  The world would be so much better.  

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Review: The Idaho Four: An American Tragedy

The Idaho Four: An American Tragedy by James Patterson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Living in Idaho, we couldn't escape hearing about this case.  More so once it was moved to Ada County (Boise) for the larger jury pool.  

This focused more on the victims and their friends and families.  This does a nice job of "showing" how they were as people.  

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Review: You Better Not Pout

You Better Not Pout by Mia Sosa
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Juliana and Eric were engaged and broke up right before the holidays.  They decide to fake their relationship for the sake of Juliana's family.  

Not a big fan of 2nd chance, but this wasn't too bad.  I liked both characters and their main problem wasn't that they didn't love and care for the other, but rather a lack of communication.  With Juliana's mom's help (she and Eric had a conversation), they give things a second chance.  Nicely paced.

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Review: Finding My Way

Finding My Way by Malala Yousafzai
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Wonderful!  I admire her so much. I thought this memoir went a long way into making her a real person who makes mistakes, has flaws, and just is trying to live her life.  Just like everyone else.  This covers a bit of high school, but focuses on her time in college, making friends, and meeting her husband.  

This focuses on the fine line she is always trying to walk; being true to herself and keeping more conservative people happy.  This is also a focus; men policing women's bodies (to "protect" them).  I can't imagine having my every move and picture scrutinized.  Is she Muslim enough?  Pakistani enough?  She was also the sole breadwinner for her family; responsive not only for herself, but her dad, mom, brothers, family back home in Pakistan.  That is so much to put on a teenager.  

She has a way with words and maybe she will write another in a few years.   

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Review: All Wrapped Up in You

All Wrapped Up in You by Rosie Danan
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Piper has a crush on her neighbor.  They've never met, but they have a texting relationship that they are both really into.  Scott (the neighbor) wants to meet, but doesn't know how to ask.

I liked their meet-cure outside the comedy club (Piper was having a pre-show panic attack, she was performing); even though they never shared their names.  Then later when Piper needed stitches, she was at Scott's ER and they met again.  I understood why no one asked the other out; for Scott, she's a patient (and it would have been inappropriate) and Piper had some self-confidence issues.

But then things do work-out when he locks himself out after a long shift on Christmas Eve.  Piper is home!  And she comes to is rescue.  I liked the pacing, but this would have worked a little better if they had been more at the end (like an epilogue).

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Review: Giving Up Is Unforgivable: A Manual for Keeping a Democracy

Giving Up Is Unforgivable: A Manual for Keeping a Democracy by Joyce Vance
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I follow JV on her Substack.  After being a free member for a handful of months, I have recently become a paid member since I read everything she puts out.

This is timely.  As a reminder, elections have consequences.  This is a good history refresher, an explainer for those that could use it.  The Presidency of the United States has checks on it.  When used.  Article 1- Congress; they've pretty much let this orange, sexist, racist, demented asshole do whatever the fuck he wants.  There (finally) has been a little (emphasis on little) push-back this week, so we shall see.  Article 3; the Courts; they've (for the most part) have been doing there job and holding the orange, sexist, racist, demented asshole accountable (as much as they can anyway).  Then there is the Press; the Mainstream Media has been doing a little bit, but not nearly enough of what they should.  Independent Media continues to do a fantastic job.  I will edit to say this is my opinion; my MAGA parents would strongly disagree with that statement.  Hell, this review (my dad wants me deported.  Where?  Not sure.  I was born here, so was he, so where my grandparents, etc).  

The Rule of Law in short means that no one is above the law.  This is becoming questionable when one looks at all the pardons the orange, sexist, racist, demented asshole has given out.  White collar crimes (Paul Walczak, George Santos, this list is massive), drug crimes (Juan Orlando Hernandez), insurrection (when he pardoned the Jan 6 participants).  With the Supreme Court ruling in 2024 (Trump vs the United States) going the orange, sexist, racist, demented asshole immunity for "official acts," I honestly do not know there the Rule of Law stands anymore.  

JV also discusses how controlling the narrative is important.  With the "right" snapshot, they grow and take on a life of their own.  

In short, be active in your community.  Participate when you can.  Make phone calls, write postcards, participate in boycotts (for example Home Depot), contact your elected officials, participate in the next No Kings protest.  

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Review: Merry and Bright

Merry and Bright by Ali Rosen
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Miriam is going home to spend Hanukkah with her family.  She is the youngest (a surprise pregnancy) and her parents and siblings tend to ignore her.  Cal is a football player and is recovering from an injury.  He too, is going home and is dreading it.  He feels his parents are too overbearing (not quite right, but I can't think of the word I want).  They end of sitting together and really connecting on the flight home.  A deal is stuck.  A fake relationship.

This was lovely.  Well paced, I liked both characters and I could see their relationship bloom.  I felt Miriam's family was a bit frustrating.  I really liked how Cal stood by her.  There is a reason Cal doesn't have a solid relationship with his parents and I won't spoil it.  It does make sense and Miriam helps break the ice (so to speak).  

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