On Heroism: McCain, Milley, Mattis, and the Cowardice of Donald Trump – Jeffrey Goldberg

Posted on September 9, 2024 by J D Jung

(Reviewed by JD Jung)

Why do so many politicians and public servants continue to support a man who has little regard for the military, no regard for the Constitution, and holds dictators in such high regard? Jeffrey Goldberg, Editor in chief of The Atlantic gives us clues.

There are some though, who refuse to compromise their values, and their oaths to the Constitution. Goldberg provides us with examples, history and quotes from prior interviews in his recent book, On Heroism: McCain, Milley, Mattis, and the Cowardice of Donald Trump.

He begins the book by relaying his time with the late senator John McCain, who downplayed his service and years as a POW during the Vietnam War. The bulk of the book are essays, starting in 2019, of two military leaders: Defense Secretary James Mattis, who resigned in December of 2018, and former chairman of the Joint Chiefs, Mark Milley.
We learn how these heroes guided Trump to resist his worst impulses. Chairman Milley tried to teach Trump the difference between battlefield aggressiveness and war crimes, unfortunately to no avail. In fact, Trump’s idea of the military has not evolved since he became president. He continues to show contempt for soldiers, seeks to politicize the military and use them against American citizens. It says a lot when White House Chief of Staff John Kelly and Mattis made a pact with each other that one of them would always remain in the country, so that President Trump would never be left unmonitored.

I consider myself to be knowledgeable of current politics, but I learned so much more about the Trump presidency and the actions of these men to protect our country amidst chaos. Goldberg does not use broad generalizations; he provides specifics. The worries about the nuclear arsenal still resonate with me.

Personally, I am afraid of another Trump presidency where no heroes will be in the White House to provide these guardrails. At barely over a hundred pages, there is no excuse for any American voter not to read this book.

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An UnderratedRead Revisited: The House on Fortune Street – Margot Livesey

Posted on September 4, 2024 by J D Jung

(Reviewed by JD Jung)


Exceptional

Is it possible to emotionally escape the experiences of our childhood in order to live our lives fully as adults? Can we ever break away from our own self-absorption in order to get close to those we hold dear? These topics have been explored endlessly by numerous writers, but none have been as captivating as British novelist Margot Livesey in The House on Fortune Street, a riveting novel set in contemporary London.

After Sean Wyman leaves his wife for unknown actress Abigail Taylor, he moves into Abigail’s house on Fortune Street. Since she’s convinced him that living in London doesn’t have to be expensive, Sean decides to spend most of his time working on his doctoral dissertation on Keats.

Though Abigail is trying to start a theatre company, she isn’t hurting financially, since she inherited money, which also enabled her to purchase the house. Also, Dara, her best and oldest friend from the university, is renting out the flat downstairs. Supposedly, it’s enough to pay the mortgage. That’s why Sean is shocked when Abigail demands that he start paying rent. Now he’s faced with the reality of finding some type of monotonous writing job in order to make more money. He reluctantly contacts an old writing colleague, Valentine, and together they’re commissioned to research and write a book on euthanasia.

The project consumes Sean, but problems with Abigail aren’t far behind. When tragedy strikes the house on Fortune Street, the story seems to conclude, and the reader is left with unanswered questions, as well as many preconceived ideas about its residents. But that’s where the story actually unfolds, and we learn that this really isn’t a novel about Sean; it’s about Dara and Abigail.

The House on Fortune Street consists of four meticulously written stories. Each one could easily stand alone, but they actually interconnect and probe into the pasts of these characters and their families. Each narrative focuses on a particular perspective, helping to explain (though not excuse) decisions made by the characters, as well as their current behavior. From Dara’s father’s illicit obsession to Abigail’s grandfather’s bond with Dickens, we gain answers to questions that surface in the first story. Fans of English literature will also appreciate each character’s fascination with a famous literary work or author.

Issues such as loneliness, insecurity, perversion, infidelity, and even reconciliation are all dealt with carefully and in good taste. Livesey mesmerizes the reader as she creates numerous puzzles to solve, methodically giving clues along the way. It makes the book enticing and difficult to put down.

 

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Shameless: Republicans’ Deliberate Dysfunction and the Battle to Preserve Democracy – Brian Tyler Cohen

Posted on August 30, 2024 by J D Jung

(Reviewed by JD Jung)

Exceptional

“You can’t understand the Trump phenomenon unless you understand the role that independent media on the right has played in terms of social media, in terms of amplification of his message, in terms of getting his fake news across.”

Democrats have yet to create a strategy to compete with the right-wing media environment. How can they create a message that is delivered to the audience that most needs to hear it? How can they get it out effectively? Why are Democrats held to higher standards than Republicans?

Political commentator Brian Tyler Cohen explores these questions in depth as well as how shamelessly Republicans use anti-democratic techniques to stay in power, in Shameless: Republicans’ Deliberate Dysfunction and the Battle to Preserve Democracy. These tactics include gerrymandering, voter suppression, manipulating the courts and the Electoral College.

Cohen explains the history of this Republican strategy, back to the 1971 “Powell memo”, including Reagan instilling public distrust in our institutions, political hostility and media manipulation from Newt Gingrich in the 1990’s and the REDMAPing (Redistricting Majority Project ) of the 2010’s.

Opinions from Maryland Rep. Jamie Raskin (inc. the forward), former Minnesota senator Al Franken, journalist Mehdi Hasan and other political contributors add to this essential read.

This must-read book not only suggests what Democrats can do to effectively get their message out, but also what we, as citizens, can do preserve our democracy. And isn’t that a worthwhile struggle for every American?

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Father and Son: A Memoir – Jonathan Raban

Posted on August 26, 2024 by J D Jung

(Reviewed by Ann Onymous )

Raban the son endured a stroke, Raban the father endured the battlefield.

“I was transformed into an old man quite suddenly, on June 11, 2011, three days short of my sixty-ninth birthday.”

As a stroke survivor myself, I was very intrigued when I read the description of this book.

Jonathan Raban had a stroke – just before his birthday and just as his daughter was about to graduate from high school.

The medical moment was not on his agenda. A Brit, award-winning travel writer, playwright, critic, novelist, living in Washington state, he was divorced and co-parenting successfully. After denying his symptoms for almost a full day, he agreed to go to the hospital. As he was about to go into a scanner, he had to change from his street clothes into a hospital gown — “an item that had been through the wash so many times that it was hardly more substantial than a spiritualist’s supernatural ectoplasm. It was a struggle to feed my dead right arm into and down the sleeve of this ghostly piece of apparel.”

Father and Son compares Mr. Raban’s experience in rehab after his stroke versus his father‘s experiences in World War II. Via love letters between his mother and father we learn of his father’s service. The book details several battles with the insider perspective of men who went through it. The correspondence reveals Raban’s father’s perception on the war and how he downplayed reality to preserve his wife’s sanity reading along at home.

For scholars of WWII, this book is fascinating. For anyone who has been in a hospital, the stories will bring back memories, both good and bad. When Raban was able to get a pass to exit rehab, he explains that he was not a prisoner of war and was released to enjoy the freedom of a meal with his friend.

This was Jonathan Raban’s last book before he passed away at age 80 in 2023. Gratefully, we get to read this final contribution from this gentle man.

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An UnderratedRead Revisited: The Purple Don: Mystery Thriller Suspense Novel (Illuminati) – SLMN

Posted on August 23, 2024 by J D Jung

(Reviewed by Don Jung)

 

Exceptional
The Purple Don is a gripping and eerie murder mystery that takes readers deep into the world of crime, power, and deception. At the heart of the story is Joey Diamonds, the son of a Mafia crime boss who faces the ultimate betrayal when his father disowns him upon discovering Joey’s sexuality. This life-altering event sets Joey on a path of reinvention and ruthless ambition as he leaves New York to carve out a new empire in Miami and Los Angeles.

Joey Diamonds is a fascinating character, depicted with a chilling blend of charm and menace. His experiences in the crime world have shaped him into a merciless figure who demands absolute loyalty and will stop at nothing to achieve his goals. Joey’s ruthless nature is underscored by his willingness to kill even those closest to him if they do not meet his exacting standards. This relentless drive for control and power is both terrifying and captivating, making Joey a protagonist who keeps readers on edge.

The narrative swiftly moves through Joey’s expansion of his criminal enterprises, from running an underworld drug empire in Miami to exerting influence over the movie industry in Los Angeles. His interactions with various gangs and the ways he manipulates and deceives his contacts are intricately detailed, showcasing his cunning and strategic mind. Joey’s ability to mesmerize those around him with his deceitful charm is a testament to the author’s skill in crafting a multi-dimensional antagonist who is as intriguing as he is horrifying.

One of the most compelling aspects of The Purple Don is the constant uncertainty about Joey’s fate. The reader is kept in suspense, never quite sure if Joey will face retribution for his actions. This tension is maintained through a series of unexpected twists and turns, making the book impossible to put down. In fact, I read it in one sitting. The storyline’s unpredictable nature keeps readers off balance until the very end, ensuring a riveting reading experience.

The Purple Don is a masterfully crafted tale of crime, loyalty, and deception. This book is a must-read for fans of dark, character-driven mysteries that keep you guessing until the very end.

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Revisited, but still holds true- Ratf**ked: Why Your Vote Doesn’t Count – by David Daley

Posted on August 18, 2024 by J D Jung

(Reviewed by JD Jung)

 

Exceptional

“America is the only major democracy in the world that allows politicians to pick their own voters. And since the 2010 election, the system has been gamed to create an artificial –but foolproof—Republican majority in the House and in state capitals nationwide.”

How could this happen? Furthermore,

“Now that the Citizens United decision has unleashed limitless dark money, it only takes one billionaire to write an eight-figure check and bet that his or her side could fine-tune a model so smart and intuitive that it locks in control of the House for another decade.”

While Democrats were celebrating their 2008 victory, Republicans were masterminding a method on how they could take over Congress. Republican strategist Chris Jankowski engineered a way that conservatives could create supermajorities in certain states. He targeted states where congressional redistricting was done by state legislatures. By pouring money into state elections, they could elect Republican legislators who would change the districts to benefit them. With non-competitive congressional races, there would no longer be a need for Republicans and Democrats to work together or compromise.

Yes, we have been “rat fucked”, that is, victims of political sabotage. Author David Daley tells us how in Ratf**ked: The True Story Behind the Secret Plan to Steal America’s Democracy.

There are specific chapters on Pennsylvania, Ohio, Wisconsin North Carolina and Michigan and how they packed minorities and traditionally Democratic voters into single districts. The book even includes maps of the state congressional districts after 2010. They make no sense to the naked eye and will astound you once you take a look.

Some may feel that Daley goes into too much detail, from the meetings, attendees and mapping software used, but I think it is necessary in order to accurately explain how this horrendous but legal assault on our democracy could succeed.

He also shows the states that have independent commissions and other methods of redistricting, and the effects they have had on Congressional races.

Ratf**ked: The True Story Behind the Secret Plan to Steal America’s Democracy is a must-read for Americans who are concerned about whether their vote counts and will serve as a wake- up call for the rest of us. Though it was published in 2016, it still holds true, and we are suffering the effects now in 2024.  I hope that it motivates citizens to get involved in all elections and tell their state and congressional representatives that they work for us, not the party.

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An UnderratedRead Revisited: Safe: A Memoir of Fatherhood, Foster Care, and the Risks We Take for Family – Mark Daley

Posted on August 14, 2024 by J D Jung

(Reviewed by Jay Gendron)


Mark Daley takes us through a courageous, heartbreaking journey in Safe: A Memoir of Fatherhood, Foster Care, and the Risks We Take for Family. This book serves as an indictment of the foster care system in California. Mark, a foster parent himself, covers the obstacles created, and sheer incompetence exhibited, by people (and judges) who should be looking out for the welfare of our most vulnerable children and the emotional toll it takes on foster parents and children alike. It leaves foster parents distraught and foster children in peril. One would hope this book could serve as a template on how to begin to correct the system.

In addition, it is beautifully written. Daley clearly has a great capacity for empathy and love. You must read this book. It’s a compelling, emotional read, and good for the soul.

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An UnderratedRead Revisited: The Ones Who Don’t Say They Love You: Stories – Maurice Carlos Ruffin

Posted on August 11, 2024 by J D Jung

(Reviewed by JD Jung)

Exceptional
“In New Orleans, culture doesn’t come down from on high, it bubbles up from the street.” –  Jazz Pianist Ellis Marsalis (1934-2020)

This quote that opens the book epitomizes these stories, as we meet New Orleans residents of all ages and gender identifications just trying to make it day by day.

I was grabbed immediately while reading the first and title story, “The Ones Who Don’t Say They Love You”. We meet a male teenage prostitute who is just hoping for something more. I didn’t think that this one could be outdone. I was wrong.

New Orleans Author Maurice Carlos Ruffin relates these poignant tales with honest, cutting language, using the vernacular of his characters. Though the stories are often ill-fated, he manages to skillfully intersperse humor in many of them.

Such is the case of my favorite, “Ghetto University”. Here, an English professor who specializes in the works of Russian poet Alexander Pushkin, resorts to mugging tourists in the French Quarter. He justifies his actions with absurd reasons, such as that he is doing a service to his victims.

I wish some of the shorter stories were longer. As I became immersed in the plot and characters, they would end, even though the conclusions made sense.

I couldn’t get the final story out of my head though. “Before I let Go”, features a woman whose house is about to be foreclosed. Though the house has been in her family for generations, she incurred debt while making repairs on it after Katrina. Through no fault of her own, every time she tries to get ahead, she seems to take giant steps backwards. This is happening as white people from other parts of the country descend like locusts to buy the house and others in the Tremé neighborhood. This story forces us to look at gentrification in an even dimmer light.

The Ones Who Don’t Say They Love You is a must-read collection of short stories, and I hope to discover more from this author.

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Black Pill: How I Witnessed the Darkest Corners of the Internet Come to Life, Poison Society, and Capture American Politics – Elle Reeve

Posted on August 8, 2024 by J D Jung

(Reviewed by JD Jung)

Exceptional

I’ve been amazed how CNN correspondent Elle Reeve has put herself in risky situations to get a story as well as to obtain the perspective of potentially dangerous people. This is even more evident in her latest book, Black Pill.

Through these interviews, we see the dangers of the far-right groups on the internet and how the expressed ideas have influenced mainstream thought. Many participants are social outcasts and possess a deep hatred towards women. However, they find an accepting community online and power in anonymity. Some were libertarians who subsequently fell into this dark place of the alt-right.

Though I have read articles and books about many of the key players, such as 8Chan creator Fred Brennan (who didn’t realize the monster that he created) and neo-Nazi Richard Spencer, these in-depth interviews give further insight to their thoughts and motives.

I found that in the beginning, there was too much detail, and it was hard to concentrate. However, I’m glad I stuck with it as I discovered her section on alt-right women, especially her interviews with ex-neo-Nazi and Identity Evropa member Samantha Froelich particularly fascinating. How could women find comfort in a community with so much misogyny?

The book reaches a climax with Reeve’s recounting of her experiences at the August 2017 Unite the Right rally in Charlottesville and subsequently at the January 6 riot. These sections read like a thriller, with tension and danger at every turn. I found myself gripped by the harrowing details and the sheer audacity and persistence of Reeve and her crew’s immersion in such volatile environments.

Fascists hope to spread a nihilistic outlook, the “black pill”, among citizens, thus encouraging disengagement and resignation.  This makes Black Pill an essential and timely read for anyone seeking to understand and combat the rise of extreme right-wing ideology.

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Pentimento Mori – Valeria Corciolani

Posted on August 4, 2024 by J D Jung

(Reviewed by JD Jung)

“It’s simply a matter of yellows, figs, vans, and kites…Why can’t I get a nice simple gang murder or an old-fashioned serial killer?”

Public Prosecutor Jacopo Bassi has had enough of this murder case, the victim being junk dealer Nando Folli.

However, the protagonist in this quirky, cozy Italian mystery is fifty-six-year-old Edna Silvera, an anti-social art historian and restorer who lives with her chickens that are named after old movie stars.

When she is required to represent her university at a festival in a small Ligurian town, she is less than enthusiastic. Why would she be interested in commemorating the seven-hundred-year anniversary of Dante’s death?

However, after some crazy mishaps, she finds herself at Nano Folli’s junk shop. There, she discovers a panel from the fifteenth century depicting Judas. She also finds a dead body. Edna can’t stay away from the first, while Prosecutor Bassi is more interested in the second.

While Pentimento Mori is an enjoyable read, I found it difficult to concentrate on all the excessive details of Edna’s artistic find. It was repetitive as she found more clues. What I enjoyed most were the eccentric characters and their individual stories, which drove the plot. They included Edna’s difficult mother Zara, Edna’s friend and musician Ottavio (who becomes Zara’s caregiver), housekeeper Kalina with an emotionally valuable frying plan, Nando Folli himself…and so many more.

So, if you are less demanding of a tight plot, but enjoy unusual, humorous crime stories with fun characters, you will probably enjoy Pentimento Mori. An entertaining summer read.

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