Nonfiction

Does anyone, besides me that is, find the presidential campaign rhetoric to be both nasty, uncooperative in nature, combative and, at times, not so much concerned with issues as their own voice giving back satisfying answers of "You're right--you're so smart--they need to elect you and let you run things." Really?

Then, we have the poor (sometimes literally, sometimes just caught up in the feelings of "poor me") of spirit/outlook people marching to complain of their and the country's current condition. For the second, my first, instinctive answer is what my grandmother used to tell me when I got whiny and unpleasant and "snarky" (a term used by Brits)--to wit: "Go to your room and get ahold of yourself and come back when you can be pleasant and stop whining."--and while no one's denying that jobs and supporting people who are dependent on you is of primary importance, it's also obvious that many temporary or regular jobs are available in different fields and different locations than where many complainants are living. It might involve you leaving and going somewhere else, I grant you, but it's been done by many--including several whom I know.

For the first, it seems to all of us that Congress--and the President--don't seem to want to make compromises in order to arrive at solutions--all the while "holding fast to their principles and promises to the people." How high-minded--how principled--how "holier-than-thou"--how ridiculous. The problem of Social Security alone has gone beyond the original premise of how long we would live and still be working vs.the reality we have today. We'll have to review the reality and adjust our expectations.

Ah well, let's move to the world of books and see how their facts might enlighten us about the human condition and the world we live in. Joyce Meyer is one of the world's leading practical Bible teachers, has written several books, and her radio and television programs have gone around the world and she and husband, Dave, are parents of four grown children, so we're talking about an author who has real world credits, and her latest book, "Living Beyond Your Feelings; Controlling Emotions--So They Don't Control You", has gotten good reviews. Yes, she does bring in Biblical words and teachings to help you understand the way the brain stores and processes memories and thoughts "and then--emotion by emotion--she explains how we can manage our reactions to those feelings."

Ms. Meyer blends the wisdom of the Bible with the latest psychological answers and discusses a few of the following list: Four personality types and their influence; Impact of stress on physical and emotional health; Power of memory; Influence of words on emotions; Anger and Resentment; Sadness, Loss and Grief; Fear; Guilt and Regret; Power of Replacing Re-actions with Pro-actions; Benefits of Happiness. She has a lot of common-sense resolutions to help humans lead happier, calmer lives and certainly gets inspiration from the Bible. "We must work with God to find the balance between being who we are and not excusing rude or unloving or isolationist behavior by saying, "That's just the way I am". "God is in the business of changing us into His image and that means He helps us control our weaknesses and He uses our strengths."

She deals with repressed anger and handling loss, and everything I've read sounds like loving common sense--no preaching or "I'm the expert on what you should do because God speaks directly to me!:--and I genuinely found some calm, "human" awareness and concern for all of our all-too-human natures. Really, you should go and get this book and read and apply--I don't need any help but the rest of you do (I'm kidding--I'm kidding! Put down the stones!)

Oh, I have one more wonderful quote from her book, which is profound and true--"Why are So Many Christians Unhappy? I think some people have a perception that Christianity is stern, severe, and joyless. That's because many who call themselves Christians have sour attitudes and sad faces, critical of others, and quick to judge"--and are always talking about how hard they've worked in their church (now I just might mention that I've been a layreader in the church for 42 years and have my own white robe and little silver cross and I've got the answers to most every problem--just ask me!) It really is a hit-it-on-the-head kind of book for those who feel they're Christians and those who wonder about what exactly makes a Christian.

The shocking assassination of Abraham Lincoln is an event we all become familiar with in grade school and know about--right? Well, actually, there's a lot that leads up to and takes place after this famous event and it's well told in "Killing Lincoln; The Shocking Assassination That Changed America Forever", by Bill O'Reilly, the well-known anchor of his own TV show "and, perhaps the most talked about political commentator in America" and Martin Dugard, New York Times bestselling author of several books of history.

I'm sure you know the basics of President Abraham Lincoln's "generous terms for Robert E. Lee's surrender and he and his men allowed to go back and reintegrate into American society", but one man, John Wilkes Booth (and others), were decidedly not pleased. Booth was "a charismatic ladies' man and impenitent racist--and after the murder of the President at Ford's Theater, a furious manhunt ensues" and Booth's capture becomes the sole concern and topic in the country. A "smart but shifty New York detective, Lafayette Baker" puts the threads together and, while federal forces track Booth's accomplices, he's on the trail of Booth himself and it ends up, predictably, in a shootout.

There were, naturally, some court-ordered executions, "including that of the first woman ever executed by the U.S. Government, Mary Surratt (I had a roommate and good friend who had that same last name, and we went to school together in Virginia--I wonder if there's a dim connection?) There are vivid word pictures for the mind to contemplate, in this book, and I found I could hardly put it down due not only to the subject matter but it is written so it flows easily and illuminates so many things--Booth's attack and the minutes after it, the funeral cortege with Lincoln's body and that of his son in his casket going down the streets of Washington, and--to my surprise--I learned that over the next 150 years, "his casket will be opened 6 times and moved from one crypt to another 17 times--his body was so thoroughly embalmed that he was effectively mummified."

During the funeral time, Booth was hiding out in a Maryland swamp. Are there pictures in here? Yes, indeed.This is a haunting book that will tell you a lot more than you learned in school about Lincoln and his family, General Grant, Mary Todd Lincoln and certainly John Wilkes Booth. Believe me when I say you will not be able to put this book down until you're finished--and then, you'll go back and check points again. A true story that rivals any fiction and one that I'll get for my library.

I agree with Ann Patchett, an excellent author of dog books, when she says about the next book--"Fascinating and big-hearted---this book is for anyone who has ever had a dog or loved a dog.."--and the book, by Susan Orlean is "Rin Tin Tin; The Life and Legend". Susan spent 10 years researching his book. It's the story of a dog who was born in 1918 and never died. During the decades that followed after World War I, on the battlefield in France, a young American soldier, Lee Duncan "discovered a newborn German Shepherd pup in the ruins of a bombed-out dog kennel. Having been raised an orphan himself, Duncan was so impressed with the pup's survival that "something in Rin Tin Tin he felt compelled to share with the world."

So, he brought him home to California "where the dog's athleticism and acting ability drew the attention of Warner Bros." Rinty starred in many shows that actually saved that company from bankruptcy--Rin Tin Tin became the No.1 box office star. This German Shepherd and his many descendants "rose and fell with the times", from silent films to talkies from black and white to color and a very popular children's television show. Everyone so loved the idea of this dog-hero that a few dedicated people, including Daphne Hereford, the owner of the current Rin Tin Tin , have made sure that his story stays alive.

At the core of this story, of course, is the enduring bond between humans--most of us, that is--and their animals; the love and companionship each gives the other. Dogs were used in the last four or five wars, different breeds, but always the German Shepherd has been foremost; the breed is loyal to a fault with its owner, endures what must be endured, does not complain (like humans do) and only asks to serve and be near that human they love, rain or shine, and, at the end of their life, get a kind and loving hand on their head and a whispered, "You were loved--you will be missed."

I don't, by any means, seek to not attribute the same noble characteristics to all dogs, breed type or like my beloved Rufus Cooper who is, according to the august American Kennel Club, a "mixed breed", but I, having been brought up with Shepherds on my aunt's place, will always and forever have a special corner of my "dog heart" for the proud, striking, loving German Shepherd and this book is one that anyone who loves Shepherd's will enjoy. (Dennis, call the library and get this book and read it with half-mine Manny at your feet and read some of the parts of Rinty's story to him--he'll understand--as you and I do.) Okay, that's the story of this wonderful, one-of-a-kind dog who was a "star" and a part of our national psyche--and a wealthy one, I'd wager, with many bones and the original Rinty left a legacy of hard work and love. Read the book--and as a small p.s., the Germans refer to the breed as " Alsatians".

If you get a minute, browse through the book, by Goldie Hawn, "10 Mindful Minutes"; Giving Our Children--and Ourselves--the Social and Emotional Skills to Reduce Stress and Anxiety for Healthier, Happier Lives". She's known, of course, for her movies but has also established a foundation, Mind UP, is now used by schools and educators around the world. Interesting concept and a relatively small book that will yield large results when applied.

Okay, it's time to get Himself's lunch and watch the noon news to see what insults and ultimatums are floating around since yesterday and if the outraged marchers are still trying to break into public offices and bldgs. Such as the recent Air and Space Museum--they're accomplishing one amusing thing--tourists are taking pictures of them! I don't know that they're giving the protesters any money, however, but some mother somewhere may recognize her son or daughter and know where their child is who hasn't called in 3 months!

Keep brushing your teeth, put some money aside, each week, for Christmas, plan on giving your post person a small gift, and smile at strangers--you were one, once. Thanks to all of you who have read my col. for years-literally--and never once circulated a petition to hang me! I'm forever grateful! Take advantage of your public library and be aware of how kind and pleasant the staff are, who, after all, are there for you. Bye!