Mental health and recently published books

       In this blog piece, I want to talk about some mental health resources:  a biography, and three non-fiction materials. Individuals and family members bring discussions about their victories and struggles in life.

The first is a biography entitled “Rosemary: The Hidden Kennedy Daughter,” by Kate Clifford Larson. It outlines the life of Rosemary Kennedy, the first child of Joseph and Rose Kennedy, parents to former President, John F. Kennedy. It was Joseph’s Kennedy’s dream and plans to have one of his sons become president.  When his oldest son, Joseph Patrick Kennedy died in World War II, the responsibility came to John. The book tells us when Rosemary was born, the nurses told Rose to hold her legs together until the doctor arrived. This probably caused brain damage due to the lack of oxygen. Hence, Rosemary was considered slow.  The book demonstrated that she could hold a conversation at some level.  Though her writing was simple and not grammatically correct she did get her point across.  Larson also shows that Joe and Rose Kennedy worked diligently to get their oldest daughter to function at a level acceptable within society.  They sent her to private schools, gave her tutors.  As I’ve read the book, it seems that Rosemary’s parents were obsessed with marking sure she gave no shame to the family. As she grew into adulthood, Rosemary became more rebellious and hard to handle. Doctors suggested to Joseph Kennedy that an experimental brain lobotomy would cure Rosemary (p. 159). Though it has long been told that Rose knew nothing about the procedure, Larson explains that Kathleen, their third child investigated the medical procedure.  She told her mother that this was not a procedure for them to have done on Rosemary.  Her mother agreed after learning what her daughter told her.  Kathleen said, that John White, a reported found through investigation that the cutting away tissue from the frontal lobes may relieve violent rages and psychological and physical pain, however “the results were ‘just not good’; he had seen for himself that after the surgery patients ‘don’t worry so much, but they’re gone as a person, just gone’” (p. 161). In 1941 her father authorized the procedure.  Larson states that if Rose gave her opinion about the procedure, Joseph did not listen; he authorized the lobotomy (p. 161).  This procedure left Rosemary with some handicaps and the mental capacity of a 2 year old. The parents hid Rosemary away, made excuses until after the election of their son to the Presidency.  They then said that she was mentally retarded, leaving out the truth.  After Rosemary’s father died in 1969 she began to be allowed to visit the family home. This tragic and unnecessary situation changed the way her brothers and sisters responded. It is credited with influencing Eunice to form the Special Olympics. I was quite horrified by the actions of parents. I am thankful that today we have parents and relatives of children who are working hard to help our children succeed and function in society at the level they are able. This is not an easy task. It takes hours, years and a life time of committed love! 

       Another book we are adding is written by a success story for a child with 
mental health or functioning challenges. Dr. Temple Grandin’s mother worked tirelessly to help Temple function with severe autism.  She fought for her and our lives have been changed by her victories! Temple has written a book, “The Way I See It: A Personal Look at Autism & Asperger’s.” This book outlines early detection, educational issues, sensory, nonverbal and behavior issues, social functioning, medical and bio-medical considerations, cognition and brain research, as well as adult and employment discussion. 
It looks to be easy to read, and informative. 

       The next book is “My Autistic Awakening: Unlocking the Potential for a Life Well Lived,” by Rachael Lee Harris.  It’s about Harris’ personal journey inside of autism.  She was “diagnosed with Asperger’s syndrome, a type of high functioning autism” (p. xiii). She is another success story.  It did not come easy for her or her family.  Today, Rachael is a psychotherapist specializing. . .  in the autism spectrum (front flap).

     
The last is “In A Different Key: The Story of Autism,” by John Donvan
and Caren Zucker. This book is committed to telling the historical
timeline of the recognition of autism beginning in the 1930’s until today.
If you have a passion for this subject, you will want to consider how
far we have come and then where we are and may be in a few years!

New literature on Presidents and their administrations.

By the time you read this article, the President’s day holiday will have past.  However, this theme gives me the opportunity to share with you some interesting books that have been published recently. 

The first one that caught my eye was: “9 Presidents Who Screwed Up America: And Four Who Tried to Save Her,” by Brion McClanahan.  When I saw that title, I immediately asked, by whose perspective? What is the authors leaning and biases, how did he choose the nine he did.  As you read, you may be able to pick this out. If you want to know, look him up on the Internet.  I will not tell you who he writes about, because this might keep you from picking it up, and reading it.  You may not agree with everything he writes, but I find it important to consider the arguments and make my own conclusions on the basis of the information gleaned and other knowledge I bring to a discussion.  McClanahan provides notes for each chapter about the president he is writing about.  He also provides a bibliography and index. 

The next item is “Dead Presidents: An American Adventure Into the Strange Deaths and Surprising Afterlives of Our Nation’s Leaders,” by Brady Carlson. The author confesses to us that he came to this subject about dead presidents while visiting a monument at Oak Ridge in Springfield.  For years he was taken with the marble sarcophagus for President Lincoln.  Growing up he thought everyone visited to be inspired.  He found out that many came to be tourists not be inspired by these sites.  One time he visited this site he learned that Lincoln was not buried in the sarcophagus, but was ten to twelve feet below.  This began his search to find out “how we, the ages, choose to remember and memorialize our dead presidents. . . (p. 5). ” Carlson tells us that it is not the most famous, but the “obscure or mediocre presidents, “that give us really interesting stories of their circumstances in death” (p. 7). The author shares that this book starts “where most stories about the presidents leave off” (ibid.).

Another book you may not have seen is “1944: FDR and the Year That Changed History,” by Jay Winik.  This book is about how there were so many challenges and war front issues in 1944 that Roosevelt faced.  The front flap asks a few questions: “Was winning the war  the best way to rescue the Jews? Was a rescue even possible? Or would it get in the way of defeating Hitler? Then at the end of the book Winik states that we are still asking these basic questions with the atrocities we see around the world. He quotes Abraham Lincoln as stating, “We must think anew, and act anew . . . . Fellow citizens, we cannot escape history. We – even we here – hold the power, and bear the responsibility” (p. 536). Then he asks two questions in the last paragraph: “When will the Allies come? When will the Americans come?” (ibid.).

Other great books about presidents include: The Golden Lad: The Haunting Story of Quentin and Theodore Roosevelt,” by Eric Burns; “Eisenhower: A Life,” by Paul Johnson; “Jimmy Carter: A Full Life – Reflections at Ninety,” by Jimmy Carter; Reagan: The Life,” by H.W. Brands; “Lady Bird and Lyndon,” by Betty Boyd Caroli; “The Quartet: Orchestrating the Second American Revolution, 1783-1789,” by Joseph Ellis; “The Man Who Would Not Be Washington: Robert E. Lee’s Civil War and His Decision that Changed American History,” by Jonathan Horn. 

New Logo for Pioneer Memorial Library

Can I share with you something that I am personally excited about accomplishing? This new year the public will begin seeing a logo on our website, Facebook pages and in other ways.  The Pioneer Memorial Library has never had a logo before and we have been working on creating one that went with the motto for the library, “Bringing Words to Life!” It took a bit of work.  We wanted something simple and bright with the ability to be used in many ways.  If you look at our logo, you may ask why the stacked squares? The squares present a feeling of rising up from the words, so that life or energy is coming forth from the words. Squares also look a bit like books without being fussy. Stacked squares also look a bit like library shelves (or stacks as librarians call them). If you go into the library, on our themed wall you find squares that we have used with our motto. The colors go with the art work and colors inside the library that we currently enjoy, as well.

            We believe our motto has a fun way expressing the mission of Pioneer Memorial Library. Our mission statement states that, "We provide a broad coverage of and access to modern library resources, services, and programs in a variety of formats to meet the recreational, informational, and educational needs of community residents of all ages." We think that our motto aligns with our mission statement. “Bringing Words to Life!” highlights our primary objective which is to encourage the many ways ideas, knowledge, creativity and expressions are brought through differing mediums of materials: be they printed books, audio books, eBook, magazines, movies, music, art, technology such as databases that provide journals and magazines, video games, Internet access or creating new documents from scratch. It is also brought through programming provided by the library, through others or just through various meetings, personal conversations and encounters at the library. Our community member’s lives are enriched by all these expressions and more. 

Preparing for Christmas!

Let me review a few books. The first one I read read in preparation for the library's book club, “A Carol Dickens Christmas,” by Thomas Fox Averill. It is a 2014 Kansas Notable Book. The novel is set in Topeka, Kansas. In this book, protagonist, Fin is a high school student in his senior year.  He is soooo ready to be gone and in college.  This is until he happens upon a previous band member from high school.  Fin is a talented trumpet player.  He sees her on her steps, she pregnant and not looking very happy.  He decides that he is going to seek her out.  He  does, and get involved with her whole family. This changes his life. And just about upturns his mothers life, who prefers the predictable, honored traditions of celebrating Christmas using "A Christmas Carol, by Charles Dickens. These traditions will collide with the events and plans that Finn has made.  It is an enjoyable and thoughtful story. 

A book I have read in preparation for Christmas “The 13th Gift: A True Story of Christmas Miracles,” by Joanne Huist Smith. This is about a family who's father has died.  It devastates the three youth and mother.  This is the first Christmas, they do not want to face it.  They'd rather ignore it, but others have a better idea.  Bless it, enlarge it and embrace it!

Another new item for Christmas is “The Mistletoe Inn,” by Richard Paul Evans.  The Mistletoe Inn,” by Richard Paul Evans.  This is book two of the Mistletoe series.  They are not a trilogy but “independent love stories abounding with inspiration, humor and romance – Christmas presents for my readers” (p. ix). The review on the front flap sounds rosy. But this story brings protagonist Kimberly Rossi through the death of her mother, a move to a new town, and the betrayal of her husband. After that, Rossi moved to Thornton, a suburb of Denver where the story really begins. I bet you will enjoy once again this author’s story.

The next book is “Christmas Bells,” by Jennifer Chiaverini. The author bases this novel from the poem entitled, “Christmas Bells,” by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. Protagonist, Sophia Peleg has organized a wonderful Winter Holiday Concert at Peleg Wadsworth Elementary School.  Called into the principal’s office after the program, she was congratulated for an excellent concert, . . . the best yet. . .” (p. 4). Even with the excellent work, she finds out due to a ballot measure failing and emergency financial measures being instituted, she will be laid off at the end of the school year. Her principal wants her to begin looking for a new teaching or musical employment position for her future. Sophia is also a volunteer at her local church.  She works with the children in their musical presentations. As she delves into the selections and themes for the Christmas concert for the church, she selects a poem written by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow.  It is a glorious poem that speaks of loss, tragedy, while good will and peace triumph.  This book tells the story of how Longfellow came to write the poem.  It weaves Sophia’s life and experience in the midst of telling the story.  You will enjoy this book.

Other books you might want to look to read are: “Marry Me At Christmas,” by Susan Mallery (regular and large print); “Falling Like Snowflakes,” by Denis Hunter (large print); “The Last Chance Christmas Ball,” by Mary Jo Putney & Jo Beverly; “Winter Stroll,” by Elin Hilderbrand; “Dashing Through the Snow,” by Debbie Macomber; “A Christmas Bride in Pinecraft,” by Shelley Shepard Gray; “Amish Christmas at North Star,” by Cindy Woodsmall & Mindy Starns Clark; “Heartsong Cottage,” by Emily March; “Christmas on Candy Cane Lane,” by Sheila Roberts; “Away In A Manger,” by Rhys Bowen; and “A Cherry Cola Christmas,” by Ashton Lee; “Duck the Halls,” by Donna Andrews; “A Log Cabin Christmas Collection,” by Wanda E. Brunstetter; “Christmas of Twilight,” by Lori Wilde; “Celebrate Christmas,” by Susan Wiggs; “An Island Christmas,” by Nancy Thayer; “The Christmas Light,” by Donna Vanliere; “The Lodge on Holly Road,” by Sheila Roberts; and “A Quilt for Christmas,” by Sandra Dallas. 

Read Malcom Gladwell's non-fiction books. Learn about yourself & others!

The first book I read by this author was “Outliers: The Story of Success." This was an intriguing book that described how successful people like Bill Gates, the Beetles and others became truly great at what they do.  Essentially, Gladwell demonstrates through stories that it is the practices and time spent in their lives and background.  It is the environment and opportunities they have used to propel their excellence.  But, it is also the hard work and self-determination that makes them great.  Gladwell shares with us that these people practiced over 10,000 times.  Practice really does make perfect, but then we'd have to change the saying, practice makes successful! 

The second book I read from this individual was "Blink:  The Power of Thinking without Thinking." This book describes how we make decisions and how often times it is the gut, fast decisions that are more right than the slower methodical decisions.  His discussion is good, and valid in some instances, but I don't think I will begin to make decisions by shooting from the hip anytime soon!

I've also read “David &Goliath: Underdogs, Misfits, and the Art of Battling Giants,” by Malcolm Gladwell.  This book discusses how the story of David and Goliath is often realized in our lives when we face obstacles. Gladwell demonstrates that might often is defeated because the greater loses the perspective for themselves, as well as the legitimacy in others eyes to conquer the opposing force. The author discusses this concept when challenging educational beliefs that smaller class size is better or the ivory league will be the best for a student. These are not always confirmed in our lives.  He covers the struggle between criminals, crime, jail and the justice system.  Even girls basketball teaches us lessons.  Gladwell discussed the civil rights movement, Dr. Martin Luther King and his various associates. He presented us the history about a lone doctor slogging through the deaths of almost 99% of deaths in children a few decades ago, when we came face to face with leukemia.  This doctor through his efforts persisted until chemotherapy was born.

Considering recent events, I wonder what this author would have to say about our current election cycle?

I've enjoyed and gleaned some great insights from all three books.  I recommend them highly.  Just wish Gladwell would write something new!

North Korea continues to draw attention internationally!

          Korea continues to draw attention.  It brings me to discuss the book "Orphan Master's Son," by Adam Johnson.  It is a fiction piece, however, Johnson has used details from personal testimonies, eyewitness accounts and source documents that have described hunger, lack, confiscation, escape from concentration camps, betrayals and deaths within North Korea by their leaders. This is a riveting piece that outlines how the citizens of this country really are just property to be used and disposed of by the great leader.

          Pak Jun Do is the son of the Orphan Master.  He makes it through circumstances that most of us would never dream of encountering. In the end he even bests the great leader.  This gives me hope that one day the people of this land will be set free to live without tyranny.

          If you want to find out about some of the sources used for this novel visit websites like litlovers.com, and the many newspaper reviews.  Amazon. com also has a very long article with pictures explaining the interaction between truth, testimonies and fiction.

          In closing this blog piece, all I can say is read this book; it will give you compassion to want freedom for the people of North Korea.

Three historical fiction" items challenge us to consider our choices

I have been reading the book,  “All the Light We Cannot See,” by Anthony Doerr for the Pioneer Memorial Library, book club. This is a 2015 Pulitzer award winning book written about World War II as a historical fiction genre.  Protagonist, Marie-Laure LeBlanc cannot sleep in her home at Number 4 rue Vauborel. She lives with her great uncle who has not returned home in over 24 hours.  She worries about him but must stay home and wait.  In the middle of the night she is caressing the miniature model of the city in her bedroom. She hears the roar of planes overhead. She makes her way to the window and gently pushes it up so that she might hear what else is happening.  In the midst of this, a piece of paper sits gingerly on the windowsill. She picks it up, feels and sniffs it.  It is smells of fresh ink, is crisp and new.  What it says she does not know. She is blind.  Now the author introduces us to a second character, young private named Werner Pfennig. He is in the German Army serving in France.  He is eighteen years old and is on his way to the cellar of the L’hotel de Abeilles (Hotel of Bees). The ground is shaking, the plane engines are roaring overhead. D-Day was two months ago.  But their little island had not been liberated by the Americans or English.  Cherbourg, the town is about to experience the crushing blow of the Allies against the Germans.  Those within this French town just received thousands of leaflets telling them to leave the city, go to the open fields and wait out the attack.  Marie does not know this. She must just wait. As Werner is moving quickly to the cellar he thinks this may be it for him; his day of meeting his maker.  Doerr gets his reader right where he wants them, then he back tracks 10 years.  He tells of their childhood in several chapters, then springs us back to 1944 in part two.  This book reads at a good pace. The dialogue is easy but engaging.  I think we will find this a thought provoking and interesting book to read.  Join me in finishing the story.

The next novel is also a historical fiction item: “The Nightingale,” by Kristin Hannah. The book starts with an elderly woman living through old age, cancer and now the necessity of moving into a smaller home and away from her beloved house called the Peak.  She was a young woman during WWII, when the Nazi’s invaded France.  She and her sister take different paths during the struggle against Nazi oppression.  Their lives will be changed dramatically. Both will fight this enemy in ways they never thought possible.  The Gestapo are looking for the Nightingale, and the search is being broadened until it comes to one of the sisters. She is in danger, but cannot tell those in the resistance, they have their own problems. She must find a way around the suspicions and death threats. This book will keep you captivated. I actually liked it better than the one above.

A third item from World War II and France is “Sarah’s Key,” written by Tatiana DeRosnay.  This is a profoundly important book to read or listen to. The author creates an historical fiction piece that is so clearly close to the real happenings of original setting that it is excruciatingly painful to consider. This story is about a Jewish family that becomes part of the now infamous Vel’ d’Hiv roundup which occurred on July 16^th and 17^th in 1942. The roundup was perpetrated in collusion between the Nazi’s and the French National Police. In this story, Sarah’s family is taken by force to the national bicycle velodrome called the Vélodrome d'Hiver. From there they are taken to Auschwitz. Sarah’s story is captivating and challenging. 

I hope like me, these novels will make you reflect just what you would allow to go on to a group of people in your town, county, state or nation. It will also make you consider your heritage, just who do we think we are and how did we get where we are, and what have we lost in our heritage from the past.