Book Review: “The Return Of Catesby” By Bob O’Connor

Apr24

It isn’t every day that I come across a book that inspires me on several levels. The Return Of Catesby by Bob O’Connor did just that. The rest of my review will explain how and why. If you enjoy historical fiction, I can’t recommend The Return Of Catesby enough.

Over the last few days I’ve spent some time thinking about how The Return Of Catesby inspired me. First, I have to admit the style in which the book is written is one of my favorites. I love journals and believe this technique is particularly suited for this type of historical fiction. As a reader, I am always looking for my next book. After learning a little about Bob O’Connor’s work, I knew I wanted to read more. The Return Of Catesby serves well as a sequel to Catesby: Eyewitness To Civil War, as well as a stand-alone read. While I don’t feel the need to read Catesby: Eyewitness To Civil War to fully appreciate The Return Of Catesby, I am now compelled to read the first book due to Catesby’s experiences discussed in the sequel. All other content aside, the topic, genre, and organization of the book would’ve been enough to draw me in. But there is so much more. I simply don’t remember the last time I read a work of historical fiction with such heart.

Why The Return Of Catesby inspires me is an easy question to answer. There is, of course, the character of Catesby himself, a fictionalized version of a real blacksmith who lived during the Civil War era. In the book, he comes across as the most authentic, inspiring teacher imaginable, despite having never stepped foot in a classroom prior to his first day of teaching. His wife, Marcia, truly comes into her own at the end of the book and is Catesby’s constant helpmate in every sense of the word. Perhaps most inspiring of all is the insatiable appetite for learning exhibited by some of Catesby’s students. They simply couldn’t get enough, despite the fact that the town of Harpers Ferry wasn’t exactly welcoming. I envy the community created around the school. They truly cared for one another and even sought to learn the history of the tension between the community of Harpers Ferry and the school.

Harper’s Ferry, West Virginia

The Return Of Catesby by Bob O’Connor will stay with me for some time. I am honored to have hosted an interview with him and to have had the opportunity to review the book today. If you have any interest in historical fiction at all, I highly recommend The Return Of Catesby. Do not be surprised if I review more of Bob O’Connor’s work in the future.

Antietam National Batllefield

Author Interview: Bob O’Connor, Author Of “The Return Of The Catesby” (russelllindsey1980.wordpress.com)
March 2013 Roundup: Historical Fiction (australianwomenwriters.com)

Heavy Boots

Sep12

I debated whether or not to write at all about 9/11. There just doesn’t seem to be anything left to say. I then decided to finally write about Extremely Loud And Incredibly Close by Jonathan Safran Foer, the plot of which hinges on the events of 9/11. Unfortunately real events made it impossible to not write about 9/11.

I woke up this morning to learn that the US Ambassador to Libya, Christopher Stevens, was murdered, along with three others. That attack, along with major protests outside the American Embassy in Egypt, makes it clear we are still at war. All sparked by a rumor. The thing is that no matter how hard we all try in the United States to pretend we aren’t still at war, that 9/11 didn’t change everything, there are still terrorist attacks.

Back in 2000 I studied abroad in London for a month during the summer. Every day I used the Russell Square tube station to get around the city. It happened to be merely blocks away from Commonwealth Hall, where we were all staying that July. It is precisely the same tube station attacked in 2005 after it was announced London would host the 2012 Olympics.

In 2002 I spent a semester studying Spanish in Caceres, Spain, once again through Michigan State University. Throughout that semester I made several trips via train to Madrid. Time and time again I’d find myself in Atocha Station. I can’t even begin to tell you how heartbroken I was when I learned it too was a target for terrorists in 2004. I can tell you precisely where I was when I heard the news.

While I haven’t experienced the day to day anxiety of say New Yorkers in the days and weeks following the September 11^th attacks or the residents of Washington, D.C. a year later during the beltway sniper shootings, terrorism did color many aspects of my college days. To this day 9/11 seems surreal to me. At the time I was studying abroad in Ecuador (again, Spanish). It took weeks before some sort of normalcy returned to our routines as foreign exchange students. We all kept expecting additional attacks back home. I remember pleading with my Mom to tell me exactly what was going at home the evening of 9/11. We heard so many rumors I suppose I needed some reassurance that life at home as I knew it did go on.

In Extremely Loud And Incredibly Close, the young protagonist of the story, Oskar Schell, uses the term “heavy boots” to describe any sadness or unpleasant emotion relating to losing his father Thomas Schell on 9/11. The term just seemed so fitting for the events of that day and everything that followed. I suppose that is the precise term for what I’m feeling today: heavy boots. It saddens me deeply to think of how many people across the globe have lost their lives as a result of terrorism since 1979. Believe what you wish, but we are still very much at war.

Wars & Rumors Of Wars

Cover of Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close

After US Consulate Torched to the Ground and AMBASSADOR MURDERED… Barack Obama Delivers a ‘Strongly Worded’ Speech (Video) (thegatewaypundit.com)
9/11 Worthwhile Reads (courtneymilleson.com)
Congressman Allen West Statement Condemning the Attacks on the Sovereign Soil of our Nation (allenwestrepublic.wordpress.com)
9/11: The stuff of our nightmares (thedailyshift.com)

The Story Of Us

Aug26

America The Story of Us — History.com TV Episodes, Schedule, & Video

Sometimes fragments and germs of ideas are bounced around in several different ways before they truly come together. When they do finally come together, it can be downright magical. It all started with the simple notion that I am a writer and I love genealogy. Once those two things became known, a cousin suggested I write about the history of the family business on my Mom’s side of the family. That idea has been kicking around for a while, I am far from ready to go there for a whole host of reasons, but it was something important, an idea. By the way, if you are reading this L., I haven’t completely given up on that idea.

Fast forward a couple of years and all of a sudden my parents and siblings are aware of my blog. Not only are they aware of my writing, they actually think I am a good writer. No bias there, right? Here’s the thing: I think the biggest praise was from my Dad. He is not the type to give praise for just anything, whether or not you are his child. The fact that he is even aware of my writing is huge. But I digress.

So, as my Mom is boosting my ego by telling me my entire nuclear family is at least somewhat impressed by my writing, she completes the idea. She thinks I should write the history of our family business, the history of Russell Canoe Livery. I like to think of it as The Story of Us. The thing is that Russell Canoe Livery is such a family oriented business, and I hope it always will be, that it will be impossible to write about the livery without writing extensively about the history of my Dad’s family, as well as our own. The entire idea gets at the very heart of our family, the reason I decided to study business in the first place, and even who I am as a person. I want to make this clear: I can’t imagine my family not owning the canoe livery. I can’t imagine growing up not working for my parents. It will always be very near and dear to my heart.

Aside from all of that, it is a compelling story. It is a story of entrepreneurship. It is the story of a mother and son working together to keep a business running under less than ideal circumstances. It is the story of two baby-boomers raising a family of three kids. It is also the story of the love between grandparents and grandkids. It is also the story of an extremely small town that likes to keep to itself. It is also the story of friendly competition and a changing society.

I have to do this. If nothing else I have to do this for my nephew and any future nieces and nephews. They all deserve to know the story.

Oh, and not to get political, but: Yes, my family did build this. We did it DESPITE government actions.

By the way, if you’ve never had the pleasure of watching America The Story of Us on The History Channel, it is wonderful, even if long. It is a unique look at what makes the US what we are today.

Rules Can Keep Your Family Business and Family Together (josephdwelch.com)
By Hiring Mom and Dad, Young Entrepreneurs Shake Up ‘Family Business’ (voanews.com)
Family business succession – tips for making it work (simplybusiness.co.uk)
Friends and family business borrowing up (simplybusiness.co.uk)

Blog Tour: Book Review “Pulse Of Heroes” By A. Jacob Sweeny

May27

Michelle, ma belle
Sont les mots qui vont tres bien ensemble
Tres bien ensemble

I love you, I love you, I love you

That’s all I want to say
Until I find a way
I will say the only words I know that
You’ll understand

“Michelle” – Lennon/McCartney 1967 Rubber Soul

Before I begin my review of Pulse Of Heroes by A. Jacob Sweeny, there are a couple of things I need to say. First, I have to confess that this review should have appeared as part of a much larger blog tour on Friday, May 25, 2012. I am truly sorry for the delay. Sometimes it is all worth the wait. Second, despite the fact that I agreed to review the book months ago, “paranormal” romance, and I use the term loosely in this case, isn’t a genre that I’m very familiar with at all. That is part of the reason I decided to review the book. I’m very glad I did. Twilight this is not.

The first third of the novel is almost exclusively dedicated to Michelle’s rather ordinary high school life in suburban California, near Napa Valley to be exact, and a series of chance meetings that alter her life in a series of surprising ways. Sweeny certainly knows how to write the inner life of a teenage girl authentically. Michelle is perhaps the most well-developed teenage female protagonist I’ve ever come across. If I ever chose to write fiction featuring a strong teenage female voice, I will reread Pulse Of Heroes. Michelle’s voice was so authentic I found myself empathizing with her several times, remembering I felt much the same way throughout high school, despite never having failed Italian. At times it became almost painful reliving high school memories through Michelle’s experiences.

While the first third of the novel discusses Michelle’s high school life, it also sets the scene for her increasing entanglement with Elliot, Rion, Xander, and everyone else at the new school in Michelle’s neighborhood, the Hekademos Learning Center. Elliot is every bit as much of a well-developed character as Michelle. Michelle and Elliot may not recognize in the beginning just how much they love each other, but every small step in their relationship is riveting. Their tension alone drives the novel, despite all the complications, hurt, and jealousies featured in the second half of the book.

While I don’t want to give away any of the plot twists in the novel, I do have to mention a few other relationships in the book. Michelle’s entire experience with Haden while in Europe is harrowing. I love how Sweeny uses that particular relationship to discuss Michelle’s sexuality in depth, without resorting to clichés or sex itself. In fact, Michelle’s self-respect is refreshing, as is Elliot’s entire relationship with her. My favorite scene comes towards the end of the novel when Elliot and Michelle finally come to terms with their relationship. It is only then they truly come to any full understanding of their true feelings for one another.

Michelle’s relationship with Francesca is sweet, uncomplicated, and adds to the complexity of Michelle’s characters. I truly loved seeing a deep friendship between a teenager and senior citizen in the novel. Their affection is palpable. Throughout the novel Michelle and Elliot discover just how many people love them, and how much they love each other.

If you are looking for a unique young adult series, this just might be it. There is a depth underpinning the entire novel that isn’t easy to come by. All of the relationships ring true and set the stage nicely for the next books in the series. I am eager to continue the series and can’t recommend Pulse Of Heroes by A. Jacob Sweeny enough.

The Pulse Myths series – A time sweeping YA/ crossover paranromal novel of love and loss and so much more

Five Question Friday: Attractive Qualities of Friendship, Lessons from Grandparents and Fiction vs. Non-Fiction (theinsufficientfare.com)

Just Because …

May7

What is better than history and music? A new version of this song needs to be made for Gen X/Y. As I was born in 1980, I somehow fall on the fault line.

Notice how somethings never seem to change: Still war in Afghanistan and tension with Iran. I could go on and on and on.

For extra-credit: Anyone know the actress who played the bra-burning hippie chick? I should know who she is – and it is driving me crazy.

Greetings From The Third Coast: To Michigan, With Love

Feb4

It all began this morning while making my usual Facebook rounds. I saw that a friend of my brother posted a YouTube video featuring a vintage travelogue of Michigan from the 1940s. I just had to share it. Michigan is home and has been for all branches of my family going back generations now. As much as it kills me to admit this, I am a Michigander to the core. I’ve lived in Michigan most of my life thus far, I graduated from Michigan State University, and the Great Lakes are in my blood. I even grudgingly admit that I have a Michigan, not Canadian or Minnesotan, accent. Yes my fellow Michiganders there is such a thing.

Once there was a time in my life when I desperately wanted to leave it all behind. Just like so many other people in my family, I wanted to live in Texas. My family’s off-again, on-again love affair with Texas is a separate issue that could easily fill another post. Oddly enough, it extends to both sides of my family. Why do I bring this up? I bring it up because it was through my experiences in Texas, and those of a cousin, that I realized Michiganders are unique.

Let me explain. I have an older cousin who lived in Texas herself for a year or two. I followed suit after graduating from college. I then noticed something when I came home. She and I had our own accents. It didn’t last long as we reverted back to our Michigan accents, but for a while, if one carefully listened to how we spoke, it became easy to identify the Texas influence in our speech. I loved it. We had our own version of Spanglish. Texigan?

The entire experience, which I may have mostly imagined, made me think long and hard about the impact of place on culture. It then occurred to me that, if it were geographically possible, the place that I’d feel most comfortable would be with one foot in Michigan and the other in Texas. Here’s the problem. I love Michigan. My entire family is here, I can’t imagine not living near so much fresh water, and the change of seasons is great, even when someone decides to cancel winter.

Where do I even begin with Texas? I love the independent spirit of Texas, and unfortunately, I find it seriously lacking in most Michiganders, much of my family excluded. There is a reason why Texans are fixin’ to do just about anything. Michiganders, not so much. Texans know how to recognize people with big hats and no cattle. Michigan would be so much better off if we could develop that sixth-sense!

Unfortunately I am much more politically aligned with Texans than I am with Michiganders. I despise most unions, I can’t stand political apathy, and I am all for limited government that recognizes the rights of the individual. I’ve watched my entire life as Michigan hedged all of her bets on a dying auto industry. Instead of trying to build new industry here, we shipped our best and brightest off to Texas, Arizona, and California. Especially Texas.

Texas continues to reinvent itself and roll with the punches, exactly what Michigan needed to do and needs to do now. Texans had the foresight to embrace technology in all forms instead of relying solely on oil and ranching. I think of Michigan and see nothing but lost opportunity. It deeply saddens me. I truly love Michigan and care about the state. I just hope the recent signs of life here are the start of something wonderful. Michigan does have a history of reinventing herself too; it is just that the entire process is hindered by misguided politicians and union influence. Maybe almost losing it all will finally wake up those eternally skeptical Michiganders.

Below are a few videos of interest:

The video above is the video I came across this morning that inspired this post. The video below is an inspiring version of “Michigan My Michigan” that honors those Michigan soldiers that fought for the union. I’m proud to say that I have a great-great grandfather who was among them.

Below is an attempt to explain the Michigan accent. It freaks me out because my recorded voice sounds so similar to hers. If you ever wondered what I sound like, this video will give you a pretty good idea.

Image via Wikipedia

Open Letter to the State of Michigan Government (anamericanpointofview.wordpress.com)
Michigan GOP Debate: A Swing State Despite Obama’s Auto Bailout (huffingtonpost.com)

Esmeralda Santiago

Jan15

Image via Wikipedia

I’ve read so many great books as of late, not to mention all of the wonderful characters that make the books worth reading, I need to begin sharing them with everyone here. One of my favorite authors right now is Esmeralda Santiago. Thus far, I’ve read the following of her books:

America’s Dream

When I Was A Puerto Rican

Conquistadora

I read Conquistadora this past summer. Ana, the protagonist bent on becoming a conquistadora in her own right, is not necessarily sympathetic or blameless. Nonetheless, the entire book is a dark ride through the consequences of her actions. Conquistadora is described by many as a Puerto Rican Gone With The Wind. It may not receive the recognition of Gone With The Wind, but it does deserve the comparison in some respects. It is a dense read that lavishly describes the surroundings, the circumstances, and the social connections of a world now long gone. Throughout the entire book the reader gets the sense the entire Puerto Rican adventure will not end well. The situation can’t endure. While that is true, the ending is satisfying without being completely predictable. It was through Conquistadora that I fell in love with Esmeralda Santiago’s writing.

After doing a little basic web research, I decided to check out both When I Was A Puerto Rican and America’s Dream. I knew that When I Was A Puerto Rican covered Santiago’s childhood in Puerto Rico and her adolescence in New York. While very different from Conquistadora, I again loved the narrative tone she used throughout the memoir. In particular I loved her phonetic spelling of English words she encountered throughout her childhood, Puerto Rican accent and all. Above all, the book made me look at culture and cultural assimilation in a new way. In fact, I plan to write another blog post to cover my thoughts and feelings on the subject. I finished the book wanting to read more about Santiago’s adolescence in New York.

I began America’s Dream believing it to be the follow-up to When I Was A Puerto Rican. Boy was I wrong! Instead of a memoir covering Santiago’s life in New York, it is a fictional account of a young Puerto Rican woman’s struggle with domestic violence and eventual cultural assimilation into New York. There is also a strong theme of mother-daughter relationships. Once again it made me question my thinking on culture and cultural assimilation. The relationship between Correa, America’s marido and abuser, and America could fill another novel, as could the mother-daughter relationships found throughout the book. It may not have been what I expected, but I’m sure glad I picked up the book! I’m just glad there is much more to read by Esmeralda Santiago.

History Of Spartanville

Oct24

Image by A. Blight via Flickr

MAC – Michigan Agricultural College

I became extremely distracted by this website tonight. It is an online collection of items dating from various periods throughout Michigan State University’s long history. I graduated a year too early! In 2005, MSU celebrated 150 years.

I’d love to have some of the milk bottles, pennants, and leather patches featured on the website!

Image by matthileo via Flickr

A Glimpse Into The Past

Oct1

Image via Wikipedia

Captured: America in Color from 1939-1943 – Plog Photo Blog

The pictures featured here are amazing. Why does everything have to be so complicated? There is something to be said for the simplicity of earlier times, real or perceived.

Michigan Author Mardi Link

Sep24

Image by cmh2315fl via Flickr

I recently finished two Michigan-based true crime novels, Isadore’s Secret and When Evil Came to Good Hart, both by Michigan writer Mardi Link. It is not my intention to review either book at this time; however, I can say this. Both are captivating reads. Both are stories that stay with you long after you’ve read the last sentence. What more can a reader ask for in a true crime book? Not much.

Her books got me thinking and I decided to see if the author has a website and/or blog. Fortunately, she has both. Unfortunately, there are no more novels to read, yet. Her blog is wonderful. I highly recommend with the blog post below. She gets right to the point, and I tend to agree with her.

Author Platform – Mardi’s Link

Below are links to Mardi Link’s main website and blog respectively. Lots of great information!

author, Mardi Link

Mardi’s Link