Econogal’s Top Ten Books of 2024

Posted on December 13, 2024December 13, 2024 by Econogal

Most of the non-fiction I read is categorized as self-help or do-it-yourself. Perhaps I read too many biographies as a child and too many research and theory books during my career. Regardless of the reason, most of what I read is either home improvement or self-improvement. This year follows the trend. So, there are no top ten books of 2024 in this category. But here are three with merit.

Survive and Thrive: How to Prepare for any Disaster Without Ammo, Camo, or Eating Your Neighbor by Bill Fulton and Jeanne Chilton Devon is excellent. Anyone who has experienced a natural disaster knows the importance of preparedness. In addition to reading and owning this book, visit www.ready.gov.

Early in the year, I read Hidden Potential. Adam Grant presents anecdotes outlining theories and then follows with constructive steps to reach goals. For the most part, reading is straightforward. However, there are parts where one must diligently slog through. Nothing worth doing is easy.

Finally, Ageless Aging: A Woman’s Guide to Increasing Healthspan, Brainspan, and Lifespan by Maddy Dychtwald with Kate Hanley is a book I am gifting. While geared toward women my current age, I wish I had read it decades ago. Especially the part concerning finances.

As always, determining the order of the top ten books of 2024 was difficult. Click on the title to reach each review. This helps determine if the book will be a good gift for your holiday shopping. The tones vary from light-hearted to deep suspense.

The Promise of Unbroken Straw by Ken Steele
Crow Talk by Eileen Garvin
Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus
The Spy Coast by Tess Gerritsen
The Museum of Lost Quilts by Jennifer Chiaverini
The Summer Pact by Emily Giffin
The Women by Kristen Hannah
Pitch Dark by Paul Doiron
The Unwedding by Ally Condie
Fake Famous by Dana L. Davis

The Promise of Unbroken Straw

Posted on December 10, 2024December 10, 2024 by Econogal

The Promise of Unbroken Straw, a debut novel by Ken Steele blew me away much like the fictional tornado in the story. This book rivals Crow Talk for the best of 2024. Since this is the first book penned by Steele, it may get the edge to the top. The author offers depth, commentary and historical reflection. Furthermore, The Promise of Unbroken Straw reminds the readers death is final and the time to make amends is short.

The story opens in 1986 and then travels back in time a few decades. Thus, a tale of historical fiction. The setting is rural Oklahoma in an area probably not much changed to this day. Wheat fields provide income as well as hope. And small towns gather under Friday night lights. A star football player and his younger brother are raised by a father and grandfather. The tornado and accompanying hail destroyed a crop needed to keep the land from foreclosure during World War II. Only a small area of unbroken straw remains. Yet there is hope in those stalks. Just as there is biblical hope in rainbows.

Then oil comes to the rescue.

Paul, the younger brother, is the protagonist. His brother Tim is a star athlete drawing notice while just a sophomore. Their mother died while they were still young. Paul only has vague memories. Jake Landrum presents as a father without emotion. Yet he provides a home with values, including strong ties to the church.

In contrast, is Paul’s best friend Teddy. Both parents are alive. The father, an alcoholic, beats both Teddy and Teddy’s mom on a regular basis. As the story unfolds, other women were victims too. The late 1930s and early 1940s offered little recourse for such behavior. This backstory is pivotal for the growth of the protagonist.

Paul is the opposite of his brother as he is without any athleticism. After the family’s fortune changes and they move to the big city of Tulsa, Paul has his own talents recognized but the move is not an easy one.

When tragedy strikes, Paul blames himself for an accidental death just as his father blamed himself for his wife’s deadly illness. The many parallels in the story provide complexity for the readers.

Familial relationships stand out. Steele offers comparisons throughout the story. First among farm families and then in the city. Parenting is critically examined as are bonds between brothers.

Of note is how wisdom is passed down through the generations. And how families sacrifice for one another. Most importantly the author creates division in the family in allowing young Paul to reach maturity. Estrangement shows his weaknesses. However, the willingness to return to his hometown indicates the strength of his upbringing.

I highly recommend The Promise of Unbroken Straw. Ethics and reliance on faith through the church are a large part of the story. But familial love is even stronger. The importance of making amends and forgiveness is ever present without explicit statements. And forgiveness of oneself is key.

New authors reaching publication is one accomplishment. Then they face the arduous task of finding a spot amongst the already known. Ken Steele may find this even harder as his name is somewhat common with “other” successful Ken Steele’s including an author and a series character in the United States.

Yet, The Promise of Unbroken Straw is a great gift from the author. Top on my list for 2024. I wish him great success and hopefully other novels to follow. Buy a copy or find a copy at your local library. This story is tremendous and deserves acknowledgement. Kudos to the Ken Steele formerly of Oklahoma and now a resident of Colorado.

The Unwedding Book Review

Posted on December 7, 2024December 7, 2024 by Econogal

The novel functions on multiple levels. Nuances abound in the various relationships, both old and new. Well intentioned acts end up haunting multiple characters. The author successfully shows how both actions and words can greatly alter events. Accidental death can lead to murder.

Furthermore, Condie shows how complex relationships between more than two people can impact each subsection of the group. And how secrets kept from one member of the group can impact others.

The Unwedding earns a place on Econogal’s Top Ten Books of 2024 list. The depth of the characters, the surprise twists, and the perseverance of the protagonist create a great novel. Readers looking for a magical happy ending will not find one. Instead, the novel offers hope.

Since I have not read any of Ally Condie’s other books, I do not know if this depth is a standard. If so, her YA novels should offer teenagers great contemporary books to read, enjoy and even analyze inside the classroom.

As an adult author, Condie’s first release is outstanding. I hope she will write more for this target audience. I love her writing and highly recommend The Unwedding.

November 2024 Wrap-Up

Posted on November 30, 2024November 30, 2024 by Econogal

Life is returning to normal for me and November 2024 is a significant part of that. A year of positive surprises makes up for the multi-year, “other shoe is about to drop” feeling that has influenced my life since 2019. Perhaps it is the calm after a bitter election campaign. I give credit to the Democrats for that.

Perhaps the reasoning is closer to home. We are expecting two new grandchildren (at least) to arrive in 2025. The circle of life continues, and the spirit is uplifting.

My one trip this month was to a favorite location, Lexington, Kentucky. The weather was quite warm in early November (in contrast to the snow the television showed there on this last day of the month.) Short sleeves felt a bit strange with the beautiful foliage. Babies have been weaned from their mothers, and the paddocks no longer have little ones frolicking around the mares. Now, horses are grouped by age or perhaps by breeding status. Warm sun rays filtered through the colorful leaves.

Leaf Man Book Review

Posted on November 27, 2024November 27, 2024 by Econogal

Two artistic effects make Leaf Man stand apart. First, leaves and other pieces of nature create the illustrations. Lois Ehlert combines various leaves, acorns, seed pods and even gumballs from the Sweetgum tree to create Leaf Man, turtles, chickens and turkeys among other creatures identified in the text.

The second special effect is the shape of the pages. The upper edges are unique and create patterns of mountains overall, while picturing prairies, lakes and streams on individual pages. The technique produces a stunning effect.

Leaf Man is geared toward the pre-school to early grade school crowd. Yet, the page shapes make the book stand out. Thus, it is best suited once children learn to turn the pages carefully. Or for an adult to read to a group of children at an arm-length.

The story explores the travel of a leaf that has blown away in the wind. As Leaf Man travels across the countryside, he passes farm animals as well as wildlife. Each page depicts the animals from a collage of leaves. Children love to spot the shapes illustrated by the leaves.

This classic is still available for purchase from both Barnes & Noble and Amazon. It is very likely available in your nearest bricks and mortar bookstore. I checked out a copy from my local library. It was a recent gift from the local Rotary Club. I missed the release due to my youngest being almost double digits when published. Kindergarteners should be able to identify sight words. First and second graders will enjoy sounding out the words with occasional help with a few words of advanced vocabulary. All kids will enjoy spotting the creatures shaped from leaves.

Many of my favorite children’s books were written by Lois Ehlert. Leaf Man is now a member of that group. If you have not read this book, find a copy. Better yet, buy a copy.

The Night We Lost Him

Posted on November 20, 2024November 20, 2024 by Econogal

Laura Dave explores the complexities of families in The Night We Lost Him. Liam Samuel Noone is only alive during the prologue. But his life is the impetus of the story. Three wives and three children. Yet the love of his life for over fifty years refused to marry him. His sudden death brings two of his children together.

Nora and Sam are half-siblings. Sam’s twin Tommy plays only a minor role in the novel. Most of The Night We Lost Him focuses on the lack of closeness among the three growing up. And the bond created between Nora and Sam as they investigate the unusual death of their father.

Most of the story is told through the eyes of Nora. Yet there is also a thread of flashbacks focusing on Liam and Cory. The flashbacks give insight into the couple and why they never married.

Nora is used as a parallel to her father. She is torn between the love of her life and a former romantic interest-a man close to her father. Her determination to discover her father’s cause of death and his secrets separates her from her fiancé.

Her strengthening relationship with her brother Sam brings stability into her life at a time when both need someone to trust. Nora, having previously lost her mother, is a loner due to the unusual compartmentalization of Liam Noone’s multiple families.

The Book Woman’s Daughter Book Review

Posted on November 8, 2024November 8, 2024 by Econogal

Richardson opens her story with Honey Lovett and her parents saying their goodbyes. The elder Lovetts are about to surrender to the sheriff. They have been charged with violating miscegenation laws. Cussy Mary Lovett suffers from methemoglobinemia. So, her skin is blue and the laws in Kentucky forbade marriage between a person of white skin with any other colored skin.

As a minor, if found, Honey will be sent to a home or even worse, a work camp until she is twenty-one. Thus, Honey and Junia, the cantankerous mule, flee to Troublesome Creek. Once there, Honey faces a variety of problems mostly stemming from her gender. Old friends and new, support her in efforts to gain emancipation.

The Book Woman’s Daughter focuses on the plight of women in the 1950s. After World War II, women were expected to leave the workforce to the men. Richardson depicts this with female characters working as fire spotters and coal miners. These secondary characters encounter even more difficulties than Honey, who has taken her mom’s rural library delivery route.

While single women in the workforce are targeted by several male characters, they are not the only victims. A married woman ends up losing her life. Fortunately, the author includes several strong men as characters. This keeps The Book Woman’s Daughter from being a diatribe against males.

While a sequel, this novel can be read as a stand-alone with just a few unexplained references to The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek. Honey Lovett is a compelling character. And the secondary characters are well developed. The antagonist gets his due. Thus, the factors lead to a satisfying ending.

The Book Woman’s Daughter was released in 2022. But my local library did not acquire a copy until September 2024. The story is both entertaining and meaningful. I highly recommend it!

October 2024 Wrap-Up

Posted on October 31, 2024October 31, 2024 by Econogal

This month has been a beautiful one from a weather standpoint with the first freeze this morning. Just in time to put the frost on the pumpkins for the Trick-or-Treaters. In our small town civic minded organizations hand out candy early in the evening. Then kids wander around the neighborhoods.

The garden has been put to bed with the last of the roses tightly packed into a vase on the kitchen table. One pepper plant now resides in the basement under the grow lights. The benefit of having part of the garden in patio pots.

Books are piled up on bedside tables with yet another small quilt in the living room, keeping hands busy while watching television. It feels like the calm before the storm.

All through October 2024 I expected to see candidate signs pop-up across town. However, signs have been few and far between. One could wish the same could be said for the political advertisements on radio and T.V. This lack of identification with a candidate is very interesting to me. Especially in a town that tends to have close to 90% of the population lean toward the same political organization.

Twice during the month, I drove through town looking for yard signs. Less than two dozen for the main party and only two for the minority party. It will be interesting to see how the voters turn out.

Regardless of your political beliefs, I hope you vote on election day-it is just around the corner.

One-Slip Sweet Potatoes

Posted on October 29, 2024October 29, 2024 by Econogal

Videos and blogs suggest growing sweet potato slips as easy. My experience is mixed. The 2023 crop of sweet potato slips were plentiful. The year before I ordered two dozen because the slips are shipped to Colorado in late June, right along with the first of the hot weather. Survival rate from the shipping is less than 50%. So, I wanted to increase the odds.

After shipping, transplanting can be a tricky business. Placing the slips in a vase of water for a couple of days before placing them in the ground is helpful. Unlike seedlings, slips are planted bare-rooted. 2023 was my first year of planting home grown sweet potato slips. This avoided the shipping damage. Through the winter of 2022-23, I kept vines in water and grew vines in a planting medium. About eight slips were produced.

Unfortunately, the same cannot be said of the winter of 2023-24. Only one slip made it to June. This slip was planted in a fire ring planter.

The yield this year was naturally smaller in number. But the sweet potatoes are of a good size. Interestingly enough, a vine with newly sprouted leaves was mixed in with the maturing leaves. I have placed it in a vase and roots are already developing.

There were 2 small tubers. One I planted into soil. No signs of life so far. The other is propped in a small jar with toothpicks. It also has developing roots.

As for the sweet potatoes, the true test will come once they are cooked. Currently they are curing as I was not patient enough to wait for the first frost. My experience is sweet potatoes can be harvested after a light freeze if dug the morning after.

Comet Tsuchinshan-ATLAS and Mid-October Musings

Posted on October 23, 2024October 23, 2024 by Econogal

The highlight through Mid- October is finally seeing Comet Tsuchinshan-ATLAS. Closely following is the over one inch of rain in one weekend. Of course, the latter delayed the former! Cloudy and rainy skies during prime viewing of the comet and of the Orionid meteor shower put a bit of a damper on my favorite time of year.

Fortunately, the skies cleared enough on the 22^nd for a brief but wonderful view of the comet. I live far enough north that the tail disappears into the horizon after a short time. Photos from south and west of here from the same date give views of the comet and the milky way.

My favorite meteor shower is the Orionids. Multiple reasons can be given. First, the showers stem from Halley’s Comet. Then, the timing. October has cool but not cold frigid nights. So, unlike the Geminid meteor shower of December, one can comfortably enjoy stargazing with perhaps a sweater or light blanket.

Plus, the shower bursts from the constellation Orion. This constellation is so bright city dwellers can identify the position. So, growing up in cities, I learned to spot the constellation early. Of course, out here on the Great Plains the stars are incredible. Worthy of a vacation for those unable to see the Milky Way due to the light pollution.

All through the 1990s, moisture from Mid-October forward appeared as snow. Many Halloweens meant kids wearing snow boots and once the mayor even cancelled Trick-or-Treat due to the blizzard earlier in the week. Now the first snow may not fall until Christmas. Farmers and ranchers know the climate is changing. It is the blame game that creates arguments.

Regardless of the form, the moisture was much needed and measured over an inch on my garden rain gauge. Digging the fall root crops should be easier now.

Leaves are turning yellow, gold and orange with a small sprinkling of red. Not enough sugar trees in this part of the world. I miss the glorious colors of New England along with the afternoon football games. The closest experience in recent years was the trip to Canada in 2018. Click here for beautiful fall pictures.

However, each region has its’ own fall beauty. The tawny colors of the fields bring to mind lyrics. Amber waves of grain truly make for a Beautiful America. We need to remember we are one country, indivisible, regardless of the contentious rhetoric of late fall campaigns.

Mid-October also means Election Day is just weeks away. Early voting has started in some states. I have been studying the blue book sent out by the state concerning the many amendments and propositions posited by the legislature and citizens. There are many.

Since I am not affiliated with any political party, I weigh each candidate and each proposal before making my determination. Apologies to both my father and paternal grandfather. They tried to get me to vote straight tickets. And thanks to my mom who instilled in me that the absolute best thing about the United States of America was the right to vote privately.

Pollsters may know what they are talking about. Then again, maybe not. Regardless of who your favorite candidate is, I encourage you to go out and vote. Voting is a privilege many do not have in this wide world we have.

The Women Book Review

Posted on October 7, 2024October 7, 2024 by Econogal

Kristen Hannah has outdone herself with her penning of The Women. The author known for her historical fiction from various eras including World War II, turns to Vietnam with her 2024 release. The novel is provocative. Those born after the war will find a glimpse of history.

However, readers like myself will have the anguish of those years brought fresh as if David Brinkley reported the weekly deaths just yesterday. Pretty sobering that the death counts are among my first memories of television. Furthermore, the stigma of having a military Dad in the late 1970s returns. The public turned against the soldiers. Thankfully, that is no longer the case, most likely due to 9/11.

Hannah brings all these emotions into play.

One by one the women return home. But they are not greeted warmly as sentiment against the war now includes those in service. For Frankie, the return and the attitude of her parents and society is her undoing. Hospitals don’t respect the skills developed in the triage of battle. She is forced to prove herself as if she was still the young teenager.

Furthermore, the VA does not recognize her service and like many of the women returning, she is denied counselling services. She spirals downward. It is painful to read the fiction that reflects reality.

The Vietnam Vets were not welcomed home, not seen as heroes for the most part. Many became addicted to drugs and alcohol. Many became homeless. Kristen Hannah is outstanding with this portrayal of the men and women who served.

Once again, Hannah is atop various bestsellers lists and The Women will certainly make Econogal’s top books of 2024 list. Ninety-five percent of the book moved me. I cried throughout the book remembering the divided country of the 1960s and 70s. The almost happy ending jarred a bit. And I’ll reflect upon that in the final paragraph of this review. Overall, it was outstanding and a must-read type of book. Great perspective on the Vietnam War and those who survived.

Furthermore, I recommend the reading of The Women as a way to remember the past. Too many individuals identifying as political extremists and calling for a civil war need to understand war is not good. There are no winners in any war. Certainly not within a nation.

As I have repeatedly stated. This nation, undivided after 9/11, is under attack by propaganda. Our enemies understand a divided house cannot stand. We need to recognize internal unrest is a threat. For those never exposed to the horrors of war, you need to read books such as The Women. And accounts of the Civil War. Divided nations suffer greatly and in the 1860s, brothers did fight against one another. Regardless of the voting outcome in November 2024, Americans must not turn against each other. Instead, if unpleased by the results-start planning for the 2028 elections and consider running for office yourself.

Pitch Dark Book Review

Posted on October 3, 2024October 3, 2024 by Econogal

I spotted Paul Doiron’s Pitch Dark on the new release table at the library. This latest in the Mike Bowditch series offers intense action through the Maine woods adjacent to the Canadian Border. Bowditch is a game warden with topnotch investigative skills.

Doiron overlaps story lines between the protagonist’s home and work life. The opening scene foreshadows the key dilemma of the book, protecting one’s family at all costs. Yet, the story goes even deeper. What determines personalities? Nurture or nature, or something else?

Bowditch responds to a missing person call. “Hammond Pratt” disappeared in the muddy backwoods after asking many questions about a father and daughter temporarily living off grid while building a cabin. Online searches of both parties return zero, adding to the mystery.

Before Pratt can be found, Bowditch crosses paths with Mark Redmond and his daughter, Cady. Things go downhill quickly as the pair are living under assumed names. Then, murder and mayhem strike. This leads to a chase through the dense forest at pitch dark night with multiple side characters creating difficulties for the investigator.

The Mike Bowditch series is a favorite because Doiron combines action with moral dilemma. Sometimes his characters can be categorized as good or evil. But that is not the case in Pitch Dark. The layers of the many characters are unpeeled, allowing the reader to see the flaws of the individuals. Yes, no one is perfect. This is an overarching theme of the series.

Pitch Dark is great for those loving complex mysteries. I highly recommend for individuals as well as book clubs.

September 2024 Wrap-Up

Posted on September 30, 2024September 30, 2024 by Econogal

The September 2024 calendar was filled with travelling, canning, reading and writing. Warm daytime temperatures and cool nights make this one of my favorite months. Add in the beauty of the turning leaves and the ripening of vine fruits and you have just about everything one could ask for.

Unfortunately for those not living on the High Plains and within driving distance of the Rockies, the weather may not have been as pleasant. Plus, my heart goes out to those residing in the Southeast part of the country. Hurricane season is not to be taken lightly.

The mountains of Central Colorado are at peak fall color. So, I tagged along on a business trip to Vail Valley. In addition to Vail, I spent time in Silverthorne with a dear friend. We had a delicious lunch at Enza’s Delicatessen and Market, sitting outside along the creek.

Dinner in Vail the first night was also along a creek-Gore Creek at Mountain Standard. The restaurant hosts a hearty menu of various meats. We try to eat here every time we are in Vail.

The second night we wandered through the village for an hour before finding a pizza place. Pazzo’s Pizza had the Thursday Night football game on. Now that these games are streamed for pay, it was nice to find a spot with a subscription. On top of that, our pizza earned Pazzo’s a rank among the top in pizzeria’s west of the Mississippi.

Social media continues to baffle me. Searching for first-hand accounts of Hurricane Helene yields bitter political discourse. Also, there are a variety of conspiracy theories regarding the weather. No common sense and very little compassion and understanding.

Fortunately, in-person conversations continue to uplift. One recent encounter at a C-Store on an interstate provided much joy. Little Daisy Mae in her side car is a service dog with excellent training and great behavior. Her owner was tickled with recent awards at a car show in Goodland, Kansas. Our conversation ended because vehicles were waiting for their turn at the pump. I need more of this in my life! Real people and real experiences.

Updating The GO Bags

Posted on September 27, 2024September 27, 2024 by Econogal

Within the GO Bags, another one-gallon storage bag is chock full of hand selected items to make life a little better if I must evacuate. A combination of wants and needs as follows:

Wash Cloth Bandana Toothbrush and toothpaste Floss Feminine Products Comb

Toilet Paper Band Aids and Tape Kleenex Cotton swabs Nail file Head Band

Cotton Rounds Hand Sanitizer Shampoo Deodorant

I use quart and gallon sized bags, clearly labeled for everything except the clothes. A drawstring bag holds the clothes in a tight bundle. Then the bundle and most of the other containers go inside a waterproof zipped storage bag. This zipped bag was recycled from some purchase long ago. The Food Storage bag is kept separate.

Since space is still available in the side pockets, other items such as spare reading glasses, a map, a sheet of paper with contact phone numbers, extra shoelaces and a belt are added. The last two items are a small hand sewing kit with buttons and a small fabric bag with cash in mixed denominations. Just beware of the overall weight. Mine weighs about twelve pounds. This falls into the guidelines of staying between ten and twenty percent of my body weight.

Hopefully, I will never need to use a Go Bag. But if a natural disaster heads my way…I am ready to go.

Out of Nowhere Book Review

Posted on September 16, 2024September 16, 2024 by Econogal

The author cleverly hides the identification of the shooter while still giving the character space with a point of view. However, Brown drops clues so that true sleuths may deduce the name. Others such as this one may have a “that makes sense” moment.

The shooter’s revealed identity and actions prove evil comes in many forms. Unfortunately, a case is made for the connection between severe mental health problems and mass shootings. Out of Nowhere highlights a problem existing in this world.

Sandra Brown is a master storyteller. I have read a few of her books over the years and they contain much suspense, violence and hardcore love scenes. I enjoyed Out of Nowhere even though the premise is so heartbreaking. But Ms. Brown treats the topic with care. Survivors need to take time to heal. Then they need to go on living even with tremendous loss.

Furthermore, the author addresses the issue of instable individuals. Mental health needs attention. A major flaw is one of blaming others for anything going downhill in life. Perhaps it is as easy as going back to keeping score in children’s games. We all will have wins and losses in life. It is important to learn how to deal with the losses. Win-win situations are few and far between.

Out of Nowhere has depth. I highly recommend this novel.

A Bad Day for Sunshine Book Review

Posted on September 8, 2024September 8, 2024 by Econogal

Del Sol, New Mexico is a fictional town in the northern part of the state, up the road from Sante Fe but not quite to Colorado. The region is sprinkled with small towns where everyone knows everything and everybody. Secrets are hard to keep. And town folk tend to rally around their own.

Five minutes from one end of town to the other. The kind of town where parents receive phone calls about kids skipping school before the truants can even get to where they are going. Strangers are noticed instantaneously and newcomers…well, it helps to marry into the community if one’s not fortunate enough to be born there.

A new sheriff is in town. Widow Sunshine Vicram left Del Sol without looking back with infant Auri in tow. Through the years she has made a name for herself in law enforcement in the bigger cities of New Mexico. Then, unbeknownst to her, she manages to win an election, so now she is Sheriff Vicram.

Auri is a teenager. Facing a new high school mid-year is treacherous as the busted New Year’s Eve party resulted in a confiscated keg. Fellow students think she was the narc. To make matters worse, the only friend made during said party is missing. As in abducted. Thus, Auri is anxious to help her mom find Sybil.

Author Jones weaves many backstories in this introduction to a new series. The multitude of characters makes it tough for the reader to determine the “bad” guy. And there are multiple threads requiring police investigation, including the cold case of a long-ago abduction.

Secondary characters pepper the story. And the most complicated of all is Levi Ravinder. Naturally, Sunshine gravitates toward him just as in their youth. But he may prove even more dangerous now. The skill of the writing brings all the cast to life.

A Bad Day for Sunshine was checked out from the library since it was the start of a series, all with catchy titles. The page turner was read in one sitting with nary a break except to eat. Also checked out was the second in the series A Good Day for Chardonnay, and the library has the third title as well. The Sunshine Vicram series will most likely be devoured by this reader much like The Boxcar Children and The Happy Hollisters from years gone by.

If you have not discovered this series and enjoy suspense tempered with humor, look for Darynda Jones books at your library or favorite bookstore. Well-written with only one (necessary?) plot glitch—NO PARENT would leave the side of a newly found abductee- this series is one to put on your radar.

2034 Book Review

Posted on September 4, 2024September 4, 2024 by Econogal

The plot of the novel is realistic. The Chinese push back on the Americans trolling of the South China Sea. In real life, and in the book, the status of Taiwan sits as a sharp thorn in the middle of the ocean. Many parallels exist between fiction and life.

2034 posits that the Americans have lost the edge with respect to stealth and cyber defense. Furthermore, the authors create a situation where a cat-and-mouse game gets out of hand due to actions of third-party alliances. This escalates into war.

The story is told with multiple points of view. Always tricky, but well written by Ackerman and Stavridis. Interesting enough, the main Iranian character comes across as the most relatable. At least to this reader.

A few real-life individuals are alluded to in the story. But not the ones I expected. And women have a large role in the fight. As usual, rogue characters create havoc. Most interesting was the diversity of the characters and their relative points of view. Thus, 2034 is very global.

At first, the novel strikes one as very technical. Only toward the end do the personalities of each highlighted character come through. Divergent themes are also present. First is the idea that the United States of America is slipping a notch in technology-and doesn’t realize it. Second, expressed mostly through the Indian-American character of Dr. Sandeep “Sandy” Chowdhury, is the thought that the ideal of America is not necessarily bound by borders.

Perhaps the most lasting impression for me is the knowledge of the warriors who tire of war and seek peace in nature and family. The dichotomy of destruction and nurture is best told through the American naval officer Sarah Hunt and the Iranian hero Qassem Farshad. Both seek quietude in the aftermath of war.

Finally, wars produce more losers than winners. They also realign world order. This was true after World War II and true of the fictional war of 2034. Readers may be surprised at the change in power and influence.

August 2024 Wrap-Up

Posted on August 31, 2024August 31, 2024 by Econogal

Some months race through and others, like August 2024 linger, allowing one to savor the end of summer. So many hot days punctured by thunderstorms giving respite from the sizzle. County fairs, all day canning sessions, and refinishing furniture wound through the month. And the highlights, relatively cool days in Castle Rock, Colorado watching the BMW Championship professional golf tournament and attendance at a beautiful wedding just down the interstate at the beautiful Broadmoor resort in Colorado Springs.

Some great reading, visiting with friends and family and finishing a baby quilt all added to a sense of non-stress summer accomplishments. One could wish all months were like August 2024. Certainly, it was a month of productivity. But there was more. Perhaps, it was a concerted effort to unplug from national politics. Two full months remain before the election. Plenty of time to study candidates and ballot issues.

Or maybe because August 2024 allowed me to see three of my four offspring. Family is important. No matter the reason, the past month was quite enjoyable.

Summers during my childhood were filled with ocean swims, biking up and down the Daytona Beach peninsula and hours of reading every day. Now, I have many other activities to fit in as well and of course no beach a block away. The time spent in Castle Rock and Colorado Springs offers a replacement for the Atlantic. I could see myself living full time in the Rockies—someday. Hiking and biking and the smell of pines after a rain connect me to the earth as much as salty breezes and cries of seagulls.

Book reviews flow best just after finishing the last chapter. However, sometimes the final page comes just after midnight. This is why my review of The Women has not posted. I am struggling to express the depth of Kristen Hannah’s writing on a topic so close to my heart. The 1970s was not a good time to be an Army Brat.

August 2024 outshines last year in the garden. While the tomatoes are not a banner crop, they are a good amount. Cantaloupe are sweet and prolific as are jalapeños. The last week of the month the serrano pepper bush finally flowered, so barring an early freeze, September will offer even more peppers. Green beans are flowering as well. Plus, the two slips of sweet potatoes are thriving.

Cucumbers are eaten fresh and pickled. And onions are still abundant. I have let some of the salad greens go to seed and will begin collecting that seed soon for next year’s use. I encourage everyone to grow at least a small garden. Even apartments can have a few pots of herbs, lettuces or perhaps green onions.

The Summer Pact Book Review

Posted on August 27, 2024August 26, 2024 by Econogal

At the heart of The Summer Pact is a response of three college friends after a close fourth commits suicide. Each carries guilt from not being there for their friend Summer. So, a pact was agreed on to not follow the same path without giving the others time to reach out. Hannah is the first to call for help after discovering her fiancée in bed with another just weeks before her wedding.

True to the agreement, Lainey and Tyson drop everything and fly to help. From this point on, the novel delves into the backstories of the three characters while the action propels each one forward towards discovery of where to go, how to act and just who they really are.

Giffin is outstanding in her non-judgmental approach to multiple topics. Open minded readers will appreciate the social twists presented in the story. Furthermore, the characters are so complex and vulnerable, one aches for their difficulties and celebrates their triumphs.

Perhaps there are families in this world where everything follows the norms of the 1950s. But for the rest, a novel such as The Summer Pact is refreshingly honest. To quote Reinhold Niebuhr: Change is the essence of life; be willing to surrender what you are for what you could become. Throughout The Summer Pact, Hannah, Lainey and Tyson do just that on their way forward on life’s path.

Sights and Sounds of Castle Pines Golf Club: BMW Championship

Posted on August 24, 2024August 24, 2024 by Econogal

This weekend’s PGA tournament sponsored by BMW is filled with the magnificent sights and sounds of the Castle Pines Golf Club. Even though the area is south of the Denver Metro Area, the topography is akin to the foothills to the west of the city.

The top fifty golfers vying for the thirty slots in the Fed Ex Cup finals are facing the challenge of golfing up and down the fairways at an elevation over 6000 feet above sea level. Kudos to the caddies carrying the equipment for the nine miles traversing the eighteen holes.

The BMW Classic is a first for me. One of my offspring loves to golf and several members of the family actively follow the PGA. Since I knew I would attend the tournament this year, I started following the players in the late spring. The ups and downs of the sport mimic the golf course at Castle Pines. Steep slopes to the top are challenging for a walking fan and a bag toting caddie. Meanwhile, sand traps and water hazards are taxing for golfers. Watching them dig out creates riveting sights. And sounds include loud cheers carrying across the wind for favorite golfers making great shots.

I trained for the rigors of the course by walking the steepest streets and always finishing my hikes going uphill. This paid off. While most walk down Hole #1, for me it was a hike up to see the players tee off for the start. The stands at the tee were available to the general public as well as those with upgraded tickets and served as the stage for the opening ceremony as well as the flyover by four F-16s. (See video below.)

Other hikes upward include Hole #8 and #s 17 and 18. Since I was with others, I did not complete the entire course. Fortunately, I have a ticket for Sunday where I hope to find the hole with the largest of the waterfalls. The small cascade in the slide show is from Hole #3 of Castle Pines.

Landscapers excelled prepping the course. The abundance of flower beds delight as the crowd walks the course. Creeks and waterfalls meander alongside the fairways creating a pleasant background noise. And the crowd, for the most part, practices good etiquette. Even the tiny tots know not to cry out near the greens.

Naturally, birdies are accompanied by cheers and bogeys by groans of empathy. The players themselves are focused on their task. One can almost see the wheels spinning in their heads as they plot how to get out of the sand traps and water hazards.

The golf course is both suburban and wilderness. The masterplan behind the course and community is filled with natural wilderness. Wild turkeys strut around, deer and elk are often seen on the course and bear sightings are often enough to seem normal. Tracks and scat of shier animals can be found too. This connection to nature makes Castle Pines a special place.

Best of all are the plethora of birds in Castle Pines. The zipping of hummingbirds, hooting owls, and flashes of the male bluebirds are all a part of the sights and sounds of Castle Pines. If you go to the tournament, you may even spy my mystery bird-the towhee.

Afternoon mountain rains delayed the finish of the first day, but hopefully will not slow down the players much. And the rains are welcomed by the residents. The thick rough is a by-product of the late afternoon showers. Probably not welcomed by the golfers. Nor are the whistles signaling thunder just as a pro sets up a putt.

The Evans Scholars Foundation is the beneficiary of ALL the funds raised during the BMW Championship. Loud applause accompanied each introduction of past and current scholars during the opening ceremonies. Those of you old enough to remember Caddyshack might wonder at a connection. And yes, there is one. Ed Murray won an Evans Scholarship-full tuition and housing- to Northwestern University.

This prestigious program began in 1930 with two awardees. Now, more than two dozen caddies are awarded the four-year scholarship. All because Charles Evans wished to retain his amateur status. Non-attendees of the BMW Classic can learn about the fund by clicking here.

A myriad of shuttles ferry spectators to and from the course from remote parking lots. There is not a set schedule, more of a continuous run. So, wait times can vary. The only interior shuttle is located near the BMW Experience just below Hole #11. This shuttle provides a ride to the start of the course for spectators entering Gates 1,2, and 3. Two caveats: The shuttle is one way only and does not return passengers from the top of the course. Also, we found out the hard way that the shuttle stops at 1:00 p.m., perhaps the thought is walking downhill is easy.

There are plenty of port-a-potties and concession stands but the only water fountain I spied was adjacent to International Park. Rumor is another water fountain was in the area of Holes #6&7. I did not see that one.

The two merchandise tents are conveniently located. I know little about golf apparel, but logos were plentiful from Castle Pines Golf Club to BMW. Colors were mostly traditional. The neatest item was a throw blanket with the golf course map.

If you have tickets for the final two days, I hope you enjoy the experience as much as I did. I was impressed by both the organizers and the attendees. Perhaps this is just the start of a new spectator sport for me. Good luck to all the golfers and for those not lucky enough to attend, please enjoy the slideshow.

Five Years After Book Review

Posted on August 16, 2024August 16, 2024 by Econogal

William R. Forstchen continues his John Matherson series with his 2023 release Five Years After. This series dealing with the aftermath of an apocalyptic event began with One Second After and remains a thoughtful, well written and well researched combination of fiction and fact. In Five Years After, the documented Raven Rock facility is used as a template for a shadow underground bunker capable of housing thousands of military and governmental personnel in case of an unnatural disaster.

The author illustrates the harsh reality of modern civilization stepping backwards. Key elements of life such as First World Healthcare are hampered or even non-existent. In Five Years After, plague rears its’ ugly head. Treatable before, but now a death sentence for many. So, the small outpost in the mountains of North Carolina has a different type of battle in this series addition.

Meanwhile, protagonist John Matherson spends much of the novel underground. Literally. He is called back to Raven Rock on the request of a dying president. Apparently, a second, even more secret bunker connects with Raven Rock. This fictional extension runs under Camp David and down to Washington, D.C. Furthermore, the complex is controlled by a paramilitary group led by General Joshua Lawrence. Tension runs high between Matherson and Lawrence, two intellectuals with opposing views on the best way to proceed forward in the aftermath of destruction.

Forstchen is first and foremost a novelist. Thus, readers can differentiate between his works and a release such as Ted Koppel’s Lights Out. However, fact is at the core of the fiction. Raven Rock does exist. As do other underground installations large and small, governmental and commercial all across the United States of America.

Art imitates life. And a recurring theme in many recent fictional releases is one of the corruptions of power. Five Years After continues this theme. Furthermore, the novel poses the ultimate question to protagonist Matherson. His response is controversial. And reminds the reader the importance of electing the right person to power. Even then, decisions can cause collateral damage. Sometimes win-win does not exist. And in wartime, the best answer may come down to the least damage. Sobering thought for the warmongers.

Shadow of Doubt Book Review

Posted on August 11, 2024August 11, 2024 by Econogal

The action begins in Paris with the killing of a veteran French Intelligence officer. Jean-Jacques Jadot has discovered evidence of Russian infiltration of a multitude of spy agencies and governmental cabinets. However, he is killed before he can share the information with his CIA counterpart.

Meanwhile, the author introduces the protagonist Harvath on his way to reunite with fiancé Sølvi Kolstad. Before they can celebrate, her task of debriefing a Russian defector is compromised by a breach in Norwegian security. Fortunately, Kolstad and Harvath manage to secure and whisk the asset off to the South of France.

Ageless Aging Book Review

Posted on August 4, 2024August 4, 2024 by Econogal

My favorite chapters in the guide are chapters four through six and chapter ten. Chapter Four is Fitness 2.0, the Silver Bullet. Exercise runs the gamut from stretching to marathons and triathlons. The connecting thread is movement. In this chapter the health benefits of staying fit are documented.

Chapter Five: Food is Fuel, Food is Medicine, Food is Pleasure covers the “why, what and when of eating” p. 102. Thus, good nutrition is at the forefront. Various “diets” are discussed as well as intermittent fasting. Plus, charts are provided showing the benefits of each type of diet. Finally, the Ageless Aging hacks at the end of the chapter provide tips for healthy eating.

Since good sleep still eludes me, I read Chapter Six: The Magic of Sleep out of order. It worked the first night and I hope to repeat the feat.

But the most important chapter to me was Chapter 10.

One of the key tenets of Ageless Aging is well-being for the individual. Purpose, having a meaningful life, and social connections with family and friends all factor into mental and physical wellness. One section hit home… Kindness Fosters Social Fitness. The author’s statement “Giving kindness reduces cortisol, blood pressure, and premature causes of death” (p. 248) is backed by three documented studies. Purpose provides meaning for life. And the social connections exceed an escape from loneliness. Connecting with people stimulates the brain too. Many problems in today’s society could be solved with purpose, connections, and above all showing kindness to others.

July 2024 Wrap-Up

Posted on July 30, 2024July 30, 2024 by Econogal

Here in the United States of America, national politics is front and center. First, the assassination attempt on former president and current candidate Donald Trump was at the forefront of the news. Then, President Biden’s exit from the race after a disastrous debate and much lobbying by fellow politicians. I will not presume to announce his replacement since the Democratic Convention is in just a few weeks.

I will say that the two-party system has problems that need fixing. Furthermore, I trust in the vote. Those who are already claiming foul before Election Day even arrives need to read Nancy Coco’s Give Fudge a Chance just to see how silly they sound. November will be interesting, and I think the race is wide open. And whoever wins, I will respect the office of the president.

So far, harvest from the July 2024 Garden is much improved over July 2023. Tomatoes, cucumbers, zucchini, cantaloupe, onions and peppers are thriving. Both tomatoes and cucumbers have been processed as well as enjoyed fresh. This year’s salsa will not need any supplementary produce from the farmer’s market.

Unfortunately, during the last few days of July 2024, both grasshoppers and squash bugs have made their presence known. So, the battle between gardener and pests begins. Perhaps the birds will come to the rescue once again.

Small Garden Style Book Review

Posted on July 24, 2024July 24, 2024 by Econogal

This how-to book starts off with a style quiz. After tabulating results, individual readers can skip to the section which describes them best. In my case, more than one style emerged from the quiz. And since by the time the quiz was over, I knew this book was a keeper, I ended up reading through all the styles.

The authors pay close attention to the function of the garden. Then the design flows. Almost every page has photos to illustrate the different styles. But it is more than a book full of pretty pictures. Small Garden Style serves as a textbook for those who truly want to learn about maximizing a small area for the greatest benefits.

I love this book and have already put it to use at my house on the Plains. The high heat this summer has provided mixed results. New trees fair better if they can go into the ground earlier in the spring and the same holds true with perennials. A mid-June planting proves difficult. The techniques on color, number and repetition have yielded outstanding results. The chapter on container gardening also provided stunning arrangements. Small Garden Style is perfect for either the public or home library.

2024

Non-Fiction

Fiction: Top Ten Books of 2024

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Debut Novel

Coming of Age

Depth of The Promise of Unbroken Straw

Conciliation

Recommendation

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Veteran Author, New Audience

Plot

Angst Pervades The Unwedding

Recommendation

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Normalcy

Productivity

Travel in November 2024

Second Astronaut Quilt

Baby Quilt For Great Nephew

Christmas Quilt for Grandson

Final Thoughts

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Iconic Author

Special Effects in Leaf Man

Classic Story Book

Recommendation

Journey Begins

Travelling Across the Country

Varying Edges

Leaf Man Holding an Acorn

Flying Birds, Perhaps Turkeys or Geese

I Spy a Turtle

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New Family Bonds

Point of View in The Night We Lost Him

Following Dreams

Recommendation

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Honey Lovett

Plot of The Book Woman’s Daughter

Overarching Theme

Recommendation for The Book Woman’s Daughter

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Pleasant Month

Celestial Skies in October 2024

In the Garden

Hobbies in October 2024

In the Library

Upcoming Election 2024

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Favorite Root Vegetables

One Slip Survived from 2023

Yield

Sweet Potato Rooting

Sweet Potato Stem

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Spotting a Comet

Watching the Skies in Mid-October

Comet Watching

No Snow-Just Rain

Mid-October in Past Years

2024 Elections

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Vietnam War

Protagonist Frances “Frankie” McGrath

The Women Serving in Vietnam

Coming Home

Recommendation for The Women

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