The Week That Was... Ending October 2, 2026 - Opem Memoir...

 Things are moving much too fast, don't you think? ...And yet, extremely slow for the average citizen... I don't even consider myself average any more. I am old and very unimportant in the reality of today's world... And yet, I KNOW that in God's eyes, each one of His children are important to Him...

I have a best friend who takes me away from my home each week, maybe more if needed...She took me Tuesday of this week and, began with deciding which is first on our agenda. Time-wise, I was ready for breakfast, so we went to Bob Evans for a sit down... While eating we caught up with each other's activities, sometimes complaining, other times rejoicing when one or the other moves ahead just a little... That's what a best friend does... I know, because as the years have gone by, friends have become fewer, for one reason or another... Still, there is One who remains, always...

As we finished and I turned to the right, gearing up for getting up from the seat, I felt a woman come beside me, turn to my niece and say you take that arm; I've got this one... And, together they helped me to stand. The woman on the right told me to stand a while until I was steady--I realized that she probably worked as a caretaker or had learned how to help along the way... Then I reached over and hugged her and I whispered, "I'm so afraid for all of you--I can't help but stop, talk and hug the women who are targeted by DEI by this group of white male supremacists...even though I didn't say all those words..." I knew what she would say. She immediately starting talking about God, Jesus and that He would protect her... I know that in my heart...but my mind has seen and read too much... I tried to share, "yes, but..." and she would not listen--her faith was much stronger even though God has told me, "I've Got This..."

Still, I know that the average citizen has no idea what I've learned through my reading books written during this time... Too much "crap" is happening daily and I can't possibly get all the information out that should be available but is being hidden by political and wealth power like never seen in these united states and even spreading across the world geared for only one goal... Assimilate or Eradicate...

And with a series of specific books I had come to realize that through no fault of my own, I had become a lost sheep that was saved by my Shepherd, thankfully...

Just turning on the TV, reading a book, or hearing those who have to fight to bring us the news brings another bit of needed information  Ithat adds to the depth and breadth of this relentless attack...Millions see it; many try to fight it; but do they realize what led to where we are right now in today's world? I'm not talking about history that explores the development of a new land of opportunit and then all events thereafter... I'm talking about, of course, my own perspective. For, let's face it, that is the only thing that we have to try to live within a world so large, often confusing, and definitely unfair... Even having a personal savior does not remove all of the issues that confront us on a daily basis. Some good, often funny, some not so bad...and then...today's reality...

Jen includes a fun look at AI from her perspective...I thought I'd try, so I did a general search on the new AI help site too. "Please provide legal status of Epstein Case..." Ah, apparently that has not been assimilated... Still, this presentation with Jen is one that provided me with info that I am interested in, so is included for this week...

I also realized this week that I had to forcefeed more information into my mind about AI. My best friend refused to consider any value--that was a clue... Then I continued to have to deal with site after site that had proceeded to stuff AI into our lives, while destroying those earlier much-needed methods by which computers had actually come to contribute to our lives over the last 20 years of so... But, now, that was not enough... So they chose to ignore all that had been given to us through computers and chose to burden us instead with taking it away--just like our personal rights have been destroyed or taken away through government control... They try to claim that this is bigger than any advancement in our history... Key is that each earlier achievement advancements were created for the advancement of humanity and while strange, they were wonderful and added to our lives.... Nobody wants to go back to the time when there was only ice blocks to help keep our food safe... Yet, these power seekers are doing just that... they are not working behind the scenes to accomplish. They are damaging what was created and stuffing trial-and-error into millions of lives...especially to the millions of us who had willingly taken their free platforms and became their guinea pigs...

Sure I had a need to work with Gemini, felt the thrill I had been trying to gain for 30 years or so I had explored in trying to improve my job skills and take on new responsibilities that required computer speed. But that is, really, just that--speed... It is not a true workmate where we collaborate and work to achieve something that is potentially important, is it?

And then this week I learned about one woman, with the knowledge in the technical side of computers that I had lacked. And I gained a reality directly from one technical person who said exactly what I had always believed... The computers are not the problem; The rich men leading their use are...Indeed, I have never blamed the computers for not being available to do the job I was assigned to do... It has always been about the usually, white men who routinely chose their own priorities...  That, then, is today's reality, yet again, where men take away women's rights for medical care... Or take away the rights fought for and finally achieved for various human rights, such as color of their skin, who had to fight for rights  from the white men who had once been the only ones considered to manage our new democracy... And so much more could be added, and we know and have seen it all being quickly destroyed through lies, loss of legal control, and all the safeguards needed to live in a true democracy for all of We The People...

One thing I already knew but had wanted to begin to move on with is "the connections" that I've built up just in the last decade, which I must say gave me the guidance and direction I wanted to share about in my life... Immediately, I picked one book... as the, you might say, first floor--the basis upon which I had begun to build my thinking, in a direction that I have not, perhaps, yet wanted to stray from. Because it made sense to me. Indeed I feel even stronger about it after the last decade of reading many other books... The title is The Light of the World: The Life and Teachings of Jesus of Nazareth, by Tim Spiess... In fact, I have already contacted him and presently working on talking about his book...

https://gabixlerreviews-bookreadersheaven.blogspot.com/2024/11/tim-spiess-presents-light-of-world-life.html

https://gabixlerreviews-bookreadersheaven.blogspot.com/2024/11/part-2-tim-spiess-presents-light-of.html

AND

https://gabixlerreviews-bookreadersheaven.blogspot.com/2023/11/tim-spiess-presents-christianity.html 

At that Same Time, I must quickly point out that I have not taken the initiative to become involved further with Tim Spiess' movement

Known as "The Peaceful Revolution"

Rather that I learned enough from his books to confirm what I believed Already...

But, by learning so much, still worry about Accountability in Today's World

Can we find Faith, in an Age of Fear and Falsehood?

And Can it be our failure that we are now striving for a peaceful revolution?

Or whatever is happening now with all the protests, murders, loss of freedom, loss of rights that has apparently been stirring in a pot for decades 

Or just ole greed and envy for power that has erupted by placing one man as president?

So, this is Friday of a week where I have also reconnected via his latest book with an author, James Houston Turner, and loving the book (500 pages, however, so it's taking more time than, say, to read a cozy...LOL)

And I've already given a negative review to Gemini on, would you believe, GMail?

And even in writing this post, I am once again unable to find help in dealing with something as minor as wanting to link to a past post that appears to now have what I consider a major error in Blogger programming... Who knows? 

What I do know is that all of the tech giants have had a "dinner" with this president

And that, apparently, data centers are already being built even with the major protests and complaints...and, of course, without gaining approval from a House of Representatives who are once again on "leave..." and they seem to be built in areas with water problems (like dry areas!) Is this president leading to a new way to murder our citizens other than ICE, simply by declaring a race for the fastest who can win a race for AI???!!! With subsequent upheaval during construction and then ongoing?

And I have to ask, Even if we Win, will we be confronted with another Ballroom that could not be stopped and costing millions of dollars for something that nobody asked for or approved? Or really wanted?

The second book which created the basis for my beliefs I already know and will name next. And you will see that, say, the Tower that is being built will contain an unstable layer that "represents" perhaps thousands of years... Hopefully it will be next Friday that I'll be moving on in this endeavor...

Is Your House on Solid Rock?

Gabby

Adopted Brother, Manny Moreno's Here! Come on and Say Ketchem allea (Good Morning)! Read His Thoughts, Poetry, and Much More!

 

Note: No, I couldn't understand this language, but I knew it was important history of the Yaqui... I hope it incites interest to at least some readers...

Good morning.

If there is anything I want to be remembered for, it's that I have grown into feeling like this.
May God have mercy on me.
Have a blessed day.

~~~

Almost midnight. Outside it's mostly quiet. My friend Homie the cat, is asleep on the couch.

What is the human being way? Is it a sacred way? Or is it not? All religions or rituals, ceremonies and cults, in theory are created by humans, to guide or lead humans to a higher power. But overtime become corrupted and the reverance for the Creator is set to the side. I believe the Creator is spirit. The same spirit that created the universe, the earth, and all living things on it, including human beings. That is where the truth of power and reality exists. This is what I believe. The human being's ways are imperfect. But I find where humans walk in a sacred way, they usually pray to the Great Spirit, in spirit and in truth. Just my thoughts tonight. If it makes any sense. A'ateaka yeu matchune.

~~~

(with my two sisters)
I woke up a little while ago, and I can't go back to sleep. Got a pot of coffee brewing and it's still kind of warm inside. Burning sage. I was dreaming of my grandfathers and grandmothers. I feel blessed to have grown up with them around. Their generation is no longer here. But I have their memories that I will take to my grave. I lived so many years in the darkness. Not knowing about my ancestors. Not knowing where to look. I walked through the darkness to find the light over thirty years ago. When I got rid of the firewater. And the search began. I found my ancestors, and all the things that remain about them, leaving no doubt. It took decades of searching, frustrations, putting everything together to leave for our future generations. Through my veins they flow. They live. With that understanding becoming clear, I began to walk in a more respectful way. Reminded that I represent in my walk, all of those behind me. I've grown in many ways over time, like a baby learning how to walk. And it's been a humbling experience and a maturity. Not without shortcomings. Anyways, the coffee's ready. Catch you on the rebound. A'ho

RANCHO DE CENTINELA

I awaken each day

From the dream world

A place of all things possible

Alone

When taa'a, the sun, rises

Shining light on our world

Blessings my eyes

Thankful for another day

I eat alone

Think alone

Paing

               Draw

                                Write

Alone

Spinning my wheels

Over this thing and that thing

Worrying over nothing

Stir crazy sometimes

Connecting the two

The middle of nowhere

Nothing sacred here

Only the earth below my feet

Fast food drive-throughs

Taco wagons

Quick Stops

Truck stop filling stations

Mission de Oro

A passerby's oasis

To fill up, piss and grab

A burger to go

This is nowhere

And nowhere 

For me

Is like a dog

Without a bone

In the twilight zone

                                 --Santa Nella Blues

                                   Monolin Manny Moreno

City of Santa Nella. Hwy 5. California

SANTA NELLA WINDS

Almost all the time

The Santa Nella Winds

Like an unwanted visitor

Like a mean-spirited bully

Pound on the metal trailers

Banging them merilessly like

Loud clanging cymbals

Annoying for days and nights

Sandblasting everything in sight

A tall cottonwood

In solitide in a field

Of dry weeds in back

Clings tightly

To huge gnarled broken

Branches dangling

Reaching for the dry

Earth below them

When the winds bite them off

Like a hungry lion and I hope

They miss falling on my roof

--Monolin Manny Moreno

Santa Nella Blues

~~~

A VISION STANDS TALL

The bell tower of Mission de Oro

Is the tallest structure in Santa Nella

Jesus Monroy Garcia's Vision

He built and called Mission de Tesoro

Means treasure

On the very spot where

Tiburcio Vasquez spent his childhood days

For thirteen years I've seen it

Going out and coming in

Standing tall for all to see

The Vision of a man

Who never got to see

The whole Vision through

To build missions four

Hundred miles apart

From Alaska to South America

But this will do

--Monolin Manny Moreno

Santa Nella Blues

~~~

This is the painting of Manny that I have sitting next to me on a bookshelf as I work..

Of course, I have no idea what he was thinking as he created this...

But, for me, it represents the minutes, hours, months and years that he has worked, alone, to share His Gifts from God to all of us

What a treasure of history, of memories! His Life!

That's why I'm so happy and grateful that He Comes to Share

Here at Book Readers Heaven...

Indeed, I'll soon have in my hands the Manuscript 

                

I want to read it... He has already agreed that once I get the copy, I will be able to share selected excerpts with all of YOU!

And, most importantly, he has allowed me to be very clear once again... Manny Moreno needs YOUR help to publish what I believe he sees as his personal memoir... Once he wants to ensure that he can proudly sell and have sufficient copies to provide anybody who wants to read and learn about a Yaqui American who has struggled living in a white man's world for many, many years... He has become a true historian for his family and has gathered as much as he can to provide documentation, pictures and more, through his words and writings, paintings, and other creative works... I am constantly amazed at every single precious artistic endeavor comes out of just one man... Imagine--two people from each side of this nation found each other--certainly a God Incident!

So right now, on Manny's behalf, I have brought together a little more of the pieces of brilliance that seem to appear right from the top of his beautiful mind so often... And ask you to think hard about supporting an elder of his people, who, in today's politics, is finding DEI mandates especially difficult and a total inability for him to publish, perhaps, his last book... At least that's how I'm feeling as I try to create my Open Memoir to be just published here on Blogger... I wish for him even more. That his book can reach far into the hands of our indigenous citizens' hands and minds to know that we care enough to ensure the history of ALL peoples' histories are not ignored or even banned--but read carefully so that we may grow more closer and actually learn to Love our Neighbors as God has shown We The People Are...

I'm finding new pictures he's created all the time...They are fascinating, don't you think?

This one tells what I just said about him, as I interpret it...He's working to represent his culture and his heritage all at the same time... Such Talent! Must be Shared!

Folks, I love to watch how our indigenous and other cultures celebrate their heritage, don't you? I'll be starting reading Manny's book soon. In the meantime, I'd like to suggest that you introduce yourself to a neighbor, a fellow United States Citizen who lives right around the corner online! Go out and introduce yourself and ask to connect! Right now!    Find pictures of his ancestors, his drawings, and check out his stories, or just send a message or caring to your new friend!  

https://www.facebook.com/YAQUIME

Don't forget to watch for chosen excerpts of his, yet, unpublished Book!

Manny Anthony Moreno on Facebook (Different names as needed this site)

God Bless Us One and All

Gabby

My Personal Favorite Character Hero - Talanov - Is Back! In: Into the Eye by James Houston Turner! I'm So Excited! - Had to Announce It!

 Ok Folks, I just can't help it... I met James Houston Turner with his very first Talanov book... and I've been receiving personal messages from him to his fans every since... Like me, James had to stop for a period to take care of medical issues... AND, in his latest, I immediately noticed a difference in this book... which made me ever more excited! Hey, Sorry! If you've never got excited about a book or author, you, my friend, are missing a lot in your life, JMPO...

From the Front of the Book:

Forty years ago, a hero was born. I didn’t recognize it at the time, but that is when the real Aleksandr Talanov and I crossed paths. I do not know his actual name. Talanov is the name I gave him. I was an idealistic smuggler of Bibles and medical supplies behind the Iron Curtain, and in doing so, I attracted the attention of the Soviet secret police, the KGB. The world behind the “Curtain” was a dystopian police state that was very foreign to this small-town Kansas boy. And my humanitarian actions were perceived by the Soviets as a genuine threat, so the real Talanov, who was in the KGB, leaked word out of Moscow that I was on a watch list and in danger. I found the notion ludicrous, but I learned very quickly that it was not, especially when I was told he would be executed if his actions were discovered. 

But he saw something in me that inspired him to take the risk, and thus was born the character of Aleksandr Talanov. I grew up in a time of heroes. Back then, the heroes in books and on television were usually squeaky-clean good guys. That is a far cry from reality, which I first noticed in Sunday school with many of the biblical characters I came to admire. Take King David, the shepherd boy who slayed Goliath. David had the heart of a lion – a man “after God’s own heart,” as it is recorded of him – but who was just as much a sinner as he was a hero. Which is the case with most of us: we are a messy blend of both. Thus, in Talanov, I worked to create a hero with flaws who was still undeniably a hero. 

I admire heroism, where a flawed character puts the welfare of others above his or her own good, and usually at great risk. That is what the real Talanov did for me. My mom and dad were also among my first heroes and I am forever grateful for the world of adventure, love, and imagination they gave me. Sorry for all of the gray hairs I gave you, Mom. 

Another of my real-life heroes was an American Indian athlete named John Levi. He and my dad were personal friends and I grew up on stories about “Big John” Levi. So, I nicknamed one of the characters in the book “Skee,” which was the actual nickname of Big John. I had the honor of getting to know Big John’s son, John Levi, Jr., and his wife, Mary, so the appearance of Skee in the book is my small way of honoring the memories of John Levi and his son, John Levi, Jr. Thanks also go to the Sieval family, of the Netherlands, whom I met on my first Bible smuggling trip and with whom I have visited on many occasions. This family continues to inspire me every day. Speaking of the Sievals, I wish to acknowledge Eelko and Marja Sieval for making it possible for me to produce my first feature film, Square Pegs. 

Another real-life hero from my smuggling days was Josek, a man who had been exiled to the coal mines of Siberia simply for his faith. His integrity and grit will live forever in the character of Aleksandr Talanov. While imprisoned in Siberia, Josek would carve wooden figurines to pass the time. After his eventual release and return to Poland, we met on one of my trips, where he was so moved by my visit that he wept openly. He then went into his house and returned with a small wooden figurine he had carved in Siberia. The carving depicted a robed fisherman holding a fish. “This is for you,” he said. I still have Josek’s carving in my office, and I still remember his exhortation for me to continue “casting my net” on the other side of the boat. 

There are also the heroic women I met at the Union Rescue Mission’s women’s shelter, Bethel Haven, where I once worked as a journalist. Several of these women, from Eastern Europe, were victims of human trafficking, and their stories opened my eyes to the reality of that monstrous crime. It was heartrending to hear them describe the abuses they had endured and how they had been traded and sold as slaves and sexual commodities. Their incredible grace and strength in the face of such adversity helped create the character of Larisa. 

Those and other interviews also helped me create the character of Namazzi, whom you will meet in this book, and whose composite character represents the tenacity and faith of several survivors and observers of the Liberian Civil Wars, the Uganda Holocaust, and the Nigerian massacres. My challenge was how to capture the rawness of those testimonies without painting a picture that was too gruesome for this book. Reliving those testimonies made me uncomfortable, which is a good thing because I should be uncomfortable with those atrocities, which are still occurring in many parts of the world. I hope I did them justice. 

Thanks also to my beautiful wife and best mate, Wendy, who embodies what it’s like to have a servant’s heart, to persevere unspeakable tragedy, and to meet each day with a joy and warmth I cannot adequately describe. Thank you for the inspiration and love you give me, and for catching a whole range of needed tweaks that helped make this story shine. I love you. I could not have done this without you. 

And, because books are judged by their covers, I would like to acknowledge the graphic arts genius of Frauke Spanuth of Croco Designs for yet another spectacular cover. Thanks also to Jon Whelan and Beau Wheeler for bringing Aleksandr Talanov to life in such a spectacular way. 

Finally, I wish to say thanks to Yeshua/Jesus Himself, who saw fit to give me another opportunity at life when cancer threatened to end it back in the early 90s. I remember my grave diagnosis of having but 18 months to live. But I also remember the unexpected sense of hope that Wendy and I felt. A lot is said of faith, and while the lines between faith and hope sometimes blur, it is hope that keeps us pushing forward and not giving up, no matter how dark and grim life seems. That same sense of hope is one of the themes of this book. 

And a final thanks to you, my readers. Without question, I wrote this book for me, since I’ve experienced many of the same dynamics. But I also wrote it for you. I hope you enjoy the ride.

Check it out in BRH from the Beginning

https://gabixlerreviews-bookreadersheaven.blogspot.com/2012/09/talanov-read-james-houston-turner.html

https://gabixlerreviews-bookreadersheaven.blogspot.com/2012/09/please-welcome-character-aleksandr.html

https://gabixlerreviews-bookreadersheaven.blogspot.com/2012/09/read-first-chapter-of-grecos-game-just.html

https://gabixlerreviews-bookreadersheaven.blogspot.com/2012/09/james-houston-turner-has-winner-in.html

https://gabixlerreviews-bookreadersheaven.blogspot.com/2012/10/tell-him-glenda-sent-me.html

https://gabixlerreviews-bookreadersheaven.blogspot.com/2013/05/talanov-insider-news-heeeeeeees-coming.html

https://gabixlerreviews-bookreadersheaven.blogspot.com/2013/10/james-houston-turner-throws-terrific.html

https://gabixlerreviews-bookreadersheaven.blogspot.com/2014/09/fan-alert-for-talanov-russian-character.html

https://gabixlerreviews-bookreadersheaven.blogspot.com/2014/09/fan-alert-for-talanov-russian-character.html

https://gabixlerreviews-bookreadersheaven.blogspot.com/2015/02/sharing-my-update-from-james-houston.html

https://gabixlerreviews-bookreadersheaven.blogspot.com/2015/08/latest-info-via-talanov-insider-james.html

https://gabixlerreviews-bookreadersheaven.blogspot.com/2019/09/news-from-james-houston-turner-author.html

https://gabixlerreviews-bookreadersheaven.blogspot.com/2023/07/news-from-james-houston-turner-author.html

https://gabixlerreviews-bookreadersheaven.blogspot.com/2023/08/james-houston-turners-dragon-head.html

https://gabixlerreviews-bookreadersheaven.blogspot.com/2025/01/whats-happening-at-book-readers-heaven.html

Surprised? Don't Be... I consider Turner as one of the few Authors who actually work to promote each and every book and keeps in touch with fans... FYI

I'm now reading this book and really am so excited! Can't Wait to Tell you About it!

Talk Soon

Gabby

Sam Baron Presents Desert Highway, New Small Town Mystery Thriller, Ruth Baker Thrillers Book 3 - Added to Personal Favorites 2026...

The server farm materialized from the desert haze like a mirage—a low, windowless concrete structure surrounded by a tall chain-link fence topped with barbed wire. The building’s blank facade was broken only by a small entrance and several industrial air conditioning units that hummed with constant effort against the relentless heat. No company name, no signage. Just a number stenciled above the door: 47.

Lynn watched the bloodless dissection of the morning’s carnage, remembering the deputy’s vehicle, the way his body had slumped forward after Vanessa’s shot. Not targets. People. The thought came unbidden, dangerous. She pushed it away.

“I understand what’s at stake. The planet is dying while politicians debate and corporations profit. Direct action is the only language they understand.” The sentiment aligned perfectly with their organizational doctrine—perhaps too perfectly, given Jessica’s earlier nuanced perspective on non-vegans in her family. Either her philosophical position was more malleable than initially assessed, or she was deliberately aligning her statements with what she believed Suzan wanted to hear. Either way, her technical skills made her too valuable to reject over ideological imperfections that could be corrected through proper indoctrination. “Welcome to QuantumCore’s operational team,” Suzan said, extending her hand across the table in a formal gesture rarely used within their organization. “The real one.”

The thought hovered, tantalizing and dangerous. A house. A real bed. Maybe even a partner who wasn’t part of her tactical unit. Someone who knew her as Kira the brilliant coder, not Kira the disciplined operative. Not Kira the killer.

Note: Audio Excerpts Available on YouTube (4)

He reached over and caught her hand, bringing it to his lips for a quick kiss. “That’s the hundredth time you’ve checked to make sure it’s real.” “And I’ll probably check it a thousand more times.” Rachel grinned, threading her fingers through his. The ring felt strange, wonderful, like a promise made solid. She still couldn’t believe how he’d managed to surprise her - gathering all their friends at Rosario’s, their favorite Mexican restaurant, under the pretense of celebrating his promotion. The mariachi band had been playing their song when he dropped to one knee, and Rachel remembered how the entire restaurant had gone silent, how time itself seemed to pause as he pulled out the ring.

That set the tone for the romantic side of this book by an author I'd not had a chance to read before; but, frankly, fell in love with his writing. The thing about it, though, was much more than that...He was spinning out multiple scenes, moving from character to character so fast that you had to ensure close attention or you just wouldn't catch all of what was happening... The chapters move from one plot to another, mostly, but is actually from the side of the law versus, what was taking place otherwise... And let me just say, prepare to be thrilled! As well as have many different emotional responses and questions as to what in the world was going on... 

Kinda like our federal government's activities that we may or may not learn about even though they affect each of our lives... daily and possibly forever... In thinking about this book I realize that I have assimilated much about politics during the past decade... Sometimes I wish I had not. I have lost my ability to see each book for its own merits... wondering if what I'm reading was designed to present what I see now as I read? Or, is it, just the fact that until 2015, I had not been exposed to so much corruption geared toward hate, retribution, and violence toward others? I don't know. What I do know is that my writing has evolved to include deep awareness of reality I'd never personally witnessed before...

Ruth had been married before and they'd had 5 years together, but as time passed, she realized that she might really be ready, even while a song would send her back to being with her first husband as he'd sung to her... And Ruth realized that they were both able to have found two partners and neither had to be ignored... There really was enough love in her heart to love again...

The book opens when our main character, Ruth Baker, a lead Texas Ranger, and her partner, have acknowledge that there is more than just a partner friendship that has already developed between the two. Indeed, Aaron had already started bringing his two sons to visit and meet a possible new sister, Ruth's young daughter, who is deaf and a joy to get to know... The boys were immediately receptive... If there just wasn't so many cases cutting into their personal lives! And what had just occurred was one of the worst that the Texas Rangers had ever dealt with!

So many books, so little time... I'd love to get to know Ruth Baker better and see her in action. Ruth made a decision to join the Texas Rangers--still a male dominated group, is my guess. 

Yet, her strength, her dedication and most of all, her desire to help those affected when criminals come into their lives, is extraordinary. She is seen as one of the best Rangers by her boss and has earned the respect of all other rangers... even as a woman...It apparently takes a certain type of man to be willing to work and respect women in their chosen field... Hegseth is not that kind of man. Indeed, readers will learn that, using only what is used in the book description provided for this book, there is a death squad with multiple sniper shooters. It is quite easy as we read to realize that these individuals have military special ops training and superlative skills that are kept sharp with daily drills even though they are no longer in the military. But why and what is the motivation?

I found I had to know more about the setting, since it plays such a major part in the storyline--you can decide whether you want to listen to this strangely interesting video because, it seems that the single mission behind what was happening perhaps was justified. That is, that we as humans (through our government leaders) are not taking seriously the very real environmental and climate issues that continue to affect Planet Earth... Much of the action takes place in the desert or other mountainous areas. Site is a major issue in the acts that occur... Human response to the heat and danger of locations are dramatically used to create the thrilling scenes where death is either close or actual...

And yet, the writer throws in psychological suspense especially for the leader--an authoritative fanatic who forces extreme loyalty to the supposed cause, while mandating actual physical changes to each recruit placing sexuality directly into the mix of a need for total obedience. Added to this mix is a final call for retribution against the governments,, corporations--anyone who should be taking action to present further damage to the planet.... With the ultimate mandate for annihilation. Through violence... Soundds strangely familiar doesn't it?

And last but not least, a major activity as part of this war is the creation and maintenance of facilities housing computer servers in support of maintaining billions and billions of pieces of data...

Suzan typed efficiently at her workstation, her attention divided between the primary monitor and two secondary screens displaying diagnostic data. The server room hummed around her—rows of black cabinets stretching into the distance, their synchronized blinking creating patterns of blue light in the climate-controlled environment. “Cache bottleneck on node 47,” she called out, eyes fixed on the diagnostic tool she’d written herself. It had flagged the issue before the farm’s native monitoring system could detect it. “Kira, can you confirm?” Across the room, Kira nodded, her short-cropped hair catching the light from her own monitors. “Confirmed. Memory allocation error in the primary controller. Transitioning to backup while I isolate the fault.” Kira’s fingers moved over her keyboard without conscious thought. She’d been with Suzan the longest—almost six years now—recruited from a climate activist group in Seattle after her arrest at a pipeline protest. What had started as technical solidarity—Suzan offering pro bono IT support to environmental organizations—had evolved into something far more focused. More purposeful. “Backup controller online,” Kira reported. “System performance stabilized at ninety-four percent capacity.” “Acceptable for maintenance mode,” Suzan acknowledged, making a note in her tracking system. “I’ll alert the client that we’re addressing a potential memory issue in cluster forty-seven.” Vanessa’s voice came through their communication channel from three rows over. “Annual maintenance complete on clusters twelve through fifteen. Bringing systems back online now. Throughput at ninety-eight percent and climbing.” “Good,” Suzan replied, already moving on to the next task on her meticulous checklist. “Begin replacement of the cooling system filters in sector six. The monitoring logs show a two-degree temperature variance over the past week.” This was their legitimate work—the foundation upon which their entire operation was built. QuantumCore Technologies provided elite server maintenance and optimization services to data centers across the southwest. Their small team of specialized technicians commanded premium rates for their expertise, moving from facility to facility on rotating contracts. The perfect cover for women who needed to disappear for days at a time without raising suspicions. Few questioned the comings and goings of IT specialists whose work required irregular hours and geographic flexibility. Fewer still bothered to verify the backgrounds of contractors whose performance metrics consistently outpaced their competitors. This arrangement provided both the perfect operational cover and a steady flow of potential recruits with the technical skills and psychological profiles she required. Suzan checked her watch—a functional black timepiece with no unnecessary embellishments. 10:30 AM. The new hire would arrive in two and a half hours. Jessica Miller. Twenty-nine years old. Computer science degree from MIT. Four years at Amazon Web Services... Excellent technical credentials, but more importantly, the right background for potential recruitment. “Taking node 47 offline for component replacement,” Kira announced, her voice carrying the focused calm that characterized all their technical work. Nothing wasted, nothing excessive. “Estimated completion time: forty-five minutes.” “Noted,” Suzan replied, updating her maintenance log. “I’ll reroute traffic to compensate for the temporary capacity reduction.” The morning continued in this methodical rhythm—identifying issues, implementing solutions, documenting results. Each woman had a specialized role within their technical ecosystem. Kira handled architecture and memory subsystems. Vanessa managed security and physical infrastructure. Suzan oversaw it all, coordinating their efforts while maintaining communication with their corporate clients. What had once been Lynn’s responsibility—network optimization and data throughput—now fell to Suzan as well. The absence created inefficiency, a problem that needed solving. Hence Jessica Miller’s imminent arrival. At noon, Suzan stood from her workstation, stretching muscles that had been stationary for hours. “Lunch break. Twenty minutes. Then we continue with the capacity upgrade on the eastern cluster.” Kira and Vanessa acknowledged with minimal responses—a nod, a brief “understood.” After years together, they functioned with almost telepathic efficiency, each understanding her role within their carefully structured hierarchy. The break room was starkly functional—white walls, stainless steel tables, minimalist chairs. Suzan prepared a protein shake from carefully measured ingredients while Kira brewed coffee for herself and Vanessa. They ate in near silence, reviewing maintenance logs on their tablets as they consumed the necessary calories to maintain optimal function. “The new technician arrives at 1300,” Suzan noted, finishing her shake and rinsing the container in a few brisk movements. “Initial evaluation only. Technical competence first, then personal compatibility with our team dynamics.” “Personnel file?” Kira asked, setting down her coffee. Suzan handed her tablet to Kira, who studied the information with analytical precision. “MIT credentials are solid. AWS experience gives her practical knowledge of large-scale implementations.” She passed the tablet to Vanessa. “Familiar pattern in the personal history.” Vanessa scanned the file, her expression revealing nothing as she absorbed Jessica Miller’s background.... Relocated to Austin six months ago. Environmental activism increasing  She looked up, meeting Suzan’s eyes. “Standard candidate profile.”

~~~~~~

This novel is complex, tense, exciting, yet moves so fast, I have chosen not to get into exactly what happens on either side of the evens. Other than to verify that the first act by the death squad was discovered by local police and the Rangers--Ruth Baker--was lead on the case. I enjoyed and appreciated the thriller, noting that the Rangers, the good guys, do win in the end... But... I would be remiss to myself, my commitment to speak truth about what I read, and to contribute to the daily efforts to ensure that information is recognized and truthfully discussed. For me, so many separate issues were woven into this fantastic novel, I feel compelled to identify the real-life attempts that are concurrently being attempted by our federal government. Because there is no way around it, criminal acts must be recognized and individuals held accountable, no matter who and who many are involved. We have seen just how many attempts are constantly being made on the release of the Epstein files... We have also seen that even the corporation owners are trying to prevent the race for moving ahead with AI at this time, as is being incited by the president... We have watched as this president began a war for absolutely no reason and has caused major problems not only for the United States, but for the entire world...

!!! 

Obsession and psychological-based memories are presented to readers in an unrelenting terrorism of violence which is strangely connected to the front-page issues that have been spotlighted as necessities for retribution, personal wealth, or simply egotism... Laws are being ignored... Consider the parallels as the Texas Rangers fight a death squad also based on similar issues that should be handled much differently...

• With, to a great extent, religious issues becoming part of the political, yet, daily immersion, we are being forced as "readers" of our very lives to see a religious-political group which has evolved to be promoted as a right to use violence against those who don't believe as they do... Whether religion or some other issue, there is no way that personal emotions should be part of a political environment unless fully based upon the law and the constitution.
• 
  
• Selected people, such as those who have made a personal decision about their own body to become transgender--or to obtain an abortion based upon medical and personal needs, are being spotlighted because of making that decision, often just as a discriminatory act such as is also done on the basis of skin color.
• 
  
• Time and time again, the elected representatives we have voted for have failed to confront and deal with major, important, as well as deadly crises of climate control and concern for the environment in which we all live. People are being affected by this refusal to take steps to respond to these major needs is totally unacceptable... But should not result in violence as the solution. If our representatives cannot do the job, they need to be removed...ASAP...
• 
  
• Corporations have been pampered and used for political gain by our representatives, while they do little, if anything, to ensure the safety for the people who suffer from the effects of their decisions to place bottom-line profit as their primary business model. 
• 
  
• The psychological impact of parental control of children, leading them to become bullies, often based upon prejudice, religion, or other types of discriminations based upon, often, false or disinformation are known to cause violent actions by those children at some point in their lives. Do we really want this type of individual elected into government and/or legal positions at any level?
• 
  
• The potential role of women in assumed to be traditional jobs held by men has been proven to be wrong, but still, for some, may cause friction dependent upon the leader of any given corporation or other institution established for profit or non-profit. Women in roles are being fired for no legal basis, as well as also being accepted if allowed to bypass a leader's discriminatory demands. This same issue is comparable to any type of discrimination by white male supremacists now working to ensure an overthrow...
• 
  
• Lack of truthful and critical exchange of information and involvement in decision has a major impact on how people at all levels are able to survive, while watching many use illegal actions, they are not permitted to use, to gain personal wealth. Continued unfair subordination of individuals creates an unsustainable environment when laws and normal control is allowed to succeed without those responsible actually acting to solve problems most needed... In other words--doing their jobs!
• 
  
• Recognizing the gifts, skills, and training of an individual is to be used as factors in evaluation of an individual for a job. At the same time, no leader/boss has the right to mandate personal offensive actions as a basis for keeping a job or voting, or feeling no loyalty to the boss, can be fired, without just cause...
•  
• All of these issues are already covered by law--if we had not a group of individuals who choose not to abide by that law and are getting away with it... We The People Are Equal under the eyes of Law...and... God...

This book, which was published in 2025, somehow pulled together so many key issues that are being attacked right now in our daily lives by our supposed representatives, duly elected. It can be seen by all. The majority can indeed see what is happening, especially when we lose contact with a close neighbor, Canada, in light of these leaders' actions... 

I ran through a couple of the 1 rankings for this book, where readers didn't want to be confronted with the reality of these issues--perhaps only one or the violence or the language... I don't consider these rankings a valid statement, There is too much a willingness to complain and express a strong personal opinion, often when the book itself is not completely read. I admit my personal opinions have become stronger since 2015. I acknowledge that willingly. Because what I write is based upon that truth is actually based on our reality. The only thing I don't know is just how long certain politicians have acted criminally and unresponsive to their job requirements in order to, instead, take the money and run...

I was actually amazed at the skill of the writer in molding an action-packed, but comprehensive set of thrilling events, which were also pointing out the basic human issues that affect our interpersonal relationships with our, supposed, neighbors across the world. I find I'd like to talk with him to find out how he chose to present so many variables, and was able to do it so skillfully... Kudos and more for a book I selected as one of the most important selections of my personal favorites... 

Confronting and dealing with Truth has been lost in the United States, it seems... We need to work together to bring truth, especially in news agencies, back to our nation... The Death Squad might not have succeeded; but we have seen the actual casualties of ICE, the war initiated for no reason in Iran, the use of Tariffs without acknowledging exactly who would be financially affected. The loss of livelihoods based upon nothing but prejudice, DEI, personal retribution for those who actually do their jobs...and so much more... We cannot afford to allow open death squads to act as this book clearly presents. 

Fiction should never actually be fictionalized non-fiction. Just my personal opinion, of course...

Gabby

Guest Author and Blogger, Nadine C. Keels Provides Thoughts on The Negro In American Fiction by Sterling A. Brown

I picked up this literature study from 1937 because history speaks. Are we listening?

The portrayals of Black characters in fiction. The history of Black American novelists. And the responsibility of present and future fiction authors.

The Negro in American Fiction by Sterling A. Brown

Image: Illustrated book cover shows the silhouettes of a Black man and woman partially overlaid by an American flag
 

Fan art by Nadine C. Keels: not an official book cover

—

| Description

• Vintage Literature Study

From the Introduction: The treatment of the Negro in American fiction, since it parallels his treatment in American life, has naturally been noted for injustice… [In light of this,] Negro novelists must accept the responsibility of being the ultimate portrayers of their own.

| My Thoughts

While I’m a lifelong lover of fiction, I read only so many nonfiction books, and I’m selective about the subjects I dive into.

A History of Fiction

Of course, the American literary landscape isn’t the same as it was back when this book was first published in 1937. But one of the main reasons that I as a Black American woman picked this book up is because it’s worth remembering that Black literary voices aren’t a recently developed phenomenon or just a current “trend” rising in publishing.

〰

Black people have always had something to say. And we’ve been writing and discussing fiction in America for longer than many people may be aware. Even in 1937, there was already quite a history of Black American fiction worthy of exploration, and this author offers commentary on much of it, as well as on depictions of Black people in fiction written by American authors who weren’t Black.

〰

Diversity of Thought within a Culture

Granted, when I mention us having “something” to say, it doesn’t mean that Black Americans have essentially only one message or that we all merely echo each other. I reiterate from time to time that the Black experience isn’t a narrow one and that neither Black culture nor Black thought are monolithic. I appreciate how this book highlights that, likewise pointing out how racial stereotypes develop and have oftentimes been perpetuated in fiction—when writers possess or convey too little knowledge and too narrow/limited a view of something as nuanced, multifaceted, complex, and historied as a whole people group.

I’ve read and/or heard of several of the authors discussed in this book, and others I haven’t, including most of the Black authors who wrote and published novels before the American Civil War. As for a few among the 20th-century fiction works mentioned in this book that I haven’t read, I added them to my list to check out sometime.

〰

For the Sake of My Psyche

With all of that said, this wasn’t an easy book for me to get through. As the author includes many direct quotes and passages from late 18th-century to early 20th-century American fiction, cruel and ugly depictions of racism are frequent in this book, including details of serious violence and numerous appearances of the N-word and other racial slurs. Also, given that realistic literature in general involves much tragedy, hard living, misery, etc., many of the stories the author discusses here are heavy ones.

I’m not at all new to such material. So I didn’t feel I was short-changing myself when I skimmed or skipped over some of the passages, on account of where my psyche is right now.

〰

Bolstered Respect and Passion

On the whole, though, this book has added to my respect for Black authors who’ve ventured to write from real, embattled experience, especially in earlier times as they fought against certain myths that were pushed within American society. For instance, those authors fought against the false and dehumanizing claims that slavery was benevolent and necessary to save and to discipline Black people, and that we were generally content with being oppressed.

Moreover, this book has added to my passion as an author to be a part of sharing a fuller picture of Black peoplehood through fiction, including the gentle, the sparkling, and the upbeat aspects of who we are and the lives we live—because our love, our hope, our light, and our joy are also real. And powerful. Worthy of being written about directly from our experience and perspectives.

As we go to the Russians, the Scandinavians, and the French for the truth about their people…we should expect the truth of Negro life from Negroes. The Negro artist has a fine task ahead of him to render this truth in enduring fiction.

 〰

 

| Content Note

• many mentions of serious violence in published fiction works, including lynchings and sexual assault
• frequent appearances of racial slurs in quoted fiction lines and passages, especially the N-word; all other language kept to a “PG” level

About the author

Nadine. A French name, meaning, "hope."

Her lifelong passion for the power of story makes reading and writing an adventure for Nadine C. Keels. She’s driven to write the kinds of stories she’s always wanted to read but couldn’t always find, featuring diverse and uncommon lead characters in a medley of genres.

Through her books and her blogs (Prismatic Prospects, Gentle Reads Fiction, and Selectively Gritty Fiction), Nadine aims to spark hope and inspiration in as many people as she can reach.

 

Folks, this fantastic, fun trilogy was my latest reads from Nadine... Highly recommended... Do check out all others books here or go directly to her author page on Amazon! There's sure to be one or more books that will interest YOU!

You'll also find many other books written about Black authors here at BRH... I use a number of hashtags for easy access: Black author, Black characters, African American, Caribbean, in other words, what worked for any given book... I believe in supporting all books written... You will find them here, either as a request for a review or simply because I've found an author that I love to read, such as Nadine... I do NOT support banning any books!

A wonderful thing about books, besides the fact that no matter the age, somebody is going to want to read it, can be proven by this latest read by Nadine. Yes, it was not an easy book to read--I've read many such books that needed to be written... We cannot erase history, no matter how some people have tried... And we have the right to do so through our Constitution... Please don't continue to allow our freedoms to be robbed...

Thanks to Nadine for agreeing to share this early Black Literature. I hope I can convince her to come back often!

God Bless

Gabby